It's All About Survival

Or so Madonna says.  

I am so lucky.

Tonight I'm finishing packing my bags for Brooklyn.  I don't plan on leaving there anytime soon except for work/pleasure travel trips.  It's where my heart, head and spirit lives.

What have I been up to?  Well, I completely changed my work trajectory in July, exactly 21 days after re-signing a 6 month lease.  I lived in a nice building in a crappy housing market, which means Craig's list and subletting has the opposite fluidity of NYC, Boston, London, or San Fran.

I remember a year ago, a friend asking if I was moving to the 'Williamsburg' of Miami. Everyone told me to move south of 5th on the Beach, but i opted for somewhere in between Miami Beach, the mini hipster enclave of the Design District, and the office i was initially working out of. Great idea while I was working out of said office, lame for the last 6 months. 

However, I was lucky enough to transition back into a lifestyle of travel, intelligence, culture, and creativity that feeds my soul.

At the beginning of the journey, I was lucky enough to reconnect with Keri Smith Esguia, in a twist of fate that was one of the most beautiful coincidences of my life.  

We rock.

Keri and I have started a company called Whitesmith Entertainment.  We have spent the past 5 months writing a business plan, transitioning our clients into new platforms, and planning the next 18 months for all of those involved. I am honored to work with Lydia Berg-Hammond, and owe the knowledge of her existence to the fabulous Jim Anderson.  Asking Katrina to join our team was such a fucking no brainer.  I can't wait to be in the same city as these wonderful women.  Jessie should stay virtually involved despite our convergence on NYC, because that's where it's at :).  

Meanwhile, our Los Angeles office continues to impress me and I'm psyched to work with Sarah Martin and engage JessieBee to dive right in.  Yay for a total of 7 Whitesmithers to end 2008.

What have we been doing?  A Lot!

Besides getting our shiznit together and becoming a real deal biz, we've been guiding the careers of the talent we proudly represent thus far.

Amanda Palmer put out her debut solo masterpiece with friends Ben Folds, Annie Clark, and strings by Buckmaster.  Neil Gaiman + more live performance magic with The Danger Ensemble live and are not to be missed in 2009.

Margaret Cho.  I mean, seriously, an outright legend.  We are making a record with Ms. Cho and her fave musicians.  It is sick.  She is sick.  Look for her in unexpected appearances this year.

Sara Benincasa.  Apparently my new NYC wingwoman and more.  What more could I ask for?  I am so proud of how you have evolved from sarah's deer in headlights reality to straight up Turkey Blood.  See you in 2009, literally.

Selene Luna.  COME VISIT WHITESMITH NEW YORK.  

Ian Harvie.  Erika Batey is awesome.  Thank you for everything.

Btw Wizzle World readers, how does one embed an mp3 into a blog post?  I am not an html whiz.  Cause this blog post's song would be "To Be Young" by Ryan Adams.  

I know I wasn't @ OasisMSG2, but we'll reconvene, I promise.

meanwhile, i'm so pumped to hang in milwaukee for a week before 2009.  

thank you to ann/bob/jesse, ezrin, luba, mikey, Richard, kk, jm.com, winis, raso, Lourdes, kevmo, paddy, natelew, krystal, stacey, casey/grant, sagey sage, bartandjulie, eli, reis, thom/trent, markkates, hillaryclinton, ericsussman, Jaymay, mw, KateNash, sabrina, Enoch Porch, adamhaft, beth, SMW, sean, bill h, damon albarn, patrick, the lost and found saloon, elaine, and matt.

i couldn't be more proud that the Obamas are moving into the Whitehouse the same month that Whitesmith Entertainment launches.

love,

emily white

xo

My boy, Rahm

He's badass, I love it.

The three brothers together are hilarious too: hhttp://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/9463

Meanwhile, you can come party with Team AFP on New Year's, which is also the day after I officially move back to Williamsburg (!) 

Love,

Em Wizzle xo

Original Crazy Girl Tribute

Who knew Carrie Fischer had turned into such an awesome, eccentric woman?



Carrie's adult image had previously been frozen to me as the quintessential mother of the 80's in The Burbs.

I want her to come and see Amanda play.  I love that movie execs thought she was fat before Star Wars @ 105 lbs.  Classic.

Love,

Em Wizzle xo

OMG - Britpop wet dream alert

http://www.nme.com/news/blur/41530

Hopefully I can make it over during that time. But if not, PLEASE PLAY NYC!!!!

Nothing will make up for seeing them @ The Rave when I was 13 and almost getting trampled in the front row. It was worth it.

Love,
Emily White xo

Furniture, Stereo and TV in Miami Land for sale

Email if me if you'd like to buy anything or know anyone.  Even though Google Anal tells me most Wizzle World readers live in NYC, Boston, London, and Wisconsin; you never know.

xo

It works! :)

AFP E-mail List

Email:

Testing

I am tech savvier than 99.5% of the world.  But, the .5% who are more knowledgeable than I, can do, like actual real things on the internet.  I tend to be better at coming up with ideas, to which my genius internet friends either say "yeah, I told you about that 3 months ago or, no that doesn't exist yet, but someday."

Today, I'm trying out the html code for AP's new (super awesome) email list.  I sent it to our webmaster and internet god, but they are busy bees fixing things online for the 95.5% of us.  In the meantime, i want to make sure data goes where I think it goes.  I'm an instant gratification kinda gal.

#7 - The cookies @ Lost and Found Saloon

I know, I've been cheating. I've been in Miami a bit and slacking on the things I like about the city...

But, last night my genius (literally) friend Peter Sand was in town. In general, the food in Miami is bad. However, The Lost and Found Saloon is AWESOME! Great vibe, good music, and the owner is a Red Sox fan. They could work on green packaging (I've been getting delivery less due to the massive amounts of Styrofoam). One step at a time.

The cookies are the best ever. Seriously.


That's all I've got. Back to work!

x

What about Lincoln Diaz-Balart?

He seems to be anti-hate crime and pro human rights.

Also, what's the deal with the local judges?  Having trouble finding info about them online as well.....

Vote No on 2

Miami doesn't have as many cool celebs to endorse the anti-gay marriage amendment on the ballot, but it's still there.

Reminder to Vote No on Two in Florida.

I'm voting tomorrow. Someone from the Obama campaign is picking me up, because millenials are organized like that. 

Oh, and thanks for the info on Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. I will definitely be voting for Annette Taddeo :)

I volunteered to work at the Obama campaign on Sunday in Miami and am stoked.  You can too.

xo

#6 My Vote counts in FL

Continuing on with things I like in Miami, I GET TO VOTE IN FLORIDA! Awesome.

I'm going to head down to the Miami City Hall on Saturday to vote early. Hooray!

However, I encourage all to check out their ballot in advance online. Check it out, the Florida ballot is mad long. Many of my friends live in the liberal utopias that are NYC/Brooklyn, Boston, LA, San Francisco, and Austin. Their usual gripe is that their vote doesn't count. However, I consider local government as important as getting Barack elected. I think about that everytime I'm riding in a bike lane in NYC or walking through one of it's gorgeous parks. The government CARES. In Miami, notsomuch. Recycling is a joke, parks are few and far between, I see no general concern for the environment, and don't even get me started on the lack of bike lanes. Thus, I am looking forward to voting locally and hopefully doing my little bit to make Miami better for all before departing home to Brooklyn. But who the hell are all of these people on the ballot? I decided to find out.

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, DISTRICT 18
Good ole District 18. This race is between two females, hooray! Annette Taddeo (D) and
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R). At first glance, Annette's website is down. Bummer 4 days before the election. However, I did a little digging. Although there isn't much on Annette, she is a female business owner, and that is what I became over the past few months. BUT, get this! Despite being a Republican, Ileana seems to care about other people!! Ileana is a Cuban immigrant with Jewish roots. Although her environmental record could use some work, check this - she supports anti-hate crime laws, anti-discrimination bills, believes gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly in the armed forces, voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, and is one of two Republican members of the LGBT congressional caucus.

Wizzle World readers, I will be voting for a Republican in District 18. Looks like she's been in office since the 80's and will most likely crush, but chalk one up for human rights.

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, DISTRICT 20
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D)
Margaret Hostetter (NPR - No Party Affiliation)

This also looks like a blow out in Debbie's favor. She seems like a nice New York transplant who supports both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Margaret on the other hand is anti-gay marriage and pro-life. What is a bisexual woman has an unexpected pregnancy and 'chooses' life to raise the child with a female? Does that hurt your head as to what you think this woman should do, Margaret? Guess what, it shouldn't be your decision as to what said bisexual woman does with her pregnancy, nor should you be able to regulate who she opts to spend her life with.

Wizzle World Endorsement: Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Ok, that's all for now. More tomorrow as I have to figure out the other South Florida politicians I'm voting for before Saturday! :)

xo

Amanda's new video is dedicated to Sarah Palin

AND it's called "Oasis." :)

I wish I had tickets to see Blur in November.

xo

For my touring friends

Well said, Katie Kay!  (Amanda Palmer's tour manager)

Still waiting for hippie grocery delivery.

So

Hungry.

xo

Another reason why I should manager a swimmer

http://gawker.com/5069852/michael-phelps-and-the-nerdy-endorsement-trap

Btw, I'm in Miami this week and have been slammed creating Whitesmith Entertainment with Keri.

But today's item I like about Miami can be short and sweet: the sky. It's freaking gorgeous and multi-colored. Paddy asked me if I was tripping once when I was describing the Miami sky. I wasn't, but it proves my point as to how stunning it is.

Meanwhile, I sit and work and wait for my Delicious Organics grocery delivery that is 6 HOURS late. Hippie company + Miami time seems to compound the general expected delay. Oh well, soon soon.

xo

I Don't Know How To Say This

But there are people my age voting for McCain/Palin.  WTF??????

I know I'm being a bit too idealistic/hippie/naive, but it scares the shit out of me.

I'm in a wedding in Wisconsin this weekend. I was ok with the fact that the other girls involved are married/planning families/into having traditional lives. However, I was truly appalled last night to find out that educated young women would consider not voting for Barack Obama and even worse, would be psyched to elect the Pro-Life Beauty Queen.

I could give a fuck how intellectually snobby I sound explaining to these 20-somethings that I have more foreign policy experience than Sarah Heath Palin. Extra worse, is that they countered my question of "So you'd be ok with Sarah Palin being President" by attempting to trash Barack. You didn't answer my question.

If you're so into the settling down and having kids BS, don't you give a shit about their future?

I really really really try to give midwesterners a good name in all of the cities I've lived in. But please don't perpetuate the horrendous stereotypes you already have by just plain being uninformed and responding like a crazy McCain rally type.

If McCain/Palin lose, maybe the pitbull will reconsider seceding from the US.

Love,

Emily White 

#4 a REALLY hot guy moved into the building next to me

i don't know his name and probably never will.  but about two weeks ago a gorgeous guy with dark shaggy hair decided to start hanging out on the balcony straight across from my apartment. he's usually only in boxers and i wish i had one of my Whitesmith/AFP girls here to comment to as he appears randomly throughout the work day. it's like an indie rock diet coke break.

thanks for the eye candy! :)

i hope i don't disturb that building too much as i'm usually prancing around doing yoga and blasting music from ranging from Beethoven to Britney to Britpop.

back to work.

xo

#3 Free Outdoor Yoga

Note for Richard: I only do a 'daily favorite thing about Miami' blog when I'm actually in the city. It is my attempt at a positive outlook on my remaining days here, until I move home to Brooklyn and it's actually working. :)

Every Monday, Wednesday (6 PM) and Saturday (10 AM) there is a free Vinyasa class provided by the city at Bayfront Park.  It really is gorgeous to do yoga during sunset overlooking Biscayne Bay. The teacher is fab, and the program was started by a city councilman who always joking complains during navasana (which I admit, I often slack on). Anyone who communicates with me frequently knows that I revolve my Mondays and Wednesdays around the class. It's still no Greenhouse, but outdoor NYC yoga is obviously seasonal.  I've been pretty much disgusted with local/regional/state government here for the most part. So much so that I have a newfound appreciation for education and environment laws in Wisconsin and NY. But this class has created a mini local progressive community who also put on a seasonal Farmer's market in the park between Feb - April as well as yoga workshops including 108 Sun Salutations for World Peace.  Heady, but awesome.

The councilman who started said program is a minor local celeb to me. I don't get intimidated by actual celebs (sans Noel Gallagher) but apparently local progressive government officials are the new rock stars in Wizzle World.

That's all I got.  I'm fried from a 10 hour flight today.

Back to work either way.

xo

I'm Not One of Those Either

At about :35 in the Couric interview, Ms. Sarah Heath Palin explains how she didn't come from "a background of kids who perhaps graduate college and their parents get them a passport and give them a backpack and said 'go off and travel the world.'"  She continues, quite condescendingly, "No....., I've worked all my life.  In fact, I've usually had two jobs all my life, until I had kids.  I was not a part of, I guess, part of that culture. The way I have understood the world is through education.  Through books, through mediums, which have provided me a lot of perspective on the world."

Though the books and mediums you refuse to name?

Dear Sarah Palin,

I have been to Europe more times than I can remember. I've traveled throughout 30 or so countries on 4 continents. I never could have afforded this on my own, nor would I have asked my parents to foot the bill. I worked, because in addition to the love of my craft, I had an innate needs to explore the world. Yet, many folks often comment on how I've been 'everywhere.'  I haven't. I've only had the opportunity to travel in countries whose citizens could afford CD's at major label prices back in the day and concert tickets today. Despite the fact that I've been to exponentially more cities and countries than you, I have not seen the world whatsoever. Maybe someday, I can afford to travel to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia who can't afford to put on rock n roll festivals.

Unfortunately for all of us, you can afford to visit these lands. Thanks for making your tax returns public. Sorry, but I don't think "Joe Sixpack" can relate to making $150k/year.

In the meantime, let's enjoy one of your Vlogs.

Love,

Emily White xo

Fuck You, Society

Don't get me wrong, you've been great to me in almost every way.

But what's up with headlines like this on CNN.Com?  Listen, I know CNN is a joke and so do most in my generation. But loads of folks do not!  From the midwest to boomers and up, they seriously consider the Cable News Network real news.  And the gross part is, it's better than many "news outlets."  Please don't encourage unnecessary consumption in sources that folks look to for information. I don't expect everyone to spend their time enjoying art, but can you please stick to informing as journalists and not influencing consumer habits? I don't think CNN is commenting on a trend here, they are perpetuating problems that have screwed America in the first place.

Thus, I will try to enjoy my surroundings of Berlin-Tegel Airport for the next few hours until Air France whisks me away to Miami where recycle is a term foreign in both English and Espanol within the city limits. 

But who am I to talk? Psycho Dave just texted me via my (precious) BlackBerry that I left my iPod on Amanda's tour bus. Yes, David, you can borrow it for the rest of the tour. I'm happy to listen to music on my harddrive @ home.  I'll live.

Love,

Emily White

PS - AMANDA FUCKING PALMER AND THE DANGER ENSEMBLE/ZOE KEATING/LYNDON/JASON WEBLEY ARE KILLING IN EUROPE RIGHT NOW.  I've seen A LOT of shows, especially starring AP. But it's sick.  Really.  I'm super proud.  Go.  Now.

xo 

#2 I'll Be in Paris Tonight

NYC-area residents are spoiled with 3 major international airports within close proximity. However, the Miami area is serviced both by Miami Int'l Airport as well as Fort Lauderdale's airport, which is a $4 train or $18 shuttle fare away. People always complain about increasing fares, less routes, and more in the airline industry. Having more than one airport nearby limits monopolies on a market. There are way more options, assuming the consumer knows how to use the internet and is willing to take a little extra time to find the right flight.

FLL is freezing and I think it's so tourists feel warm the moment they exit the airport. It also cracks me up how FLL is the designated tourist airport. Semi-related, I can never find anything to eat as it's chock full of American artificial standard food. Not that MIA is much better, but it's a bit bigger and there are some new wings. MIA seems to be filled with folks going to/from The Caribbean and South America and are just living their lives aka not on holiday.  FLL also has discount airlines such as Spirit and Southwest. I don't see why people are anti budget airlines. It's soooo much cheaper and I think some of the planes on Spirit and Southwest are newer and cleaner than American or United.

Anyway, I'm taking off to visit Amanda and crew in Europe land.  I found a reasonably priced flight on Air France at my preferred times straight out of Miami Int'l.  Thus, two nearby international airports is another thing I like about Miami.

xo

Link Updated

Thanks, Katie Schmaling :) 

Double thanks to Mellers for reminding me to blog so she has something to read at work. Hooray for Vegas!

xo

#1 The Weather

I'm living in an odd state of purgatory, which isn't all bad, but it isn't ideal either.  I'm stuck in a pre-paid lease and can't move back to Brooklyn till the end of December.  The only way out of said lease is military service and I am not enlisting anytime soon.  Although I travel frequently for work and pleasure, my residence is Miami, FL for the next 85 days.  I am incredibly pleased with what we are working on in the meantime, but it doesn't mean I wouldn't mind taking breaks at Greenhouse Holistic and having meetings at Pan Ginger enjoying some jade mushrooms for lunch.  All in due time.  Thus, I will be listing something I like about Miami every day until I can return home.

#1 The weather.  Obvious answer, but true nonetheless.  I get cold way too easily.  I'm a wimp. At my last day job, I had a space heater by my desk and wore a hoodie every day.  When winter comes, I try not to verbally complain as much as I do, but it's because I'm beyond uncomfortable.  People say I should be "used to it" being from Wisconsin and all.  Nope, that just makes me loathe it more and bring back memories of frozen hair after swim practice.  

Amanda is similar and an acupuncturist friend told her once that it is due to not eating meat. I can see where that would make sense, but it's a bummer to consider altering one's beliefs just to stay warm.  Although my fave lounging clothes are usually comfy and tanktoppy, in the winter, I layer like crazy, practically wear a sleeping bag for a jacket and still freeze.

I can't wait to open our office in Brooklyn.  But for now, I'll enjoy working in a tank top and shorts with the deck doors wide open and a breeze that feels fantastic.  It's still a bummer here when there is no sun for days, which happened when various hurricanes passed through the gulf, despite being 100's of miles away.  But otherwise, the temp hovers in the 80's during the day and 70's at night.  

I will remind myself of this when I'm outside in January and am not as warm as I'd prefer.  But for now, I pulled my desk outside on the deck for today because it's freaking gorgeous out.

xo

Be careful!

This is one of my favorite commuting paths in the city.  Don't be reckless, especially on the steep path into Williamsburg.

Yay Jay

Miami is not a hot bed for concerts.  It's too far south.  There isn't much interest from fans. Music fans exist, but I've seen way too many half full rooms at the few awesome shows who's tours have stopped in South Florida.

However, Jay-Z is playing a free show for Barack Obama on Sunday!!  And it's right by my apartment!

http://www.nme.com/news/jay-z/40164

Sweet!

xo

BriAnna is going to Iran

After a year and half of planning, my good friend BriAnna Olson is headed to Iran.  The idea began after shooting footage on the 5th anniversary of 9/11 @ Ground Zero.  She simply held a sign that said "Unconditional Love is Global Security."  Although many reactions were supportive, one furious woman told her to go to Tehran and take her sign there.  So she is:

You, Me & the Islamic Republic of Iran
Guess who is heading to Tehran? Me. I am. And I'm taking Michael Pope with me.

We're flying out of New York on Monday, stopover in Dubai, then we touch ground in Tehran where we'll be met by a translator who'll escort us about the city.

We'll be meeting with curators and artists and musicians and hopefully getting to know them well enough to inspire new relationships and maybe even spawn some international collaborations. Who knows. We've got a handful of people to meet with, and knowing how we roll, I hope that we meet all the right people. At least, we'll be returning with an experiential peek into a world so few of us have actually seen, which I have learned as an travel enthusiast, is really where its at.

I'm really just psyched to see what all the fuss is about. And I'm mostly super psyched that a lot of you have helped in some wayshapeorform. I've made a career out of making things happen, but its always easier when there is either money, sex or famous people involved. And since this involved none of those things explicitly, the ride was a little... inconsistent.

So thank you for giving me places to stay, taking photos, selling photos, screening the video at your art-party, brainstorming, booking venues, lifting heavy tv sets, giving me places to stay, giving me money, overwhelming me with your enthusiasm, sending me links, giving me places to stay, "getting it", "not getting it", buying my tshirts, telling people to watch that video, donating your DVD players, making your own "Unconditional Love is Global Security" shirts/sign/merch, asking how its going, not asking how its going, and also giving me places to stay.

You are the best ever.

love,
bri

Turn Up The Sun

Tanning beds put into the Alaskan governor's mansion.

I've been morbidly fascinated by Sarah Palin from the moment she was announced as the GOP's VP candidate.  She's just so bad.  And so 2008 with the pregnant teenager tabloid story.  Very Juno and Jamie Lynn.  Btw, the above photo was provide by her FAMILY to the media.  Wtf?

Shockingly, the Republicans managed to choose someone who has even less in common with me than Bush.  That was one of my Bush issues from the getgo.  I would look at this fortunate son, playboy, steak eating, oil-guzzling, earth hating, southern cowboy and think about how I don't think someone like that could ever relate to my life.  What a bummer that he is the leader of the country I was born in.  That and I've always wanted someone to just please tell me one good thing Bush has done.  As humans, you'd think there'd be SOMETHING he could give a shit about besides money and/or good ole boys.  Education, the environment, or some other issue that affects everyone. But no, no one can seem to come up with one universal positive accomplishment from the Bush administration.

Then there's Sarah Palin, who just plain sets women back. Oh I know all about the book banning, no funding for rape victims, belief in converting gays (!), and more. But somehow, installing tanning beds in the Alaskan governor's mansion inspired me enough to publicly speak up about SP4VP.  I really thought I'd outgrown such a trashy and carcinigous trend by graduating from Arrowhead High School and moving away from Hartland, but no, it haunts me still. I'm all for all of the amazing working mothers out there, especially who support their children in all fields, be it hockey or swimming for example. But, unless that working mom has the legit credentials to hold the keys to essentially affect everyone on planet Earth in some way or another, I don't want her speaking for me or trying to legislate what I can or cannot do with my body.

Equal rights for all isn't just choosing someone for a job because of their sex/race/age/whatever. It's about choosing the right person for the job no matter what their sex/race/age/whatever is.

This message is brought to you by Lindsay and Sam.  (Go them, btw! :)

xo

PS - You can vote early in the swing state that is Florida here in Miami.

Finally!

Dear Carral's Convenience Store,

You have so much potential!  Here we are, in a beautiful apartment building filled with young professionals, ready and willing to spent too much of their paycheck on overpriced hippie junk food specifically marketed to the cultural creative demographic.  I opt to not have a car in my life, because it isn't necessary for me.  In a tropical climate, there is no place in the metro area that my bike can't get me to. However, our millennial generation is a busy one.  When I can, I make plans to get across the Venetian Causeway via carpool, bus, or again, just bike to Whole Foods/Wild Oats on a weekly basis. But sometimes my travel schedule heats up and grabbing fresh fruits and vegetables isn't realistic.

When a time/food shopping crisis occurs, I always come and check out your store, located on the ground floor of my building.  Each and every visit, I am let down with artificial products filled with chemicals that define why Americans are so unhealthy.  Though, I was stoked one night when I discovered a well stocked collection of SFRB, my legal drug of choice in work emergencies.

I wouldn't trade the large lap-swimmable outdoor pool at Bay Park Plaza for anything.  But after swimming, or riding my bike home from yoga in the park like I just did now, sometimes I would kill for a product branded by Amy's, Annie's, or Liz Lovely (BEST VEGAN COOKIES EVER). So today, I decided I'd get over my food snobbery and buy some Tropicana, as I was dying for something fruitlike.  To my surprise, you're now stocking Naked! Win one for the hippie chic crowd who have been brainwashed to down yummy products directly marketed to people like me.  At least I admit it?

The point is, you will make bank if you continue to stock unneccesarily expensive food.  Try it, one product at a time, I guarantee you the sales of these items outsell your usual stock.  I'll even help you order!

Time to get back to work with a $2.99 15 oz juice and yerba mate helping me along.

Love,

Emily White

Who Killed Amanda Palmer's Greatest Tits?

I am pleased with how we are launching Amanda's debut solo album on Monday:

http://www.whokilledamandapalmer.com/

I'd like to draw attention to another recent release that deserves some interweb chatter. I was lucky enough to to find Emilyn Brodsky's Greatest Tits in my mailbox this morning.  The album has gorgeous packaging with gorgeous songs by a gorgeous girl. Hearing a properly recorded version of "Swear To God" was thrilling.   You can buy it HERE.

xo

Liam @ Heathrow + Noel and Phelps in the same NYC weekend?

i was groggy, in pajamas, and wearing my "Pete Doherty is innocent shirt." thus i didn't say hi. still dope nonetheless.


almost as cool as THIS is going to be.

i was planning on chilling in miami land for september.  but oasis + if anyone can get me into Michael Phelps on SNL that Saturday, I will owe you for life.

x

i'm so watching this

Phelps to appear on "SNL"

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2850473520080828

OMG Liam Gallagher, not kidding

Soooo, I just arrived at Heathrow and who was ahead of me in the security line?  Liam Gallagher and Andy Bell.  Score!

I took a pic, but my camera cord is in my checked bag.  Oh well, you'll have to wait until NYC.

Enjoy an awkward moment between Liam and Carson Daly on TRL in the meantime.

Really, what are the odds?  How awesome?  However, I didn't get to see my soulmate Noel on this trip.  Next time!

xo

JESUS SPOTTED + Hooray for The Cho Show

This is a bold statement, but this particular trip to the magic UK has potentially been my best ever.  Thanks to all of you involved.

However, while sitting down to a full (v) English breakfast at the K West Kanteen, with Amanda, a legit Britpop star finally walked by us.  Jay Darlington, who is Oasis' keyboard player ! ! ! 

He looks like Jesus.  Nuff said on that.  Bonus Britpop fact: Jay was also in Kula Shaker, one of my all time fave 90's Britpop bands.  "Tattva" is a classic.

Also, I finally had a chance to sit down and watch the first episode of The Cho Show. Absolutely amazing, hilarious, stunning, and groundbreaking.  I laughed and cried. Check it.

• VH1 TV Shows
• Music Videos
• Celebrity Photos
• News & Gossip

xo

Braless and Britpopping in London

I loathe wearing a bra and Amanda loves wearing ONLY a bra.  To each their own.

Either way, Amanda's sold-out performance was absolutely stunning last night.  Way to go AP. If you weren't able to get a ticket, you can come back and visit when Ms. Palmer headlines KoKo on 10/10 with additional musicians, performance artists, and our classic crew.  That will be extra special for me as I used to work at MTV, right down the road in Camden Town. Memories! AND the last time I was at KoKo, it was for NOEL GALLAGHER SOLO ACOUSTIC. Sickest night ever. I was going to link to a youtube clip of said 2006 show, but that is too easy. Instead I stumbled from a great clip of Noel playing "Talk Tonight" at my first Oasis show ever! January 17th, 1998. I will never forget that date. Mel and I stood outside for 6 hours in winter to get in the front row of the Rosemont Horizon (now renamed The Man center in various incarnations).  I know in the hardcore universe of Oasis fandom, that is a late date for a first show.  However, I was 15 and when the band came to town a few years prior when I was in middle school (in which I was as obsessed as ever), I had the 11-12 Wisconsin State Swimming Championships and alas couldn't go to The Rave.  At least I think I won a few events.  The next 10 years would make up for it though as I've had the honour of seeing Noel and the band over a dozen times in various countries.  And my obv life highlight of Noel dedicating "Don't Look Back In Anger" to me in Germany in 2005.  BEST MP3 EVER.

Sorry, no matter how many times I've been here, UK visits bring out the uber hardcore Anglophile in me....

Anyway, we are having a blast clowning around one of my hometowns, although I have seen only emo bands and no Britpop stars staying at the good ole K West.  Sigh.  But oh oh oh, breaking news, Sean Francis just sent me the new Verve album.  Yessssss.

Hopefully that feeling will be additionally enhanced by any sort of Pete Doherty spotting tomorrow @ Reading.  Oh and Michael Phelps will be in London this weekend too.  Score!

Update: Two minutes into the new Verve album, I love it already.  Shocker!

xo

Billary Merch

Pop culture, merch, the 90's, and political rock stars are all things that I love.  Thus, I was genuinely excited to go to the Bill Clinton Museum store in Little Rock, Arkansas.

What was I doing in Arkansas?  Visiting Fairfield Bay, of course.

Although I was a little disappointed with Slick Willy's merch and the lack of an intern memorial, Jesse assisted in pointing out a few of our fave items.

In the end, even my Barack-worshiping brother had to admit that Billary broke down "cool" barriers for the Obamas by playing sax on era-appropriate media such as The Arsenio Hall Show.  Omg, watch that clip.  Aresenio says that Bill has more people in his posse than Hammer.  AWESOME!  

Though, even Bill has to be impressed with Barack's bodysurfing.

Off to London land! xo

Teamwork

Whether you're a swimming fan or not, everyone should be able to appreciate a come from behind race like this.  So sick!  Jason Lezak is a new Wizzle World Hero.  And Garrett is from Wisconsin.  Hooray!  I love French food and all, but can't help taking a little joy in the stunned faces of the French relay team.

And for those of you in NYC tonight, come see MY team tonight @ Amanda Palmer's Spiegeltent show.  Reggie Watts is opening and it will be a blast.

xo

Hi New York, I've missed you

xo

Psycho in San Fran

I meant to take a picture of the weed store by The Great American Music Hall. It's a cliche but seeing the signs are still a novelty for travelers from the liberal, but slightly more uptight northeast.  Or of the stunning landscapes that always make me wonder if I should spend a few months living here sometime.  Even of the perfectly poached eggs and avocado Amanda and I had over breakfast.

Instead I have a picture of Psycho Dave, which is exciting in it's own way.Dave's a good tour roommate. Especially since I like my alone time and he likes experiencing the local culture, often discovering new bars and friends.  (I'm usually a good wingwoman for him but have an 8 AM flight tomorrow).  Dave also has the ability to randomly talk to someone outside of the hotel and it happens to be Greg Dahl, our good friend Bart's brother.  

Sadly, I'm only visiting team WKAP for a few shows, but they were a nice warm up/preview for many in this family and community.

Staying @ The Clift makes me thing of Northeastern University St. Stephen Street dorm alum, Ron Almgren who apparently is not a concierge here anymore. Where are you Ron?  Find me on a social network or two!

See you in Brooklyn tomorrow.
xo

Good Morning from L.A.

I've never been much of an LA fan.  The cars, the smog, the fake tits, etc.

However, whenever I'm in town, I'm reminded of Katie Kay, Josh Frankfort, avocados, sushi, pools, sunshine, and gorgeous views such as the one provided by our amazing lodging.

And although fictional, Frances McDormand's house/studio in Laurel Canyon RULES.

em wizzle

xo

From Lolla to LaLa Land

Radiohead and NIN were amazing as usual and all that. Bri and I have seen NIN around 30 times (I'll get an official number at some point). They're kind of a jam-band sometimes. Seriously.

But I was way more excited to hang with peeps like Sabrina, Mommy White, BriAnna Olson (aka Trent Reznor's soulmate), and the always lovely Matt and Jenny.
My little brother is starting to out-hipster me.

Post-Lollapalooza, American Airlines took me to West Hollywood for Amanda's sold out show @ The Troubadour. Nice work AP!

It's so wonderful to be back with my musical family. Pre-show art projects included.

Show time!

Em Wizzle
xo

Freezing In Fort Lauderdale

What is up with the FLL Airport AC always being set to about 55 degrees?  A waste of energy and an uncomfortable experience.

However, The Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport redeems itself by offering free WiFi.  Hooray for immersive living!

See you in Chicago.

Em Wizzle xo

Wizzle World on Tour

Good morning from Boston.

xo

Projects.

From about age 5 - 17, when I lived in the same home as my parents, my dad would frequently knock on my door and ask "What are you working on?"

My answer was almost always, "Projects."

Some things never change.

xo

W.W.H.

Wizzle World Heroes, in no particular order and off the top of my head:

Dara Torres, Madonna, The Dalai Lama, Bob White, Laura Keating, Ann White, Mike Luba, Angela Bennett, Amanda Palmer, Nancy Allen, Mike Greenhaus, John Lennon, Jesse White, Katie Kay, Barack Obama, Sean Francis, Britney Spears, Eric Sussman, Idgie Threadgoode, Bill H, Jill Coy, Eric Sussman, Noel Gallagher, Chewy Smith, Trent Reznor, Elizabeth Freund, Mr. Greenhaus and the Troll Dolls, Bob Ezrin, Roy Coates, Eric Sherman, Craig Haase, Kevin Morris, Kyle Cassidy, Mark Kates, Melanie Nold, Keri Smith Esguia, Alan McGee, Irving Luba, Brian Viglione, John Raso, Heather Greidanus, BriAnna Olson, Imogen Heap, Grandma and Grampa White, Margaret Cho, Charles Attal, Lee Baron, Sabrina Gritzmacher, Maia Viglione, Marcus Russell, David Hughes, Nate Lew, Christine Maxon, David Bason, William Smolen, Jennifer Wilson, Christy Merriner, Elaine Benes, Jenny Applebaum, The Baron, Kati Turk, Ellen Maxon, Sarah Reddick, Ma Vig, Damon Albarn, Jim Anderson, JeffMaker.Com, Sue McTaggart, Lisa Simpson, Cha-Chi LoPrete, Michael Pope, Your Mom, Josh Frankfort, Winifred Chane, Jaron Luksa, Margaret Cho, Ed Valauskas.

Thank you all. There are more. I love you too.

Em Wizzle xo

Box of Fun

What would you put in the Box of Fun?


I'm open to suggestion.

Who is More Aware of the Internet: The Bees or John McCain?

I'm pleased to see the bee epidemic has inspired a nice collection of online word-of-mouth activism.

Check it:

• The Bees have grass roots organizations informing the general population of colony collapse disorder and how you can help.  
• The Bees have inspired multiple viral youtube videos featuring               K-Fed style bees dripping with hipster irony.  
• The Bees' said youtube videos have been picked up by political bloggers.
• The Bees have a documentary in production that is sure to do well in the quirky-indie community ala Spellbound, which is about another kind of bee.
• The Bees have enlisted the help of corporate sponsors Haagen Dazs to rock a fancy website (because most of their ingredients also go extinct if the bee population dies off).
• My friend Christy even manages a super hip band called Bumblebeez.

Earth-land is headed for a major food crisis.  One of the best things about the interweb is that it not only informs like traditional news, but also allows the user to take a step further and easily research how everyday peeps can help.  With bees being a massive component of the food supply, it's a bummer that John McCain can't witness The Bees' online voices. Despite being the election year of 2008, a major candidate for president has self-described himself as "computer illiterate." 

But don't worry, the McCain campaign's internet guru assured us that the Senator is aware of the internet.  

  

And rest assured that the mainstream media has no intentions off of profiting from "the news."  It's not like they're selling merch based on headlines or anything.

Don't get me wrong, I love merch and I love the shirt. Unfortunately, the above T was not produced and sold by The Onion. I wish the proceeds could be donated elsewhere. 

But, as demonstrated above, The Bees are well aware of the internet. Thus, to raise funds to help save themselves, plants, and humans; The Bees are selling merch online too: http://www.printfection.com/honeybees.

xo

One Pedal At A Time

One shocking part of moving to Miami from my northeast staples like NYC and Boston, is the lack of progressive values.

For example, when I moved into my new apartment, I was told there was no recycling! What does that even mean?  This is 2008, come on.  Being the Lisa Simpson type that I am, I contacted my local government since this is against the law. Luckily, my building complex came around, and I was willing to give them another shot and re-sign my lease. Should you have the same issue, please check out this local government page, which has all appropriate laws and contact info.

One of the most exciting parts of moving to Miami land was year round summer!  And this means, year round biking.  When telling my new co-workers that I had specifically chosen my apartment due to it's convenient biking proximity to the office, I was greeted with jaw dropping stares.  But, day after day, people look at my bike commute as less strange and often comment that they'd like to save money on gas or find a simple way to get in shape.  One bike at a time! :)

My point is, for local readers, is that Miami Mayor Manny Diaz has gotten in on the fun!  I noticed on his blog today that Mayor Diaz is actively reaching out to the biking community to improve biking conditions in our gorgeous city.  So please, local readers (and judging by my Google Analytics, there are quite a few of you), take the time to fill out the survey the Mayor has provided HERE.

Happy riding!  And hopefully soon, maybe Miami bikers won't be "Courting Death Daily."

xo

PS - Maybe it's just a cheap pick up line, but the massive chain I wear around my waist is practical and normal!  I've had two bikes stolen in NYC and never want it to happen again.  To answer everyone's question that stops me on my elevator: no, it's not heavy, and it saves me from buying a new bike every few months! :)

BritPopping into Boston

Unfortunately I was not at Glasto or Rothbury this year, though appreciated the text message updates from my various reps.

I did however, travel to Boston recently to see Amanda play two nights with The Boston Pops. SICK!

What made this particular event extra special is the location of Symphony Hall. I had a ton of different apartments while living in Boston/Allston, but one of my faves was my sophomore dorm on St. Stephen's street. I met the Baron, had a Fab roommate, and enjoyed the company of he hockey players down the hall + Tim Culley.

Said dorm room with mini-Oasis collage + Blur poster adjacent to my bed rocking swim team gear.Amanda, not surprisingly, KILLED IT at the Pops! I was so proud. It was much more than throwing a band in front of a symphony. Amanda clearly worked with Lockhart and The Pops to craft a proper show. I loved how Amanda flirted with Keith throughout (and he is kinda cute) only to end up with Brian at the end of the show. Luckily, no one in the audience broke out in a fight like Ben Folds' Boston Pops appearance last year. Ben produced Amanda's soon-to-be released solo album. Amanda covered "Brick" on night one and on night two she dedicated the song to me! It was a beautiful moment as well as surreal as I loved Ben Folds Five growing up. Onstage Amanda commented that we had bonded about it. When BF and AP first started exchanging emails (he was a fan and had been talking about The Dolls in the press), Amanda didn't really know his music. This is a girl who didn't listen to Nirvana until 1999 (or maybe it was 1996) because it was considered "jock music" in high school. It was only then she realized it was really good. Amanda Palmer is brilliant in many ways. She speaks 3 languages and knows volumes about subjects people spend years studying. However, her perspective on pop culture is different than that of Brian and myself which are straight up 90's music obsessed teenage years. I told her to start with "Brick." In related world's collide news, a little over a week later, Amanda would play her old new song "Oasis" with Ben, Sam, and Jared sitting in post-jam style at Glastonbury. The song is about a girl who gets raped but it's ok because she gets a signed photo from the brothers Gallagher in the mail. Very classic Amanda dark tongue-in-cheek songwriting. And catchy too! :)

Unfortunately I don't believe Amanda caught Jay-Z's now infamous set at Glastonbury. For those of you that have lives and don't subscribe to a gossip blog devoted entirely to Oasis, a few months ago Noel flat out said Jay-Z at Glastonbury won't work. I don't believe he was putting Jay, his music, or his show down necessarily. He was just pointing out that Glasto headliners in particular tend to be in the English guitar rock tradition. Jay-Z is certainly a rock star of this decade, and I'm all for it. Perception is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. Jay mashed up the interview into an intro montage and came out covering "Wonderwall" with a mocking tribute to Oasis. I chose this tribute due to the classic over-excited English music presenter.



Glasto is such a special place, every English-based rock fan should experience it in their lifetime. Though, not everyone is as cool as MK who introduced his bands, The Cribs and MGMT. SICK!Back to Boston. Pre-show on the second day, I was waiting for Sars outside. I ran into Brendon Downey, a staple of The Dresden Dolls' extended family, only to have Psycho Dave roll up fresh off a plane from Asia on tour with The Click Five and with new international wardrobe to show off. In classic Psycho Dave style, he rounded our mini posse up for scorpian bowls and a beer (15 minutes before showtime) at local Northeastern underage drinking establishment, Tiger Lily.It was so fun to be reunited with Dolls' family legends such as JeffMaker.com and Oedipus, but also see Boston staples like Kates. We should do this every year! :) And I'll never forget Fugakyu. Best sushi restaurant in Boston - go there!

The upside to missing Rothbury was dogsitting for Irving Luba! Irv loves my yogamat as much as I do. We had a fabulous weekend together and I had my first 4th of July in Miami outnumbered by Canadians. And sometimes Britpop legends come to Miami Beach anyway. Oh Johnny Marr, how I love thee.

I'm going to NYC on Wednesday for various reasons and cannot wait to be reunited with one of my hometowns. I've only been back once since moving, though it was for work, only 24 hours, and I was cockblocked. Although still a fun time, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone for a slightly longer visit.

xo

The Real Hipster Olympics

On my various swim teams, I was always the weird hippie music chick.  Which is funny, because to many music friends, I'm a midwestern athlete chick.  It's all about perspective.  Swimming, like any sport that breeds young champions, takes an incredibly focused lifestyle.  Elite winners have to train upwards of 20 - 30 hours a week, both in and out of the pool.  It's a full time job that is often supplemented by a strong family tradition and teammates, for better or worse, being your classmates, training partners, and social circle.  I loved the social aspect, but it's easy to grow tired of swimming culture; even for an uber swim geek like me.

Luckily, I had a few teammates who also had fantastic taste in music along with interests well within Wizzle World.  Sarah Reddick, Heather Greidanus, Katie Schmaling, and Rachel Brown are leading examples.  Rachel has a new last name now, but we'll keep it Brown for nostalgia.  Btw, nice Badly Drawn Boy song on your website, Heather!

Therefore, it's refreshing to hear Amanda Beard reveal her jamband roots a little over the halfway point in this video clip. (I don't know how to imbed a buried flash link, but I'm sure there's a way). In addition to owning a dog named Jerry, Amanda listened to The Dead to pump herself up before races. That's insane. I used to listen to "March of The Pigs." However, in retrospect, it makes sense to calm one's nerves. Hippieism is not new to the world of swimming whatsoever, as Gary Hall Jr. proved twice.  

When I was a kid, I always wanted to manage one of the Olympic swimmers.  I felt it was unfortunate that their years of work really only paid off from a media perspective for two weeks preceding and following the Olympics.  I also thought that the swimmers' media personalities were never marketed correctly. Not that I wanted to create the Menudo of swimming or anything, but I felt their was potential for 1-2 top swimmers to extend their media career shelf-life. I'm sure to EW circa 1996-2000, that meant an presenting an award at the MTV VMA's alongside Ben Stiller or something. But, it's 2008 and we live in the future.  The Speedo LZR suit and the machine that keeps Dara Torres' incredible 41-year-old body in tune are two prime examples.  Sponsorships allow swimmers to keep at it years past college and turn the sport into a career.  Swimmers aren't cool yet, but I like that Amanda Beard has entered her post-jam phase with indie-influenced photos taken by her photographer boyfriend on her hip-leaning website. Natalie Coughlin is the other swimmer I think has additional extended cool potential, though I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's her Bay-area roots, love of Macs,and slight resemblance to Natalie Portman (I've always thought they've had a similar vibe, but it's probably just due to sharing a first name).

Anyway, all of these thoughts especially cross my mind every four years during the swimming Olympic trials and swimming portion of the games.  Most people don't fully understand how INSANE the American swimming Olympic trials are.  The Olympic games are of course a huge deal, but it's really like the payoff for years of training and getting through an incredibly stressful meet.  Only the top 2 athletes in each event (sans the 100 and 200 free for relay purposes) qualify.  In a sport that separates world record holders from national class youngsters by hundredths of a second, that is nuts. One can be undefeated and the fastest swimmer of all time, but if you have an off day, years of training are often washed away in an event that only occurs every four years. And most of the races are under two minutes long.  Thousands of hours in a pool, for a a few minutes every four years.  I get nervous for the swimmers watching the trials!

I came close to making the 2004 trials, but at that point was quickly getting distracted by rock n roll.  No regrets, well worth it.

But watch NBC @ 8 PM on the 4th of July. Dara Torres is pretty incredible, whether one knows anything about swimming or not. I do not have TV service, though I do have a TV used to view digitized films, music, internet streams, and other media run through a Mac. Thus, I've enjoyed squatting TV coverage at work, my building's gym, and a sportsbar down the street this past week.  By the 2012 London games, I'm sure everything will be streamed live online.  It drives me crazy whenever there is a rare (usually live sporting) event I want to watch.  I would have no problem paying $5 to stream a live Packer playoff game (did I just admit that?), commercials included.  My fantasy is to have internet ratings combined with TV ratings, so networks don't lose their ad revenue.  aka then I can watch swimming anywhere I want.  NBC is streaming some coverage, but one must have network TV and broadband internet to see the whole trials.  Maybe I'll just have to go to London in 2012 instead.

Btw, if Mark Johnson has an in to the infamous raging party post-Olympics that sounds wilder than any tour rager I've ever witnessed, I want to go!

xo

Home Sweet Festival

June is always such a solid month for music. It's summer in the north, and people are psyched to be outside. One of my favorite activities in the world is watching music outdoors with friends. Thus, the summer solstice does not usually disappoint.

I spent June08 bouncing around my most nostalgic annual festival and two of my hometowns. Sometimes I feel more at home on the road as I've always had an appetite for constant new stimuli. But in reality, it's just knowing how to make anywhere your home.

Some of my favorite travel pastimes include taking over airplane rows, finding clean showers in production land @ festivals, scoring electrical outlets at airports, and locating wifi anywhere in the world.

I arrived in Nashville and a runner promptly drove me to Manchester. I dumped my stuff on our bus immediately and ran over to the Sonic Stage for The Fiery Furnaces. I worked with the band closely in 2007 with Kevin Morris and expected to see them onstage by the time arrived. Unfortunately, Team FF were stuck in golf cart traffic. Luckily, Morri had it under control.

It was so awesome to see Jason, Eleanor, Matthew, and Bob and a wonderful opening to Roo08.

I'm thrilled The Raconteurs were at yet another festival. Jack White is second only to Thom Yorke as far as this decade's rockstars go. AP/BV are up there too in Wizzle World. :)

Chris Rock sat sidestage and watched Patrick, the Jacks, and Brendan. Here he is checking out Ms. Rachel Seiden. Janeane Garafalo was also around and I was super bummed I missed both her and Reggie Watts' sets. Reggie is also performing at the Amanda Palmer curated tent, The Establishment, over 4th of July for anyone headed to Rothbury. Janeane is an obv teenage hero of mine ala Reality Bites. I once told her that Vicky changed my life, outside of the Middle East in Cambridge. That was good enough for me.

Nighttime sets from MMJ, Sigur Ros, Pearl Jam, and Metallica were all solid. Ghostland Observatory killed it, as did their light show. Speaking of lightshows, or lackthereof, most people know the drama that surrounded Kanye's set, no matter who's side your on (Superfly vs. KW's team). The tour manager geek in me loves that a concert production problem made national headlines and spawned internet parodies.



Kanye and the hippies did not and are still not getting along. Yes, he did hit damn late. The backstage gossip and rumors were rampant. Finally, Mr. West hit @ 4 AM or so. I vowed to watch 1-2 songs and then crash out on our bus. But, Kanye kept my attention for a good 45 min, right until the sun came up. My point is, everyone is complaining about the show, KW included, and I thought it was awesome! The hippies may not been convinced, but the show won me over. I see both sides' points, but in the end, live music is all about watching artists perform; often during unpredictable situtions whether it be weather, monitor issues, or avoiding bottles. Kanye rocked it under the circumstances, which to me, is the sign of a real-deal performer. Way to go Kanye West.

To me, Bonnaroo is largely about catching up with friends from the post-jam scene, but I was thrilled to see my Nashville posse as well. Ben Folds & Jared and Sam were AMAZING. Here's a shot of Mr. Folds striking a pose with always-the-rock-star Jared. Post-show, Jared was stoked to tell me about the new Lil Wayne, but sadly, Team Ben had to return to Nashville killing any hopes of reuniting our Langerado tour bus dance party. Though all was not lost as Joe Costa snapped an triple Emily shot while watching the band's set.

This was my 6th Bonnaroo, and I've come to expect and appreciate, the most European-style festival in America. Although the US festival market is hitting critical mass in 2008, post-jammers can still rely on the Roo for a world class experience. No complaints here.

Up Next: Amanda seduces Keith Lockhart and the WKAP season begins.

xo