The Life Idiotic

I've loved fellow Texan Wes Anderson's world since seeing Bottle Rocket. This post is not, however, an exegesis on why Wes Anderson is a true auteur; instead it's an explanation for perhaps why his last film, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou was such a bloody mess. Meet Tara Subkoff. I don't know if Wes is still dating her or not, but while making this film he was, and blinded by love he dedicated it to her. Read what she said on a New Yorker panel this weekend. The woman is an idiot. And if she's his main influence, it's no wonder he's turning into an idiot, too.

What in Tarnation?

If you haven't checked out Jonathan Caouette's brilliant documentary Tarnation yet, you must--it's a moving, brilliant piece of art. This innovative movie is a poignant look at a young man's life growing up with a damaged family in Houston, Texas, and while at times a bit self indulgent, it never fails to keep your eyes glued to the screen. And as it was made for only a mere $187.00, it also proves Jean Cocteau's quote, "Film will only became an art when its materials are as inexpensive as pencil and paper." The quality of the film notwithstanding, I mention it also because the director is a couple of years younger than I, and frequented one of the same Houston clubs I did: Visions. Taking artistic license, he makes it seem like Visions was a hardcore place that he had to sneak into, but actually, it was a teen club that served soda at the bar and let in just about anyone. Our friend Michael was a bartender, and I can't remember the bouncer's name, but he tried to pick up my friend Laura every night. His schtick was to look at IDs and if you're were above the age of 5, say "Fine." But without fail, whenever Laura handed hers to him, he'd get a silly grin on his face and say, "Oh baby, you're SO fine." She, however, did not think likewise, and his infatuation over her was a source of much humor. I digress, but my curiousiy about Caouette is piqued: in the late 80's there were much edgier clubs in Houston, such as Cabaret Voltaire or Numbers, so why did he showcase the cheesy Visions?

Happy Birthday, Mom

Wanted to give a a shoutout to my mom, an Episcopalian priest down in Houston. Happy birthday!

Down in the chips

Do not, I repeat, do not buy Whole Foods' Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips. They suck. I'm not surprised, however, as I've been consistently disappointed in Whole Foods' Tex-Mex offerings. The salas have no bite, the cheese enchiladas taste like tomatoe-y mush, the flautas have zero flavor that no amount of salt and salsa can improve, and their flour tortillas are overpriced cardboard. So silly me, thinking their tortilla chips would be good, but alas, like all of their Tex-Mex products, they just miss the mark completely. The texture is like a baked tortilla chip--that strange smushy, foamy sort of cruch that's just so unsatisfying. And the flavor is zip--can't taste much corn, salt or lime. When I dipped them into some homemade salsa, their complete lack of heft and structure made them practically dissolve before they hit my mouth. What is a tortilla chip good for? Why, it must be a perfect vehicle for grease, salsa and flavor--all of which was missing from the Whole Foods' product. I was overjoyed 4 years ago when they moved into the NYC market, thinking to myself, "At last, I can finally get some good Texas food." But they must have some Yankees making their Tex-Mex because it's worse than the stuff I've had in Toronto. And that's saying something. El Galindo or Los Milagros...if you're listening, please, please, `
I BEG! please distribute to NYC. There's a definite void here!

Lovely Rita

Rita's wrath was nothing compared to Katrina's, praise Dog. But there's still a ton of people suffering over this one-two punch to the Gulf Coast, so if you'd like to donate either cash or goods you can help out a buddy of mine here.