Michael Sanacore, Chris Riddle and I made these one-of-a-kind invitations to an after-party earlier this year. Something about the flexibility and the limitations of the typewriter was really inspiring. It made me think of the typewriter in a whole new way. It’s really a miniature printing press, that can only use one font, one style, one size, one color and one weight. But other than that — you can use almost any size paper, any orientation. It’s really marvelous, and lots of fun. They turned out very well I think. My favorite one:
“Don’t listen to her. Come to the after-party.”
4th of July from John Carl on Vimeo. Music: The Guest Room “When Might Makes Right”
Back in early July, @bentmatches and I were standing at the Skybar a little after a beautiful sunset when our friend @AVLSkylie introduced us to three people looking for an adventure to film. Being expert adventurers, we shared a knowing glance and smile and set to work. Here is what they said about that night:
We went on a road trip for 30 days to 30 cities filming one story each day of people around America. This day we were in downtown Asheville, NC for the 4th of July celebration. We didn’t know a soul but by the end of the night we found ourselves in a parking lot with new-found friends setting off fireworks illegally. And we got there in a convertible driven by a friend who looked like he fronted a 50’s rockabilly band. All in all, an amazing night and one of the more meaningful videos we made.
This night was one of the best of my life. To be young, in love, and feel like the king of town in a hot red convertible surrounded by the talented and beautiful — I know of little better. It doesn’t matter how old I get, I’ll always want to go back to that day. I’d like to go back right now.
The folks we met were an artist collective (The Duck Duck Collective) and were filming a series of short spots all over the Eastern US for a really hip Levi-Strauss ad campaign. They had awesome equipment and great personalities and threw themselves into the fun of the evening. We went to the Admiral first and danced, then went to that abandoned parking lot off Merrimon where we lit all the fireworks. You can see me driving the convertible and vaulting through the fireworks at the end. I’m so glad there is footage of this day of my life.
You look ridiculous. Come get ridiculous.
I know everybody has a place to be on Halloween, but it always ends early too early, doesn’t it? Come anytime after midnight and we’ll keep it going til the late night. Last year’s party was so much fun I can’t help but try and and repeat the success. And you are all invited! And service workers: just because you couldn’t get Halloween off doesn’t mean you missed all the good parties — we’ll be waiting for you.
Some of the highlights:
- It’s not a basement. It’s a dance dungeon.
- DJ Par will be spinning again
- Look a fool in @itswendylou’s Photo Booth of Horrors
- Purple Jesus will save you.
- Drink up! (Donations accepted.)
Facebook much? RSVP why don’t you.
I made the flyer, and I made a map too.
I saw this episode of the Twilight Zone many years ago and it made a big impression on me. I love the setting (I like pretty much anything apocalyptic) and the simple way of telling the story. This is one of the few episodes of the Twilight Zone not to feature the supernatural as a plot device. The actors are Charles Bronson and Elizabeth Montgomery. Warning: Uniformed hotness for everybody.
From the 1940 Supreme Court case Minnersville School District v. Gobitis
History teaches us that there have been but few infringements of personal liberty by the state which have not been justified, as they are here, in the name of righteousness and the public good, and few which have not been directed, as they are now, at politically helpless minorities. — Justice Harlan Fiske Stone
I’m very excited to have my Andrew Bird tickets (Orange Peel, $25) already purchased. He is one of my absolute favorite musicians and songwriters out there right now, and his live shows are spectacular displays of his musicianship and uniquely melancholy heart, proudly bruised and bandaged in esoteric words that make me reach for a taxonomic glossary. His lyrics recall the most flowing lines of Tennyson’s work, without the classical allusions. I saw him in 2007 with Reese, who played with him briefly in the early 2000s in the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and I got to shake his hand and speak to him briefly, but in rare form I was star struck and couldn’t think of a single bit of conversation. I’m not familiar with the opening act — has anybody seen St. Vincent?
He’s just as good live as in the video. I’ll see you at the show.
So this weekend I’m going to the Trinumeral Music and Arts Festival at Deerfields. It’s just outside of Asheville, abotu 20 minutes past the airport. Should be a great time, a few days out in the wild with some friends and excellent music will be a nice break from the grind. I’ve been working everyday for three weeks in some capacity, as well as a 15 credit hour load at school. It keeps me stimulated and engaged, but I’ll be glad to go rusticating for a few days. I’ll be back Sunday night.
