UPDATED: Todoist: Freeloading, Feces, Pianists, Fundraisers.

Wed: Artwalk! Art, drinking, walking, people watching, drinking, music. Live music outside MCR. Artwalk Birthday Party in Hemming Plaza (with Cake!) Short films at Florida Theater. And drinking, too. [DV]
Wed+: It'll be a heart-stopping, shitkickin' good time at the Greater Jacksonville Fair. The fair begins Wednesday and continues through Nov 12.[JF]
Thur+: A woman pianist (insert low-brow joke here) performs as part of the Jax Symphony's Masterwork series.[JSO]
Fri: Riverside Harvest Gala (fundraiser for Riverside Avondale Development Organization) @ Five Points Theatre. UC has contact/RSVP info. [UC]
Sat: Buy a little something for under the ol' christmas tree at Anomaly and Violet's fall sales. Label it: "To me, From me." [AY]
Sat: JMOMA's Gala: DJed by Sky Nellor, catered by Matthew's, tickets are semi-tax deductible, proceeds benefit the arts. Tickets are $100-$750. Expect to see a lot of lawyers with the women who hate them. [JMOMA]

It's like Disneyworld, only less sanitary.

Strap on your shitkickers, we're goin' to the fair!

Cotton Candy, funnel cakes, and fast rides. Never really knowing whether to blame the vomit on that last ride on the Gravitron, or that last fistful of deep-fried lard. Carnies gawking anything that passes in their direction. Mullets. Eating while knowingly being in proximity to animal shit. People quoting Joe Dirt un-ironically.

I can hardly wait. [JF]

Wake me up before you Flamin-go-go.

Much of Florida's native wildlife finds itself on the endangered species list. Manatees. Mangroves.

Pink flamingos.

This is what happens when the homeowners' association has too much power. [FCN]

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a wiener!

Seriously. Daylight savings time falling over Halloween weekend? Best weekend of the year so far. Hands down.

The Halloween fun keeps on keepin' on tonight at Eclipse for their Halloweenie Roast. Grills, Wieners, Veggie Wieners, Drinks, Costumes. What more could a Monday night need?

The grills fire up 10-ish. Free for costumers, $1 cover for squares.

[ECL]

Newsish: Flaming Republicans. Should there be a comma in there?

Flaming Jesus. This is what you get for fucking around with fire and brimstone. [FCN]
You down with GOP? Yeah you know me. [N4J]
Headline writers actually get paid for this shit? [T-U]
Competing rivalries. Not to be confused with Difficult Hardships or Identical similarities. [T-U]
Crazy like a fox! Maybe more like an otter. A really drunk otter. [N4J]
Because the government is so good at keeping people's personal data secure, now you can register emergency contacts with the DMV. [T-U]

Todoist: Drinking, Halloweiners. Scary.

Thursday: Free happy hour @ The Grape. E-mail me for an invite. [JP]
Thursday: Refresh your web @ Burrito Gallery. [RJ]
Thursday: Thursday Night Drinking Club dives this week. [ThNDC]
Friday: Grab some free wine, beer and munchies while checking out new art and taking advantage of a 10% discount throughout the store @ Anomaly. [AN]
Friday: 9th & Main hosts Good Friday in the Bay, and Fin Fang Foom, Haram, Crash the Satellites, Chinese Horses in the Black Box Theatre. [9&M]
Saturday: The Pearl hosts their second annual costume contest @ Midnight. Last year, the entire staff decked out in a Wizard of Oz theme, so expect similar surprises this year. Also expect the cover charge to double to $10. [PL]
Saturday: 9th & Main turns into a haunted house. The entire complex. DJ Christian spins in the Bay, and Juilius Airwave, New Roman Times, and The Postmarks in the Black Box Theatre. [9&M]
Saturday: Haunted tunnel. Liquor bar. DJs inside and out. Still, no credit card machine. It's so close to a perfect TSI, it's scary.[TSI]
Monday: Eclipse celebrates Hallow's Eve with a Halloweenie Roast. Grills will be blazing wieners out front of Eclipse, while DJ Christian spins inside. All costumers get in free (squares get in with $1 cover). [ECL]

Newsish: That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Congratulations, Folio Weekly! Less than one week after naming 9A as the best place in town to illegally drag race, a Jags player is picked up for doing so. Folio Weekly, contributing to Jacksonville delinquency for over 19 years. [FCN] | [FW]
Percocet, Popcorn and Politics: Batshit crazy Katherine Harris attempts to self-destruct on live TV in a debate against Senator Bill Nelson. Have you ever heard a death rattle before? [N4J] | [WJCT]
Vote Early, Vote Often. Early ballot box stuffing begins today. don't forget your 19 passports. [T-U]

Todoist: Winos by the bunch.

Jaxopolitan has "won" a Jaxbars [JB] happy hour this Thursday, October 26 at the Grape. This means a free drink or two for all attendees, plus a chance to "win" your very own happy hour. (Chance of winning: 100 of 100)

The more the merrier, I just need a general head count of attendees. Send me some e-mail love. [JXP]

The great sock hop in the sky

As of 1 p.m. today, Kool 100.7 (WMUV) switched formats from Golden Oldies to "Rhythmic Adult Contemporary (whatever the fuck that is)."

The morning commute just won't be the same without Neil Diamond in the morning. Goodbye, dear friend.

Todoist: rainbows, ovaries, and general douchebaggery.

Friday: Parsons-chereographed dancing to the musical stylings of Earth, Wind and Fire and Dave Matthews Band. [UNF]
Fri-Sat: Joseph and the Ambiguously Gay Outfit continues to prance onstage at the T-U Center. [FCCJ]
Fri-Sun: Magnoliafest celebrates ten years of being stoned by taking a massive hit. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. [MF]
Saturday: Dignity? Self restraint? No! I want to be on tv! Auditions for Stupid Pet and Human Tricks for The Tonight Show @ The Humane Society on Beach Blvd. [CBS]
Saturday: TSI celebrates one year of not accepting plastic at the bar (bastards). [TSI]
Sat-Sun: Cultivate your inner Martha Stewart (sans ankle bracelet) at the Southern Women's Show. Save a buck on cover by checking out the link before you go. [SWS]

Graphic Designers share passion yet challenged by geometry

AIGA Jacksonville [AIGA] hosted its third annual Business Roundtable tonight at Dagher Printing [DP]. Panelists Paul Figura of Paul Figura Photography [PF], Mary Harvey of Agency ala Carte [ALA] and Carl Smith of nGenWorks [NGW] shared impassioned stories about their companies and careers while designers, photographers and other creatives sat on the edge of their seats. The 5 panelists were moderated by Mary Fisher of Mary Fisher Design [MFD], who invited audience questions and participation.

The soapboxes were flyin' when Harvey, Smith and Figura engaged in heated debate over the value of talent and how to treat a client. Although these top creative minds shared some wonderful anecdotes, it would have been nice if the other 2 panelists, a CPA (what's her name again?) and Attorney with the cool glasses, were able to contribute more of their facts and figures.

The event was by and large a big success for AIGA. However, it was billed as a Business Roundtable[RT]. Most spectators saw the table as an elongated quadrilateral with 4 corners at 90 degree angles [RT]. Even my 4 year old can tell the difference between Roundtable and a Rectangle. Designer's may rule the roost when it comes to concepts and colors.

Shapes and numbers, not so much.

JAX is EDGY

Downtown Information & Safety Network Safety Alert • Tuesday, October 17, 4:15 p.m.

Please be aware that the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has issued an alert about a known Downtown panhandler. The panhandler, Pankey Langston, Jr., is a black male, 5'10", 170 lbs who is wanted for battery. The suspect is a known sexual offender and Downtown panhandler who frequents social services in Downtown and is often seen on Downtown streets.

On October 16, 2006 at 6:00 p.m., the suspect panhandled an elderly man at a Downtown bus stop for a cigarette. When the man refused to give him one, the suspect beat the man with a cane.

A police report has been filed. The case number for the incident is CCR#930508.

Downtown Ambassadors will be delivering flyers with a photo to concierge desks and security at Downtown buildings. If you see this suspect, please call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office emergency number 911.

-

Beating people with a cane. Where does this guy think is? Singapore? [DV]

UPDATED: The consequences of a screwing over your web designer

I came across this while reviewing a competitor's site. I believe a disgruntled ex-employee of said company decided to post his exit interview online.

The tagline in the body of the page is "The biggest small agency on earth." However, the title of the page is, well, more expressive.

Up close and personal:



UPDATE: We had a good run, but the site has since been fixed. All good things must come to an end. [ZAG]

Crystal Ball: Hallow, like my heart

Halloween is shaping up to be an almost weeklong event, starting with the infamous GA/FL weekend through Tuesday.

10.27 Fri: 9th & Main hosts Good Friday in the Bay, and Fin Fang Foom, Haram, Crash the Satellites, Chinese Horses in the Black Box Theatre.
10.28 Sat: The Pearl hosts their second annual costume contest @ Midnight. Last year, the entire staff decked out in a Wizard of Oz theme, so expect similar surprises this year. Also expect the cover charge to double to $10.
10.28 Sat: 9th & Main turns into a haunted house. The entire complex. DJ Christian spins in the Bay, and Juilius Airwave, New Roman Times, and The Postmarks in the Black Box Theatre.
10.28 Sat: TSI assures me there will be some sort of costume thing at some point, but they're so into planning their anniversary even they don't know what that hell is going on.
10.30 Mon: Eclipse celebrates Hallow's Eve with a Halloweenie Roast. Grills will be blazing wieners out front of Eclipse, while DJ Christian spins inside. Hipsters just love their wieners. They'll have a costume contest, and all costumers get in free (squares get in with $1 cover).

Think of it as a bargain: where else can you get a crowbar for just 22 cents?

This didn't come from Jacksonville. But some things are brillant enough, they defy boundaries.

Rage on, Caps Lock King. Rage on. [FKR]

Updated: If I can't take my coffee break, something within me dies

In the interest of putting my money where my mouth is (without actually putting money in my mouth - that's just unsanitary), I stopped in at Uncommon Grounds on my way to work.

I knew the construction in San Marco was bad. I didn't know it was bad enough to send me into a Tourettes-style cursing spree.

I got my chai latte, and sipped it on my way to the car. It was good! A little creamier than Starbucks, and not quite as spicy. It has an almost nutty flavor.

The prices are about the same price-point. My large Chai at UC was $4, and I think a Starbucks large Chai is $3.95.

It's nice that I can just say "large" in UC without being corrected, like at Starbucks.

"Large? You mean venti?"

No. I mean large. We are in the United States. Starbucks is an American corporation. The company started in Seattle - no Italian ties there! It's a large freakin' cup of coffee.

-

For your viewing pleasure, Jaxopolitan after consuming too much caffeine this morning: [HSR]

When you need stupid, visit Jacksonville

There's an open casting call on Saturday (10.21) for David Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks and Stupid Human Tricks.

Reps for the show will be screening auditions for the show at the Jax Humane Society (8464 Beach Blvd) 10am-2pm Saturday. Participants will audition for the chance to win a trip to NYC and appear on The Late Show with David Letterman.

According to the press release, all animals must perform voluntarily and be treated humanely.

The humans, however, you can beat the snot out of.

The Monorail Song

Metro Jax has a great evaluation of the Skyway and why it's the redheaded stepchild of Downtown. They include a full history of the original idea, plans and motivation, and comparisons to other cities with "People movers." (Reminds me of Tomorrowland at The Magic Kingdom. You know, home.)

I have patronized the Skyway exactly twice. Allow me to explain my own unscientific reasons why the Magic Skyway of the Future needs serious love before it can hope to be the Magic Skyway of the Present.

Ride #1: Lunchtime The coworkers and I decide to hit BG for lunch. We hop onto the people mover at Kings Ave. (car 1) We are almost immediately told that the car is broken and we have to change cars at Riverplace Tower. (Cue grumbling amongst the group) We re-board another car at Riverplace Station. (car 2) This car takes us over the Acosta Bridge, and stops. (Cue louder grumbling amongst group, whispering about man who smells) It finally moves into the Central Station. We exit to switch cars to Hemming Plaza. (car 3) Verdict: 20 minutes and 3 cars for a 1.5ish mile ride? I could've walked that.

Ride #2: Evening. I'm a treehugger. I believe in big cities and mass transit. I'm going to give this thing another shot. Same route: Kings Ave to Hemming Plaza, then a 4 block walk to the Florida Theatre. I get on the car a we move to Riverplace Station. (car 1) The doors close, and we start moving again: back to Kings Ave. WTF? I ride back to Riverplace Station, and change cars, disheartened. It's looking like a similar trip to the last ride I took on this godforsaken thing. But I'm proven wrong, when I stay on this car the entire ride to Hemming Plaza. Verdict: 10 minutes and 2 cars. Still sucky, but not too bad.

The Skyway needs some serious love before it's really successful. But where does it go that's worth going? The Sports complex? No. Nightlife on Bay Street and the Landing? No.

Unfortunately, the Skyway is just a Monorail without the catchy song.



[MJ]

Grassroots Natural Market, a one-act play

Setting: Park Street, through Five Points
Characters: Jaxopolitan, single girl in the city; Jaxomobile, the little Volvo that could

Jaxomobile: Vrroom! What a nice drive - the weather's great, I have my windows down, (cue grill curling into a smile).
Jaxopolitan: I love Five Points. It's so awesome. I'm so happy not to live in the cookie-cutter southside.
Jaxomobile: Vrroom! I love the minimal traffic around here. If I had to deal with the stop-and-go of Baymeadows everyday, I'd blow a gasket.

(Jaxomobile rounds Five Points Roundabout back onto Park Street)

Jaxopolitan: Hey! What's that!
Jaxomobile: Hey little lady, what are you looking at?
Jaxopolitan: "Grassroots Natural Market." There's going to be a natural foods store on this side of town? (Brain explodes inside skull)
Jaxomobile: Wow, that will be nice. Now I won't have to deal with JTB every time you get an organic craving.
Jaxopolitan: Is there a website? A phone number? I must have more information. I need more information! (Strains to read banner for contact)
Jaxomobile: Woman! Pay attention! Watch the road! You're going to be the death of me!
Jaxopolitan: Oh, whoops. Sorry, Jaxomobile. I'm just excited!
Jaxomobile: I know you are. I forgive you. Let's go home. I need more coolant. (cue grill curling back into a smile)

Apparently, the store is to be opened by a couple young men whose family already owns many GNC-type nutrition centers around town. The hydroxycut and creatine-power background makes me nervous, but my hope is that this venture will be a right-on natural market, that happens to be financially backed by the family.

Grassroots Natural Market is set to open sometime before year's end.

Uncommon Crisis

Locally-owned San Marco coffee shop Uncommon Grounds is feeling some serious pain from the clusterfuck that is the Hendricks construction.

TSI is thus hosting a benefit concert Tuesday with proceeds going to save San Marco's anti-starbucks. Five bucks, a few bands, and a chance to help out a neighbor.

Show some local love. Fight the Walmart-ization of society.

[Borrowed from Urban Jacksonville]

Todoist: Best of coffee, phallus, hippies and hipsters

Tuesday: Folio Weekly's Best of Jax Party @ Pearl. Attendance by invitation only. Time to hit Craigslist to beg for tickets. It's not prostitution if it's not for money. [FW]
Tuesday: Help support Uncommon Grounds, from getting killed by a Construction/Starbucks molotov cocktail. Oh, and they're be music, too. [UJ]
Tue-Sat: Joseph and the Polysyllabic Musical, the gayest Christian performance to hit Jax since Veggie Tales, hits the Times-Union Center. Seriously, that cucumber's got something going on. [FCCJ]
Thu-Sun: Magnoliafest celebrates ten years of longhaired hippie bastards getting stoned to mediocre music. At least it gets my stoner roommate out of the apartment for a few days. [MF]
Saturday: The opportunity to make a complete ass of yourself, both locally, and on national tv! Auditions fpr Stupid Pet and Human Tricks for The Tonight Show @ The Humane Society. [CBS]
Saturday: TSI celebrates one year of hipsters hating poseurs who wish they were hipsters but who just aren't obscure enough. Wait, what? [TSI]

Newsish: It's news to me.

Public school is a bunch of crap, anyway. [FCN]
"Phat Cats" fired for inability to differentiate "Phat" from "Fat." [FCN]
Speaking of Phat Phucks: Asia gave us noodles. The French gave us pastry. America's contribution to the culinary arts? Deep fried Coca-cola. [FCN]
Paid for the illusion of safety, not actual safety: Forget the police officer who jumped into the river to save a drowning woman. The real hero is the security guard who heard her splash in and called the officer. [N4J]

Todoist: Is it really a week end when it hardly began?

Thursday: Get your drink on at Cocktails & Creatives. Get your network on, too. C&C @ Lemon Bar. [AIGA]
Friday: WWJD? Good Fridays premiere at 9th & Main. [DJ PZ]
Fri-Sat: More inappropriate jokes than a barrel of blackface monkeys. Lisa Lampanelli @ Comedy Zone. [CZ]
Saturday[am]: Florida has a beautiful Autumn. You just hope you're not working that weekend. Play outdoors at Art in the Park @ Riverside Park. [JxPrk]
Saturday[am]: Torment helpless animals with bad costumes to raise money for homeless animals. Dogtoberfest @ Dogwood Park. [FCNMHP]
Saturday[am]: Free stuff with an ad from this week's Folio. Art supplies never tasted so good. Customer Appreciation Day @ Reddi-Arts. [R-A]
Saturday[pm]: Bust out the glam and get soused the old-fashioned way at Moonlight Martinis @ Five Points Theater. [CFF]

Newsies, with less dancing.

Palatka: The wonder that is the young entrepreneur. N4J
Beaches: The T-U hires Fat Bastard as a headline writer. T-U

If news breaks, but it's not news to you, did anyone care in the first place?

Southside: "He said he wanted to 'bang.' What's the problem?" T-U
Citywide: Color-coding is important when reminding people to register to vote. You don't want to slip and accidently help the other party. that would just be un-American. FCN
Riverside: These people's savior essentially said, "Eat me." What do you expect? T-U
Cap'n Obvious: Breaking news: Handbags are all the rage! Women can't see into their purses in the dark! FCN
OMG! WTF! LOL! We R Young. We R Hip. Just look @ R Headlines! N4J

Jaxeek: If you're bored, then you're boring.

For 4 nights, I will no longer be the biggest bitch in Jacksonville.

Lisa Lampanelli, recently seen on Comedy Central Roasts of William Shatner and Pamela Anderson, is set to visit Jacksonville for six shows over four days at the Comedy Zone in Mandarin.

I've never been to a comedy club. The last time I was in Mandarin, it was for a happy hour at Harmonious Monks, my own little slice of Hell. I have low expectations.

But this woman has made me laugh on TV, and I consider this part of my quest to remove my ass from the couch. And instead plop it down in a chair somewhere else.

Comedy Zone | Comedy Central | Queen of Mean


Drink+Dine=Good.
Drink+Drive=Bad.
Drink+Design=Could go either way.

AIGA, the professional association for design, hosts this month's Cocktails & Creatives at Lemon Bar at the Beach.

You don't have to be an AIGA member, designer, or alcoholic to attend. But it helps.

AIGA | AIGA Jax | Seahorse Inn


He's like jesus, but less hairy.

Good Fridays begin this week, October 13. DJ Paul Zimmerman plays whatever you want, but gets giddy when it comes to Brit pop.

Last time Paul had a kickoff event at 9th & Main, there was an inflatable bounce house. And a bar. And shots of tequila chased with gin martinis.

Remember to pack taxi fare.

DJ Paul Zimmerman [MySpace] | Who Needs Radio | 9th & Main


They're poets, don't you know it.

Art in the Park happens Saturday in Riverside Park on Saturday, 9-1 pm.

Artists are supposed to be creative - can no one come up with anything thing better than "Art in the freakin' Park?"

It's just a matter of time before they start using cliches as a weapon. Just look at how New Yorkers are mocking their old.

Art in the Park [COJ] | Gawker


Drinking for charity. It's a two-fer if the charity recipient drives a taxi.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's annual event Moonlight Martinis occurs Saturday at the Five Points Theater. This year's theme is "The Golden Age of Hollywood” and the event runs 7-midnight.

I'm just interested to check out the post-renovation Five Points Theater.

Jax Mag | Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

So whaChew whaChew whaChew want?

Chew, a new restaurant on West Adams, is now open. Let tastebuds everywhere rejoice.

This place is god (er, good. Freudian slip).

Normally when out to eat, I scan the menu quickly and decide between just a couple items (being vegetarian often limits options). But this menu was Out-Of-Control: Hot Sandwiches! Cold Sandwiches! Pressed Sandwiches! Salads! Side Items!

Finally, I decided on the Chevre and Asparagus pressed sandwich, and my friend got the Truffle pressed sandwich. The sandwiches both rocked our socks, and came with field greens on the side, which wasn't listed on the menu. Since we didn't know that our sandwiches came with greens, we had ordered a side salad with Champagne-Terragon dressing, which was very good. Afterwards, she also got a cup of Chai Tea for dessert, which I'll have to order for myself sometime to determine whether I prefer it over Starbucks.

I dropped $10 on lunch, including tip. (Perspective: I drop $10 on lunch at the Loop ToGo, which isn't nearly as good)

The service was a touch slow (it was a full one-hour lunch), but I'm willing to forgive, as this is only their first week open. Even if things don't speed up, food like this might actually be worth getting a little bit of grief from the boss.

Chew is currently open for lunch, 10-3. (The grand plan includes opening for dinner, but they want to get lunch down before getting ahead of themselves)

Staring next week, they plan to have a full coffee bar, and prepared cold sandwiches to grab 'n go.

Chew [MySpace]

Todoist: Nacho average Friday, Life is a Cabaret

Celebrate a birthday of the Seka and/or Logan Variety at BG.







I've been told for years how good Boomtown is. YEARS.

I think it's my Orlando upbringing that produced my natural aversion to "Dinner Theater" and "Supper Clubs." I've learned through many trial-and-error that the concept of "Dinner Theater" is generally code for "Bad acting and mediocre food. Audience participation (read: humiliation) encouraged."

Imagine my surprise. I was so wrong. It was so good.


Tonight's action @ Boomtown: Mad Cowford Improv Troupe @ 8, The Real American Cabaret @ 9:30. $5 Cover.

Burrito Gallery | Boomtown | The Real American Cabaret

This little light of mine (I'm gonna let it shine)

Now through Wednesday (10.11.06) Florida is hosting a sales-tax holiday on "green" (energy-efficient) appliances. Woot! Items applicable for the tax holiday include Energy Star Certified:

Clothes washers
Dishwashers
A/C Units and Ceiling Fans
Compact Fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs
Dehumidifiers
Programmable thermostats
Refrigerators

A sales tax holiday on top of electric bill savings from using energy-efficient products? It's getting easy bein' green.

Florida T-U | Treehugger

Todoist: Blazing Pianos, Album release

Five pianos. One family. One stage.

The Five Browns are Juilliard-trained musician siblings performing tonight as the kickoff show in the Riverside Fine Arts concert series. They've been featured on 60 Minutes II, Oprah, and the Today Show.

Supposedly, they're crazy talented and get along. I'm kinda hoping they're a tad dysfunctional, so it'll end up like when Daffy and Donald Duck duel pianos in Who Framed Roger Rabbit:



The Five Browns | Riverside Fine Arts Alliance | The Florida Theatre






This week's POP! is a special event. In honor of The Decemberists new release The Crane Wife.

Prizes and treats are to be expected, as is great music & beverages by friendly faces.

DJ Paul Zimmerman [Myspace] | The Decemberists | Eclipse

Seka Seka Hey Seka Hey Hey Hey

Thirteen Minute Productions willl be hosting a birthday party for Seka at Burrito Gallery this Friday, October 6.

Enjoy good company, good drinks, and taco taco tacos.

Burrito Gallery | 13 Minute Productions

Art Walk of Death

The monthly Jacksonville Artwalk is tomorrow, 5-9 p.m.

This month was originally supposed to celebrate Dias de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), but some genius decided that an ethnic holiday celebrating the memories of dead family members was too dark. So, now it's "All Souls Celebration."

Mmm, all souls. Reminds me of that plastic-wafer flavor from my Catholic upbringing.

Check out the Florida Theatre to view the Riverside Fine Arts poster series designed by Chris Salvador, who's keepin' it real with Dias de los Muertos.

Sources: Downtown Vision | Artwalk Passport | Harrington Design Alliance

WTF! DFA1979? STFU!

How did I not find out about this sooner? Why didn't anybody tell me?

It's just a simple day. I'm putting together an "Artsy Bartsy" playlist, and I check out if DFA1979 has any new music out. When it hits me, posted right on the news page - No more new music from them. EVER.

It's a sad day in Jaxopolitan land.

Source: Death From Above

Dark. Like the crevaces of your brain.

October's occurrence of the monthly C10 party is 80s/dark wave themed. Hosted by friends SB; dj EL will spin all night. Food will be catered by owner JB; as always, booze will flow freely.

Attendance for C10 is by invitation only. Professional networking is prohibited.

Disc Joc-ock-cock-ey

I love The Pearl.

I was present opening night in September 2005. I was present at the anniversary party last Saturday. For a signifcant amount of time, I was a Thursday & Saturday night visitor. Prior to that, I enjoyed many a drunken night at Art Bar.

But, seriously, what the hell is up with Ricky? The last several times I've trekked upstairs to say hello, he's been sassy to the point of being borderline rude.

Example: Saturday night I went up to compliment him on a better-than-usual playlist, and say happy anniversary. Before saying hello, he starts giving me shit for wearing a "Pearl" pin instead of a "Ricky" pin. I was so thrown off by said commentary, I simply said happy anniversary and went outside.

Plus, the kid is slipping.

At least half a dozen tracks skipped bad enough to throw off the entire rhythm of the song. Also, something that I've always noticed - but is now bothering me increasingly - is the pause between songs. I mean, even iTunes has crossfade, so songs blend into each other without breaking the dance mania.

The Pearl continues to be one of the best places in the city to dance, drink, see and be seen. But I look forward to another venue who can force them to step up their game.

Source: The Pearl [MySpace]

Shein on, you crazy diamond.

My love affair with Anomaly started in Spring 2005. I had just moved to Riverside. They had just opened in Five Points. They needed customers to satisfy the cash register. I needed oversize cocktail rings to satisfy my over-the-top-jewelry lust. It was instant love.

Anomaly has since blossomed into a painfully awesome boutique. The love endures.

I am now obsessed with my new Steven Shein necklace from Anomaly - and I'm not the only one. I can't leave the house without someone mentioning it: coworkers, friends, anonymous dance partners.

The line is great. But both Steven Shein's website and MySpace pages are so ugly/unnavigable they make me want to stab myself in the eyes. Repeatedly.

So save your eyes, and check out the merch at Anomaly. Local retailers save us from a GAP life.

Sources: Steven Shein | Anomaly's Myspace

Good Fridays (without the Cadbury Eggs)

Begining a week from Friday, DJ Paul Zimmerman will be spinning at 9th & Main Friday nights. Paul's best known for his rotations at TSI (Get Smart, Wednesdays), Eclipse (POP! Thursdays), and briefly Saturday nights at Nosh earlier this year.

Of course, knowing that place is more unpredicatble than Coutrney Love off her meds, I contacted the source for clarification:

J: Dude, you're going to be back at 9th & Main? I thought 9th&Main/Nosh was all "whatever" and then you were all, "yeah, whatever!" And that was the end of that.
P: Well, we are running the show now! We understand ourselves, they didn't understand what we were about. Hahaha.

DJ PZ has a reputation for loving the crowd the way the crowd loves him. DFA1979? No prob. Abba? Absolutely. That's the way he rocks it.

References: Paul's MySpace | Who Needs Radio | 9th & Main | TSI | Eclipse

Tragically H.I.P.

I've spent years testing eyeshadow. Name a makeup counter at Belk or Sephora - I've been there. Clinque. Dior. Mary Kay. Benefit. Et al.

Somehow, it just doesn't matter. Eyeshadow always looks better pressed tightly in a plastic case than swept over the eyelid. Without fail, the brightest, boldest $18-a-pop color just doesn't quite look as good on the skin as it does in case, or that beautifully color-corrected ad in Vogue. And that's alright - I've accepted defeat.

Until last night.

Based entirely on impulse (propelled mostly by a BOGO promotion), I picked up an eye shadow duo by L'Oreal's new H.I.P. (High Intensity Pigments) line.

This stuff is Out-Of-Control. It actually looks brighter on the skin than in the compact. I went from Sigorney Weaver to Ziggy Stardust in moments.

Which makes me happy. It's time for some fun with fashion again.

Reference: L'Oreal H.I.P.