Saint Louie

I'm in St. Louis for the last day, and it was a trip and a half. Last night I learned how to two-step and scared away a bunch of country-kids at Wild Country, where, at midnight, they have a Thong Contest. It's also 18 to get in.

Most of the contestants had black ink on their hands. I should have entered in the men's competition. I would have rocked the pretty-boys.

That was after my first (and hopefully not last) visit to The City Museum, the namesake for teh new band and one of the coolest places I've ever been to in my life. Here's how I explained it to A.R.:

First you're in a forest and then BAM it's a mirrored hall and then BAM you're crawling in an air-duct and then BAM you're at the shoolace factory and then BAM you're sliding down a slide and then BAM there's someone playing classical piano in an empty room. It's like a huge art installation/playground all in one. Totally amazing. Pix online at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68411270@N00/sets/

I'm ready to go home, back to the "real" world (which this week will involve attempting to stow away on the Dave Matthews cruise, drive cross-country with Steel Train, and getting free T-mobile phone and service.) Lots of shows, lots of people to see, lots of things to take care of.

For now, though: Karaoke.

J

Where is my iPod?

This is the question I ask myself sitting in St. Louis musicless. It was a devastating discovery that I hope is short lived -- but for now, yes, I am pod-less. Hopefully it is in LA. If not, I may soon discover this new "iPod Video" I keep hearing all about.

Aw, fuck it. It was 3 years old anyways.

Colorado: Skiing, not much of it because we slept in, but I rocked the slopes if I do say so myself. It was EMPTY out there, maybe 100 people on the slopes, which didn't hurt. No bunny runs for me -- straight to green.

I rocked the Hump at Karaoke, and bailed before I could see whether it was a DOP. I think yes. So does Dave.

Kansas City Harrahs: How do I love you? You are 59 dollars a night, have a huge breakfast buffet, and gave me $150 of my fellow gambler's money. I've seen you before, and I very well may see you again.

St. Louis: Has a bread place owned by Panera and a mexican place owned by Chipotle. And fucking freezing brick buildings with basements straight out of "Blair Witch." I'm doing my laundry down there right now. Will stand in a corner later.

Tonight: Joe's, a renovated house that's now a word-of-mouth blues club. Tomorrow: City Museum and country line dancing. I love that my brother has discovered these places. It gives me hope.

J

That fucking roller coaster...

One day past Vegas and this year's CES, and I still didn't ride that fucking roller coaster at NY NY. Seriously, it's a life mission at this point.

I did, however, watch a transsexual tie up a naked, beautiful woman at a party. So that happened. C'mon, it's porn-convention weekend too.

Spent a lot of time hanging out with S.S., an editor at a prominent men's magazine who got us invitations to the party that involved nudity and ropes and cuddling and a speeded-out host who wasn't nearly as open minded as he said he was and us falling asleep in the corner. Also met a rep for a cell-phone company who might hook me up with free shit. And we all know I like free shit.

David and I drove through Utah today. Listened to an album from a band called Band Of Horses, on sub pop, which is very cool -- reminds me of the best Shins stuff meeting the best Modest Mouse stuff. I've got to go back to it, but a definite reccommendation for those of you keeping track.

Also listened to old Tweedy for the first time in a while. "Gun" maybe one of the best songs he's ever written.

If you're ever in Utah at JD's Restaurant, ask for Ceeson. She has a boyfriend named Mike. He's 18. They like having sex in the snow.

Don't ask how I know that. I don't even want to know.