Creatures of Comfort - Be My Valentine Mix

I made a Valentine's mix for my friend's shop, Creatures of Comfort. Go here to download and to see the tracklist. 

And here's part 2 to this mix.... It's the moody and melancholy counterpart to part 1. Tracklist here. 

xx

The Temple Built by Gods

Thirteen years ago when I was living in Saigon, the highly anticipated expedition to Angkor Wat never materialized due to the coup d'etat. Thirteen years later, this wonder is a sight to behold. Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world, is the supreme masterpiece of Khmer architecture. The radiant pink sunset, the hushness and dignity of the people, and the hypnotizing smell of hot air infused with dirt and burning wood are things one shall never forget...

Tiem Banh Mi Phuong

This is enough reason to go back to Vietnam. Tiệm Bánh Mì Phương is located on Hoang Dieu street (the shoe street where you can design your own customized Adidaboks), just at the eastern end of the central market in Hoi An. The proprietors consist of a very lovely man and woman making the best bánh mì I've ever had in my life. It is always busy and understandably so...



You know it's good when it's Bourdain approved...


What is unbelievable to me is how Anthony and Philippe can just split one bánh mì. I attacked two whole ones back to back...

The sandwich -- three special sauces: mayo, pâté and blood sausage spread with pickles, salt, pepper, herb + salad mix, tomatoes, cucumbers, chili peppers, ground beef, headcheese, pork, pork and more pork... and you top it off with a fried egg on top! And I'm probably missing at least 5 other ingredients. This is really special.

13 years ago...

I found these photos tonight from when I was last living in Vietnam thirteen years ago... Going back home next week and I can't wait to see what it's going to be like now...

The healing waters of Vịnh Hạ Long.

 

 The standard mode of transportation in Saigon.

 

 As found in the original 36 streets of Hà Nội. Words to live by: Green, Clean, Beautiful.

Đà Lạt Market.

 

Mekong Delta.

 Close to the Chinese border, the verdant tea plantations of Cao Bằng where my dad was born.

Just grilling some shrimp on the beach at Mỹ Sơn.

Heading into awe inspiring caves of Ninh Binh.

 

 The art deco designed Phy Tho racecourse in District 11.

The Cao Đài Temple.

 

 My favorite billboard in Saigon.

  

The silkworm factory near Huế.

 

  The view from my window during the tropical monsoon season.

The Valley of Death

Here's what Death Valley looked and sounded like this past weekend:

The last bit of civilization at Zzyzx Road.

 

The saltbeds of Tecopa.

 

Badwater, the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level.

 

Furry salt crystals

 

The Artist Drive

 

Zabriskie Point

 

Dante's View

 

20 Mule Drive

 

  Sand dunes

 

Mosaic Canyon

A GIRLS' Valentine

Photo: MF


San Francisco this past weekend:
Family, friends, food, and GIRLS = TOO. MUCH. FUN.

 

A welcome home.
It was the last night of the tour. 
It's fun seeing a band in their hometown.
The fans... the friends... the hugs... and the love.

Was quite pleased that a keyboardist was finally added into the mix... The Wurly sounded beautiful.

GIRLS attract girls... and they were the loveliest!

During Lust for Life.


Lust for life.
I certainly do.
Happy New Year.
x

Jeremy and Jamie, A Love Story

A true reason to believe in love...

In between Z's "Music for Sensuous Lovers" and Hollywod Brats' "And Then He Kissed Me," have a listen to J + J's love story as read by Jarvis Cocker in his weekly BBC6 Sunday Service* show. Today was a special Valentine's affair...

Happy Valentine's Day.


*If you can't spare the time to listen to this entirely exquisite show, their story begins a little after 1:20...

Yard Sale Details

Repost from RFTH:

All the details for our Unknown Treasures yard sale now up on Craigslist (a small grab of my loot pictured above). Selling a bunch of things previously posted on R4TH plus other flea, antique mall finds and wardrobian exiles. Also dapper vintage clothing from Tim, kicks and vintage/designer ladies clothing from Les, Violet and Owley, + Indie records to boot. All in one place, do drop by.