the comeback

I think there's some old saying that rap is a young man's game. Well, Q-Tip is pushing forty and his latest album is much more interesting than whatever rapper du jour is using Auto-Tune and making the top of the charts. After his incredible solo debut, the booty-shaking about face party album, "Amplified", Q-Tip attempted a more daring direction for his next album, the unreleased "Kamaal the Abstract." Lengthy and comparatively experimental (this was when Nelly and Chingy were having their moment), it appeared as though Q-Tip would hang up the mic after such a deterrence or finally achieve the balance between something relevant and the soulful hip-hop he helped create in the late 80s/early 90s. His new album, "The Renaissance" should satisfy old fans as well as entice new ones who without him there would be no Kanye West, Andre 3000, or Common. Listen below for some of the album's highlights:

giada can no wrong

This was my first Thanksgiving away from my family. Don't fret readers, I spent it with a gaggle of friends, a roommate, and perfect strangers. Each guest at the dinner was asked to bring something. You can't count on me for a casserole, but I will provide a drink everyone will enjoy. Once again, I've stolen from the culinary resources of Giada DeLaurentiis. The cocktail I made was light and refreshing, seasonal, and was consumed rather quickly (I assume it was a hit). It's a twist on a Bellini, and will give spiked eggnog a run for its money throughout the holiday season (at least for me).

Cranberry Lime Bellini
1 Cup Cranberry Juice
1 Bottle of Champagne or Prosecco
1 Lime

In a large pitcher pour the cranberry juice and top with the champagne. Halve the lime and squeeze the juice into pitcher. Stir and garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

want: the one we all strive to be

Steve McQueen
photographs by William Claxton
$19.99“One time when I was with him, he drove a brand new Ford convertible, with only thirty miles on the speedometer, at top speed for such a long stretch of the Texas highway that the engine began to smoke and eventually caught on fire. He slowed down and shouted to me, “Clax, when I tell you to jump, jump!” We did jump out of the car just as it burst into flames. Steve sat on the side of the country road at a safe distance from the burning vehicle and laughed his head off.”—William Claxton

Who needs Black Friday when you can window shop online?

nine to five

I don't know if it's a conflict of interest to ramble on about the particulars about what is I'm doing to advance myself career-wise in this city, but I guess I can say I intern for a company in which fashion and public relations are cozy bed partners. I'm learning a ton about about how both industries operate, but more importantly it leads me down the strangest paths sometimes. Somehow I found myself in Mario Sorrenti's photo studio this morning picking up a package. Which Mario Sorrenti, you say?

Kate Moss and Mario Sorrenti
photographed by Mario Sorrenti
Purple, Fall/Winter 08/09
Yes, it would be that Mario Sorrenti. Unfortunately, I did not see Mr. Sorrenti or Ms. Moss, but I did manage to get an eyeful. I could swear up and down I saw Malgosia Bela in repose in front of the makeup mirror. You know I feel about Malgosia. I was only there for a brief spell, so I couldn't glean much in terms what they were shooting for, but I did manage to catch a glimpse at the racks of Spring/Summer 09 pieces that instantly come alive in person. The murderous Prada heels? They were there. The furry Chanel heels? Yeah, those too. The Rodarte leather tights? Uh, huh. The Yves Saint Laurent cage coat? That was the last thing I was able to see before I felt the collective photo and fashion assistant's eyes escort me to the door. If only they knew my gawking was pure admiration. Oh well, maybe next time.

a slowed down actress

ARNAUD DESPLECHIN: Right, I am going to start a silly game with you. It’s a quiz. But I don’t want to bother you…
CATHERINE DENEUVE: No, go on!
Picasso or Matisse?
I would say Picasso.
Rolling Stones or Beatles?
Rolling Stones.
Town or country?
Town, but I like the country nonetheless.
Renoir or Bresson?
How cruel to be asking me this! I am going to say Bresson… No… Oh, Renoir, when I was younger! Now, I would probably say Bresson, I think.
Studio or location? I was very surprised to read that you like shooting in studios.
I do prefer natural landscapes. But on some films, the natural landscapes are so narrow, the noise is so loud, the presence of the crew is so strong, that it’s very hard to find intimacy.
Flaubert or Stendhal?
Stendhal.
Pollock or Warhol?
Pollock.
Beethoven or Mozart?
Oh dear… You see, I could draw a line down the middle and say: that’s my night, that’s my day… I will say Mozart because I want to stop crying.
Shakespeare or Molière?
Well, Shakespeare, yes.
That question was too easy. Shakespeare or Strindberg?
That’s a hard one! I will still say Shakespeare.
Too easy. Strindberg or Chekhov? Now I’m being a bastard.
Oh, I love both their worlds so much! I can’t choose.
I have a solution: Nicolas Ray or Téchiné?
[laughing, she chants]: Téchiné! Téchiné!

"How Does My Queen?", interview By Arnaud Desplechin
Film Comment, November/December 2008

For the uncut interview click here.

want: she's got legs

Patrick McMullan Studio 54 Shower Curtain
$32
I didn't think twice about the importance of a shower curtain until I had my own apartment this year. My first shower curtain was a basic clear curtain in the vein of the one from "Psycho." There's something really sexy about seeing someone in the shower, but the plastic blurring out all the bits and details of what's behind the curtain. That might be sick truth to admit, but it's a fact. My second curtain was a map of the world. I loved that curtain because not only did it function as a shower curtain but it was an educational tool as well. So many people would come up to me at parties and thank me because they finally found where Botswana or Easter Island is on the map. I found this curtain the other day on Urban Outfitters website and I need it. It features my two favorite things: women in heels and black and white arty paparazzi shots. Having this curtain would definitely add something to look at while using the bathroom instead of the towel rack or the rubber duckie soap dispenser.

ready made

Why is it that Italian cuisine is almost better as a leftover? I made a generous amount of pasta the other night and I turned into a ravenous beast when I reheated it for dinner last night. This is the most simple recipe and even those who feel like they can't even boil water correctly will find that not only does this taste really damn good, but it's unbelievably quick and easy. I initially saw this on Everyday Italian, but I added the shrimp to it (Doesn't everything taste better with some form of protein in it?) and I used the spinach and chive linguine to add extra flavor, so feel free to play and add whatever you like to this super simple recipe.

Quick Shrimp and Linguine
Sea Salt
1 pound linguine (I got the spinach chive linguine at Trader Joe's)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups very finely grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 cup coarsely chopped arugula
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon thyme leaves
24 deveined, tail on shrimp

For the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the linguine and cook until tender, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

For the shrimp:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a large pan cover with aluminum foil and place shrimp evenly on the pan. Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme leaves to coat the shrimp. Place in the oven for about 5-8 minutes. You don't want the shrimp to dry out, but the timing depends on your oven and how well done you like your shrimp.

When the water and shrimp are done, toss the hot pasta in a large bowl with the butter. Add the grated cheese, the pepper, and shrimp. The water, butter, and cheese make an excellent, surprisingly light sauce. Add the arugula (it wilts easily so wait to do this right before you serve) and toss to combine. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt. It tastes like an alfredo without the heavy creaminess of alfredo. I promise. Shit. Is. Good. Feeds 4-6 and make double to have plenty of leftovers to be enjoyed over the next few meals.

first look: the wrestler

"The Wrestler"
directed by Darren Aronofsky
December 31, 2008 (limited)

Mickey Rourke's face looks AWFUL, but this looks like the movie that will redeem Aronofsky after that pretentious vanity project that was "The Fountain."

first look: where the wild things are

"Where the Wild Things Are"
directed by Spike Jonze
October 2009

"Spike Jonze: Yeah, I think this one I just wanted to... from the beginning, I wanted it to feel a certain way. I wanted it to feel “real,” or not-real because it’s not “real,” I wanted it to feel like... like when I was a kid, and I would play with my Star Wars action figures, or read Maurice’s books and imagine me being Mickey in IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN, or whatever it was... it felt like it was everything, you know? It’s like your imagination is so convincing to yourself that... you’re there, you’re in it. And I wanted this movie to take it as seriously as kids take their imagination and not, like, fantasy it up. So I think it just started from that feeling, that it could feel like you were there with them, like Max was there with them, and not just in some fantasy movie."--Aint It Cool News

Check out the lengthy interview with Spike Jonze at Aint It Cool News on what looks like it could be a complete mess or a burst of pure genius.

want: cartier tank française watch

Carter Tank Française Watch
$4,500
*Want: Holiday edition returns. Stay tuned for more gifts I'm craving this holiday season.
I used to wear a watch religiously. The leather band on my Kenneth Cole watch I owned since high school broke after I came back from Italy in 2006 and the battery died in the other Kenneth Cole watch I used to wear. I haven't bothered for whatever reason to replace or repair either. I miss wearing a watch. It's a classic, simple accessory for a man and I really loved both of those watches. When I grow up, I want the Cartier Tank Française watch. It's been the model for every watch I've ever owned and makes a great statement--well designed, durable, and timeless. I know everybody is strapped for cash these days, but Santa, Mom, Dad, whomever, can I wake up Christmas morning with this in my stocking? Pretty please?

endorsement of the week: kiehl's lip balm

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1
$6.50
I first became introduced to the benevolent world of Kiehl's products via my reliable arbiter of taste and all things esoteric, my beyond talented friend Julie. She gave me their moisturizer as a Christmas gift one year because she too sympathizes with people who fight the constant battle of staying matte and clean when you're dealt oily or combination skin. I soon picked up the face wash and I haven't turned back. It's a shame guys aren't always hip to this kind of stuff because I swear by this as an essential in my life. When I was at Sundance earlier this year the temperature and elevation dried me out more than I expected, so who did I turn to solve another skin issue? Kiehl's, of course. Side note: My Sundance buddy, Stephanie, and I were treated to a random tale from the cute girl behind the counter at the Kiehl's store in Park City about how she sprayed Evian Moisturizing Mist on concert goers atop a moving party bus during some summer music festival. Stephanie and I like to joke that this girl was clearly having some sort of Girls Gone Wild Kind of moment. I'm positive she had to be wearing a bikini top and some top 40 rap jam had to be fueling such wildness. Anyway, I bought the Kiehl's lip balm and it's only $5 or $6, depending on where you get it and it's definitely a great investment. The New York City cold has already started to descend upon me and where would I be without my lip balm so that I don't get the awful Krispy Kreme lips*? It'd be a great stocking stuffer or a cheap gift for a friend.

*Krispy Kreme lips look like the first bite you've made into a KK Doughnut and the glaze immediately flakes up. Imagine those flakes on your lips. You know what I'm talking about.

model talks

Hilary Rhoda
photographed by David Vasiljevic
Muse #15
Me: Why did I spend an hour Google Image searching Hilary Rhoda?
Eric: You. Love. Her.
Me: I can't help it. I mean, could her eyebrows be sexier?
Eric: She's not as a good as Jessica Stam.
Me: Uh, I don't know about that.
Eric: Nobody beats Stam. Nobody.
Me: Nobody?
Eric: (takes a long drawl from his cigarette and exhales) Maybe Kate Moss. Maybe.

the emotionality

DVD Picks of the Week: "Wall-E" and "Tropic Thunder"

I thought this summer was a really solid smorgasbord of studio-financed anti-blockbusters. I meant to write about both of these films in depth, but I think one is so touching and profound in its minimalistic beauty and the other so subversive and profanely perfect that perhaps whatever words I might be able to gather wouldn't do either film justice. They were both released today on DVD and I highly recommend you see both. Caution: Don't attempt as a double feature. The roller coaster of tears and laughter will leave your eyes dried out and your belly aching.

nu shooz

Jil Sander for Aloha Rag
High-top, $395
low-top, $345
Keanu takes the words right out of my mouth.

snow angels

It was cold today. They're hot.

For more click here.

a-z

Out-1, you know how I feel about lists, especially ones that involve alphabetizing movies!

This is something called the Alphabet Meme and it goes something like this:

Here's the rules...

1. Pick one film to represent each letter of the alphabet.

2. The letter "A" and the word "The" do not count as the beginning of a film's title, unless the film is simply titled A or The, and I don't know of any films with those titles.

3. Return of the Jedi belongs under "R," not "S" as in Star Wars Episode IV: Return of the Jedi. This rule applies to all films in the original Star Wars trilogy; all that followed start with "S." Similarly, Raiders of the Lost Ark belongs under "R," not "I" as in Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Conversely, all films in the LOTR series belong under "L" and all films in the Chronicles of Narnia series belong under "C," as that's what those filmmakers called their films from the start. In other words, movies are stuck with the titles their owners gave them at the time of their theatrical release. Use your better judgment to apply the above rule to any series/films not mentioned.

4. Films that start with a number are filed under the first letter of their number's word. 12 Monkeys would be filed under "T."

5. Link back to Blog Cabins in your post so that I can eventually type "alphabet meme" into Google and come up #1, then make a post where I declare that I am the King of Google.

A- About A Boy (2002) dir. Chris Weitz
B- Bicycle Thieves (1948) dir. Vittorio De Sica
C- Chungking Express (1994) dir. Wong Kar Wai
D- Dog Day Afternoon (1975) dir. Sidney Lumet
E- Election (1999) dir. Alexander Payne
F- Faces (1968) dir. John Cassavetes
G- Gattaca (1997) dir. Andrew Niccol
H- Happiness (1998) dir. Todd Solondz
I- It Happened One Night (1934) dir. Frank Capra
J- Jules et Jim (1962) dir. Francois Truffaut
K- King Kong (2005) dir. Peter Jackson
L- La Notte (1962) dir. Michelangelo Antonioni
M- Malcolm X (1992) dir. Spike Lee
N- Notorious (1946) dir. Alfred Hitchcock
O- Out of Sight (1998) dir. Steven Soderbergh
P- Punch Drunk Love (2002) dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
Q- Quadrophenia (1979) dir. Franc Roddam (I cheated. I haven't seen it but I heard it's good.)
R- Repulsion (1965) dir. Roman Polanski
S- Short Cuts (1993) dir. Robert Altman
T- Talk to Her (2002) dir. Pedro Almodovar
U- The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) dir. Jaques Demy
V- Vertigo (1958) dir. Alfred Hitchcock
W- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) dir. Mel Stuart
X- Xala (1975) dir. Ousmane Sembene (X and Q were really damn difficult. I haven't seen this either, but I've heard this one is good too.)
Y- Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001) dir. Alfonso Cuaron
Z- Zelig (1983) dir. Woody Allen

everything but the kitchen sink

Eating in this city can be a joy and a pain. A million different restaurants (I've been to Burmese place since I've been here. What that means I'm not sure but I liked it.) and a million different grocery stores. I've been eating in a lot (which is the truest definition of joy and pain) and I've come to realize there are certain things I can't live without in the kitchen. I think you see where this is going... LIST TIME!

5 Items That Stay Stocked In My Kitchen:

Nonpareil Capers
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cheese (This week it was Pecorino, but more on that later.)
Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
Red Onions

What's in your kitchen?

first look: a christmas tale

"A Christmas Tale"
directed by Arnaud Desplechin
November 14, 2008 (limited)

Deneuve as the matriarch in a complicated family holiday tale? Yes, please!

bag it

Somewhere in Central Park, a giant spaceship with gleaming blue lights and snow white shell landed several weeks ago packed with contemporary art and an army of attendants dressed in Chanel nylon jackets to patrol its site. On a rather blah, rainy day last week I visited this space oddity or as Chanel creative director, Karl Largerfeld and architect Zaha Hadid would refer to it, the Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion. Its primary function is to embody the spirit of the Chanel 2.55 bag--nomadic as its curious wearer, spacious and yet contained in its ability to carry various contents, and pleasing to the eye--as envisioned through a traveling space (it was only here for three weeks and now will move on to London, Moscow, and Paris) that contains the works of several contemporary artists doing their own idiosyncratic riffs on the classic bag. Lead through the guided tour by the tough as concrete voice of Jeanne Moreau, it's definitely an interesting way to spend an afternoon, but I'm not sure what I was supposed to make it of it all. Most of the art did incite some thought, but was it art, advertising, an out of place celebration of wealth and high culture for those that can afford it and are a part of the cultured cognoscenti that will surely understand its supposed point, or a simple creative whim on part of Mr. Lagerfeld? Whatever it's supposed to be, it was a welcomed spectacle on such a day when Central Park was lined with dreary-looking, wet trees and post-rain city sludge on the walking paths.
For more on the Pavilion click here.

the girl

I finally watched "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" for the first time and aside from the charismatic and loose performances from the film's two male leads, the real story of the film is Katharine Ross as the Jeanne Moreau ideal in their "Jules and Jim"-esque semi-love triangle. Soft, doe eyed, and smart, she's the babe and yet she knows exactly what she wants and doesn't go along for the ride just for the boys, but as a lark for herself. I mean, wouldn't we all want to ride on a bike with her on some sunny prairie?

cinephile

Vogue Italia, October 2003
Vogue Italia, March 1997
Vogue Italia, October 2001
Vogue Italia, November 2008
Who knew Steven Meisel was such a film buff?

Brownie points to the first person to identify the film inspirations behind each editorial.

hbic

And then she had to go and wear Narciso Rodriguez Spring/Summer 09.

Michelle, you officially have my heart.
W.

living in america

Obama '08
by Jonathan Horowitz
Yes we can and yes we did.

for err man

Thinking of you...
W.

the jet set

Some of the magic explained...

P.S. Thoughts on the season finale and predictions for next season?

first look: tree of life

Gasp!

The only thing you need to know about this movie:
Pitt.
Penn.
Malick.
Lubezki.
Fisk.

Dare I say more?

he likes american graffiti?

It's no secret that I love a good list, especially when it's the carefully constructed selections of a particular filmmaker. From that obsessive and brilliant mind of David Fincher, comes this awesome list:
In no particular oder!?!? C'mon, Fincher, how can you do that to us?

You can say thank you to Empire magazine for such a treat.