Keep Your Cool

Cover Me

2010-11-22T14:13:00.005-05:00

Oh great album covers of the past, how I miss thee. When looking for creative inspiration, I travel back in time in my mind, drop a needle and spin an old 33. I lay on my memory's bedroom floor and stare at my favorite album cover while the songs crackle through the Panasonic speakers indenting my old brown rug. I pull out the inside sheet. Read the lyrics-if I were so lucky to have scored an album that included them. I sing along with the words and picture the dreamy rocker, said writer of such lyrics, singing very specifically to me.

The albums are long gone, but one smart site builder is keeping their hokey, arty, ridiculous, beautiful spirit alive. Take it for a spin. And make your day sing!

Best album covers ever!

Old Dog, New Tricks

2010-03-03T21:00:00.003-05:00

Old indeed. Forty has just hit me like a load of 40 bricks. I drank a lot of Pinot Noir. Cried myself to sleep. Woke up and found a website to give me hope. I can in fact still learn something new everyday. And have fun doing so.

Fun facts. Cool graphics. Educational.

Learnsomethingeverday

Collecting Creative

2010-03-03T20:53:00.003-05:00

No cargo pants here! Cargocollective.com is a continuously rotating feed of cool websites and art projects. One click. One easy way to stay hip to all things creative.

Check it out.

CargoCollective

It's Elementary

2010-02-15T15:30:00.005-05:00

A case easily solved. Clues: Guy Ritchie directing, Robert Downey Jr as lead actor, Rachel McAdams as love interest and Jude Law as sidekick. Leads you to one helluva movie.

Go see Sherlock. The writing is witty and sharp, the humor understated the action is packed and there's pretty much nothing you can't love about it.

Sherlock trailer

Geeks, Get Your Kicks!

2009-12-23T14:38:00.002-05:00

So wow and yeah for Adidas. Taking it old school for their new line of kicks that will have geeks flipping out!!! Check out the link. Nuff said.

Star Wars Sneakers

Mod for the Bod

2009-12-11T12:11:00.003-05:00

So where you can find kick ass clothes that aren't overly pricey? Clothes that say, "I'm fantastically creative, well put together and so much cooler than you." www.modcloth.com that's where. In a world where MadMen has taken hold of our psyches, the polished retro look is back. Yet it's nearly impossible to outfit yourself as such with a standard trip to the mall.

Check out the site and all it's wares. These clothes tell me 2010 will be so much better than 2009 - because I won't have to spend it in maternity garb(age).

ModCloth

Real Estate - Boom!

2009-12-11T12:07:00.003-05:00

So my newest most favorite band everrrrr is Real Estate. Yes, I live in Tampa where 'real estate' has been a bad word of late. But let me tell you all now, this Real Estate is hot!

It's the kind of music that beckons the days of wandering around on Saturday afternoons in Philly (when the biggest decision of my day was which bar to drink at) and popping in to an indie record shop. The kind that was grungy and smelled like patchoulie. And it was just a mess of ripped posters of recent or upcoming shows and the guy behind the counter barely acknowledged you unless you were a die hard regular. That tinny sort of mellow indie music filling the store and making you feel cool simply because you were standing inside and were in the know.

Itunes and the internet has made it a lot easier to have access to cool music. But those shops are practically gone now. I miss them so.

"Suburban Dogs"

Holidays on Ice

2009-12-01T13:39:00.002-05:00

So it's that time of year again for all of us to be subjected to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" and anything by Perry Como.

Well, not on my watch! The Reindeer Room series is chock full of holiday hits worthy of any hispter seasonal soiree. Up to Volume 3 t this point, all of them are gems.

Push play. Add Ice. Shake. Pour. Chill.

White Christmas, Cool Like

Mindful Yet Headless

2009-11-16T15:17:00.002-05:00

British-born, Nigerian-raised artist Yinka Shonibare has a new exhibit on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Whether you make it there or not, you should at least know about it.

In all of his pieces, the subjects are headless. Shonibare's art contains references from across the globe and combines details that span centuries. Among this varied explorations of contemporary issues: water shortages, climate change, class, race and exploitation.

"Head" to DC to check it out live or to the link below to visit virtually.

Shonibare's Art

Deep Thoughts

2009-11-13T14:49:00.004-05:00

Ever wonder how to make sauerkraut, crash a party or feign sincerity? You can learn it all plus share your special knowledge with Wired's "How To" wiki. I think I may enter an article about how to get through a meeting with a client who stops randomly and reads out verse from his bible and talks about saving homosexuals. Yes, how to indeed...

How To

Magnum Opus

2009-11-11T12:12:00.002-05:00

Cool is coming to Tampa this Saturday, November 14. Art, Music, dance and all things hip will be at the Ritz in Ybor Saturday night.

This is the 4th of Square One's art-explosion events. Themed all things environmental, dress in all white or green if you go. I'll see you there!

Info below:
Magnum Opus Deets

Lullabies

2009-11-09T12:08:00.003-05:00

Not that new but ever so soothing, Flunk's "For Sleepyheads Only" is a journey into blissful calm. I'm not one for re-makes (I usually say leave well enough alone) but their version of "Blue Monday" makes it seem like New Order never really owned it at all.

Push play and chill.

Blue Monday

Free Loveliness

2009-10-28T15:24:00.005-04:00

"Sita Sings the Blues" is an interesting film concept. The creator has developed a 'Creative Commons-Share Alike License" which unlike 99% of films out there, urges you to copy, share, distribute, etc without asking for any financial retribution.

One would think this being the case, it wouldn't be any good. But on the contrary, it's an animated, colorful, musical, Bollywood-esque festival of sorts and most definitely worth Creative Commons-Share-Alike-ing!

Check it out, enjoy the beats, appreciate the illustration and then PLEASE do your part and forward on. Maybe even donate to Nina Paley, the artist, if you can spare a few dimes.

The website

The trailer

Get Wacked

2009-10-21T11:37:00.004-04:00

"The Wackness" is a great little flick that offers insight into two struggles on both ends of the life spectrum: the teen/youth and that of the late middle-age.

A teenage drug dealer (Josh Peck) deals to his older psychologist (Ben Kingsley) and ends up dating the doctor's teenage daughter. The dealer and doctor find themselves in an unusual friendship, ultimately saving each other (of sorts) in the end. Funny, touching with a strong script, this movie is worth a watch.

Set in mid-90's New York, The Wackness mashes up an outstanding soundtrack of early hip hop with late 60's flower power. Notorious BIG meets Mott the Hoople.

Add it to your queue and enjoy reliving your past (and hopefully not looking at your future!)

The Wackness trailer

Shop Deco

2009-10-17T17:27:00.002-04:00

The Webster in Miami's South Beach district has reclaimed one of the area's ubiquitous art deco hotels and re-purposed it with a purpose! A full service, high-end fashion stop now, The Webster is helping Miami reclaim its fashionable, "it" place status.

Those heading south this fall should wander in. The inventory will keep you progressive and hip. The service and environment will have you stepping back in time to fashionable days of yonder.

And be sure to grab a bite at the ooh and ahh Caviar Kaspia restaurant in the lobby.

The Webster

R2 Drink Too

2009-10-17T17:14:00.003-04:00

I'm back from my post baby hiatus. Now with two kiddies ruling the roost, it's all the more critical I stay up to date on all things cool so as not to totally lose myself in motherhood. Anyway, on with my newest entry.

It's this time every year I pine for my northern big city days. Crisp fall weekends in bulky sweaters tooling around town, ducking in and out of bars with the local free press in hand, sharing a pint with Greg and wondering where we were eating and what show we were hitting that night. So the opening of Philly's new R2L this coming November has me drooling.

Located on the 38th floor of Liberty Two, R2L is a new cocktail restaurant and will be all things chic. Especially with chef to watch Daniel Stern heading the place.

All you Phillyphiles best check it out and let me know how it is. I'll be surely hitting it on my next visit!

R2L Yumminess

Under the Same Moon

2009-08-18T09:43:00.003-04:00

"La Misma Luna" is an endearing tale of a brave boy, Carlito, who travels from Mexico, on his own, to meet up with his mother in LA. It's not overly sappy but extremely touching with some smart humor sprinkled in. I love a movie where a character takes a road trip and ends up in unexpected places with unexpected characters. The hero of this tale also happens to be only 9 years old.

The last scene is one of the most perfect ways I've seen a movie end. Subtitled and already on DVD, add it to your queue and give 'reading movie dialogue' a chance. It's well worth it!

Trailer

Short and Sweet

2009-08-10T13:05:00.002-04:00

OK, I'll keep this brief. Three bands you should be listening to:

1. Grizzly Bear

2. Helio Sequence

3. Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 (Ben's new group for his new release, which totally rocks)

Some samplings below...

Grizzly Bear's "Two Weeks"

Helio Sequence, "Keep Your Eyes Ahead"

Relentless 7's "Number with No Name"

Give Yourself a Black Eye

2009-08-07T11:23:00.003-04:00

So black is the new black this fall with a super dramatic, super matted black eye make-up treatment. Making it's gothic appearance on runways recently, the dark look is daring if pulled off appropriately. A look for a day at the office or a big client meeting? Not so much.

But for a night out, when you nab a sitter and want to feel fashionable, or to transform your look from office to happy hour/post work clubbing, it's all good! Granted my post work clubbing day are way over. However I do believe I'd like to adopt this look at least for one big night I owe myself (after dealing with 8+ months of shlubbo pregnancy!) What do you Coolsters think? Yay or nay on the black eye?

See below for more details on pulling this off right.

Black Eyes Done Right

Stewing over Stussy

2009-08-06T16:01:00.003-04:00

So in the early 90's, I spent my summers "at the shore" in rental houses with lots of friends. (Shout out to the old Rehoboth Beach crew!). I also spent a lot of time hanging out with East Coast surfer boys (in a very platonic fashion, of course...). And one of my staples was my worn out blue Stussy hat. In fact, one of my surfer dude pals lived in his for like 4 months straight. Stussy was the shit.

But Stussy has disappeared in the last 10 years. Not that I'd be wearing it anymore anyway - completely not age appropriate for me at this point. I am however, quite excited to read that the new fall line has rejuvenated interest and that the Stussy name will once again reappear in the youth culture.

Perhaps it is time for me to get over my own ageism and just start wearing that Stussy hat again!

Check out this article from online urban culture journal 'SoJones'...and look for the signature Stussy signature on a local late teen/ early 20-something near you.

Stussy Gear

Gag Me!

2009-08-04T11:59:00.004-04:00

"Choke" starring Sam Rockwell (he can do no wrong) and Angelica Houston (same) has all the makings of a movie I love: a cast full of Indie movie favorites, quirky story line, tight writing, black humor with a twist of heart-wrenching emotion, a sort of surprise ending and a director who knows what he's doing.

Our sex-addicted, emotionally-depraved, con man hero, Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell) fakes choking at restaurants. But that is only a small part of this character rich film. He works as an Irish slave character in a historical park. He cares for his dying mother who's hospitalized. And that's just the beginning. This movie is hilarous, touching and intriguing all at once.

So pop some popcorn and settle in. Just don't choke!

A sneak peek...

Choke Trailer

The Skinny on Skinny Jeans

2009-07-23T10:45:00.003-04:00

Much to my pleasant surprise, the skinny jean trend is continuing this fall. Although I will not be able to squeeze my 8 month pregnant ass into said skinnies until at least November, I am pleased nonetheless.

This fabulously fifties look has shown up again on runways. However, this time around the ankle slouch is out. So go skinny but the length is now flush with your ankle to make a nice clean line.

Another jean trend spotted for fall is the higher waisted style. I am not sure I'm buying into this "mom jean" look, even tho I am one. This may be one fad designers are trying to sell us on that just won't stick. How many of you will take on the high riders or will you-like me-most likely continue to shoot from the hip?

Let me know...

Best places to score jeans in a varied price range:

Nordstrom's Jeans Guide

Gap Jeans

Science is Hot!

2009-07-22T16:10:00.004-04:00

Since it's July and since our name is "Keep Your Cool", I wanted to share this ditty about a science experiment that deals with how hot the human form can stand. While science may not be hip, it certainly is cool.

Great animation. Fun writing. Only 2 minutes long. Watch it and learn something.

"Sweat" by Lev Yilmaz

A Night With David Lynch

2009-07-15T10:00:00.004-04:00

Dangermouse teamed up with David Lynch on their new music project, "Dark Night of the Soul". Instead of a standard music video, the cool take on this project is that Lynch did a series of still photogrphas instead and they created a photo album. It will be distributed with a blank CD to burn as you wish.

Check out the links below for the full story on NPR and the gallery of work. Expect typical Lynch fashion: dark, moody and offbeat - like a cool nightmare that scares you yet you somehow don't want to wake up.

Gallery of work

Full news story

Like Teen Spirit

2009-07-07T16:18:00.004-04:00

"American Teen" is not a lame reality show TV rip off, as I thought it may be. Funny, insightful and extremely real, it brought me back to the horror and heyday of my own high shcool drama. I highly recommend this wonderfully directed documentary. Warning to parents, it will make you cry thinking of your own entering the shark tank someday then leaving it - and you - behind.

We seem to think our own high school experience is unique, but when you look at this movie, you realize, we all have much more in common than we think. It's the same everywhere. So whether you are the princess or the geek, you are neither overly fabulous nor alone.

American Teen Trailer

Where for art thou, cool keeper?

2009-07-01T15:14:00.001-04:00

So it's been a long - really long - time. I was going to start a new blog with a different publisher, but then never did that and hence this has sat idle.

I'm back and ready to get serious about this little ditty o' mine.

So let's cut to the chase shall we? You're cool tip for the day. New music you should be listening to from these oldies but goodies who have new/newish releases:

Dinosaur Jr's "Farm". Listen here...

Dinosaur Jr's MySpace Page

Gomez's "A New Tide". A highlight track...

"Airstream Driver"

Stay tuned. More entries to come. Now with more interactive features.

Virtual SXSW

2009-03-18T11:31:00.000-04:00

So another year has come and gone and I have yet again, not made it to South by Southwest. What kind of cool keeper am I that I have never made the sojourn of hipness to Austin, Texas?

I have enclosed a link for you to sample 100 top bands/songs featured at this year's show. So you can order some Tex Mex, ice the Lone Star beers in a bucket, kick up your cowboy boots and feel just like you are there, except not crowded into a smelly smoky bar with thousands of other peoele. Part of the fun I admit...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101495094

Sweet Magnolia's

2009-01-26T11:15:00.001-05:00

A quaint little ditty of a shop in South Tampa, Magnolia's is worth the trip. Housed in an old brick general, it reminds me of a place I'd find plunked down in Ravenswood or Lakeview (in Chicago) off the beaten path.

Funky housewares and an overall cool inventory makes for gab-worthy gifts.

Magnolia's - 303 S. Magnolia Ave. Tampa FL!

Shop there soon!

Mesmerizing Melodies

2009-01-26T11:10:00.000-05:00

'Jenny Lewis' is simply lovely. Her new release "Acid Tongue" is great. But she also has paired with 'The Watson Twins' and that's some pairing worth devouring. If she was in a sorority, which surely someone as cool her wouldn't be, she'd be sisters with Mazzy Star and Neko Case. That's one I'd pledge!

Haunting, mellow and smart, there's something on her for anyone looking to take a break from life and think for a while.

Mono e Mono

2009-01-16T13:44:00.000-05:00

Check out 'Mono in VCF'. Their new self-titled release has an audio aesthetic that is reminiscent of a Dionne Warwick/Burt Bacharach collective, yet its musicality and lyrics are most definitely modern. I love spreading the word about a hot band with a chick lead. Females always get unfairly short-changed when it comes to street cred for cool music.

Maybe it's Womano e Womano for this little gem of a find...

No Christopher Walken Here

2009-01-12T16:48:00.001-05:00

Deerhunter has indeed found it's place in the indie rock world. Up to it's fourth release now, "Microcastle", Deerhunter is settling in to be one rockin' outfit. A little basement/garage-y sounds more polished this time around, yet still funky enough to sound like you are shopping in an old vinyl shop in a cool big northern city somewhere.

They're previous release, an EP called "Flourescent Grey", is also worth checking out as it's a bit haunting and perfect for a cloudy January day.

Something new and something old, sort of

2009-01-12T16:31:00.001-05:00

Check out 'TV on the Radio'. Had never heard of these guys 'til very recently. Glad I did. "Dear Science", their latest release, is diverse and rich. And all very good.

And one of my classic faves is out with another new one. The Roots' "Rising Down" lives up to the high expectations I always have for them. A little more electronic than organic this time, "Rising" features Mos Def. And for that alone, it needs a listening to.

I'm In the Mood

2009-01-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

Who says Tampa isn't THAT interesting? We're getting the world's largest mood ring as an art installation. And just in time for the Superbowl. The sculpture, modeled after a large football, has an interactive component that allows people all over the world to log their mood online. Then, the Mood Ring sculpture designed by Will Pappenheimer and Chipp Jansen, will reflect the colors people have chosen. While a mood ring purist may be disappointed that the sculpture itself isn't colorized by touch, it is a new age techno twist on an old favorite.

So go to www.tampapublicmoodring.com and "come on get happy!"

2009-01-06T15:31:00.000-05:00

http://www.madmuseum.org/

So who says rubber gloves are only for the doctor's office? The "Second Life" exhibit going on in NYC's Museum of Art and Design features artists using everyday objects to create...art! Whether you make it to NY for the show or not, the site is interesting and it's just cool to think that somewhere on display right now is a large tailor's dummy and thousands of latex gloves creating one gorgeous ball gown.

The museum find it's own second life at it's new location in the revamped 1964 Columbus Circle space nicknamed the "Lollipop Building" (I LOVE that!)

So take out those rusty old safety pins and perhaps explore what YOU can do with YOUR everyday objects!

"That Crash That Took Me"...By Storm

2009-01-06T15:25:00.000-05:00

Listen to The Crash That Took Me. I love this band because the name is so non-band like. But also because the music is ethereal and yet rocks you where you're standing. They are a mash up of musicians from several bands out of Dallas Fort Worth. Who knew Texas could produce something so thoughtful and interesting?

Check and out and be taken my friends!

Shopgirl Starlet

2009-01-04T22:06:00.000-05:00

I know it's a bit on the dated side, but rent "Shopgirl" with Claire Danes, Steve Martin and Jason Schwartzman. I'm sure I'll get some push back on such a suggestion. It's not too weighty and some perceived it as all fluff, but I happened to really like this flick. It was a Rom Com with some thought put in to it. It's pace was methodical, almost slow. But that's what I enjoyed. And although the pairing of Steve Martin and Claire Danes doesn't fit like a glove (pardon the pun), the movie ends up being interesting for several reasons.

First, setting was a strong character here. Not only did the city of LA sparkle, but each of the homes in which Mirabelle floats through were all unique and grounded each character nicely. Although I've been there myself and would never really enjoy living out west, the movie made romantic the idea of living in Hollywood-something I appreciated.

Second, it was very stylishly art directed. The clothing was fanatastic, even the dressed down stuff.

And finally, any movie that features Mark Kozelek (of Sun Kil Moon and Red House Painters fame) as a yoga zealot has my vote!

So go shopping! And if you have low expectations, you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

Eklectica Holid-ectrica

2008-12-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, I made that title up. So this one is for my local homies. Looking for somewhere uber chic to pick up something uber sleek?

Cheri's Eklectica in downtown St. Pete on 2nd Ave & Beach Drive remains one of my all time favorite places EVER to pick up that little (sometimes lots of) something quirky. Can we be really honest here for just a minute? Holiday gift giving is just as much a reflection on you and your taste as it is of the person you are buying for. So make yourself look interesting and savvy this holiday season with a purchase from Cherie's.

Local art, artisan jewelry, indie-label books, fun vintage-spirited toys you can't find at Walmart...all for the taking.

So make the sojourn downtown. Grab lunch while you are there. Cherie's is worth the trip.

Holidaze on Ice

2008-12-18T13:25:00.000-05:00

Well, I fear I have been far too remiss in my entries these days. The queen of cool has been moving (to somewhere not so "cool".) I am still in "Tampa" city limits, but let's be honest, Countryway is no urban denizen. However, I have a cool job and will keep the inside of my block rancher as hip as I can possibly stand. Anyway, I'm back and so on to the entry.

What to listen to for the holidays and still be cool? I mean, yes, classics are always acceptable this time of year, but Andy Williams and Johnny Mathis are not the poster children (or, um, seniors) for an indie holiday fiesta. Alas, there are ways to enjoy Christmas tune-age and remain chic.

Download the following:

-Christmas Remixed, Volume 1 & 2
-The Reindeer Room, Volumes 1 thru 3

These two series are all you need to remain fashionable and hip and both will guarantee you one cool Christmas. So push play. Mix. Shake. Pour. And enjoy.

Happy Trailers

2008-11-26T11:15:00.000-05:00

Check out http://www.foxsearchlight.com/slumdogmillionaire/

Usually I try to avoid promoting promotion. But this is one friekin' cool website and movie trailer. I've never seen one done like this before. When you go there you'll know what I mean.

Danny Boyle is awesome. If you haven't seen his other stuff, do so. And this looks like one of his crown jewels. Not only does the movie look great, but it makes my cool list for the awesome sneak peek factor.

Check it out and be inspired!

The Air I Breathe

2008-11-22T07:54:00.000-05:00

Rent "The Air I Breathe".

This flick has all the makings of one cool movie: interesting ensemble cast; surprising performances (like an unexpectedly subtle and not overly annoying one by Brendan Fraser); strong writing with multiple lives all touching each other in surprising ways; dark storytelling and art direction; and one killer soundtrack.

The ending may tie up into too neat of a bow for some, but I still consider it one of the better movies I've seen. A great Friday night movie to settle in with after the kiddies go to bed. It's only 90 minutes, so it goes quick.

Plus I tend to have a soft spot in my heart for Kevin Bacon, so I give anything a chance that he's in. This happens to be really good.

Fabulous fabrics

2008-11-18T14:11:00.000-05:00

www.melinamade.com

Looking for something to give your tired old place some punch? Try some authentic 50's fabrics from Melina Made. Use them to create a valance - or swag if you will. Order some Atomic Burst throw pillows to add just enough space age to your love song of an abode. A tad pricey but worth it for just a touch here an there! A pillow here, a curtain there, then sit back and wait for Frankie, Annette and Gidget to show up.

All Songs Considered

2008-11-12T12:34:00.000-05:00

www.npr.org

No matter what your political leanings, NPR is worth visiting for the music alone. Their "All Songs Considered" program is outstanding. You can download the podcast, go online and hear samples or just read articles about really thoughtful quality music that is just waiting for you to listen to it.

So forgo the news portion if you must, but visit www.npr.org for great music and insight into the bands that create it. And they are so lonely. So lonely. They want you to go hear them sing. So go!

Pandora's Beat Box

2008-11-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

www.pandora.com

Oh My God this is the coolest freikin' music site ever!

It's free. You plug in what band or song you like and it creates a playlist for you that rocks! I have 'My Morning Jacket' as my model for now. Give it a try.

You'll hear old favorites and discover new gems. It's like every day has a kick-ass soundtrack now. And who couldn't use that, especially with the drudgery of office life assaulting our sense daily.

Pandora - open up that box and let if FLY!!!!

Utility Belts

2008-11-09T19:43:00.000-05:00

I have one friend who insists on the fanny pack tradition. He claims it's "too easy not to use" and he's "frankly too old to care if it's hip or not". OK, I'll give him that. So Dwight, here ya go. A hip accessory worth strapping on.

Designer Victoria Chan uses reclaimed leather to craft a hip bag featuring bold stitching and hardware to make one strong statement. Plus, they can be transformed into a clutch or shoulder bag.

Check out nomaddicts.net

It's finally hip to be square again.

Pitch Perfect

2008-11-09T10:49:00.000-05:00

With the Phillies dominating the World Series recently, I've still got baseball on my mind. What better gift for your Phillie-phile (or any other baseball junkie you know) than a cool baseball with custom artwork on it?

Ironically, Philadelphia based Emily Wolfson hand paints real baseballs to your liking. I personally dig the crossword puzzle. But check out the site to root for your favorite.

www.unforgettaballs.com

Second Helpings

2008-11-09T10:32:00.000-05:00

Dishware can be so boring. What's the fun in picking up some sterile pieces from Target or Crate and Barrel? I mean where's the fun in that?

Brooklyn-based Sarah Cihat solves the dilemma for us all. Vintage finds from thrift shops are transformed via silkscreen and reglazing for one-of-a-kind, fabuloso delicioso dining.

With 'being green' being so chic these days, nothing says 3 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle) like redressing old plates. And nothing says cool like supporting artists handcrafting nifty platters to make mealtime one neat treat.

www.sarahcihat.com

Surf's Up

2008-11-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

Rent "Surfwise".

It's an amazing documenary about the Paskowitz family who grew up in the 60's in a van down by the river, actually more like the ocean. A family of 2 parents and 9 kids decided to live off the grid in a beat up camper, spending their days together - really together - since they all lived in like one big car. They'd surf and laugh and talk and surf and not much else.

The movie tracks them all as adults and how they've found success and failure due to their unusual upbringing. While I don't agree that not giving your child a strong education is a wise thing, you kind of get sucked in to the endearing , love-is-all-you-need" aura these guys give off. By the end of it, Greg and I were looking at Airstreams. Then I remembered how much I love my MacBook Pro and my Burt's Bees and Redken products and my pillow top mattress and well, we scratched that.

Anyway, it's cool movie. And it makes you realize how much the world has changed in just 40 years. You could almost get away with living in a van on the beach back then.

Great music, nice art direction and a solid documentary style featuring showing both the black, white and gray of all its stars.

Fall for Scarves

2008-11-04T14:59:00.000-05:00

I tend to avoid uber trendy things, like the poncho fiasco a few falls ago that lasted about 3 weeks. But the scarf trend has me intrigued.

It began last fall and has held thru to this season and I'm officially buying in.

Versatile not only in fabric - heavy for your northerners or lightweight cotton for us southern belles - but also in style. Worn around a jacket, with a dress as a wrap, on the head for a chic bad hair day, or tied at the neck loosely with a tee to punch up a casual day, scarves are the bomb.

But they must be muted in color - no crazy Cat In The Hatness please - and somewhere towards skinny vs. big, fluffy and wide. You also want them to be nice and long. But not too crazy long like those weird skinny disasters from the Gap last year that trailed behind you on the street so you got home with gum and bugs on your person! Throw in a metallic thread and you're all set.

Scarves for fall, it's wrapture!

Foxy Music

2008-11-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

The Fleet Foxes: echoey, stirring, mellow and moving. I'm digging these guys. The quintet describe their music as "baroque harmonic pop jams".

The Seattle sound has become quite savvy.

Check em out.

Ladies Love Cool Jams

2008-10-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

An entry for what doesn't happen nearly enough in music today: a major shout out to cool music with women rockin' on the front lines:

CSS is a delightful little electro pop pleasure from Brazil. The "Donkey" album is a blast, specifically "Rat is Dead".

Charmparticles have some kick ass tunage. But also a great website, charmparticles.com. They are the kind of gals I want to hop on a bus with and be their behind-the-scenes friend who doesn't have to work at it, but shares in their glory. Like drinking with them on their tour bus or going to a bar after a show and being all legit "cuz I know the band".

Dressy Bessy has been around a few years, but never disappoint.

Oldie but goodies include My Bloody Valentine who recently reunited and toured again; Lush who's "Sweetness and Light" will forever be one of my top 5 song picks of all time; and Liz Phair who is so obvious, she's barely worth mentioning, but I will because you are NOT cool if you don't own Exile in Guyville. It's just a simple as that.

We need more cool chick bands. There's plenty more I have not mentioned, but the guys can't keep getting all the glory. Girls are made for more than video characters!

Speaking of Beer...

2008-10-14T17:29:00.000-04:00

My list of some top hops:

Brooklyn lager
Brooklyn IPA
Stoudts American Ale
Flying Dog Tire Biter Ale
Anchor Steam
Liberty Ale
Inepdendence Ale
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
and of course....
Stella Artois, otherwise known as "Stella!!!"

Disclaimer:
This blog does not support the abuse of alcohol, only the drinking of it.

OTH, WOB, NWB, TBBC and More Acronyms for an IPA

2008-10-14T17:03:00.000-04:00

So I'm giving a little shout out to my local Tampa Bay residents and listing the coolest places I've found recently for a frosty brew beyond your basic Coors Light.

For those of you not living in TB, make sure you put these on your tourist roster when you visit.

First up, Oldsmar Tap House. While not technically in Tampa, it's close enough. Breathing new life into a sleepy strip in "downtown Oldsmar" which is really just one street, lies the OTH. Known for it's extensive microbrew and unique international beer selection, this little watering hole has live music, good chatter and a series of challenging metal chain puzzles on the wall - the kind you try to take the loop off of two rings. A seemingly impossible task, yet someone in the lovable D&D/beer geek crowd always manages victory. The last time I was there, we heard an old-fashioned Florida cracker band playing a gas tank and banjos while sipping beer drawn from a tap that featured a canister of fresh hops. Located on St. Pete Drive by historic library in Oldsmar.

World of Beer is much more raucous and closest to home so a natural pick for the Mullen household. Exposed brick, flat screens galore, live music and floor to ceiling fridges full of beer makes WOB a top spot for the well-coiffed mingling with casual sports fans that love a nice Tire Biter. Located at Westchase Village 2, Linebaugh Ave.

New World Brewery is one of those hangouts that makes me feel like I'm back up north in a "real" city because of it's Ybor locale. But the expansive outdoor patio reminds you that you are in balmy FLA. Probably the hippest of the joints listed here, NWB is known for it's live music scene and uber hipster crowd. Not the Gucci/Armani/Ocean Drive wannabes you see at Bay Street, but the good hipster kind - the indie rock kids and aging Gen Xers who aren't ready to give up their cool cards and love their IPAs.

For some true local flavor, wander down the street to Tampa Bay Brew Company. Also in Ybor yet slightly tamer, the TBBC makes their own beer. And most of it actually really good! I still prefer their old location to the new Centro spot, but I give their brewing props nonetheless.

So pull up a stool and have a cab number handy. Those rich yummy beers pack a powerful punch.

Forecast: Always Sunny!

2008-09-30T17:02:00.001-04:00

Watch "Always Sunny in Philadelphia"

For those of you not yet schooled in the only one true comedic hour that lives in your television set each Thursday at 10PM on FX, start watching now.

OK, you don't have time you say. Nonsense, you can add it to your queue, Tivo it or what have you. But if you really want to be cool, then pull up a stool to be part of the most offbeat, black comedy, strange hilarious awesomeness that is Paddy's Pub.

I debate with my husband each week on who's the best. I still stand by Mac. Greg calls Charlie. But Dee and Dennis also rock.

Any show that has the guts to create story lines that involve smoking crack to get on welfare for easy money or charging money to let people see a pee stain of the Virgin Mary is, well, da bomb in my book!

Some tend to think I'm partial since it's a Philly show and all. Perhaps it just means I get the title a little more than most. Some think we Philadelphians are known for having a gloomier outlook on life. To that I say we too look at the world through rose colored glasses, we're just not blind to its thorns.

Too Cool or Not Too Cool...

2008-09-22T16:22:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure that I'm buying in to the fossil fuel inspired trends for fall. Oil-slick black fabrics, glossy satins, lustrous silks, and patent leathers hit the runways hard recently. That's all fine and good for the martini-imbibing, starvation crowd of fashion houses, but please - let us picture how this will apply to the masses.

Is it edgy or is it tawdry early 80's redux?

The Pirate Who Liked to Read

2008-09-17T20:28:00.000-04:00

My friends, do yourselves a favor and read - if not the entire series than at least one of - Gideon Dafoe's "Pirates in an Adventure With..."

I have read ..."With Ahab" and "with the Scientist". Both gems. These are quick reads, and worth the sacrifice of the latest "Hills" or "Real Housewives" episodes.

Mr. Dafoe fashions his pirate characters after sassy, clueless, rogue types that are both ahead of their time and swarthy creatures all at once. You will be laughing so hard you'll be crying. In "Ahab", the author has them sailing to Vegas to become performers to help raise money for a new ship. No mind that Vegas is not actually near a body of water.

It's not so much the plots themselves, but the language and dialogue that will have you in stitches.

None of the pirates have actual names. They are called "Pirate with the Scarf" "the Albino Pirate" and "The Pirate with the Wooden Leg".

My personal favorite is the Pirate Captain who fancies glazed hams and his glossy beard. Never a buccaneer there was.

Read at least one. These pirates are so cool they put Jack Sparrow to shame, then flick his eye patch back on his face and beat him with their wooden legs!

Engulfed and In Love

2008-09-13T13:15:00.000-04:00

My amour for David Sedaris continues to deepen with his latest "When You Are Engulfed in Flames."

A standard for any hipster's library, the Sedaris series never disappoints. I will say however, that compared to "Corduroy", which I enjoyed but felt was more on the sentimental side, he's back in his snarkiest of forms in "Flames".

My favorite of this collection is "That's Amore", a tale of Helen, a woman so bitter crotchety and hardened, that she's absolutely lovable in her repulsiveness. She's a member of a group of old timers who's slowly passing on and at some point, they just won't make 'em like her anymore. Cigarette in one hand, whiskey glass in the other, cursing their last days on earth.

It's hard to think people like her grew up in a time without blogs, red states and blue states, and "No Smoking" signs. Not that I'm saying that's bad necessarily. It's just sad in a way that those characters with a very pointed/cut-thru-the-bull view of the world will soon be extinct.

She reminds me of my grandmother who's charms I never fully appreciated 'til it was almost too late. She always scared me with her rough smoker's voice and gruff language when I was little. But as I got older, I got her more.

She wore a house coat and curlers, smoked Luckies - no filters, and cursed like a sailor. She also made us pull over once lost in NYC to pick up a 6-pack so at least she could drink while we were driving around lost.

Anyway, David makes me laugh, cry and think in every book I read of his. He's someone I want to be friends with, yet would never want to know because God only knows what I'd end up reading about myself.

Must See TV

2008-09-13T12:59:00.000-04:00

The following is my list of top movies you must rent - and view in full - to consider yourself truly cool. Some pix are obvious, some perhaps not. But if you want a crash course in cool movies, this is it. These are in no particular order, because it's too hard to rank them as they are cool and great in very different ways.

Amelie
Ma Vie En Rose
Krzysztof Kieslowski's trilogy: Red, White and Blue (3 different movies but I'm counting as one)
Cinema Paradiso
Donnie Darko
American Beauty
The Cook, The Wife, the Thief and His lover
Virgin Suicides
Pulp Fiction
Reservoir Dogs
The Third Man
Mommy Dearest (made for TV but still counts in my book)
Smoke & Blue in The Face (I'll count as one, they are sort of sequels)
The Out of Towners - the original with Jack Lemmon
The Station Agent
Pan's Labyrinth
Oh Brother Where Art Thou
Raising Arizona
and anything by John Hughes

Get your queues filled now people! Any thoughts on additions?

World Music

2008-09-06T12:52:00.000-04:00

What do you get when you take Michael Stipe, Speech (that guy from Arrested Development), 2 British DJ's, a Mac laptop and an airplane? 1 Giant Leap.

While not brand spanking new, this collection makes my forever cool list not only because the music itself is a fascinating blend of world beat, rap, mystical lyrics and basically some jammin' tunes, but also because of how it was conceived and produced.

Two guys took a laptop, a map, and an airplane then traveled all over the world to places fairly secluded, like deep into the jungles of Africa and high up to the mountain tops of Tibet. And without a plan would seek out the village's musicians/singers. They would lay down beats, or singing or spoken word or native instrumentation, then go to another country and do the same thing. At the end, they put all of it together in various forms to make one song.

So for example, "The Way You Dream" has Michael Stipe singing with a woman from India, drum beats from Africa and so on. And the song wasn't written as one. And they didn't record in studio at the same time. And it all goes together in one kick ass tune.

They had no budget and would just ask for donations along the way and just pick their next stop randomly.

A brave, big undertaking. The goal was to show that the world is truly connected through music and that we as a race are all so similar despite our vast differences. That together, our disparate voices and sounds all harmonize with each other to create a united voice.

1 Giant Leap is not only an album worth hearing but also a documentary worth seeing. Buying it is recommended since that is the only way these guys made any money off the gig. If nothing else, you gotta admire these lads for their spontaneity.

1 Giant Leap truly is "world music".

Plastic Fantastic

2008-09-05T12:53:00.000-04:00

See "Lars and the Real Girl.

"When you hear about a movie that involves a delusional guy and a plastic sex doll, there are certain expectations that come to mind. Like it will be creepy and pornographic. Or it will be zany Zucker Brothers style - perhaps even starring Jim Carrey. But in the hands of a smart screenplay writer, a gifted director and the amazing Ryan Gosling, "Lars and the Real Girl" is a thoughtful, touching, funny, sentimental and - dare I say -the feel good movie of the year.

Other than "The Notebook", which I refuse to watch, I have see every Ryan Gosling flick. And I am nothing short of completely enamored by him. He is one of the most gifted actors of our time, if not ever.

The only downside to "Lars" is that Greg and I find it hard to believe a town with such heart exists anywhere. Perhaps we are just too cynical. But the fact that this place and those people existing in someone's mind, if nowhere else, is truly inspiring.

Ph*#k You!

2008-08-29T14:14:00.000-04:00

While I've wooed about Woot, I'm not partial to them by any means. I like to divvy up shout outs to multiple "cool tee" finds. This one was brought to my attention by a co-worker. Thanks Steve! Mule Design may or may not be tied to a subliminal Democratic message - which is just fine by me.

Regardless of your political leanings, you will find something in here to make you laugh. Philly pholks get a bad rap for their toughness. But I personally would never trade a day I spent among the "F" notes and subway stench. Without them, my life would be the equivalent of a Federal pretzel without the salt - boring and tasteless with no grit.

http://store.muledesign.com/shirts/philly.php

New Kids on the Rock

2008-08-24T11:16:00.000-04:00

The Black Keys indeed rock. They are an indie band out of Akron, Ohio that is super fantastico. Their music has a new indie-sound edge but its soul is unmistakably Zeppelin-esque, reminiscent of those late 70s burnout bands we all have a soft spot in our hearts for.

My favorite album of theirs is "Thickfreakness", but any others will do if you are in the mood to relive your black light poster days and jam out a bit.

The coolest part of this band is that they always record in a dusty basement, old rubber factory or somewhere that lends to the dull-razor enivron their music conjures up. Even though they just recorded in a real studio for the first, time, they managed to keep their sound raw. Read more about them at www.theblackkeys.com/bio.

New Zealand...Cool!

2008-08-24T11:14:00.002-04:00

Every once in a while a show comes along that makes me equally laugh and equally mad. "The Flight of the Concords" makes me laugh 'til I'm crying and fills me with envy as writer because I'll never be that good.

Brilliant writing and an even more clever concept, the series follows two New Zealand immigrants living in New York who are trying to make their 2-man band a success. Jermaine and Brett are so dry and so naive that it makes them almost as lovable as they are hilarious. What I love about this series is that there is no violence, no bad language and yet it's still a total stitch - rare in today's comedy landscape.

The best part of this series is that the characters randomly break out in to videos. The art direction and lyrics of these videos are dead on spooftastic.

Add it to your queue immediately. The best character is the band manager who takes roll call at each meeting with only 3 attendees. These Kiwis all have serious self-esteem issues against Australia. Another theme for plenty of comedic fodder. Take note of the New Zealand travel posters in the background: "New Zealand. Don't expect too much and you'll love it." "New Zealand. Not part of Australia."

Their self assigned rap names say it all: Rhymnoceros & Hiphopotomus.

http://www.hbo.com/conchords/

Summer Cruisin

2008-08-24T11:14:00.001-04:00

As summer winds down for much of the country, unlike here in Tampa where we have about 2 more months of sick heat, I am reminded of my favorite summer past time in my late high school and college years. Driving around, either alone or with one of my girls, blasting rap music.

Keep in mind the rap I speak of here is the rap of years past. The rap that wasn't so offensively bad. The rap whose lyrics ranged from serious political impact, like Public Enemy, to the levity of eating pizza on South Street, like Will Smith's "Summertime".

Rap in the 80's and early 90's was still a genre that you could fully embrace and still have self-respect. I still stand by my statement that the best wedding gift I received was the Def Jam box set from my favorite rap cruising buddy, Vee.

So without any further audieu, my list of the best classic rap tunes to carry you and your mobile through 'til the weather chills, the windows go up, and the heat goes on.

"Fight the Power", Public Enemy
"No Sleep 'til Brooklyn" Beastie Boys
"Daddy's Little Girl" Nikki D
"Boomin' System" LL Cool J
"Around the Way Girl" LL Cool J
"Back Seat" LL Cool J
"Pop Goes the Weasel" 3rd Bass
"Paid in Full" Eric B and Rakim
"New Jack Hustler" Ice T
"Dana Dane" Cinderfella
"The Message" Grand master Flash
and drumroll...I still know all the lyrics to the 8-minute beauty...
"Beat Street" Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel.

There are many many more old school delights, but time is limited and so are summer's lat dog days. So go my peeps and get your groove on with your bad selves.

Bugs and Sealife

2008-08-14T16:23:00.000-04:00

Rent "Junebug" and "The Squid and the Whale."

"Junebug" is an endearing and disturbing tale all weaved together, and one of those movies that I couldn't tell if I really liked or disliked it. But after a few weeks of letting it sink in, I've decide it is cool worthy if only because I keep thinking about it. The naive sister in law is by far my favorite character. She's go to so much heart and yet is so aggravating because of her dim wit that you almost hate her for it in the end, but somehow you just can't. You'll know what I mean when you watch it.

As for "The Squid and the Whale", it was one of those films that keeps you on edge because it seems as if any minute, it could go really creepy/weird, but yet doesn't. It's a basic and raw tale about the decay of a New York family. I have always loved Jeff Daniels, even in "Dumb and Dumber". So he adds a nice depth to it. Again a movie where you don't know if you love or hate the characters, but I tend to fall for those "gray" folks.

Both of these movies had a very strong sense of place. I think it's fascinating how some directors and writers can pull off "setting as character" so flawlessly. I envy it. I wanted to move to New York and also made me glad I never moved to North Carolina.

What a Woot!

2008-08-13T14:26:00.000-04:00

For those of you who love the thrill of the chase, you'll love Woot. There are several different kinds of Woot. Shirt Woot, Wine Woot, plain old regular Woot.

http//www.woot.com

It's a website/blog that offers one product a day at a ridiculously cheap price. The best part for me is how they handle the product descriptions, or catalog writing if you will. It takes J Peterman's ground-breaking catalog approach from the mid 80's and rips it up, stuffs it back in "the box" and mocks it like the lameness that it is.

As for Shirt Woot, if you are a graphic tee junkie, this indeed is the place for you. A fresh design daily. From a different artist daily. And anyone can enter their own design too. All non-sweatshop produced in America. Which of course is top of mind right now as I watched the almost no female cast in the opening ceremonies of Bejing (which I found fascinating yet disturbing all at once.)

http://www.shirt.woot.com

So give a woot and don't pollute the fashion world with crappy T-shirts anymore!

Curses!

2008-08-11T14:54:00.000-04:00

Surely a sign that I'm getting old, or perhaps it's my suburbia like environ these days, but I don't necessarily value profanity the way I used to. So take my next tip with a fucking huge grain of salt.

Holy Fuck rocks the show. Do I wish their name didn't smack of effort to be "cool"? Yes. But despite their ill-chosen namesake, this band is one of my new faves. Sometimes aggressive, sometimes ethereal, I love the way they treat lyrics as secondary and focus on the msuic. Sometimes you don't even know what they are saying or even if it is real words. But no matter, it's great shit nonetheless.

Their album, Holy F**K is well worth the small chunk of change to buy the whole damn thing.

The irreverence reminds me of an old fave, the Inspiral Carpets and the T-shirt I owned once with a cow head on it that read 'Cool As Fuck". I wore it often.

Word Play

2008-08-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

Bored? Think you can't do anything interesting with a block of text without a handy dandy art director? Oh how wrong you are!

Create your own word clouds at www.wordle.net.

I chose a favorite passage of mine from Lesley Gore's "Sunshine Lollipops and Rainbows" cuz that's just the kind of day I'm having!

There's pretty much no productive value to this exercise whatsoever. But it is a nice break from the tedious work you do in front that ole monitor o' yours. If you are itching in the middle of some kind of monthly budget crunch or are just surfing for something different, play away.

This very cool java program puts regular Joes and Janes in the designer seat. And is another example of how fun design in general has become so much more accessible to all of us. Say what you will about the pitfalls of a computer age, but personally, I just don't know how my father spent a majority of his working life looking at blinking yellow letters and numbers on a bulky blank screen. I wonder what word clouds he would have made in 1982.

Embrace Your Inner Village Person

2008-08-07T09:42:00.000-04:00

Ok all you homophobes out there, it's time to let down your guard and have some fun. The newest listening pleasure I recommend is a streaming radio station through Itunes known as "DeeGay". You can find it under the "International" genre listing. Billed as the "first Italian gay station on the web", it's one big disco ball of fun. Plus you can learn a new language!

So while I sit in my office trapped in the drone of reports and assigning tasks to my team, I am experiencing my own private mental getaway in a Tuscan nightclub on a Saturday night where lights are flashing and sweaty bodies far more attractive than mine are pulsating to the beat with drinks in hand. See, just now, I did a jello shot!

While it may not be everyone's cup of iced green chai tea latte so early in the morning, today it is befitting of giving me just the amount of gay club buzz I need.

Old Soul, New Vibe

2008-08-04T14:40:00.000-04:00

Amos Lee is one cool cat. This is old hat for those in the know, but if you are a late comer to the Lee party like me, then you will thoroughly enjoy discovering his mellow vibe accented by insightful lyrics and an old Motown spirit. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Lee live Saturday evening at the State Theater in St. Pete. An old building with as much character as those who play on and enjoy the stage - the perfect venue for a guy who fancies plaid Kangos, rocks soulful acoustic stylings and has a voice to rival Marvin Gaye.

I own all three of his studio albums and had low expectations as his material is on the quiet side. I feared a night of boredom. However, great friends, a wine soaked pre-game, dancing with Greg and an amazing live show made it a night to remember. Surprisingly, he brought a lot of energy to the music live and well, go see him if you can. But otherwise, at least download his stuff. I can't even say which, cuz it's all good.

When romance is on tap, there's no better backdrop. Oh and did I mention he's from Philly? When I grew up there, all we had was The Hooters. Sucks...

The C'art of Shopping

2008-07-29T21:50:00.000-04:00

Read "A La Cart" by Hillary Carlip.

When I see things like this I'm at once filled with joy and envy. Joy that someone takes the time to notice the little things in life, so much so that they reincarnate them. And envious that I don't make the time to follow through on all the stupid, quirky ideas I've had that could have been something had I just done something with them.

Hillary Carlip began collecting found grocery shopping lists. Then built characters around them, creating entire stories around each list's author. Simple, yet genius. Fun and funny. And most definitely cool.

For those of you have "don't really read much anymore," here's one to get you back in the habit.

Props to Hillary, one cool chick who one day, many years ago found one little list, written by one little person who started one little idea (and never even knew it!) And now today, Ms. Carlip has her readers examining life's mundane tasks in an artful, intriguing way.

For more on her story...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93022254

Stuff Your Ears

2008-07-27T14:16:00.000-04:00

To bulk up my music offerings, as has been requested, I have decide to let this entry jam for itself. A simple list of some cool ass tuneage:

Sebadoh, Bubble and Scrape - oldie but greatie

The Wombats

M Ward - If you thought no one could outdo "Let's Dance" by David Bowie, you were wrong!

Frou Frou

Ganga Gang Dance

Dirty Projectors

When you're done all that, I'll give ya more. Go explore my peeps. And turn off Clear Channel!!!!!

Camp Crusty for Local Yokels

2008-07-24T14:08:00.000-04:00

Attention all Tampa Bay area coolsters! Very cool event happening this weekend in downtown St. Pete. My favorite mixed use art-and-all-things-cool space, Studio@620, is hosting a 'Summer Camp' weekend.

Looking for something to beat the heat? Why not not take in an exciting tale of love and honor?Like that of the all girl rock band "The Kelly Affair" traveling to LA for fame and fortune in "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls."

Studio 620

My love for camp knows no bounds. Now I just need a babysitter!

P.S. There is a door prize for those who got my 'rocker chick' reference in the image posted!

Spectacular Cymbals

2008-07-22T10:58:00.000-04:00

My choice selects for today's hungry listeners...

Yeasayer's "All Hours Cymbals"

MGMT's "Oracular Spectacular"

Neither heavy nor somber, both of these bands play somewhere in the middle and do a fantastic job of making you want to scream because they are so f-ing awesome! These albums spit in the face of anyone saying no good music is being made today.

Both play with voice and sound. MGMT's "Electrical Feel" is reminiscent of Mick Jagger's falsetto "Emotional Rescue." The entire Yeasayer album blends smooth pop, indie, acoustic, world music, electronica and a bit of experimental and makes it all totally palatable.

She's Crafty

2008-07-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

I just figured out a new way to give y'all links to the cool stuff I'm dishing up. An astute colleague of mine shared her skillz of the internets and so now you'll have easier linkage. (Props Sarah!)

For today's pleasure, check out Etsy.

Great for all things handmade and customized. This site runs the gamut from awesome accessories to kick ass kids gear. They are all about crafts and making stuff from hand, hence the "handmade."

So quit your Target & Walmart shopping and shop for something different - and something NOT made by tween Chinese girls who have to sleep on cots with their fingers bleeding at the end of their 18 hour shift.

Postcards from Paradigm

2008-07-18T13:56:00.000-04:00

With Wifi infecting the globe and everyone toting around some kind of pocket PC or iphone these days, you wonder why postcards even exist anymore. This little gem of a site found a great reason to keep this tidy yet fun form of communication around. An art project/voyeur community of sorts, 'postsecret' is a collection of postcards sent in from strangers who divulge a secret on them.

http://postsecret.blogspot.com

The project delivers three things: (1) a study in how very differently and creatively each of us, as humans, choose to express ourselves visually and (2) the idea that very few words can deliver a powerful message - sometimes an entire life story and (3) how oddly, we're all very much the same. Despite how different our secrets are, they are at the same time very similar.

So next time you pass a Spencer's in the mall or a cheesey gift shop on a trip, remember, there is a perfectly good use for the beefcake guy in a speedo on the beach telling you "the weather's here. Wish you were great!"

Room to Groove

2008-07-17T14:38:00.000-04:00

I considered starting this entry off with "tired of looking at beige on beige?" But clearly my fellow coolkeepers have color on the walls, no?

Well, if you haven't jumped on this bandwagon that left the barn about a decade ago, it's time to do so. In addition to color, you can add zest to a bare space without the hassle of wallpaper glue, stencils, sponges and other such nonsense.

www.whatisblik.com

My office walls are dancing with the colors of "Eames Crosspatch" boxes. Be careful before stickin' em down tho. The bubbles are a bitch to fix.

Also, for general decor products and ideas, consider cb2, Crate and Barrel's younger sister who lives in a funky warehouse loft downtown (instead of a proper colonial in the burbs.)

www.cb2.com

Happy homing, my little pigeons!

Have Bag, Will Travel

2008-07-17T14:15:00.000-04:00

One of the things that is so cool about being me is that I have a pipeline to cool stuff in many cities. Call me cosmopolitan, but I indeed have a national - even global - cool view.

My sister-in-law source in CO has alerted me to a must have for this coming fall (thanks Leeanne!). Look no further for next season's "it" bag.

www.tutelahandbags.com

Here at Keep Your Cool, we believe that despite what tired fashion hags from Vogue, Elle and other traditional rags try to sell you, a great bag does not require a famous designer name with a $500 price tag. In fact, it is rather uninspired to sport a sack with D&G or Fendi graffit'd all about. It shows little effort.

One of the blessings of the internet is to allow access to a plethora of chic choices for us fashion-forward folks, especially any of us sequestered in unhip locales. That plus, when you buy from a place like Tutela, you are supporting cool entrepreneurship, and two smart women out west trying to make a go of it.

So when thinking of bagging your next bag, go west! Or at least go to the internet.

Wildlife, Mythical Figures and Death

2008-07-16T12:22:00.000-04:00

Summer's here and it's time for...movies! Since our options in theaters currently include summer blockbusters where Ed Norton and Tim Roth embarrass themselves turning green and grunting, I recommend updating your Netflix queue and sitting out the theater all together. Besides, who wants to deal with fat teens texting and awkward first dates all around you?

My must-see list of the summer includes some older and some newer bad all different genres.

First, "Eagle vs. Shark". This film is brilliant. It features the funny Australian guy from those short-lived Outback commercials where he sat by his lonesome in Outback, wore funny glasses and mastered self-deprecation. It's an 80's period piece and art directed as such to perfection. It's a quirky love story and you will be laughing hysterically, cringing for the characters and then wanting to reach through the screen to hug them all - not in that order.

Next up is "Pan's Labyrinth". It's dark. Very dark. But you won't find a richer aesthetic and a better produced fantasy movie blended with reality. This one's subtitled people so break out your smarty pants before watching.

Finally, there's "Death at a Funeral." "Four Weddings and a Funeral"'s funnier, cleverer cousin. British and brilliant. Lighthearted yet smartly written and an absolute stitch. The leads in this are from a favorite BBC series of Greg and I - "MI5" (aka "Spooks" in England. Another thing to add to your must see list if your a TV-series-followin' kind of chap!)

Hollywood is hurtin'. And if you count on major theater releases to keep you entertained - and cool - then you know why. Indie films all the way people. Don't be afraid. They don't always make you think harder or make your read or make you cry. But they will make you much, much cooler:)

Rain Rain Stay

2008-07-16T11:22:00.000-04:00

It's rare in Florida to feel a sense of gloom from the weather. Long spells of gray and rain are rare. But we've been under a big ass cloud for several days now and to be honest, I rather enjoy the quiet reclusiveness it begs for.

Bon Iver's "For Emma Forever" is the perfect soundtrack to sitting on your patio during a dark afternoon with thunder rumbling in the distance. Way on the quiet side, it's a haunting album that seems as though it was produced in an empty church. The hollowness adds to it's stripped down moodiness.

Other rainy day favorites include Sigur Ros and Yo La Tengo.

Music for the minors

2008-07-11T13:32:00.000-04:00

So I probably should wait 'til further on to start in on kid stuff already, but I'm so taken by the new CDs I just bought that I must share now.

It our duty as savvy hipster parents to raise our kids with some sensibility for music that does NOT involve the Jonas Brothers. And selfishly, I don't want to listen to crap while toting her ass around town.

While it's true most kids music is totally uninspired and obnoxious, there is a wealth of cool music for kids that is fairly untapped.

The series "For the Kids" is a must. Any band that can pull off a song about poop going in the potty and have it be really, really a genuinely great song, well, they are just the shit. On "For the Kids 3" Over the Rhine is just one of many brilliant musical artists that pull off kid's music with such sophistication that you are not embarrassed at all by singing about lint, puppies and the letter "L".

All three CDs in the series are fantastic. In addition, there is a "Jazz for Kids" compilation that features Louis Prima crooning about the banana man, way before he was so un-PC-ly cast as the monkey king in Jungle book. It warms my heart to hear Hazel sing about the Muffin Man with Ella's velvet voice.

A final note, there is a show on now called Gabba Gabba. I love it for it's trippy British club style. (I want that guy's fuzzy hat.) The music is reminiscent of Cibo Matto and electronica combined. It's got such a bizarre, almost Tokyo youth yet London lounge like aesthetic, that while you are watching it (with your kid of course!), you are slightly tempted to drop a tab of E. But then you realize that you have to go do laundry, take the kid to the park, and do some work online so you choose an Odwalla instead.

Numerology

2008-07-10T13:37:00.000-04:00

Cloud Cult's "The Meaning of 8" has you pondering not only about that answer, but also about the meaning of why bands like Papa Roach and Creed are allowed to be called musicians.

Ethereal, thoughtful and rockin' all at once, this album is a great backdrop for filling out timesheets and filing expense reports. It lets you do your work without making you feel like your soul is hollow. If you don't have access to itunes at work (or some kind of electronic music player), get it now!

Also my list of recommends for today: anything by Neko Case.

News travels

2008-07-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

My first logging of coolness. So check 'em out. www.theshirtproject.com.

These really smart news junkies were so disheartened with the continual decline in newspaper readership, they thought why not take hot or important news stories and make them into graphic tees? That way you can "read all about it" on someone's shirt instead of being visually assaulted by messages like "I did your girlfriend." So now news travels maybe not fast, but certainly different.

In addition to being way hip, this is such a great example of how we as a collective continue to find new ways to push ideas and keep communications creative. And while you may argue that this somehow cheapens true journalism by not conveying a full and objective story, at least it's getting news in front of people who may not otherwise even know there was a crisis involving Burmese monks.

Also, a tip to make anything you wear (including purses or even shoes) more interesting. Vintage button application! Let's call it the "bedazzler's" younger, hipper sibling. Michael's has bags of vintage buttons found on the floor room of old clothing factories. I just bought my first bag. None of them match. But that's kind of the point.

I'm thinking of clustering some on the corner of a tee shirt (perhaps one about the recent oil crisis), or onto a cheap thrift shop bag I just picked up. Now I just need to learn how to sew.

Inauguration

2008-07-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

This is for the Gen X-er out there who woke up one day in her late 30's, looked in the mirror (age spotted face and heavy hips), and realized she had no idea what happened to her former self. The self that knew all the cool bands - including which indie label they were on. The self that knew where to find a fabulous outfit - not from a mall. The self that heard from a friend about a hot artist doing some cool shit. The self that knew a great place for kick ass beers on tap. The self that was young, carefree, and had the time to stay up on all things "cool."

Careers, bank accounts, wives, husbands, divorces, kids, dogs and everything else got in the way. And now look at ya. You got no idea that there is anything decent to listen to other than lame ass faux alternative bands like Linkin' Park and NickleBlink311whatever the fuck. And the only "funky" fashion you're finding is at a place called Forever 21. And honey, you ain't 21 anymore.

This site is your key to freedom. You may want just a taste of cool, so you feel like all is not lost. Or you may be full on ready to live cool again. Either way, you'll find what you need here. Music, movies, media, politics, fashion, culture and - of course - drinkin'...I'll do my best to bring it to you byte sized.

Times have changes since our days of making sure you knew which gate to meet your friends at for the show or you were screwed. Perhaps it's made the next generation lazy and less responsible, but regardless of your take on technology, it's here to stay. You can either embrace it or not. I've chosen to use it to - in the face of tee-ball games, bath time and boring-ass meetings - somehow keep us cool.