IF THE BIRDS KNEW

Hitler Learns MOCA Job Goes To Jeffrey Deitch

2010-02-13T17:12:00.006-05:00

pretty hilarious via: my mom

Guy Bourdin

2010-02-10T21:11:00.004-05:00

vintage ITBK post on Guy Bourdin

Nazareth "This Flight Tonight"

2009-12-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Native Funk and Flash

2009-10-30T09:12:00.000-04:00

**Click on any of the pictures for a supersize version**

Happy October 30th everyone! I am reposting a blog entry that is almost 3 years old.

Native Funk & Flash has been and always will be an incredible source of inspiration for me, my darling friends (especially Cal & Siri) & countless other people in the world of makers. A few days ago I received a comment from the author, Alexandra Hart, and then a beautiful letter. This letter has moved me as she was as lovely as her creations (The denim shirt she embroidered for her husband was the inspiration for my first real embroidery project a denim shirt for my husband, Finn)

I wanted you to all know that she has books available for purchase and that she really oughtta know how important the Native Funk & Flash book is to all of us so please email me pictures, links and your thoughts on how that book changed your life or just leave her a comment below. In her letter she told me that her and a friend were co-creators in the amazing and totally important pattern company Folkwear another mind blower. I plan on posting some more pictures in the coming days...

ORIGINAL POST FROM 2/15/07

I know I know I haven't been very bloggy lateley I have been feeling Blogathetic....and really wanting to work with my hands (sewing, embroidery, drawing, knitting, crocheting, etc.) We could blame this all on Cal cuz I took her Patternmaking class and then her embroidery class and now all I want to do is find the time to make things...PLUS my mom finally gave up her much-coveted copy of "Native Funk and Flash," the actual copy I grew up with. She said she and my dad got it a the craft museum when they went and saw the show back in 1974. I scanned a bunch of the pages today so you could get a look at how amazing and varied the work is inside the book...and I figure now I won't have to talk you into making the purchase cuz once you see the french knot penises how could YOU NOT want this book?

p.s. if you want I can scan more images just tell me!

"the sewing machine" Betty Hutton

2009-09-07T20:27:00.001-04:00

Valley of Fire at Sunny's in Red Hook 6/24/09

2009-07-22T18:57:00.006-04:00

Ok people, ITBK is back in action, in honor of our 2009 debut you should go check out the two cutest boys in the universe rock sunny's....i know it's my dream come true it could be yours also! kisses als

FRIDAY JULY 24th at SUNNY'S in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Come and stay all night: 10 TIL LATE.

Valley of Fire is a collaboration between FINIAN MCKEAN and FRANK FALCINELLI (like i said...super yum)

Continental Knitting Demo (Pornography?)

2008-01-17T09:38:00.000-05:00

Here is the thing...the word pornography needs to be revamped, really because it applies to so many things now, not just a movie starring Ron Jeremy or Jenna Jameson (of course I know who that is?). I mean, we have eco-porn (walk of the penguins), environmental-porn (Al Gore as himself), restoration porn (This Old House)--I could keep going on. Listen, you know it's porn cuz most of this stuff you are just watching for your own personal thrill, entertainment & deep-seated (sometimes dark) pleasure...even if it is handy, righteous, educational or even pretty (we love you, Martha!). Enter my kind of porn: craft porn. I LOVE IT and specifically Continental Knitting porn...it makes me feel like a whole person. Please just enjoy this XXX rated journey into craft.

por·nog·ra·phy
Pronunciation: \-fē\
Function:noun
Etymology: Greek pornographos, adjective, writing about prostitutes, from pornē prostitute + graphein to write; akin to Greek pernanai to sell, poros journey — more at fare, carve
Date:1858
1 : the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement 2 : material (as books or a photograph) that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual excitement 3 : the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction

(I just saw this on Boing Boing and I had to blog it cuz WOW how hot is Raquel and who on earth made those crazy sounds?!)

Pink Floyd "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn"

2008-01-16T22:11:00.000-05:00

SO I thought I already blogged "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" but it turns out that was a blog fantasy (like getting 1000 hits a day?)
so today I am gonna make that hope and dream come true. I am now going to tell those of you who don't already own this life-changing, totally influential, Beautiful and completely punk,OH-MY-GOSH-ARE-YOU-KIDDING-ME he didn't just sing "sitting on a unicorn!", freaking genius record that if you want to be a complete person you should stop reading and buy it (you can even download from amazon now). What is causing me at this time to even remember to tell you about this record?...WELL I am gonna tell you: 3 year-olds (even cool ones) can dig some pretty mind-numbing music and when my kid gets in the car and asks for "the PINK music, the one about the gnome and the one about the bike," well I just about lose my mind...I can finally shelve "Oliver!" and the dreaded "Wee sing" (now for the drum roll) and pull out PINK FLOYD!...wow my universe just evolved all in a second just like that...I get to listen to the Piper at the Gates of Dawn with my kid and I loved Pink Floyd (and Syd) just then even more...

It seems I didn't say much about the actual music so if you want the "book report" CLICK it's purdy interesting, really really just imagine...Abbey Road Studios (1967) has 3 bands recording albums:
Pink Floyd "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn", The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" & The Pretty Things "S.F. Sorrow"

Amanda Michelle Smith (beautiful ceramics)

2008-01-13T17:32:00.000-05:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE so you can see the amazing detail (really)

I was surfing around today (not an easy task in a hotel with an obscenely slow internet connection) and I came across the beautiful ceramic work of Amanda Michelle Smith and honestly I was really moved...I think her work is beautiful and I love that they are dimensional, ceramic & colorful it seems a rarity to have all together? A vintage looking beautiful girl with some unknown intention ...anywhoo i thought y'all might dig 'em too (click on the images to enlarge)...they remind me of this Lenci Doll that I have been coveting:

Amanda Michelle Smith

via my love for you

Delroy Wilson, Bunny Lee & Prince Jammy "In a Dancing Mood"

2008-01-12T18:22:00.000-05:00

Tagged by a blogger chain post

2008-01-11T12:30:00.000-05:00

Cal 'n Gertie....the muses to many

uncle dRock 'n Ellie

Jarred & familia Moore Gerety

Allison & Katrina....the lovelies (milf)

dTown...miss this guy so much (my 40 b'day wig party)

Patrick & Finian

Dono trying to keep the ladies away, me & the most beautiful Rachel

Leslie, Gus & Heike

Scorpio freak-out

My crafty side? Don't worry it's not real, c'mon I'm a mom now, it's a needle felted joint and lighter (my first attempt at making something out of felt)
I have officially been tagged by Cal (the darling cal) it seems like it's kinda like a blog chain letter? anywhoo I would basically do anything Cal said...Cal Patch's own personal Lemming so here goes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Hmm facts about myself lets see...well
I am a Horse Scorpio (for real), I hail from the suburbs of Detroit rock city My folks were super smart, crazy & off duty, they liked to party & usually they brought some crazy types home after the "disco" the ones I super remember were Alice Cooper (i saved his girlfriend's lipstick for years) & Peter Max (I have a little drawing he made my mom)...OH, once when I was a kid (10-ish) and we were vacationing Paul McCartney almost ran over me in water skis (skiing in to shore) when I was swimming in the shallows of the sea, I seriously frightened him cuz he almost took my head off. I started splitting home when I was about 13 (cuz my mom tried unsuccessfully to institutionalize me and then tried to sue me in court, yes I was 13) never to return to a normal "family life". I was way into the Detroit Punk scene, I went to a nutty high school in Ann Arbor called Community High School (our tassel was rainbow-colored) and I split for California when I was 21 staying until I was 35 in sweet little Echo Park and then pioneering my way to Red Hook, Brooklyn staying 5 years and then splitting again for Cambridge, mass (read previous entry). Me 'n finian have been together almost 9 years and we have a darling, beautiful & brilliant girl, Addie 3 +, our super canine pals Lala & Lucia and I am still anything but normal: we live in a hotel, our house is haunted, Finn is getting his Ph.D. in Rig Veda and Sanskrit, I am living in Cambridge feeling like an alien from planet psychedelic that landed dead center in the middle of a Gap Store, Addie can sing 'Oliver!' (with accents) from beginning to end (and all the cowboy songs), Lucia is finally living her dream of hotel life & Lala is just the sweetest dog in the universe who is a little iffy on hotel life (and misses swimming in the East river).
I am a Hill person, Lake person, Bog person, I like creepy crawlies such as leeches, snakes, newts, salamanders and all that kinda stuff, I am the audiophile in the family, much to everyones surprise (the records are mine), I have no sense of dimension but an excellent sense of direction (except here in Mass), I finally got a Gocco : ), I am reading 3 books cuz I can't seem to focus (War & Peace, Muhammad & Persephone's Quest), I have at least 5 incomplete craft projects and at least 6 incomplete things I have promised to make for other people, I am more of a rainbow kind of person than a one color kind of gal and I love black cuz it really is a rainbow, I dig all creatures except for the tiger mosquito, ticks & houseflies & this entire post has made me very uncomfortable?
For all my pals....I love you

TAGGED but not responsible dTown Kime Steven P. Hadley Pete Weiss Leslie Napoles

Summer Moore Gerety

Winter Moore Gerety

Somerville, Cambridge, fire & hotel

2008-01-04T19:38:00.000-05:00

The civil war time second empire mansard (yeah it's slate)

The nicotine oozing out of the walls during the wallpaper stripping

BEFORE the work

nicotine staining found under the wallpaper

AFTER we moved in (before the fire)

the wall that smoldered for 15 hours

Listen moving is tough, especially when the move is further East, further cold & further away. Away from what, you ask? Away from my pals, my creature comforts, my hopes and dreams you know that kind of stuff...the stuff that's so abstract or insignificant that it is almost impossible to convey in writing. I would start by saying that I had planned on moving back to Los Angeles--or somewheres around those parts--mostly so I could dip my toes back in to the "easy life", a life with old friends. Groundhog day didn't seem like such a bad lot in life after living in NYC for 5 years. Not to knock the big apple; it's an awesome town full of all sorts of folks we love...I just had enough of broken up sidewalks, dirty subways, cranky bus drivers (all perils to mamas), crack dealers, that kinda thing. I was ready for that California life again 'cuz as they say "you don't miss your water until your well's run dry." Plus all those kids I wanna adore like Tristan Moon, Jacob, Lucy & Gustavo are in those parts.

So here we are it's November 27th and all sorts of fucked-up shit has happened that most of you wouldn't believe but here goes. Y'all know we got the ancient Mansard house in Somerville but didja know it caught fire early in the morning on October 5th? OH YEAH: first Lala came in and woke me up around 5ish and then Addie came in at 6ish and said "mama the house smells like cigarettes." So after a minute I got up and took a suspicious look around, as a plumber had been melting lead the day before, only to find smoke billowing out of the walls...turns out if Addie hadn't woken me up we would have been goners...we had about 5 - 10 more minutes before POOF the whole house was gonna go up with us asleep and trapped. Thanks to the most wonderful Somerville Fire Departments our new pad and all of our precious stuff (art from pals, records, pix, fabric etc) is intact but as we did have lots of damage the house has been in "repair mode" for the past 3 months. You say "where are they living then?" In a hotel, that's where, awaiting the return to our house and new city that I really only lived in for 3 weeks....

Here is the kicker to the story...I believe as does Finian that our house was/is haunted. I mean, what else could explain the bolted door unlocking and opening, the freezing cold breeze blowing through the house on a balmy warm day, the strange radio turning itself on, and all the crazy strange smells that came and went out of nowhere? Oh yeah we know: burn sage, ask them to go to the light...we did all that and the sage caught on fire, even when a professional lit it! We actually had a "tracker" clear the house and it was a little grimmer than we had originally thought...you see we thought all the spookiness was coming from the previous owner (he died tragically in the house) but it was more than the previous owner: we had a real scary spook in the house (from many years before), the terrified and angry previous owner & a portal to the other side (something I actually experienced myself). So you might say moving has been anything but easy...it's been SUPER NATURAL. All in all this is a pretty nice place to live, the folks in these parts are nice and it's real kid-friendly and of course I will be posting on my finds and favorites. SO here I have done it I BLOGGED after 6 months--PHEW! I feel much better and I apologize for my absence...it's been brutal, lonely and a little freaky here in Cambridge but maybe y'all will come and visit! xoxoox amylou

"Don't Let it Bring You Down" Neil Young

2007-10-03T00:21:00.000-04:00

Stolen from Steven P Hadley with love and admiration, thanks pal!

Bob Dylan & The Band "The Basement Tapes"

2007-10-02T18:31:00.000-04:00

So we moved about a month ago and it's been a little insane in our little universe...sprained ankles, dead ducks, bad plumbing, bad electrical, lack of sleep, boxes and boxes and the grand finale...finian crashing the moving truck into our our Scion, OUCH....and it seems untrue but honestly I left so much out of the story SO MUCH. So we moved into our new pad on the 10th and first things first..you gotta unpack the record player and we only had a few records that we kept unpacked for the Brooklyn - Somerville move and they were waiting to be removed from a stinky old milk crate...and like I said it was a priority to let the neighbors know we like to rawk (as dTown would say) anywhoo here we are with the first record I pulled out and it really worked out for me cuz I for sure have listened to "The Basement Tapes" about 15 times in the last week and thankfully when I was feeling overwhelmed, pissed off and lonely...The Band came through for me...not to say that I didn't have 49 or so other records to choose from (the entire Neil catalog was kept out, 3 Fela box sets + our upsetters box) it's just the between Bob & The Band they seemed to have the perfect combination of pissed off, care free happiness with some sarcasm thrown in that got me to that homey visceral comfort zone that was desperately needed....and so I can really win you over I will be sure to post some before and after pix of our new pad & maybe tell you a bit about Somerville, our new home. Now back to the music... if you don't have this record...and I am sure most of you do...you oughtta get it and patch that hole in your musical bucket.

Oh how we prefer vinyl for all of our listening pleasure but if you prefer digital here you go

for some serious reading check out the The Basement Tapes Wiki style

CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS

2007-08-17T10:03:00.000-04:00

No blogging for awhile, we might do some kind of best-of kinda thing but between, buying, packing, moving blah di blah no time for computers! but here is a sneak peak of our FINIAN MCKEAN SHIRTS that will be for sale in my Etsy shop asap. xoxoxo sorry for the disappearance.

Rossangeles "Skate Eraser"

2007-08-09T08:33:00.000-04:00

another sweet one from ROSS

Photobooth.net

2007-08-06T12:11:00.000-04:00

I pals, we have been super busy setting up life in Somerville, Mass...if anyone has any information on the area feel free to share! Anywhoo whilst searching for Somerville info I came across this incredible website Photobooth.net. Photo booth has a complete listing of photo booths across the country and they even have access to vendors if you would like to buy or rent one...I have always wanted one in my house, one day?

Nanook of the North

2007-08-01T09:59:00.000-04:00

Finian Mckean @ Sunny's in Red Hook 8/1

2007-07-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

Well it's new to me but it seems as if Sunny's actually has a website...SHOCKING but true...now maybe they will start stocking Glenlivet for me, doubtful. So it's that time my dear darling friends...it's looking like the last time Finian McKean will be playing at Sunny's for a long time since we are moving at the end of August : ( So I am hoping that you will all wanna come down and bid us a fond adieu, check out the wonderful Finian Mckean shirts we made, pick up a cd and hopefully maybe we even might get a little hang time with Sunny, Tone & Francis.
Whom might you expect to see playing on Wednesday? hmmmm
Finian Mckean, Patrick Brennan, Kiernan Moriarty, Frank Falcinelli & Bob Hoffnar PHEW what a line-up...they can't be stopped...we are even thinking of letting Addie have her singing/songwriting debut (that's of course if she has a nap earlier : ))
Well pals much love and I hope we can bring in August at Sunny's on the 1st around 9ish it's an early night!

Japanese things I want!!!! from Atelier Jade

2007-07-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

Atelier Jade is a little internet shop run by Kumi from the city of Kamakura in Japan. Lucky for all of us Kumi ships worldwide and happens to carry all the sweetest, cutest japanese things anyone might want. I have stuff issues so anything I might want is going to have to wait until after I move...but I want it all!

Hannah Clarke

2007-07-30T15:05:00.000-04:00

Lou Zeldis

Ashley Watson

Pepita

Hannah Clarke

Hannah Clarke

Hannah Clarke
Oh my goodness there is just so much going on these days...how ever is anyone supposed to get anything done...with house hunting, moving & the hot heat of summer, I can't seem to get the mojo together to go and hang out in Hannah Clarke's world. Hannah Clarke is the proprietor of the most magical & enchanted little shop on 4th street just east of 2nd avenue in the village. Hannah's shop carries the beautiful hand-wrought designs (pictured above) that she makes in her studio in the back. Plus, strewn throughout the shop are treasures that Hannah has chosen from all over the world: totally innovative, organic and beautiful jewelry designed by Lou Zeldis, who lives in Bali and uses his nature finds as the substance of his work (the ring at the top); some beautiful Cal creations; XXX rug hook projects from Made with Sweet Love; Ashely Watson's bags (above); vintage cards & assorted ephemera. I still have a huge crush on the little bunny earrings with ruby eyes...and the ancient looking sea glass bracelets (Lou Zeldis) that were dripping across branches...and objets encased in a 100 year old display case (you gotta see it to believe it). OH MY GOSH I almost forgot to mention the amazing rings designed by Pitango and Ati (the 2 huge chunky rings 3rd and 4th down from top)--I can only say that to put one of these rings on is to never wanna take it off....ask Hannah I almost snaked hers right off her finger!

Hannah Clarke
212.539.1970
60 East 4th Street
New York, NY 10003
Open 12 - 7
Wednesday - Sunday

Echo Sessions with Larune & Finian McKean

2007-07-27T21:16:00.000-04:00

So my honey (Finian), Kiley's honey (Pat) & a honey up for grabs (Kiernan)+ some extra special Frank Falcinelli harmonica has been recorded on analog tape and film FOREVER and you can check it out here + Laurune and an excellent description of the newly founded Periodic Label/Echo Sessions....it's a pretty rad music thing that's happening here in wonderful Red Hook.

Sherwin Wine 1928 - 2007

2007-07-27T11:33:00.000-04:00

HI folks, this was our family Rabbi (yes I had a Bat Mitzvah). We (me 'n my brother & sister) were raised as members of The Birmingham Temple & at the time most of the people within the "Jewish community" in Michigan were completely against our temple and would go so far as to shun the congregants...so in a way it makes sense that I am such a punk rocker cuz Rabbi Wine was pretty punk. Here is the OBIT from the NYT yesterday. : (

Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine, founder of a movement in Judaism that says there is no reason to believe in God but that the religion’s highest ethical traditions and the value of each person should be revered, died on Saturday in Essaouira, Morocco.

He was 79 and lived in Birmingham, Mich.

Rabbi Wine was killed in a car accident while on vacation with his companion, Richard McMains, said Rabbi Miriam Jerris, president of the Association of Humanistic Rabbis. The association is an affiliate of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, which Rabbi Wine founded in 1969. Mr. McMains was injured in the accident.

Rabbi Wine started the Society for Humanistic Judaism six years after he sent ripples through the American Jewish community by urging eight families who were doubtful of their faith to join him in establishing the Birmingham Temple, in a Detroit suburb.

The congregation, now based in nearby Farmington Hills, eliminated the word “God” from its services. For example, “You shall love the Lord your God,” became, “We revere the best in man.” The congregation also stopped reciting the Shema, the basic Jewish proclamation of faith in the unity of God.

As word of his innovations spread, Rabbi Wine became controversial. He was castigated by other rabbis.

In 1965, he was the subject of articles in The New York Times and Time magazine.

“I find no adequate reason to accept the existence of a supreme person,” Rabbi Wine told Time.

In the interview with The Times, he said the existence of God required “empirical criteria.” As a substitute, Rabbi Wine preached “humanism,” describing it as a religion “because, like all other religions, it enables man to relate himself to his universe.”

He also emphasized ethical imperatives of Judaism.

Although the Society for Humanistic Judaism has 10,000 members in 30 congregations in the United States and Canada, its tenets are held, to varying degrees, by more Jews. According to the American Jewish Identity Survey of 2001 by the Center for Jewish Studies at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, about half of the 5.3 million Jews in the United States identify themselves as “secular” or “somewhat secular.”

Sherwin Theodore Wine was born on Jan. 25, 1928, in Detroit, the son of immigrants from Poland, Herschel and Teibele Israelski Wengrowski. His father was a cap maker and trouser cutter.

Besides Mr. McMains, a sister, Lorraine Pivnick, of Farmington Hills, survives Rabbi Wine.

The rabbi came from a Conservative Jewish tradition. His parents kept a kosher home. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy at the University of Michigan and was ordained a Reform rabbi after graduating from Hebrew Union College in 1956.

By 1960, Rabbi Wine had founded a Reform congregation in Windsor, Ontario. After three years, he acknowledged his discomfort in addressing a God he was not sure existed and broke from Reform Judaism.

Part of his estrangement was rooted in the Holocaust. In an interview with The San Diego Jewish Journal, Rabbi Wine said, “The message of the Holocaust is that there isn’t any magic power.”

KIME BUZZELLI

2007-07-26T12:24:00.000-04:00

Hi folks Kime's show comes down on Saturday and she still has some pieces left for sale! + she has a bunch of stuff up on her blog The Moldy Doily. May I say that this is a rare opportunity to support a F*cking amazing artist and get an incredible piece of art, all at the same time...so dig deep and make your walls & eyes happy! xoxoxo amylou

Red Hook Vendors Video aka Soccer Tacos

2007-07-25T08:04:00.000-04:00

I'm all choked up to leave my little village of Red Hook...
please support the Red Hook Vendors! (Soccer Tacos)

via Gowanus Lounge

Fornasetti Wallpaper by Cole and Son

2007-07-24T21:10:00.001-04:00

Wow...some new and UNBELIEVABLY beautiful wallpaper from the fabulous Fornasetti and made by Cole and Son

Via Design Sponge

Television "Venus" ITBK rerun

2007-07-22T07:21:00.000-04:00

Oh Man...it just might be an ITBK rerun week? We just listened to this record about 4 times in a row driving upstate and every time we heard Venus we started cracking up and if you wanna see why just watch these two videos!

Part One

Part Two HUH?

TXTual Healing & Graffiti Research Lab, Sealevel2100 and others in Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens

2007-07-20T09:02:00.000-04:00

SATURDAY 9:30 P.M July 21st on the corner of Smith & Douglass

This event is not sponsored and unsanctioned....just my kind of fun!
Go participate in some projections & rhymes with ITBK favorites TXTual Healing

How to make tofu

2007-07-18T00:44:00.000-04:00

AWESOME & YAY i wanna make tofu

150g Dried Soy Beans :
2g Calcium Sulfate (aka Gypsum, used for wine/beer making) water

Soak beans in water overnight.
Place the beans in a blender, adding water until they're covered (about 1" above the bean level). Blend for two minutes until it's a smooth liquid.
Using a sack made from two pieces of cotton cloth, squeeze out the soy juice.
Bring the juice to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Reduce flame to low and simmer for two to four minutes or so.
While the mixture continues to boil, prepare a small dish and dissolve Calcium Sulfate into two to three tablespoons of water.
Using a food thermometer, bring the temperature of the boiling mixture to 176�F.
Pour all of the mixture into a dish with the Calcium Sulfate while mixing briskly for three seconds and stop. Wait 10 minutes for the tofu to set. Serve hot right away, chill or squeeze more water with a cotton cloth while it's still hot for harder tofu.

via craftzine

"Bobbing for Glasses"

2007-07-16T17:35:00.000-04:00

OH my it's part II

It's (K)not Wood

2007-07-16T00:06:00.000-04:00

Tree Bed

Wood Cooler Ghetto Blaster

Wood Grain Tape

Rock Paper Scissors tea towels

wood grain pillow from target

Well it's time to get BLOGADELIC on you....All of these amazing finds come from one fab blog called It's (K)not Wood. It's the kind of blog where you will spend hours perusing the previous posts and I purposely left out all links so you would cuz it's month after month of amazing finds and NOTHING is wood...it just looks woodish. (ok did i just say woodish? : ) love that.

One Girl Cookie Boerum Hill / Cobble Hill

2007-07-12T09:54:00.000-04:00

Did y'all know that I am super critical of all baked goods?...and that's because when you like to bake at home, what you get somewhere else better be GOOD; and that pretty much goes for most culinary experiences outside the home front. OK, deep breath. Onto the reason I have been rambling: One Girl Cookies is the newish place in Cobble Hill/Boerum Hill (depending on how you look at it) and they happen to make the best cupcake I think I have ever tasted. I have been around the cupcake block and honestly I have not been impressed; no names will be mentioned so I can protect myself from an angry cupcake mob. {btw, one of the places that's famous for their cupcakes (and they are super purdy but flavorless) makes a killer donut--the cakie kind of donut--it's excellent with coffee.} OK, back to One Girl: the cupcakes are beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla or chocolate with spiky blue, pink, white or probably any color frosting. They also have amazing cookies & cakes (little yummy mocha sandwich cookies); they always greet you with a smile and it's a great spot to just chill out and enjoy your treat maybe with some of their iced coffee poured over iced coffee ice cubes or with the rosemary lemonade The creme de la creme on a super hot day is il laboratorio del gelato, the hands-down most amazing gelato & sorbet in the known universe. I will fight anyone who wants to on this, really REALLY! So to wrap this sugar bomb up what I am trying to tell you is that this is the place...it's the real deal it's got style, it's got class, it's got flavor...I'm in love with One Girl Cookie now lets listen to some Nina Simone.

**ps don't the cupcakes remind you of lisa simpson?**

The Joshua Shneider Easy-Bake Orchestra at the Bowery Poetry Club

2007-07-11T10:45:00.000-04:00

HEY PALS finn's UNCLE JOSH is rocking at the Bowery Poetry Club TONIGHT!
Joshua Shneider Easy-Bake Orchestra with Vocal Sensation Lucy Woodward & the orchestra is:
Tim Bulkley
Greg Ryan
Deanna Witkowski
Brian Pareschi
Dave Smith
Jacob Varmus
Justin Mullens
David Nelson
Noah Bless
John Yao
Mike Engstrom
Jon Gordon
Matthew Willis
Dan Pratt
Justin Flynn
Josh Sinton
Original compositions and arrangements for 17 musicians,
featuring some of NYC's most fearless improvisers.
July 11th
8:00-9:30 pm
The Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
212.614.0505
foot of First Street, between Houston & Bleecker
across the street from CBGBs
F train to Second Ave, or 6 train to Bleecker
$12.00 at the door

RoxyVintage on ETSY

2007-07-11T07:53:00.000-04:00

Our Darling Friend, Allison Nowlin Ward, of Madame Fortuna fame, always finds the most amazing vintage treasures and luckily for us she often showers our super fashionista daughter, Addie, with her amazing finds....like the other day when a mysterious red package arrived stuffed with 3 incredible vintage dresses.
ITBK is pleased to report that Allison is finally going to share her amazing finds in her new Etsy shop "RoxyVintage". RoxyVintage has the sweetest vintage kids clothing and knowing Allison and her incredible thrifting superpowers RoxyVintage is going to be the virtual vintage shop for folks of all ages. Be sure to check out the size 7 ladies boots she has right now, you really have to see them to believe them! Or the fancy Ferragamo heels for a very slim size 8. HEY it's time to check out RoxyVintage, the brand new shop on Etsy with the coolest wares around!

Mooney Suzuki "Alive & Amplified"

2007-07-10T21:38:00.000-04:00

Alive & Amplified by the Mooney Suzuki
I know it's rare for me to post anything "new" it's cuz I really don't see much "new" that I like...this video came out in 2004 and it's just awesome so check it out! I love that they named themselves after Malcolm Mooney & Damo Suzuki cuz here at ITBK we super heart CAN!

Rainbow Ribbon Jello by Rachel Perlow

2007-07-10T21:11:00.000-04:00

Jello has not really been a huge part of my adult life (no i never got into jello shots either). BUT it's never too late to get into Jello I just needed the right inspiration (and it's pretty easy to get vegan jell-o nowadays) I think I finally have it in this super calla fragalistic psychedelic rainbow Jello recipe...I guess it was originally an actual Jell-O recipe (as in the corporation) and this amazing Rachel tweaked the recipe and made it even radder & I think yummier...I think all of my 3 year old pals might really dig this and although many adults are terrified of Jell-O I think it's gonna be a hit...I am sure of it. Click here for the Recipe
Via Tastespotting

Lorac Publicity Stunt Mascara, ProtecTint & Wet/Dry Powder

2007-07-09T21:45:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a while since I have blogged any super "girly" items...it's not because I don't dig girly things, it's just I really don't have beauty time to put into investigating new, fun & frivolous products....Oh but you see I spent 2 days with my pal, sister & true love Rachel (the one that has the best taste in the universe) and we got sucked into Sephora like we always do which always leads me to get whatever Rachel tells me to get and she is never wrong EVER . So on Rachel's never fail recommendations I got myself some Publicity Stunt Mascara (they aren't kidding) this is an amazing mascara but it's also pretty weird...it stays on for days and honestly it never comes off it just kinda just goes away somehow...like for example; crying, swimming, rubbing your face, sleeping, slathering eye make-up remover over your lashes...go ahead make this mascara's day cuz IT STILL WON'T COME OFF! (and i know it's sick but i dig it) The next and most necessary summer purchase was the ProtecTint Tinted Moisturizer with 30 sunscreen...as a moisturizer it goes on light as a feather and the tint is very slight - that coupled with 30 protection is a recipe for summer make-up happiness since I am always walking everywhere exposing my face to Brooklyn's dirty & disgusting air and blazing hot summer rays. Last but not least the Wet/Dry Powder...well it's hard to find a compact powder that actually works and that's all there is to it...it's a great compact powder.

Sorry, dudes, maybe you should check out Jesus & Tequila on ITBK'S radio

The Boys Next Door

2007-07-06T15:09:00.001-04:00

Hi pals....i was trying to blog "The Boys Next Door" but I honestly could not find it on CD or vinyl ANYWHERE..I even checked itunes...wow, what is up with that? I mean, I get it when it's hard to find something cuz when "Door Door" came out it was liking finding gold if you spotted it for sale...and that also went with all the early Birthday Party 45s...but this is the digital age, so what gives? anyhoo I am going to upload a couple of tunes onto my fabulous new little *radio broadcast that is just to the right on my side bar...lemme know what you think. Oh, and here is the time sequence: Boys Next Door, Birthday Party (and then all the in-between projects...far too many to list) and then the Bad Seeds. I personally love this record; I know a lot of people might disagree with me but I stand true to it...even if it does have some rock sax! :)

**RADIO STATION: click on POST for the listing of songs cuz I posted 2 boys next door songs**
Shivers...have a great weekend xoxoxo kisses

Kneehighs-n-Pigtails Jewelry

2007-07-06T07:24:00.000-04:00

Ok already enough is enough....this is the spot to get some cool jewels on Etsy....so everyone who keeps asking "hey those earrings are awesome...where didja get 'em? "here is the SPOT...and for those of you who haven't seen them in real life they really are as beautiful and mysterious as they look in the pix. Almost all of the beads come from the Czech Republic and the metal is stamped from dies that have been around for over 100 years then Kneehighs-n-Pigtails whips up some groovy creations and voila...fancy huh!

Van Halen REUNION TOUR YAY!!!!!!!

2007-07-04T10:28:00.000-04:00

OH yeah it's true and you KNOW ITBK hearts Van Halen just check it out HERE! and if you need the facts here is the Billboard article it's gonna be me, you and 60,000 other freaks sporting lycra & fishnet clothes

Kime Buzzelli "Initials in Apples and Other Futile Spells" in Portland, Oregon

2007-07-03T09:51:00.000-04:00

Oh my Oh my...it's time for another wonderful Kime show...this one is going to be at the Motel Gallery in Portland Oregon. The opening reception is July 5th from 6 - 9 but it's up until the 18th and if you dig what you see feel free to call the gallery and stake your claim on one of her amazing creations....we know we did! (listen i am serious...having some kime in your world is akin to having rainbows, sprites, moss and magic floating through the ether in your very own space. DIG IT...i hope so. KIME KIME KIME YAY

MOTEL GALLERY
19 NW 5TH AVE, SUITE C
PORTLAND, OREGON 97209
T 503.222.6699 . TF 866.223.8258

Little Richard

2007-06-28T09:28:00.000-04:00

send me some loving

hound dog

I had to post them both I just had to do it!

Brooklyn Bridge Park "Floating Pool Lady"

2007-06-27T22:34:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh ONLY IN NYC can you go hang out on the East River, party on a pirate ship sandbox, get some killer pizza & ice cream and then like a true kid go swimming in a pool on a barge that is docked called the Floating Pool Lady

Date: July 04, 2007 through September 03, 2007

Hours: Pool, 11am-7pm; beach 9am-9pm
Ages: All ages.
Price: FREE.

Address:
Between Piers 4 and 5 (Furman and Joralemon Streets) - 718-802-0603
one block north of Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn , NY
www.bbpc.net

Description: Take a dip in the 25 meter, 7 lane Floating Pool Lady, a floating swimming pool moored in the East River. Run your toes through the sand on the 40,000 square foot Brooklyn Bridge Park Beach. Grab a burger, rent an umbrella and enjoy the spectacular views of New York Harbor.

comment problems have been fixed

2007-06-27T21:50:00.000-04:00

i think i fixed the comment problem, i think it was the pop-up window? so if you still have problems lemme know. xoxoox

Sexy Death Soda "California Police State"

2007-06-25T12:22:00.000-04:00

HI pals...we are on our way to Cambridge to look for a living space but I wanted to tell you about this great band called Sexy Death Soda...if you wanna hear 'em you can click on my little radio and it's the first song you will hear. The band was made up of our pals Steve Hanft, Lisa Demoral, Pinto Vega & Rob Taylor. Basically they rule: it's totally just straight-up killer music--it's Rock 'n Roll music...remember that stuff? In-your-face, say-it-like-it-is, shred-the-guitar, have-the-best-drummer (who also happens to be the coolest, gorgeous & smart chick, the girl EVERYBODY had a huge crush on) and just play all the time..even if people are throwing punches & chairs. We listened to this record about 5 times this weekend & I bet we listen again on the way up to Cambridge...Cuz it makes you feel good especially when you are driving (you know that California feeling, right?)
Sexy Death Soda CD

Monk E Mail

2007-06-24T18:31:00.000-04:00

My pal Gus and his momma Leslie sent us a Monk E Mail and we thought it was super cool so we wanted to send you guys one click HERE and I bet you are gonna send one to someone you love too.

Philip K. Dick "A Scanner Darkly"

2007-06-22T22:49:00.000-04:00

So I know most of you go see movies, have t.v. live "normal lives" over here at ITBK HQ seeing a movie is a serious rarity...reserved for anniverseries, birthdays and of course the bi-weekly toddler movie (a real zoo lemme tell ya) and as for t.v., both me 'n my hubby independent of each other have preferred to be t.v.-free for most of our lives (me because I would watch it all the time & I kinda can't stand it and him cuz he truly can't STAND IT). I am saying all of this because we missed out on all the trailers and definitely did not see the film "A Scanner Darkly" but we both have read it...I read it about 15 years ago and decided this morning to re-read it and--WOW! Philip K. Dick just RULES! The guy was a freakin mind-reading, savant, fortune-telling genius. How did he know the world is the way it is? He's just always so deep and smart...so here I am to tell you please, please READ Philip K. Dick! I mean, it's perfectly O.K. to go see any film you want but you really oughtta read the book...it's uncool not to. He writes this totally awesome, out-there book, tells it like it is and then some other dude comes along and rewrites it to fit a movie? Ouch. Let me tell you their is only one Hampton Fancher...not only that, with a movie you are depending on all sorts of things to align in the universe: casting, costumes, sets etc. With a book it's so easy your brain does all the work; it's almost psychedelic, the notion of reading...you get my point? When you READ you get psychedelic with yourself.

You can a get a new or used copy of a A Scanner Darkly here
ITBK'S post on Galactic Pot Healer
Philip K. Dick official website

Bicycle For Sleeping Two by ROSSANGELES

2007-06-20T12:47:00.000-04:00

If you really want to see the movie high mega style click on the link Bicycle For Sleeping Two
So if you haven't heard Edy, who you all saw in his starring appearance in Bicycle for sleeping or maybe drunk ok, was hit by a car in Los Angeles last week. Ross has once again documented a slice of Edy Lopez's life for us to see...I am going to throw in some extras...Edy is the guy that can turn any car into whatever you want it to be HE IS AMAZING not just with bikes but with just about anything. He is the guy that would take my old boss & lot of other pals cars 'n trucks and turn them into vintage future freak-out rides...I gotta say his vibe is the inspiration of lots of interior and exterior design in Los Angeles. anywhoo if you are feeling like making a donation towards his health you can email me and I will send you the INFO! (itbk@nyc.rr.com)

ps those of you who know how rad Edy is please leave comments, OK!

The Undertones "Teenage Kicks"

2007-06-19T22:29:00.000-04:00

AWWWWW

Finian McKean MONSTERS OF THE DEEP WOODS

2007-06-18T16:16:00.000-04:00

So it's my honey's birthday today...on this lovely June 18th so what better post than the release of his second album "Monsters Of The Deep Woods" recorded in the Den of Iniquity with none other than the wonderful Patrick Brennan so ya'll should click HERE then click to pick yourself up a copy cuz THIS RECORD RULES...really and truly

you can have a FREE listen HERE

Happy Papa Day cuz My Heart Belongs to Daddy

2007-06-17T20:23:00.001-04:00

Finnanhaddie

Some E Cards

2007-06-17T08:39:00.001-04:00

Some E cards puts the ease in sending an "e -card" ..., well...it's kinda mean but man they cover all their bases....they have a card for basically every shitty thing you have ever "secretly" thought...and for every not so secret thing you might actually wanna say so check 'em out. You will have lot's of gasp, laugh & oh my gosh out loud moments

Adeline June Moore Gerety is 3

2007-06-16T22:23:00.000-04:00

Our girl turns 3 years old today...it's beautiful

VBS Brooklyn, IFC Rooftop movies NYC all summer yay

2007-06-16T09:21:00.000-04:00

So it seems I missed out on telling you about the rooftop film last night..some Sonic Youth thing but TONIGHT you can go hang out on the rooftop of the old American Can Factory in Park Slope and watch some episodes of TOXIC BROOKLYN check with IFC rooftop films for more awesome rooftop fun since it's happening ALL SUMMER LONG in wonderful New York City

Check out the Vice/VBS blog!

Renegade Craft Fair in Williamsburg

2007-06-15T08:11:00.000-04:00

YAY it's time again for the most wonderful Renegade Craft Fair
This weekend Saturday & Sunday! there are about a gabillion vendors making just about anything you might ever want...just check out Hodge Podge's amazing hummingbirds (can i put my order in now?)! hope to see you on Sunday (that's when I am going) OH AND be sure to bring water and sunscreen!

Summer Shoes anyone?

2007-06-13T11:32:00.000-04:00

some new styles from Re-Mix shoes

and of course the Worishofers are still the best bet for comfort, style and price...it's awesome to look like a hot German nurse on a beautiful summer day!

NOW FOR THE VINTAGE YAY!

Vintage Ralph Lauren size 10 get 'em here

Vintage Cherokee size 9 super comfy

and some SUPER awesome woven platforms LOVE THESE size 7

Finian Mckean @ Pete's Candy Store in Williamsburg

2007-06-12T17:44:00.000-04:00

WEDNESDAY JUNE 13th at Pete's Candy Store Finian (guitar & hair), Kiernan (bass & charm), Patrick (skins & happiness), Bob (pedal steel & clarity) & maybe just maybe Frank Falcinelli will show up (harmonica & love) It's an honest to goodness to rockness all-star jam. IT'S GONNA RULE!

Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing

2007-06-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

So please excuse my--late night after many hours of sewing--"photo booth" pic but I really wanted to show you that I had actually made something from the "Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing" book. This is an amazing amazing book...I PROMISE. The thing is the book is true to its name..."Simple Sewing" is 24 easy-to-follow patterns with photos, hand drawn instructions and the most amazing WHITE PAPER patterns (not the dreaded YELLOW crap tissue patterns) are included in a handy little pocket on the inside of the book. One of the patterns is this nifty little sunhat that I whipped up in a few hours with extra fabric that was floating around our pad; I even had some woven fusable interfacing and everything. So I used this sweet little calico print with a nice denim on the inside. The book has all sorts of great projects like napkins, 2 kinds of aprons, bedding, yoga mat bag, garden tote, hot pads (super-easy and nice) plus other everyday projects to make your world a little more stylish, neat and, well, HOME-MADE!

Get the book
check out Lotta's website 'n wares

Save RED HOOK soccer field vendors NOW

2007-06-11T00:26:00.000-04:00

Well, y'all know that we live in Red Hook, Brooklyn...let me tell you a little bit about our beautiful little spot otherwise known as "the last exit to brooklyn":
we are surrounded by water on 3 sides (a peninsula just like my hometown MICHIGAN) we have crazy little (recovering) toxic canals that have all sorts of sea life coming back (sea horses, starfish, horseshoe crabs & the most beautiful vibrant red jellyfish). We have those beautiful red brick Civil War buildings with the big giant doors and windows with black iron shutters...We have row houses, brick & frame, loads of artist studios, an immense 1920's grain silo that sits right on the water, the Red Hook Houses (what used to be one of the toughest housing projects in the country), over 30 acres of park that includes an olympic size pool, a rubber running track and many soccer fields that have teams playing every weekend for the entire summer...and what makes this SOOOO special is that at least 20 or more vendors set up around the fields making the most amazing home made food and drink like pupusas, tuna soup, huaraches, ceviche, tacos, corn, mango, coconut, horchata & hibiscusade...oh and all sorts of fun for the kids! Oh guess what else is coming into our little teeny weeny little gem of a neighborhood??? Oh, only the largest Ikea in North America, bringing with it Hummers, parking lots on the water, and a large dose of vile corporate attitude...and I suppose with all the new construction and $$ coming into Red Hook the powers that be want to start an open bidding war on the food tents, i.e., make it so you have to pay big $$ to set up and make food. It sounds to me like they are trying to get rid of the soccer field vendors and replace them with, hmmm, "hot dog on a stick"? Or maybe some of those really crappy knishes that they sell all over town. So to all my readers from all over the universe could you please take a second and send a letter to these folks that might listen? just click HERE and be sure when you visit Red Hook, Brooklyn to check out our wonderful soccer vendors OK? and thanks!
ps thanks to Bob Hoffnar (pedal steel extraordinaire)

Wire live in Germany!

2007-06-08T16:52:00.000-04:00

how rad HOW RAD

here is some more for the real wire freak inside

Iron in Atwater Village

2007-06-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

My pal Mike (yeah the tall, statuesque gorgeous mike THAT MIKE the one that makes the most amazing movies, always has the funniest jokes and is mom to 2 AMAZING girls)
opened up the coolest little shop in Atwater called Iron...basically you can pick whatever kind-a shirt you want...flip through an overwhelming amount of just the most kick-ass designs and voila you have a totally original & radical NEW shirt...personally I adore the Ricks drive-in photos (all taken by Mike over many years), the Indian head and wow the unicorn & girl (this has got to be on a shirt for Addie)
So if you are feeling like you might need some spice for your look stop by her spot in Atwater or just order online...it's so easy to get rad just visit IRON! (mmmm and Tacos Villa Corona is just a few doors down)
Iron (Iron)
is located in Atwater Village,
3181 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles ,CA 90039
Phone: 323 663 5100
Send queries to:
ironatwater@yahoo.com

Treat Street Saturday June 9th somwhere in Silverlake

2007-06-06T23:00:00.000-04:00

THIS JUST IN FROM: Clare
Sweet secret family recipes for confections passed down and perfected for generations (with measurements like "speck" and "dash" and "handful") presented to you by your favorite secret, roving bakery THIS SATURDAY June the 9th! Somewhere on the street with a name that sounds like macarena around dahlia (the aztec master of flower disguise) in silverlake, california, usa, planet earth

you know, honestly if you can't figure this one out, you might as well just go get a diet coke & a fat free muffin at the stop & shop.

Intelligensia is also guest starring this weekend! That means fancy, tasty coffee drinks and hot chocolates. No joke!

Mmmmmmmmm's the word on Treat street

TXTual healing

2007-06-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

Remember TXTual healing from a while back? it's awesome you can make some interactive text-itti just read on!

Participate in Roam-mania!
On the night of June 6th at 9:30 pm Bucharest time (2:30 pm in NYC), TXTual Healing will be projected on a small street corner in Bucharest. (not the same spot in the attached picture)
To post a message from outside Romania send an SMS to: +40743344253 (include the + or it won't work)
Recently Accepted into the EU, Romania was already undergoing tremendous development. Everyone I have met has been beautiful and in tune with the world around them. Little is relayed about what is going on this part of the world, they want to be brought up to speed, but also wary of what development can mean to the loss of affordable housing and ownership of the streets. Wish them luck in their protection of public space and hopefully the ability to fight the disney-fication of their culture, or at least say hi from your part of the world.

CInders "The Porch Show"

2007-06-04T22:39:00.000-04:00

Well this sounds like a purdy good way to truly get our new york summer freak-out on...i mean all sorts of wonderful people (incredible creators & makers of all sorts of blow-your-mind kinda stuff) are working it out to bring the totally simple innocent feeling of chilling on the porch on a hot 'n muggy summer day...super pals, good times, lemonade and all! You just have to head on over to Cinders Gallery on June 8th until August 5th.

ps...ITBK can't wait to see Cal's beautiful, sentient, crocheted flowahs

Bright, Mel Kadel, Rich Jacobs, Erika Somogyi, Sean Samoheyl, Monica Canilao, Kelie Bowman, Florencio Zavala, Caroline Hwang, Brendan Monroe, Julie Morstad, Saviour Scraps, Jenny Hart, AJ Fosik, Jeana Sohn, Eric Beltz, Jacob Mickelson, Sto, the Polaroid Kidd, Matt Leines, Julien Langendorff, Tim Harrington, Ryan Woods, Matthew Feyld, Amanda Barr, and Richard Colman

"Community is as important as ever in our current political climate and with looming luxury condos threatening our neighborhood’s current makeup of longtime residents, families, artists, and small independent businesses, it is all the more necessary for us to come together. With this in mind, we present to you our second Porch Show.
The American front porch sets the stage for this exhibition, which aims to resurrect and embrace the porch as an outdoor living room where the public and private can merge, while ideas of community, Americana imagery, gentrification, and the role art plays in our daily lives are explored.
The 30 artists in the show all have unique voices that together can be heard as a representation of a loose-knit community of likeminded do-it-yourselfers that exist a little below the radar and yet are part of a thriving, positive, and artistically diverse new generation. Aesthetic commonalities abound, where a longing for nature, a fascination with animals, a playful sense of humor, and a decidedly critical look inward appear in different ways.
In addition, there are countless events planned to coincide with this show including live music on the porch, BBQs on the sidewalk and video art nights. With most of us confined to closet-sized apartments or holed up in an isolated loft building, the porch is often a missing element in our lives. So come out and join us!"

Cinders Gallery
103 Havemeyer st. btwn Hope + Grand st.
Williamsburg Brooklyn
718-388-2311

Acetone "All You Know"

2007-06-04T09:15:00.000-04:00

Good morning darlings...we are here in lovely Cambridge...it's raining and cold...looking for a new home to live in for a few years whilst my husband recites vedic chant AWESOME anywhoooo we here at ITBK heart Acetone and you oughtta love 'em too.

CD

I can't find the vinyl people?!

Lefty Frizzell's Greatest Hits

2007-06-03T11:41:00.000-04:00

So many moons ago our pal patrick deWitt, father of Gus husband of Leslie, gave us this great record...like all records that Pat gives us (since he has the most rarified of musical & literary tastes...except the Murakami thing ) it's in the top 50 rotation (like Night Beats & Yellow Princess) anyways y'all oughtta have some Lefty in your universe...especially all of us Michiganders.
Oh and if you think you might not know who Lefty Frizzell is you can read about him here or just jog your memory a little: "Saginaw, Michigan", "The Long Black Veil", "If You've Got The Money, I've Got The time"--all Lefty hits!
Lefty on CD
Lefty LP YAY
and yeah for all you ituners it's available

Finian McKean @ Sunny's Bar in BEAUTIFUL Red Hook June 1st

2007-06-01T11:46:00.000-04:00

TONIGHT the Irish Mafia is gonna get beer & potato on you at SUNNY'S our absolute favorite bar EVER, and we are not alone in this, OK?....you know where it's at, RIGHT?
IRISH MAFIA: Kiernan Moriarty, Patrick Brennan & Finian McKean....maybe Bob, his super pedal & Lucy will even show up?

summer etsy finds

2007-05-31T15:48:00.000-04:00

sweet little print sundress from Swan Clothing

So this is one of Kime's pals from Ohio...if I am remembering correctly and I just stumbled upon her etsy shop randomly, awesome huh cuz I have been coveting one of these necklaces....if anyone feels the need to gift me...I heart the Serge/Jane necklace : ) Petrosa Jewelry

ITBK's LOVELY and most wonderful pal JUSTIN Kutmah is finally offering up some of his beautiful artwork on shirts & totes you gotta make the purchase fast cuz knowing Justin this stuff is going to be SOLD OUT ASAP (oh yeah we just made a purchase heh heh heh) and who knows when it's going to be available again...this guy has an art career to look after just check him out here!
Kutmah's ETSY SHOP

Super cute & wow totally affordable for only $30...how does she do it? Serene Boutique

Canned Heat

2007-05-30T23:55:00.000-04:00

I grew up listening to the Best of Canned Heat on a tape cassette...what is it about "Goin' Up Country" that it was just as good a midwest skateboard anthem as it was (originally) Woodstock hippie anthem? Such a strange sound to that song: the flute riff, Alan Wilson's awesome high voice, etc. It's gotta be one of the earliest eco-hits-- 'Blind Owl' Wilson was already (late 60s) massively depressed by the direction humanity was/is headed--I think he was singing about more than a weekend upstate! Just recently a friend played me the 1969 album "Living the Blues" which pushes the Heat's snappy Chicago blues sound a little beyond into psychedelic moments. Check it out, and dig deeper into the Canned Heat story to find a band of music-freaks and scholars, buddies of John Fahey who "re-discovered" (i.e., physically located and even bought new instruments for) Charlie Patton, Son House & others and then JAMMED with them.
Living The Blues on vinyl

Strawberry Mochi YUM

2007-05-24T21:19:00.001-04:00

AWESOME a link for making your very own mochi! yum yum

**For people like me who don't have a microwave...i say just get it HOT & be sure to read through the recipe first :)**

"2000 light years from home" Rolling Stones

2007-05-23T17:03:00.000-04:00

I feel a bit like this today....2000 light years from home....I might just have to put some war make-up on and slay the satanic.

AMAZON PROMISE (my pal Patty Webster)

2007-05-22T00:43:00.000-04:00

Hey, that's my awesome best friend Patty Webster. Patty and I have known each other since we were 13ish, not cuz we went to the same school or cuz we met at the mall or anything like that--oh, no, nothing like that...ME 'N PATTY met at a punk show in the Cass Corridor (Freezer Theatre--or it coulda been at a Motorhead show?) Patty had the raddest spiked hair ever, and she was/is super gorgeous so you always remembered Patty; she was tough and beautiful even when she was 13. We're not 13 but we are still punk so not much has changed...check out the above photos of Patty getting rad in Peru; that's pretty punk if you ask me! She lives in Iquitos and travels deep into the jungle bringing medicine and help to anyone who needs it, even to people who think she is an apparition or evil spirit (that was the time they had to airlift her out of the river during a freak monsoon just where Peru and Ecuador meet). Here is the deal: she is running a NON-PROFIT so it's always needing a little help--for anti-biotics, gauze, bandages,etc. A little donation can go a long way and hey, if you're feeling like you might just wanna head on down to Peru with the coolest jungle guide ever you can always go on an Amazon Promise trip.

"Want to make a real difference in global health matters? We take medical and non-medical volunteers into remote villages in the Peruvian Amazon to work alongside our Peruvian medical staff. Help us set up mobile medical clinics as you learn about traditional healing and explore new cultures."
I told you she's RAD

CHECK OUT THE SITE Amazon Promise

Steve "the hand" Hanft and Benzo in "Guy throwing glasses on his friends face"

2007-05-21T12:18:00.000-04:00

U-Roy Natty Rebel or any of 'em really?

2007-05-21T10:14:00.001-04:00

Hi and a happy Monday to Y'all! we had a spectacular weekend....it started on Friday when the beautiful Castronovo family came for a feast bringing with them the wonderful gift of a Tagine, spices and their most wonderful culinary genius. So we feasted, drank & chatted while the girls (addie, sophie 'n louise) watched some Pee Wee Herman episodes, made some sweet art and laughed. On to Saturday the cookie making madness to prepare for the Sapling Society sale at Treehouse on Sunday. In order to fully feel the sugar, butter and flour creativity we needed something special....that's when we decided to turn to U-Roy (one of the fathers of Reggae) for inspiration....all we needed was a little of that U-Roy "WHHHAAAAHHHH" so here I am at this Monday morning post telling you if you wanna get in the mood to smile, move your body around, make some cookies, make-out and have a real good time just listen to some U-Roy.

U-Roy Wiki
U-Roy mspace
U-Roy cd

SAPLING SOCIETY SALE AT TREEHOUSE IN WILLIAMSBURG

2007-05-17T20:53:00.000-04:00

***I heard from the bluebird of happiness that Amy Sperber is making cupcakes (I can only imagine the amazing cakes of cupness that Amy Sperber is going to create in her mushroomadelic kitchen) & amy lou (me) might just be making some egyptian sugar freak-out psychedelic treats**
With this all said...please KNOW that you will for sure find the most amazing treasures...pearls, rubies, bunnies, chihuahuas, ferns, deers, tulips, solar systems & lots of love...so come on and hang in the branches of the lovely treehouse!
this coming sunday the SAPLING society will present our first ever
SAPLING SIDEWALK SALE and LEMONADE STAND!

when: sunday, may 20 1-6pm
where: treehouse, 430 graham avenue (between withers and frost) in the lovely Williamsburg
just a hop and skip from the Graham stop on the L
what: REAL lemonade and baked goods, samples, overstock and past seasons' merch from hodge podge, becky lee, sirius and 31 corn lane, bric-a-brac, surprise sale items from the depths of the treehouse, and a secret treasure chest of goodies! don't miss out!
why: support your local independent designers and makers!

M0851 Sample Sale

2007-05-17T08:33:00.000-04:00

In general I am not a fan of plain, non-home made things BUT and this is a big huge but...M0851 makes the highest quality, longest lasting MOST AMAZING bags...never in my life have I owned ANYTHING that has received so many compliments...because it's made from the thinnest leather so it's super light and this particular bag...the postman, slings over your shoulder and holds everything you might need for your day....even my man schleps around all of his crazy Sanskrit book in a deep purple postman bag, HA! SO if you happen to be around this weekend M0851 is having a sample sale starting TODAY.

M0851

SALE 5/17 - 5/20
106 Wooster street
btw Prince & Spring.
212.431.3069

Pot Brownie overdose, yeah right!?@?#

2007-05-16T23:03:00.000-04:00

COME ON DUDE?
THANKS to Kamila & Eron!

Ok maybe it's Slick Rick Tuesday afternoon

2007-05-15T16:25:00.001-04:00

CHILDREN'S STORY

Slick Rick just totally rules...he's just the most badass coolest dude.

Hey it's Kraftwerk TUESDAY

2007-05-15T11:49:00.000-04:00

BUTTER by NADIA sample sale

2007-05-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

butter is celebrating spring and life and all that good stuff...................
spread the word and the love! (there's plenty of goodies for everyone!)
red hook has never looked so lovely! hop on the WATER TAXI and come and check out all the new happenings!
BY BOAT:
* WATER TAXI TO FAIRWAY FROM EVERYWHERE!
MASS TRANSIT:
* A,C,E TO JAY STREET * B61 TO RED HOOK GET OFF AT COFFEE
* N, R TO 5TH AVE AND 9TH * B77 TO VAN BRUNT
* F TO SMITH AND 9TH * B77 TO VAN BRUNT
OTHER:
* CAB, CAR, BIKE SEE MAP .

Green Light! via Inhabitat

2007-05-09T16:46:00.000-04:00

another cool item via Inhabitat!

Free cool patterns all VIA Craftzine blog

2007-05-08T13:41:00.000-04:00

Just to prove that I am not a cat hater (it's just an allergy, OK!) here is a sweet felted kitty bed...or chihuahua bed that's if you happen to have a little land shark chihuahua named LUCIA who likes soft beds

I love buttons and this just looks so friggin cute I wanna make it...when? I have no idea but one day maybe? Katie knits buttony sweater pattern

sexy, sweet, fitted...warm basically that perfect Sweater from indie knits

Alexander McQueen anyone? kimono jacket...first one to finish this one gets a margarita on me at Frankies 457, OK? you know who you are! (I might even throw in the Gnocchi)

notice the sweet little pocket for fold up ease? ok get crocheting folks...it's fun and easy and has none of that falling off the needles stuff. reduction tote bag

for that bee stung look

express sew shared this free cut and sew t-shirt pattern. just click on the image and print it.

All of these site are super cool...you could spend hours looking at the amazing patterns, ideas & thoughts from all of these talented makers...so check 'em out.
oh and remember this is all via CRAFTZINE CHECK IT OUT

The Dream Syndicate "Days of Wine & Roses"

2007-05-06T12:54:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I have actually suggested some music, hasn't it? We did have some Van Halen tell-alls but did I really have to tell you to buy Van Halen? Probably not! The Days of Wine & Roses is one of those records that fell between the cracks. To me it's really a punk record but you know lots of indie rockers glommed it for themselves and it was a pretty major influence for all those guitar-riff-forever bands.... but who really cares about all that gobbledy gook? The Days Of Wine & Roses was released by the Dream Syndicate in 1982 (25 frickin years ago!@#!)...and it's still AWESOME. My personal faves are That's what you always say,When you smile & Until Lately....it's not a perfect record...there are a couple of duds but the songs that rule are so GOOD that the duds disappear.
CD
Sorry I couldn't find the vinyl except on GEMM for way too many $$
Dream Syndicate WIKI

eBay Summer love finds

2007-05-05T21:40:00.000-04:00

Feeling like getting rad at the beach?

So super gorgeous dress...
and THE MOST AMAZING SHIRT from the same seller

Sweet 'n Purdy

It's gonna get hot and humid and what better than a 100 year old sexy corset cover to keep you cool?!

THRIFTWARES
had the most amazing dresses...this girl has got taste...so check out all she has for sale!

Rainbow Terry cloth anyone?
Ok...I am so tempted to rock this at my Long Island beach hide-a-way this summer.

CHERRY BLOSSOM CIRCUS Williamsburg Fashion Weekend

2007-05-03T21:16:00.000-04:00

** CHERRY BLOSSOM CIRCUS **
FRIDAY, MAY 4th at Secret Project Robot...
Greetings!
Cherry Blossom Circus Mayhem and Delight!!!!!!
Come one, come all to the first night of Williamsburg Fashion Week! Treehouse and fellow local boutique Sodafine are joining forces to bring you "Cherry Blossom Circus", the fashion show to dazzle all fashion shows. This japanese-inspired circus will tempt with fire-dancers, performing poodles, lion-tamers, stilt-walkers and more that we aren't at liberty to divulge... and they'll all be wearing wares from designers found at Sodafine and Treehouse. Watch them reveal the handmade and one-of-a-kind creations that make both of these Williamsburg boutiques such unique destinations...in the most delightful way! Participating designers include Feral Childe, Laurel Wells, Bobbi, Hubris and Homefries, Popomomo, Margarita Saplala, Sirius, Hodge Podge and more!
Marvel at the explosive color, sights and sounds!
Celebrate all the mad creativity blossoming in Williamsburg this spring!!!
When: FRIDAY, MAY 4th at 7:30 pm, fashion show starts at 8:30
Where: Secret Project Robot at Monster Island
210 Kent Ave at Metropolitan Ave
MAP: click here

p.s.: it's free! and there'll be drinks! and bellydancing fashion and after-party dance-party afterwards.... so super-duper enticing... bring a hot date! or find one!

more about Williamsburg Fashion Weekend...
Announcing the First Williamsburg Fashion Weekend
May 4th, 5th and 6th.
this event is three days of fashion as performance,
including dance, and live music acts.
It will be held at Secret Project Robot at Monster Island. 210 Kent Ave. at Metropolitan Ave. Brooklyn.
Come support designers who are cutting across the
grain of corporate fashion!
Our Price: $FREE!!!!

Leavenworth Jackson OPEN STUDIO Berkeley

2007-05-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

I wish I could GO!!!! For all you folks that can get over to Leavenworth Jacksons OPEN STUDIO on Saturday...have a great time....I am super jealous!

Rozenn Couturier's "Inside-Out"

2007-05-02T08:12:00.000-04:00

Hey our totally beautiful and talented cousin, Rozenn has done an installation at Bubble Lounge and you can come check it out this Thursday @ 7.... Hope to see you with some kinda rad bubbly drink in your hand.

COME AND SEE:
"INSIDE-OUT"
A sidewalk installation by French-born NY-based designer Rozenn
Couturier, which reinterprets an interior space through the graphic
representation of its mosaic flooring beyond its indoor boundaries to
evoke and simulate the inside environment.
By rolling out a mosaic-like "vinyl carpet," this site-specific
installation allows the space to move outside its structural confines
and spill out onto the sidewalk of the Bubble Lounge.
Visitors and passers by are invited to stop by and cross through this
transitory space and to question what delimits a space and what makes
it belong to an interior versus an exterior setting.

THE BUBBLE LOUNGE
May 1 to June 30, 2007
Reception: May 3, 2007 @ 7 pm
N.Moore Street Entrance
bet West Broadway and Varick Street in Tribeca
212 431 3433

31 Corn Lane

2007-04-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

I can't really say who this post is for???? Hmmm, let's see: all the people who asked "hey where didja get that wallet" & "hey where didja get that belt"; or for Nadia (she digs Dachsunds of the mini variety...maybe you have met Oona the lovely?) or Adam 'n Tina who love Tennis style... It could be for just about anyone who likes rad stuff. I mean, HOW CUTE IS THIS STUFF!!!?!?!*#$ SO CUTE, OK, so go get some: you can shop online HERE or at the fabulous Treehouse in Brooklyn...plus some other spots that you can find here at 31 Corn Lane

PS How perfect is the belt (I wear mine every day) and it's only $5 can you believe it?

Prospect Park Fleece Festival TODAY

2007-04-28T13:53:00.000-04:00

PROSPECT PARK
Fleece Festival
April 28–29
Visit for a day full of fleece, fur, and fun! Watch our sheep and alpacas get their annual haircuts and meet local artists who will be demonstrating weaving, knitting, and spinning techniques. You’ll also have a chance to dye natural fibers and dance to live music.

I am back to blogging...it's just that I have been momming and sewing and not computering!

420 or four twenty THE TRUTH

2007-04-20T16:20:00.000-04:00

Straight from Wikipedia!!!! "It is widely accepted that in 1971, a group of teenagers at San Rafael High School in San Rafael, California, calling themselves "The Waldos", used to meet every day after school at 4:20 p.m. to smoke marijuana at the Louis Pasteur statue. The term became part of their group's salute, "420 Louis," and it eventually caught on more widely. Many cannabis users continue to observe 4:20 as a time to smoke communally. By extension April 20 ("4/20" in U.S. dating shorthand) has evolved into a counterculture holiday, where people gather to celebrate and consume cannabis.

There are also many apocryphal urban legends attempting to explain the origin of the term. Two of the most common of these are that 420 refers to the number of active ingredients in cannabis, or that it is police dispatch code for cannabis. In actual fact there are around 315 active chemicals in cannabis, varying depending on the exact plant used, and 420 has never been verified as the police dispatch code for anything in any locale."

PS This post would not have been possible without the tireless support of the one and only DanTONNERNOUN who now lives in San Rafael and is so happy because he is in sunny California. oh and he used to teach the high school kids, makes sense-emillia, ha.
Check it out on Snopes
The rest of WIKI

Finian Mckean 4/20 UNION HALL Park Slope

2007-04-20T10:14:00.000-04:00

Hey guess what I CAN GO SEE my man play a gig tonight at Union Hall in the Slope WOW I can't wait cuz the band RULES with Patrick Brennan on Drums, Kiernan Moriarty on Bass and OH MY GOSH Chris Leo is gonna get rad on his geeetar. See you at Union Hall 9 ish ish.

Union Hall
702 Union Street @ 5th Ave Park Slope Brooklyn

Smokey's Round up at Sunny's 4/18

2007-04-18T09:18:00.000-04:00

!TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT!
Well it's time for Smokey's Round up....YAY! If you have not already experienced the killer country blues freak out of Smokey, Bob & whoever else shows up you oughtta cuz it's for realz rock 'n roll. So head down to local darling hang, SUNNY'S, in GLORIOUS RED HOOK! If you are lucky you might see the beautiful baby Minke Whale that has gone astray from its mama and is hanging in the Gowanus...it's 15' long!

PS. can you guess who the hot beach babe is? you might get an amylou hat if you can figure it out!

Brooklyn General

2007-04-16T12:21:00.000-04:00

Having Brooklyn General in my neighborhood makes life dangerous for a person like me....like the name says it's a general store for crafty types of all ages. DANGER. Let me be clear within the "general" context they only carry the nicest of the nice in every shade of the rainbow. From my favorite lollipops, wool roving, vintage & new fabric, milk paint, dye, hand-dyed embroidery floss, buttons, honey, hooks 'n needles, notions, REAL wool felt, all kinds of ribbon, modeling wax, real beeswax crayons, felting supplies & the most amazing selection of books and patterns. So now they've upped the ante--they got Cal Patch to teach some classes! OUCH!@#$ Whaddem I gonna do? I gotta take her classes cuz Cal is the master teacher...it's like hanging with the Obe One Kenobi of craft (and Gertie is her Yoda). The thing is if you want to learn something, or get better at something, and the universe aligns in your favor then you should take a class from Cal, OK? Do I need to say more? SO, go get all your supplies from the wonderful Brooklyn General and get ready to LEARN and have fun.
Hey, for all you locals it's in the old "Frank's department store" space..Brooklyn General made the space gorgeous...I mean stupendous just pop your head in for a look, well and some fab yarn!

Brooklyn General
128 Union Street
Brooklyn, New York 11231
718.237.7753

EVENING SEWING CLASS! (with Cal) Just in time to make your Spring wardrobe, this beginner class will take you through all the of steps to make a basic, flattering wrap skirt. Starts Wednesday, May 2nd from 7 pm to 9 pm. $100 for four sessions.

EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP: Cal will introduce you to 12 basic stitches in this starter class. Sunday, April 29 from 12 pm to 2 pm. $40 for one session.

QUILTING The perfect chance to make a one of a kind gift for the newest baby in your life. This class will take you through all of the steps to make a crib-sized quilt. Sunday, May 6th from 11 am to 1 pm. $100 for four sessions.

SHHH! Treat Street in Silverlake 4/14

2007-04-13T20:14:00.000-04:00

MMMMM it's so unfair....it's just sad that I can't come party on TREAT STREET :(

BUT HEY all my Cali pals it's time for another sweet Treat Street....SHHH!!! Tomorrow morning Saturday the 14th
ITBK received this unbelievably cryptic note today...I hope you can decode:

Wander through the jungles of Silver Lake to find us around
Micheltorena and Rock Street this Saturday around 10:30am.

If you can't seem to crack the code just head on over HERE

VBS.TV "Toxic Brooklyn the story of Williamsburg & Greenpoint"

2007-04-13T18:06:00.000-04:00

OOOOOPSSSS Here is the link
for the rest of the segments

VBS.TV "Toxic Brooklyn the story of Williamsburg & Greenpoint"

2007-04-13T09:59:00.000-04:00

**PLEASE WATCH THIS, especially if you live in Brooklyn, OK?!??!**

Rossangeles has once again hooked ITBK up with the an amazing site it's called VBS.TV and I really can't explain it better than they already have: "VBS is an online broadcast network. We stream original content, free of charge and 24 hours a day. We carry a mix of domestic and international news, pop and underground culture coverage, and the best music in the world. People have used words like eclectic, smart, funny, shocking, and revolutionary to describe VBS, but we kind of just snapped our fingers in their faces and went, 'Whatever. Tell us something we don’t know.'"
Well I will throw some amylouisms in: THEY RULE and it seems to me that they really do speak the truth...without any fear. So turn your boob tube off and turn your mind on to some real information...facts that are entertaining, well, and in this case totally scary.

Frankies 457 OLIVE OIL

2007-04-12T09:48:00.000-04:00

So Y'all know what crazy foodies we are over here, right? We have a tendency to up the tastebud ante so high that only the very best will do--we are so spoiled it's starting to border on culinary insanity (that's what happens in NYC). Like most couples we have argued for years on what & where to eat but the fights have ceased thanks to our favorite and LOCAL (phew!!) restaurant, Frankies 457, the empire known as Frankies Spuntino. Now if you have been reading ITBK for awhile you will have already read about the amazing Frank Castronovo & Frank Falcinelli--and their incredible Frankies family--because when you eat at any of their restaurants you will see that beyond the perfect gnocchi, meatballs, cheeses, wines & treats that everyone who is dining, working or just hanging out and drinking has that kind of culinary grin you can only get from pure food love and good vibes...which leads me to the secret potion....THE OLIVE OIL. I know, it's the truth, I SWEAR that Frank & Frank went to Sicily and selected the olives themselves; they scoured the South of Italia for the finest olive groves and you will believe it when you actually pour out some of this pure liquid green gold. SO I highly suggest that next time you plan on enjoying a meal at home be sure to get yourself the finest olive oil you will ever taste...and here are all the places you can get it:

**to purchase online or to find a list of vendors click HERE
**Stinky (of the Smith & Vine empire, the nicest folks with the yummiest everythings!)
**and for all you Daily Candy people you might wanna click here for a secret deal.

Kurt Vonnegut 11/11/22 - 4/11/07

2007-04-12T08:16:00.000-04:00

Thanks for everything...we will always love you!
Kilgore Trout

Olsen & Johnson's CRAZY HOUSE

2007-04-11T08:46:00.000-04:00

I was in need of a brain cleanse last night so I headed down to Film Forum. I didn't really care what was showing, as long as it was B & W and funny--lucky for me I walked in to a 3 week run of "B-Musicals." The place was packed; what I really love about the Forum is that every retrospective series brings a different set of freaks & fans out of the woodwork...
"Crazy House" is the sequel to Olsen & Johnson's "Hellzapoppin." Man, these two funny guys are so RAW! You can get a taste of their surreal fun here and even better, HERE, but you should dig the full-lengths. The music and dance are insane--natural and athletic and mind-blowing, real Vaudeville stuff. (I mean, watch this swing sequence!) "B-Musicals" runs at Film Forum through April 19th, usually 2-for-1. I don't think there's any more O & J, but go down there and see what turns up...I promise you'll leave with a big, fat, lobotomized smile on your face.

Mahnamahna

2007-04-06T23:27:00.000-04:00

Have a killer weekend....xooxoxo