Happy Birthday, Anne

Happy Birthday to my most striking friend Christina!

Music to My Ears

I believe concerts and live shows to be vital in determining the genuine talent of a singer or band. You can't very well speak authoritatively on musical genius when you've only heard digitally augmented voices and instruments enriched by studio acoustics. Pure vocal and songful art is rare, to be revered and assessed only in person (an honor claimed, as of press time, only by a few; Teitur, Mat Kearny and possibly Matt Pond PA and Matt Nathanson) .

However, a particularly fruitful visit to Rasputin this evening and the subsequent rhythmic research on iTunes has resulted in some impressive albeit emo-skewed finds. Though I have yet to make my final judgment, the following artists and their recent hits are worth a look.

(1) Griffin House 'House of David, Vols. 1 & 2' particularly 'Show Me Yourself' a steal at $2/each
(2) Brett Dennan I can't praise highly enough for his incredible, lyrical gift
(3) Greg Laswell 'Through Toledo' and his songs 'Sing, Teresa Says' and 'High and Low.' You will have to trust me on this guy, he's got mass-commercial potential...
(4) Regina Spektor, we must give credit to the Russians both for her voice and $5 at Rasputin (though clearly I'm late to the party with this chick since she's already showing up as a bestseller on iTunes)
(5) Eric Hutchinson, it's the cheeseball in me that likes the college-y, Tyler Hilton party ballad 'Rock & Roll'

The Wonka Closet

Courtesy of Scrap...

Photo Magic

Last Sunday, I had the pleasu...er, opportunity rather to see the movie 'A Scanner Darkly' with my gal pal Lauren. It was without question one of the most exceptionally bizarre, macabre and peculiar films I have ever seen (helped along no doubt by our collective hungover fog). I couldn't even begin to tell you precisely what the movie was about, but I will note that the method of filming was quite clever; the entire movie was Adobe Photoshop'ed into a strange watercolor. The sponge effect? Paint daubs?

It was inspirational. I've included some of my own versions below...

Skip's Bridge Goodbye

I realize that I can't very well continue to fill my blog with luminous bridge photos and vapid comments that attempt to do the pictures justice. It's insulting to my intelligence and purported wit. Thus, I bid my photo series farewell with one last entry...

I mean, really?!?! Who wouldn't want to live here!?!?

Skip's Turning Blue

Tell me, please, that someone has seen these! Happy little video clips of Halo filler scenes dubbed over with ludicrious, riotous dialogue.

Seriously, I cannot stop laughing. I'm turning blue from lack of breath.

At Red vs. Blue.

Skip Loves Canteen

Recently I had the pleasure of dining at Canteen, an itty, diner-like restaurant no bigger that a train car in downtown San Francisco. While I am not about to turn this blog into a restaurant review site (I'll leave that to Yip), I just have to take a moment to wax lyrical on anything and everything Canteen because it was quite marvelous.

The restaurant offers three seatings, 6:00pm for the downtown theatre-set, 7:30pm for the yuppies and 9:15pm for the effortlessly cool (that's me) while the actually sitting options are 4 booths or the 8-person counter. We thought we were 'stuck' at the counter but it was grand! I've always been a fan of counter-eating, mostly because of the romance of Edward Hopper and the retro, urbane attitude it suggests of such diners. There were two of us (don't even try to take a large party here, this is a two-people place only...if you want to eat comfortably) and we arrived a bit early for our reservation so we opted to have cocktails in the Red Room next door. We were retrieved about 20 minutes later, though I certainly don't mind waiting if I've a cocktail in hand...

From that moment onwards it was perfection; from the tiny watermelon shooter to the homemade croissant mini-buns, the appetizer of tuna tartar to our steak and veal entrees, each was prepared with flavorful thoughtfulness and blue sky combinations. The service was genuine and the waiter (there is only one for the entire restaurant) ever-so classy (he didn't even blink when we sent the wine back which was quite the first time either of us had even considered sending a wine back), that I can't even consider the flat wine a failure. We ended up being the last couple to leave, having been enveloped in the permeating intimacy and quietness of the restaurant, a true Nighthawk moment.

Since the menu changes daily based on available ingredients, I cannot wait to get back. Seriously. RTT?

PS- The restaurant has recently been chosen as one of the best in the city by San Francisco magazine. You know what that means, you'll never be able to get that 7:30pm reservation again.

Skip Loves Calvin & Hobbes

I know it's completely juvenile, but I just adore Calvin & Hobbes. Not only is it entirely funny, but read between the lines and you see the truisms of life reverberating throughout each strip. It really does speak to something deeper...er, I think...

News in a New Way

Thanks to my friends at DailyCandy, I have been turned on to the Newsmap news service and its novel and quirky visual representation of news dissemination and reporting across the globe. Not only does it look cubist and cool, but read this description from its creators;

Newsmap is an application that visually reflects the constantly changing landscape of the Google news aggregator. A treemap visualization algorithm helps display the enormous amount of information gathered by the aggregator. Treemaps are traditionally space-constrained visualizations of information. Newsmap's objective takes that goal a step further and provides a tool to divide information into quickly recognizable bands which, when presented together, reveal underlying patterns in news reporting across cultures and within news segments in constant change around the globe.

Um, algorithms? So cool! I love the news.

Skip Loves Rooftops

There is something about the silhouette and shadowy relief, the suggestion of strangers leading mysterious lives within the lighted rooms and the lofty bridge rising above it all...What is it about rooftops that is so romantic?

Skip Prays for Ben

Seriously, folks. It was one of the most traumatizing days in my existence when I was informed that my beloved Ben (hi, Ben) had been in a motorcycle accident this morning. I cannot even recount the drop my heart took when I heard the news. I feel ill just thinking about it now.

So far, it looks like he'll survive with some minimal injuries (in the long term) but I'm going to wear my jersey to bed just in case he needs some extra lovin' prayers.

Let the Christmas List Begin

For some inexplicable reason, my sense of self has become more clear in recent weeks (if I do say so myself). I truly feel that I am finally beginning to come into my own with renewed confidence, poise and focus...and most importantly, clear style direction. I keep happening upon these items in my everyday online browsing that simply scream Skip. What's a girl to do other than blog about it? Some may say it's a product placement initiative, but I say this blog is the world's best gifting reference.

Either way, my new fascination has befallen Page Sargisson jewelry, specifically her Amalia collection. I don't know what it is about the medallions, the etchings and the precious stones...I just feel they would be at home with me.

Just for Decoration

This video is such a classic. It is about time it be resurrected for your viewing pleasure.

The Whistles Go Wooo Wooo.

The Perfect Clutch

I am literally obsessed with this clutch. To me it is the perfect manifestation of the organic-boho-classy-timelessness of style I attempt to personify. Er, or something.

At Begeren.

A Home for L'il Lou

For those of you who know me, it will not come as a surprise that my obsession with everything having its place is tantamount only to accessorizing. Naturally, I need a GPS watch for my half-marathon training. Naturally, I must have a magenta snake skin case for my camera. Of course I must have Hunter Wellingtons in case I'm stranded in flood waters or working at a dairy farm in Cornwall. And, naturally, my Nano (named L'il Lou) needs its own home.

I've discovered that the market for Nano cases, skins, etc. is just as vast as that for iPods (recall my Invisishield infatuation). And there are some fairly amazing choices out there. Take for example the Nano armour or Nano Capsule, each makes a different statement about the owner and hints at the varying contents of the pod.

After an arduous search, I have located the perfect poetic statement of a case to protect my pod. The incredible, the artistic, the witty, the Gelaskin.

Skip Wants a Puppy

Please, Mummy, can I please have a puppy?

Watch Dilly.

Skip Goes to Sonoma

My Memorial Day weekend was spent, appropriately, with members of the military; my lovely and bestest friend Kristin and the General. As seems standard when the four of us are together, we decided a trip to Wine Country was in order. It started at the delicious Barndiva for a quickie brunch and then we embarked on a vineyard marathon, 6 wineries in 4 hours. (For those of you seeking wine recommendations from my incredibly sophisticated palate, I suggest Chateau Souvereign and Christopher Creek.)

Thankfully for all our wits, Monday was spent at a more leisurely pace. We hit up St. Francis and Blackstone and capped it off at the inimitable Chateau St. Jean. It was most divine!

All in all, not a bad way to spend a weekend.

Congrats to the Grad

Congratulations to my Penny!

Skip is Obsessed with the Gecko

Much of this past weekend with my family was spent reenacting the Geico Gecko commercials; like pre-pubescent children repetitively singing inane Take That songs (or wait, maybe that was just me), my Dad, sister and I incessantly imitated the Gecko complete with his newly found Cockney accent. And, guess what? It never got old! 'Cup of tea? How's your Mum? Cheers.' It was awesome! Each iteration was more funny than the last.

I think my mom may have developed a twitch, but...'pie and chips. I mean, who doesn't like pie and chips?' Ha ha ha.

You can watch them all at Geico.

Edgar

Even when I have no idea what is being said, videos of people falling never get old. Ever.

Watch Edgar here.

Skip Loves Another Mat(t)

Awhile back I attended the Matt Nathanson concert at the Swedish American Music Hall (resembling a Nordic moose lodge/high school gym). I have since slacked so completely on posting my laudation of his music and comic quips that I've decided to simply and sheepishly post the set list from the evening.

Car Crash * Bare * Solace and Pain * Bent into Such Great Heights* Princess into Pretty In Pink * Peace, Love, and Understanding * Don't Stop Believing * Lost Myself In Search Of You * Detroit Waves * Curve of the Earth * Pretty The World * Angel * I Saw * Answering Machine * Bullet Proof Weeks * Suspended (encore)

PS- My laziness is most certainly not a reflection of my impressions of the show. I have vowed, in fact, to attend any concert he plays in San Francisco. I was most entertained and anyone who covers The Psychedelic Furs is cool.

PPS- I am well aware of the inconsistencies in my photographic talents. There is no need to point it out...again.

Skip's Bridge Portfolio

I'm getting so good at this. I'm going to start offering my services at weddings and Bat Mitzvahs.

Skip Gets Cooked

Those of you readers who know me (and let's be realistic as to how we define 'readers;' Mom, I would hope that you know me) are well aware that my skin tone resembles that of bleached rice. This naturally presents a problem when exposed to heat or light in any form, be it sun, heat lamps or some 75-watt bulbs held at close range. In less time than it takes for me to fall in love with a pair of shoes, my skin has turned red and blotchy and developed adorable freckles, warning me that I am essentially slow-roasting and will soon be in extreme, burning pain. Unfortunately, these symptoms are most easily viewed in relative darkness (i.e. after coming inside from sitting in the sun).

Now, thanks to some fellow, skin-cancer conscious Brits, who understand my Ivory Tower immurement so to speak, I can have my very own 'done-o-meter' and truly cook to perfection like a Thanksgiving Turkey. The UV Meter monitors your exposure to sun and UV rays and beeps to indicate when you've baked long enough (about 3 minutes...I'm a medium-rare girl after all).

Genius. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.

Skip's Little Pal

She is literally the most precious baby ever.

Skip is a Shoe Addict

Surprise, surprise. I am seriously considering selling one of my cats to buy these shoes. They are so 1940's-preppy-chic-rocker-girl shoes. I love them!


At Shopbop.com.

Skip Can't Keep a Straight Face

Honestly, this just gets better and better.

A Skill Skip Seeks

In everyday life there are many under-appreciated skills that, when lacking, result in disproportionate frustration and the uncouth use of expletives: the ability to use one's indicator (turn signal, whatever), command of queuing rules, parking proficiency in all its aberrations, adherence to noise ordinances (that's right, 2am Motorcycle Freak, I hear you every night), numchuck skills, etc., all come to mind.

I am going to add to this list of oft-overlooked talents Grocery Bagging Aptitude.

It is infuriating when Baggers breezily toss your V8 on top of your Avocados and equally so when they stuff every single heavy item into one bag (albeit double-bagged). Then, they have the audacity to ask if you would like help outside. One day I will say 'yes' and they can see for themselves just how far a 1/2mm-thick piece of plastic will transport 3 wine bottles, a half-gallon of milk, orange juice and two magazines. Not far, my friend! Not far!

There is hope though for Baggers (and shoppers) across they nation. They can look to the incomparable Jason Zitko of Missouri who recently won the 2006 National Best Baggers Contest. He was graded on bag building, weight distribution, style, attitude and appearance in both Plastic and Paper heats. I love this unerring focus championed by the NGA (National Grocers Association)! Indeed, Grocers around the country (specifically the Safeway on Church Street in San Francisco, please) can hold their own Bagging Contests to teach their Baggers just the skills that Jason possesses.

Well done, Jason! You're an inspiration to us all!

For Your Education; Part I

Just thought I'd offer some quotation nuggets for your reading pleasure...

'We're all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.' Oscar Wilde

'The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.' Robert Frost

'As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.' Johann Goethe

'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most.' Marianne Williamson

More quotes at QuotationsPage.com.

Monterey

This past weekend was spent lazily lolling about Monterey (this statement does not include the General who completed a marathon in the morning) with my bestest friend Kristin. We had brunch, visited some incredibly impressive vineyards with even more breathtaking views, ate a delish dinner and had a midnight dance party.

Other than my 2nd-degree burns, it was perfect.

More pics at Ofoto.

Skip's Bridge Pic

In no way do I think this picture is any reflection on my talents as a (amateur) photographer, but rather it demonstrates the enduring, extraordinary beauty of this city. It would have been impossible for me to have taken a bad photo with this evening's view.