louise on the left (coast)

It wouldn't be Halloween unless one day before the big day at least one child, in this case, daughter, Annalily Larsen , decides they must be an obscure pop-culture reference to dress-up like. Something "we" can easily pull off a costume in a 24 hour period.  Easy! This year, uh, yesterday my 6th grader informed me she was going to be "Marceline" (a Vampire Queen?) from Adventure Time. I asked if they sold a costume for this, which she confirmed she would not need any of that.  Just one store stop, or two.  And Sharpies.  Plenty of Sharpies. Really all she needed the most was a red An Axe Bass, and a long black wig and vampire teeth.  That's all. Grumbling aside, we did pull off a some kind of ensemble overnight which may pass for the suggestion of the real thing. I struggled hard on the creation of a bass, when, naturally, the obvious thing to do when trying to figure out how to "make"

On my recent trip back to Vermont this August I finally witnessed savage effects of Hurricane Irene which unexpectedly ripped through the Green Mountain state where nobody was expecting this kind of weather change.  It was a heart-breaking, rude reminder that global warming is very real and is changing our beloved world faster than we can turn things around. Many Americans don't even believe there is such a thing as global warming thanks to believing the radical republican right who benefit from big businesses related to oil and gas. Now here comes the next "unexpected" East Coast-Big One, "Sandy."  (Really "Sandy?"  My daughter's convinced they're naming hurricanes off a list of retirees at Leisure World.) Depressing.   In fact, this blog post was formerly titled "Please Be Safe," but I woke up today convinced that this was such a downer of a post that I should attempt to be more practical with my thoughts.  (When in doubt,

Hey, I love this woman! Truthfully?  I didn't used to.  My husband has always been fan enough for the both of us, however now I see why he adores her so much.  She's very smart, so funny, outspoken and best of all -- she's got great glasses. But now?  I'm a believer!  Tina Fey's my hero after watching her speak out in this video.   It takes courage to call anyone out regarding the scary issues like rape and abortion.   She's right.  Where do these men get to have the last word on decisions regarding women's bodies, or rape, at all?   They don't get to define or make the rules about these things.  But they'll be happy to if we let them.  So, uh, let's not.  Kay? Fey's obviously indignant about all these "gray-faced men," but she's also pretty brave to take on the stickier issues in this current political climate, too.  People are just plain mean about politics these days. Speaking out about tough topics ain't easy.  I g

Say no more. Brad Tweets Live Acid Trip: Click Here    Check this out.  Definitely worth a look.  I promise. -- Geez, and Anna Lily just informed me that it's National "Red Ribbon Week." Oh, well.  Kids?  There's always going to be "a Brad."  And if you don't know not to hang with him by now, I can't help you on that one. More scary squirrels down the rabbit hole.

A welcome new sound to start filling that hole left by LCD Soundsystem's untimely demise. Holy Ghost! - Hold My Breath from Deadhorse Films on Vimeo . Out with the old, in with the new. Bring it on. Holy Ghost!

Refill coffee cup while first commercial plays - Very funny video by one of my all time favorite musicians, singer-songwriters, Aimee Mann, who is now on tour for her recently released new album, Charmer. Check out the NPR review of Aimee Mann's Charmer , here. Or, you could read about the show I saw by reading below.  Aimee Mann superbly kicks off new tour at the Coach House . The premise behind her Charmer's video may not be the first time you've seen this, but the comedy angle works so well as a counterpoint to her often emotionally direct, thought provoking work.   The video's narrative is simple:  Just purchase a body double to carry out your most thankless, mind-numbing, time-wasting activities in your life.   I like the Laura Linney model.  I think I saw one on sale at Costco. It's a good fit, but I may have to order one in brunette. Aimee Mann – Charmer by VEVO