Journal

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I'm being eaten by the coffee monster. I've recently rededicated myself to the cult that is Starbucks by deciding to go into management. It's just the practical thing to do at this point. And temporary though my affiliation will be, it will allow me to do a lot of other things I've been forced to put off by working 60 hours a week between two jobs. And perhaps most importantly, it's a way to finish school... as of a couple months ago, they'll pay for it! In other news, the writing thing's going really well... hopefully I'll nab some more spots soon (paid ones, haha). Updates will follow in future volumes, so get ready.

Restaurant rave of the month: Me N Ed's Pizza. Pesto, veggie, pep-&-mush...take your pick from these and more ridiculously goodlooking (and tasting) slices to chow on. Right on University in the heart of Hillcrest, Me N Ed's is the perfect place to chill with friends or take that hot little concoction you've had your eye on. Big bonus for those who live in fund-sucking studios like me: it's inexpensive. By-the-slice will set you back less than three bucks.

Live show look-forward-to of the month: SXSW Festival. Sure, it's not until March. But with a lineup that cannot like, even be competed with, how can I not be raring at the bit like some filly starved to canter enthusiastically in the wide open spaces? To paraphrase the Fugees, "[The SXSW music lineup] spars with stars and constellations, and then came down for a little conversation". And this year, fellow music lovers, I and my friends will be there with bells on. Mark my little filly words.

Album rave of the month: Garden State Soundtrack. The choice to put together a soundtrack with songs that have already been released is in some ways a risky one, especially in the age of digital music. You could probably easily get all but a couple of these songs on the 'net (the few that you don't already own), but trust a quasi-reformed music download junkie when I say this album is worth buying. Not a single bad song on the whole album. I'm not kidding. Equal parts driving with the windows down some fresh Sunday morning and the first time you make out with someone after you figure out you're really in love. This whole album is five stars. Six-star tracks: Zero 7's "In the Waiting Line", Simon and Garfunkel's "The Only Living Boy in New York", Iron and Wine's stunningly stripped-down cover of Postal Service's "Such Great Heights".

What's in my CD player now: The Cure- "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me", Black Eyed Peas- "Elephunk", Head Automatica- "Decadence", Martina Topley-Bird- "Anything".

THE HOT LIST (according to me):

-Zach Braff. Writer, director, and star of "Garden State", my new favorite movie. I'm thisclose to getting his head tattoed on my rump.

-String cheese. I don't know man, it just does it for me.

-Cherrybomb. Awesome staff, sweet stuff on the juke (think Jane's, Blackheart Procession, Rage), and the stiffest drinks this side of the ice cube. Bonus points for the foosball and the red felt pool table.

-People from New Yawk. I dig that particular brand of self-consciously cynical, dry wit that only New Yorkers seem to breed with such aplomb and consistency.

-FJC. I'm so blessed by you.

Quotes of the Month:

"Heyyyy, I've got nothin' to do today but smile..." -Paul Simon

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. BNR. Thank you, truly, for all of it.