Perdido Street Station
China
Really? I guess so...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Music Sunday
Frogs in the Glen
Jim Henson
To continue with the Henson trend from earlier. This song always makes me happy.
Jim Henson
To continue with the Henson trend from earlier. This song always makes me happy.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Gaming Saturday
Shogun/Samurai Swords
Games Master Series
This is one of the first war/strategy games I played that I actually liked. I am sad that it is no longer in print, but people should try and pick it up when they can.
Games Master Series
This is one of the first war/strategy games I played that I actually liked. I am sad that it is no longer in print, but people should try and pick it up when they can.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Food Friday
Galaxy Diner
Carytown - Richmond, VA
Yummy and fun...with a fried pickle! That is my short description of this dining establishment. I have gone here for almost fifteen years, and it is still a good place to grab a bite to eat while shopping. I do remember a brief period during which it was closed, then reopened as an Italian pasta place, then closed and reopened as a diner once again. I never figured out what happened, but I am glad that it reverted back to its original atmosphere.
It is a diner...but with a twist. Everything in the restaurant has a retro sci-fi vibe to it. It orginally had an even heavier Roswell diner vibe with plastic "little green men" aliens on merchandise and around the counter, but that has been toned down over the years. The tables all have chrome on them and the table tops are covered in the little boomerang designs of that era. The benches are vinyl and are beginning to look a bit worse for wear. However, the staff is always nice, and the food is always tasty.
The food may not be the best you can find, but for the price and atmosphere, you cannot beat it. This time I got one of their Aztec Burgers (burger with Pepper Jack cheese, avocado, salsa, chipotle mayo and other fixings) with fries and cucumber salad as sides. The burger was alright, nothing to write home about, but every sandwich comes with their signature fried pickle spear. This was the first place I had ever had a fried pickle and I instantly fell in love with it. Their cucumber salad is also some of the best I have found at a restaurant. It is potent! They do not skimp on the vinegar and I like that it has some "umpf."
While I did not get much to eat this time, I have had many of the things they offer there. During the summer, you should not forget to get one of their fresh squeezed lime-aids. I remember one batch we had that really made everyone's face pucker. It was great! We also have often gotten their floats, shakes, and malts. When you get a shake, it comes in a glass along with the metal shaker by its side. They also have other typical diner deserts (deep dish apple pie, cobbler, brownies, etc), but they also serve fried Twinkies and fried Oreos. Molten sugar encased in a crispy fried shell :)
There are plenty of other things to eat as well. They serve breakfast foods as well as a variety of sandwiches and burgers. They have a kids section as well as a few larger platters. I tend to stick with burgers an sandwiches since they are relatively inexpensive, and pretty tasty. You can also choose from a good selection of draft beers including Legend beers from Richmond. Always a fun place to stop when we are in Richmond.
Carytown - Richmond, VA
Yummy and fun...with a fried pickle! That is my short description of this dining establishment. I have gone here for almost fifteen years, and it is still a good place to grab a bite to eat while shopping. I do remember a brief period during which it was closed, then reopened as an Italian pasta place, then closed and reopened as a diner once again. I never figured out what happened, but I am glad that it reverted back to its original atmosphere.
It is a diner...but with a twist. Everything in the restaurant has a retro sci-fi vibe to it. It orginally had an even heavier Roswell diner vibe with plastic "little green men" aliens on merchandise and around the counter, but that has been toned down over the years. The tables all have chrome on them and the table tops are covered in the little boomerang designs of that era. The benches are vinyl and are beginning to look a bit worse for wear. However, the staff is always nice, and the food is always tasty.
The food may not be the best you can find, but for the price and atmosphere, you cannot beat it. This time I got one of their Aztec Burgers (burger with Pepper Jack cheese, avocado, salsa, chipotle mayo and other fixings) with fries and cucumber salad as sides. The burger was alright, nothing to write home about, but every sandwich comes with their signature fried pickle spear. This was the first place I had ever had a fried pickle and I instantly fell in love with it. Their cucumber salad is also some of the best I have found at a restaurant. It is potent! They do not skimp on the vinegar and I like that it has some "umpf."
While I did not get much to eat this time, I have had many of the things they offer there. During the summer, you should not forget to get one of their fresh squeezed lime-aids. I remember one batch we had that really made everyone's face pucker. It was great! We also have often gotten their floats, shakes, and malts. When you get a shake, it comes in a glass along with the metal shaker by its side. They also have other typical diner deserts (deep dish apple pie, cobbler, brownies, etc), but they also serve fried Twinkies and fried Oreos. Molten sugar encased in a crispy fried shell :)
There are plenty of other things to eat as well. They serve breakfast foods as well as a variety of sandwiches and burgers. They have a kids section as well as a few larger platters. I tend to stick with burgers an sandwiches since they are relatively inexpensive, and pretty tasty. You can also choose from a good selection of draft beers including Legend beers from Richmond. Always a fun place to stop when we are in Richmond.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Television Thursday
Parks and Recreation
NBC (2009-present)
There are not that many shows that I have found that start off so poorly, but then evolve into something hilarious. I watched the first pilot episode, but could not stand the characters, so I did not watch any more of the first season. The first season was only six episodes, and it never really got off the ground. I guess enough people watched it so they were able to get a second season. I heard that a lot of people liked it as the second season progressed, but I still did not believe them. I continued to ignore the show until I noticed that the first two seasons were available on streaming video. I decided to give it another try.
The first season was still difficult to watch, but it was only six episodes. The only good things to come out of the first season were the character backgrounds and the theme song. I love the simple, catchy, and bubbly theme song. NBC had a contest in which people could submit songs they hoped would be selected as the theme song. The winner was a duo of song writers named Gaby Moreno and Vincent Jones. Their song kept me interested and really does a wonderful job of setting the tone of the show and characters.
After struggling through the first season, I was amazed at how much of a difference the second season brought. The first episode of the second season was MUCH better than anything the first could offer. Season two continued to improve all through the season, and season three has continued to impress me.
My favorite character would have to be Ron. He is in charge of the Parks and Recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana. He is not the main character, but every scene that features him is wonderful. His character is gruff but lovable, and he would lay down his life for any of his staff (even though he would never admit to that.) Nick Offerman seems to have a lot of fun portraying the character, and I hope he sticks with the show. So far, there has only been one character that was written out of the show, and he never really fit anyway.
I think my favorite episode so far would have to be "Hunting Trip." The men in the office have an annual tradition of going hunting, but this year the women want to join. Things happen, people get hurt, friendships are tested, you know, the usual. But somehow it all holds together and creates a very humorous package.
NBC (2009-present)
There are not that many shows that I have found that start off so poorly, but then evolve into something hilarious. I watched the first pilot episode, but could not stand the characters, so I did not watch any more of the first season. The first season was only six episodes, and it never really got off the ground. I guess enough people watched it so they were able to get a second season. I heard that a lot of people liked it as the second season progressed, but I still did not believe them. I continued to ignore the show until I noticed that the first two seasons were available on streaming video. I decided to give it another try.
The first season was still difficult to watch, but it was only six episodes. The only good things to come out of the first season were the character backgrounds and the theme song. I love the simple, catchy, and bubbly theme song. NBC had a contest in which people could submit songs they hoped would be selected as the theme song. The winner was a duo of song writers named Gaby Moreno and Vincent Jones. Their song kept me interested and really does a wonderful job of setting the tone of the show and characters.
After struggling through the first season, I was amazed at how much of a difference the second season brought. The first episode of the second season was MUCH better than anything the first could offer. Season two continued to improve all through the season, and season three has continued to impress me.
My favorite character would have to be Ron. He is in charge of the Parks and Recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana. He is not the main character, but every scene that features him is wonderful. His character is gruff but lovable, and he would lay down his life for any of his staff (even though he would never admit to that.) Nick Offerman seems to have a lot of fun portraying the character, and I hope he sticks with the show. So far, there has only been one character that was written out of the show, and he never really fit anyway.
I think my favorite episode so far would have to be "Hunting Trip." The men in the office have an annual tradition of going hunting, but this year the women want to join. Things happen, people get hurt, friendships are tested, you know, the usual. But somehow it all holds together and creates a very humorous package.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Book Wednesday
Jim Henson's Designs and Doodles
Alison Inches
I grew up outside of Indianapolis and loved going to the Children's Museum there. It was the largest in the country at that time, and attracted a steady stream of traveling exhibits. My favorite one was an exhibit all about Jim Henson. They had LOTS of props from his shows and movies, as well as "hands on" areas. There was a mock up of the way they film with muppets, including a set, monitors and cameras. Kids could choose a muppet and then get behind the set and hold the muppet up above the barrier. The camera was filming live and you could then look down at the monitors and see how you were moving the muppet. I was intimidated by that back then, but I am glad I tried it out. I vividly remember the glass cases housing the full Big Bird suit and Junior Gorg from Fraggle Rock. Dark Crystal had recently come out, so there were several displays featuring props from that film. They had a full body mock-up of a Skeksis, but what I remember most was the display that included the entire banquet table laid out like they were going to have the feast from the movie. I was very intrigued by the pieces of silverware that they actually wore on their fingertips instead of holding in their hands. Even at that age I was impressed with Henson's design aesthetic.
I love watching behind-scenes specials and reading about how Henson and his crew worked. So, needless to say, I was thrilled when I happened upon this book at a Barnes and Noble in their bargin books area. (Looks like I should be glad I got it when I did since it is going for about $60 in paperback on Amazon now.) The cover design instantly grabbed my attention and I knew I had to buy it.
This book is different than most of the books about Henson because it primarily focuses on Jim Henson's career before he got involved making The Muppet Show. The book begins with a discussion and pictures of things he drew in high school. He designed several concert and play posters for high school and college performances. The book also details some of the creatures he created for use in television commercials during the 70s. It also shows some of his early designs that would eventually evolve into what we now know as Muppets.
The Smithsonian had an exhibit on Henson a couple years ago, and I was lucky enough to visit it. This exhibit featured many of the same design sketches and pieces of art that were shown in this book. It was very cool to see some of his early paintings and drawings in real life. The exhibit even had video showing his television commercials and some of his surrealist short films made during college. Jim Henson is most known for his kids shows, but he produced things for a wide variety of audiences. This book offers some insight into how Henson thought and evolved as a master craftsman.
Alison Inches
I grew up outside of Indianapolis and loved going to the Children's Museum there. It was the largest in the country at that time, and attracted a steady stream of traveling exhibits. My favorite one was an exhibit all about Jim Henson. They had LOTS of props from his shows and movies, as well as "hands on" areas. There was a mock up of the way they film with muppets, including a set, monitors and cameras. Kids could choose a muppet and then get behind the set and hold the muppet up above the barrier. The camera was filming live and you could then look down at the monitors and see how you were moving the muppet. I was intimidated by that back then, but I am glad I tried it out. I vividly remember the glass cases housing the full Big Bird suit and Junior Gorg from Fraggle Rock. Dark Crystal had recently come out, so there were several displays featuring props from that film. They had a full body mock-up of a Skeksis, but what I remember most was the display that included the entire banquet table laid out like they were going to have the feast from the movie. I was very intrigued by the pieces of silverware that they actually wore on their fingertips instead of holding in their hands. Even at that age I was impressed with Henson's design aesthetic.
I love watching behind-scenes specials and reading about how Henson and his crew worked. So, needless to say, I was thrilled when I happened upon this book at a Barnes and Noble in their bargin books area. (Looks like I should be glad I got it when I did since it is going for about $60 in paperback on Amazon now.) The cover design instantly grabbed my attention and I knew I had to buy it.
This book is different than most of the books about Henson because it primarily focuses on Jim Henson's career before he got involved making The Muppet Show. The book begins with a discussion and pictures of things he drew in high school. He designed several concert and play posters for high school and college performances. The book also details some of the creatures he created for use in television commercials during the 70s. It also shows some of his early designs that would eventually evolve into what we now know as Muppets.
The Smithsonian had an exhibit on Henson a couple years ago, and I was lucky enough to visit it. This exhibit featured many of the same design sketches and pieces of art that were shown in this book. It was very cool to see some of his early paintings and drawings in real life. The exhibit even had video showing his television commercials and some of his surrealist short films made during college. Jim Henson is most known for his kids shows, but he produced things for a wide variety of audiences. This book offers some insight into how Henson thought and evolved as a master craftsman.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Art Tuesday
Olly Moss
Official Site / Twitter
Olly Moss is best known for his poster prints. He also does illustrations for a variety of magazines. Since he is based out of the UK, he often contributes to EMPIRE. Many people discovered him after seeing his work sold via Mondo, Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX, and by prints he did for Gallery 1988 and the LOST print series.
I think I first discovered him when his print for Locke from LOST became such a hit. I then really learned to appreciate his design after I saw his print, "The Master Race," which was part of a sports-related art show at Gallery 1988. This print depicts Jesse Owens' seminal race at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. I was blown away by the subtle, yet incredibly powerful design that Moss produced. Every time I look at it, I appreciate it more and more.
He was also commissioned by Alamo Drafthouse to design all of their posters for their most recent Rolling Roadshow. Each film was screened in a city that is significant to he movie itself. The posters that Moss designed all shared a similar color pallet and style.
His posters almost always sell out quickly when they are made available to the general public. His most popular set of posters were the posters he did for Mondo during their Star Wars releases. I would have loved to get a hold of this set, but they sold out in less than 2 minutes. I believe that is a record for a Mondo poster release. There were endless complaints by people who missed out on them, and Olly Moss was very apologetic on his Twitter feed. Regardless of the controversy, they are amazing works of art, and those who got them should appreciate them. Sadly, many get them to "flip" them on Ebay. The set was originally $150, and within minutes were selling for $600 on Ebay. That is the major downside to becoming a popular artist with the current state of gig/movie poster art. You don't get much money yourself, but the flippers make a HUGE profit. Oh well, if I don't get a poster I want, I will live without it. But I still feel sorry for the artists...
Official Site / Twitter
Olly Moss is best known for his poster prints. He also does illustrations for a variety of magazines. Since he is based out of the UK, he often contributes to EMPIRE. Many people discovered him after seeing his work sold via Mondo, Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX, and by prints he did for Gallery 1988 and the LOST print series.
He was also commissioned by Alamo Drafthouse to design all of their posters for their most recent Rolling Roadshow. Each film was screened in a city that is significant to he movie itself. The posters that Moss designed all shared a similar color pallet and style.
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