Being Snoyman

Saturday,
7 November

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A few years ago a friend of mine got really excited about a movie so rare he had to contact the director to get a copy. We watched it one night and it quickly became a favorite of mine; a weird, surprising gem of a movie. What you see here is a scene from said film - Crispin Glover playing Groovin’ Gary in Trent Harris’ The Beaver Trilogy.

Later, on a trip to Scandinavia, I saw Jesper Just’s tribute to Groovin’ Gary in two different museums.

Even later, on this Saturday evening, I listened to the most recent episode of Radiolab and was reminded of Gary, just a young guy trying to be himself in a small town.

Friday,
6 November

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A little sad that I missed the documentary about the Rock-afire Explosion last night. I have weird memories of these guys standing about a million feet tall in a darkened hall in a Chuck-E-Cheese on Sports Arena Blvd. Sometimes I wonder if they were real or if I was just in the midst of a fake cheese-induced pipe dream.

I think the lesson we can learn from this video is that the greatness of any song exponentially increases if the Rock-afire Explosion gang plays along.

Thursday,
5 November

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For those of you out there who just don’t have enough April Fools trickery in your lives, consider Tinkles the Toilet Cat.

Listen for shrieks from the bathroom when your guests open the toilet lid to finda soaking wet cat! This black and white cat looks none too happy about falling into the toilet! Attaches to the underside of the toilet seat rim with suction cups included. Plastic. This item is not a toy.

Year-round monkey business for only $5.97.

Wednesday,
4 November

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The most inappropriate Google suggestions of all time.

Well, that’s weird.

Tuesday,
3 November

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While Family Ties was certainly a mainstay in my childhood television schedule, I was surprised when I recently learned that Tom Hanks was briefly on the show as Ted, the lovable, goofy, slush of an uncle.

Tom Hanks is back as Uncle Ned and this time he has a drinking problem.

That Alex, studying up for an economics exam per usual. Also, didja catch that sweet opening shot? Director Will Mackenzie loved shots like that and would only sometimes get away with using them on the show <— random trivia acquired from my job.

Monday,
2 November

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Raccoons lining up for the number 18 in San Francisco.

Reminds me of a Gregory Crewdson, only with more rabies.

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Robert Crumb illustrates the Bible.

On view now at the Hammer.

Sunday,
1 November

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After dropping a loved one off at the airport this morning I went to breakfast to drown my sorrows in what are, in my opinion, the best pancakes in the world. Halfway through the meal, this little guy walked in wearing impeccable, shiny silver sneakers, a light pink smoker’s jacket and a tie fashioned in a similar manner as pictured. In essence, he looked like Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken, only more adorable and more tiny.

Yes, my celebrity sighting on this Sunday afternoon was Arlo Weiner, the son of Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner. He was accompanied by his father and brothers, one of whom is Marten Weiner, the actor who plays Glen Bishop on the show. It felt a little strange to recognize a child whose claim to fame was a write-up in GQ a few months ago, but believe me when I say it made the pancakes even better than they already are.

Saturday,
31 October

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Meet the newest member of the Mattel family, Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken. This is who Beach Party Ken strives to be. Those white pants, that damask blazer, the rooted hair - he has it all.

Part of the elite Gold Label Collection, he’s only available in April 2010 so put your name on the waiting list now…

Friday,
30 October

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This was a fun find after a very long day.

Behold, James Joyce’s dirty letters to his wife, Nora.

1909. James Joyce lives in Trieste (Italy) with his family. End of October, he leaves alone for Dublin on a business trip, and stays there until the end of December. He makes a pact with his wife to write to each other erotic letters.

Not gonna lie. Pretty hot. Yet another reason to love snail mail.