Notes on a Living in My Own Customized World

I. Prophecy

Just got a free "Grande Chai Tea Latte" and "black bottom cupcake" from the Starbucks®. No, not because I fixed that stupid breakfast sandwich thing [clicky]. But, because I am the prophet of future gifting. Yeah, no shit, I know.

Last Sunday, it seems, I had a conversation with one of the baristas who looked at me a little cock-eyed because I was all, "Giants, of course" will win the Super Bowl®. He didn't dismiss, but still...I mean it was the New-Eng-ah-Land Pat Riots versus 12-point dog Giants, right?

So, I walk in today and it was all, "Ahhhh, sheeeeeit! There he is, he called it. Giants in the 'bowl, baby!" All behavior unbecoming a Starbucks® barista and stuff. "Whatever you want, it's on me today!" I'm guessing (based on his reaction) that he made some cash thanks to me (and all I got was a lousy cup of coffee). Venite adoremus Gigantes.

II. Zeppelin

This channeling-Led-Zeppelin thing has gone too far. First it was White Stripes and Icky Thump [clicky] as the 20-year boomerang of the miracle called Led Zeppelin. Now, it's Stephen Thomas Erlewine at All Music calling Lenny Kravitz's new record, It Is Time for a Love Revolution (4-stars, out today), "a virtual tribute to the mighty Zep." Huh? Led Zeppelin?

If Icky Thump contained 5% extract of Led Zeppelin, then It Is Time for a Love Revolution contains 3% organic Led Zeppelin (reconstituted). It's Lenny Kravitz. He's channeling Led Zeppelin, sure. But, he's dropping hints of Parliament, Black Eyed Peas, Marvin Gaye, Chris Martin, and like a dozen other artistic styles (Hello? Beatles?). That's what he does. But, "virtual tribute"? C'mon. That's just lazy journalism.

Anyway, the album's hot and there's like a six-song run I cannot stop repeating (from "Bring It On" through "I Love the Rain"). But, it's Lenny "Everything's Going to Be Alright" Kravitz. And, I haven't listened very closely since the album 5, but it's my homie. I have a built-in affinity for the bi-racial half-Jew rock stars (see also: Saul Hudson and Ben Harper). We're family. We're tribe. JewFro Nation!

What is this Led Zeppelin thing? A journalistic fad?

III. Bock

Anyone reading Charles Bock's Beautiful Children yet? Let me know. It's everywhere, yo! The current literature press darling. Good.

IV. On Food

Generally eating is just a thing we do. Sometimes, though, you can almost feel your life being resuscitated and sustained. A real treat, like exploration (or acting Californian and stuff). Or, today I had a very good crepe.


V. Tomorrow

Essay on "The Search for What?"