Read Some Stewf

It’s Not Easy Being a Griffin

They’re usually shown as proud, fearsome creatures, but this depiction seems more realistic. In an awkward stance, gagging as he presents his rainbow wings and oversized talon, Gary is rightly uncomfortable with the whole affair.

Image found at the always enchanting BiblioOdyssey.

Copenhagen Metro

Shot this on my way out of Copenhagen. Bless the Danes for putting a big window on the back of their subway trains. I recommend clicking the HD button and then Full Screen one next to it.

A Bean Feast

I am not a great singer. There are few tunes that I will belt out without fear of embarrassment or retribution. Two exceptions: Morrissey and Salt. Here is the latter: the best song and one of the best scenes in one of the best films of all time. It doesn’t get much better than Bricusse and Newley.

Lou & Bob & Tom & Randy

Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Randy Newman at first annual Farm Aid benefit concert. Photograph by Deborah Feingold. Courtesy Corbis.

What a weird and beautiful mix of dudes. I think I liked the photo better before I knew the context. It was intriguing, like any old party snapshot captured late at night on someone’s back porch — except that this particular party is full of music legends.

It reminded me of this pic:

For no reason other than it’s a nostalgic shot of four people I love, just hangin’ out. And also, they are musical legends too.

O Lucky Man!

O Lucky Man! (1973) by Lindsay Anderson and starring Malcom McDowell is, among many things, an allegory for the pitfalls of capitalism, an avant-garde Forrest Gump, and a musical with performances by Alan Price, formerly of The Animals.

Also starring Rockwell.

The Ultimate Tracking Shot

Corii sent me this record of human life as seen by a camera set on a sushi conveyor belt. It is great. Can’t think of a better way to capture candid reactions to the unusual and, for those who don’t notice the camera, an authentic documentation of everyday life. Imagine the joy of the geniuses who set it in motion when the digicam made that final turn and arrived safely in front of them, video captured.

Thanks, Dad

During James’ move we found an unopened poster tube that was mailed to him and me in 2006. The handwriting was unmistakably Dad’s but was strangely neat and clear compared to other things he’d written at the time he was affected by Lewy Body Disease. We opened the tube to reveal eight travel posters he and Mom must have collected during their travels to Europe in the '60s.

Mom and Dad in the Swiss Alps, Fall 1963

4th Night by Hope for Agoldensummer

Went to San Jose’s massive but forgettable flea market a few weeks ago. Wish it was more like this one.

Too Young Molly Young

Well, great. My favorite young writer, on whom I’ve had a not-so-secret crush for weeks, is now immortalized on a popular fashion site in a video which — if they didn’t adore her already — will bring all the kids swooning. This is exactly how it feels to love a band that is only locally known and then watch them get famous and you can’t love them on your own anymore but must share them with the rest of the riffraff masses. Farewell, sweet Molly. I still have your brilliant blog to snack on throughout the day, but now I must heap my long-distance virtual affections elsewhere.

And before you chide: Yes, she’s only 21 (22 now). It’s a literary crush, damn yous!

Oren Lavie

Her Morning Elegance
Directed by: Oren Lavie, Yuval & Merav Nathan
Photography: Eyal Landesman
Featuring: Shir Shomron

Perhaps inspired by: