(Chow)down - Two Boots (or not to Boot)

'Two Boots' has been a NY pizza staple since 1987, with 8 locations in Manhattan and 1 in Brooklyn. Named after the geographical shapes of Italy and Louisiana, the idea behind 'Two Boots' came from two indie filmmakers who had a flair and love for Cajun food and culture. They took their love of Cajun food, added some Italian flavors, and opened their first shop at 37 Avenue A in the East Village. The pizza quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its unique and distinct cornmeal crust. If you have yet to try a slice from 'Two Boots' your wait is almost over as they will soon open on Newark Avenue in downtown Jersey City.

I recently emailed 'Two Boots' owner, Phil Hartman, to get the skinny on the new spot. Mr. Hartman stated that he hopes to be open "sometime in April," though no exact date was given. As someone who often tends to wobble to the 'chicken spot' or 'Paradise' after late-night bar hopping, I asked Phil if 'Two Boots' intends to be open late enough to help soak up the booze. "Yes," Phil responded, "we'll be open late enough to tend to the late-night revelers." With only 3 locations outside of the New York City, I was curious as to why they chose Jersey City for the next location? "We're in Jersey City because a) we think it's cool, and b) our friend and partner at this location, Aaron Morrill of 'Fizzy Lizzy' fame, lives nearby and is a huge JC advocate." Fair enough. The only thing left to do is get a slice recommendation for opening day. "I always recommend starting with a slice of plain cheese - which is not plain at all - and then, if you can handle spicy food, please try The Bayou Beast, a quintessential slice that combines Cajun and Italian flavors. Enjoy!" Enjoy indeed.

(Chow)down - The little Parlor that could

It's been more than a year since I had the pleasure of treating myself to 'Torico's' delicious homemade ice cream. Last summer was especially hard, as there seemed to be a vicious rumor spread around downtown every month or so that the opening was drawing near. And no matter how many times they would etch a new date onto the handwritten sign that was scotch taped to the front door, I still held out hope. 

(Spot)light - Whippet Good

Much has changed on Newark Avenue since I attended private school in the Paulus Hook section of downtown. Gone are the cornucopias of 99¢ stores (1 is still going strong) and in place the shell of what some call 'restaurant row.' Some stores have lasted the 3 decades I've spent wandering, such as Morlees, Helen's Pizza, Hudson Camera and astonishingly, National Discount. I've often wondered how National Discount affords to keep the lights on. Brimming with curiosity, I spent 20 minutes of my exciting day browsing the dusty shelves and walked away with no clear answer. Though one item stood out to me amongst the piles of trash; whippets.

Once left to late night trips into the now extinct head shops of 8th street, whippets are conveniently available just steps away from Barcade. Who knew? Clearly some of you have. Advertised on fluorescent signs that seem to demand me into an S&M act rather than a 30 second high, National Discount sells these little bullets by the box or individually. A loosie will set you back $1.50 while a box of 20 goes for $20. That's an average rise of $1 a year over the past decade. Whether you're looking to make some homemade whip cream or need a quick rush of hippie crack, National Discount has the goods.

Cracker, balloons and brain cells not included.

(FY)Information - 2011 through a Lense

I realized pretty early on that my brain works similar to a camera (unfortunately the same can't be said for my teachers and guardians). I look at an image, develop it and store it to memory. I learn through visuals, understand through visuals and think in visuals. These are reasons why I understand people more through their body language rather than the BS spewed from their lips. I believe these brain mechanics helped develop my passion and eventual career in filmmaking. Nothing sums up an event, experience or year like a perfectly timed photograph. They're often a powerful trigger that can take you back to a time and place, reigniting the feelings that your loss of memory struggles to find. Click on the links below and jog your memory of 2011 through some powerful imagery.

Links to Year in Review:

45 Most Powerful Images of 2011

Reuters Photographs of the year

(spot)light - Hurricane Bawbag or Why I love the Scots

Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc for thousands along the east coast this past summer, causing flooding, downed-trees and left many without power. The act of calling Irene, Irene, comes from a long history of humans personifying nature with boring ass names. These names in many ways represent hysterical ignorance. For example, hurricanes that hit the West Indies in the 19th and early 20th century were named after saints. Of course they'd be named after saints, as they were clearly a blessing in disguise. The US weather service only named hurricanes after females until the 1970s, when they finally decided that men could destroy homes too. Check that as a win for the women's rights movement. All the hurricane naming system really does is put a perfectly OK name out of commission. How many Katrina's do you think have been born since 2005? My guess is not many.

Enter the always hysterical and brutally honest Scots. Today Scotland was hit with a rare inland hurricane. With 100mph+ winds and serious storm surges it would seem nothing to make fun of. In traditional Scottish fashion that's exactly what they've done. The Scots endearingly named the storm Hurricane Bawbag. No one is really sure where it started but boy has it caught on. Not just the young, hip and twitter-obsessed are using it. Council members, meteorologists and Scots of all ages and types are referring to this storm as a nut sac - or an idiot, depending how you use it. It's moments like these that remind me of why I look back on Scotland so fondly and how much I often miss the country and people. The weather... now that's another story.

(FY)Information - Power of Suggestion

Hundreds of days have passed since the corruption sting that led to several incarcerations and two open council seats. Today marks the first time voters can have a say in who should be appointed to these positions. With that being said, this blog is my attempt at motivating folk to get to the polls and help shape local politics. Just pretend it's a Friday night and you're on your way to your favorite watering hole. Or kindly reward yourself with a drink after doing your civic duty. If we would come out to vote like we do for lagers we would carry some serious political clout. The polls are open from 6am to 8pm.

While I'm at it, I'd like to publicly throw my rising weight behind Dan Levin. Dan Levin sits on the board of Bike JC and has a long record of advocating for the arts and proper political reform. He's intelligent, hard working and a true believer in progressive ideals. There are 17 people running for these seats, so look for Dan's name in the bottom right of the ballot; 15f.

(spot)light - Swedish Garbs

H&M officially opened its doors in Newport last Thursday offering 2 floors of skintight clothes. The location carries ready-to-wear for men, women, tweens and rug rats. Cutting through the mall I could not ignore the blaring beats of Ke$ha, matched only in annoyance by the gaggle of giggling schools girls flocking to the newly opened retailer. While the men's section was half the size of the ladies, it still offered some stylish and affordable (i.e. Made in Bangladesh) choices. This store is yet another small step in H&M's quest to rid the world of baggy jeans and solid colors.

The real story is not in this small, somewhat inconsequential opening, but in H&M's rise to the top of the retail food chain. H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) has climbed its way up the ladder becoming the world's 2nd largest fashion retailer. H&M has over 2,300 stores in 41 countries and made a staggering $716,000,000 profit between June and August of this year alone. Can't get enough of the euro apparel but find yourself under court ordered house arrest? No worries, the US online store is set to launch in spring of 2012.

Wandering around Newport? Make your way to the often-ignored Payless Shoes wing.

(night)crawlers - Mother Nature f***s Graveyard Grooving

After weeks of planning by the king of JC entertainment, 'The Ghost of... Uncle Joe's Halloween Benefit' has been moved out of the graveyard and into Gallery 58. Dancing Tony released a statement on his blog citing Mother Nature's sudden winter wrath as the reason for the move.

The upside: All monies collected will go to the JC & Harsimus Cemetery and Dancing Tony will be dancing to that killer lineup.

The downside: Your once a year chance at grooving amongst graves must wait another year.

The verdict: Get your costume on and rock the f**k out. I'll see you there.

the Ghost of Uncle Joe's Halloween Benefit for the Historic JC & Harsimus Cemetery @ Gallery 58
Sat Oct 29th $10 Donation

Gates 5 pm
5:30 First Resurrection
10:00 Final Burial

5:30 Vice Presidents of the USA - [Zac Quayle, Gerry Agnew, and Robert Gore]
6:15 Nirvana [Friends of Chewie]
7:00 The Faces [The Milwaukees]
7:45 U2 [The Black Hollies]
8:30 The Cure [Robert and the Blacksmyths] 
9:15 The Ramones [Glenn D & the Lodi 3] 
all night with Jam Master Jay [DJ Scott FREE]

SORRY THE GO-GO'S ARE ON VACATION

10:30 Zombie Parade to the Lamp Post


After Life Party with
1:10 Smashing Pumpkins - Meet/Pause
12:30 Weezer - They Had Faces Then 
11:50 Foo Fighters - Holy City Zoo
11:10 The Talking Heads - Aminal
10:30 The Exploding Hearts [ JC Tattoo Employee Friends with Benefits Plan]

(FYI)nformation - Moms vs. Ben & Jerry's Balls

The 1 Million Moms group, a Christian organization known for tackling the most pressing issues, have come out in protest over Ben and Jerry's Schweddy Balls. Calling the new ice cream flavor 'vulgar,' the moms can no longer sit quietly as Vermont's Finest gets its "Saturday Night Live" homage on. The group was already stark raving mad when Ben and Jerry came out of the closet with "Hubby Hubby," the world's first gay themed ice cream. Ben and Jerry are clearly trying to inoculate our kids into gluttonous, cream-loving mo's.

Monica Cole the spokesperson for the Mississippi based group stated that they are putting a lot of pressure on retailers to resist the lure of Schweddy Balls . When asked about Ben and Jerry's Scweddy Balls, Cole responded, "I realize it could be a lot worse, but are they going to get progressively worse if we don't say something?" Exactly.

Never mind that Mississippi ranks worst in the U.S. in science and engineering or the fact that it has the highest poverty rate in the nation. The 1 Million Moms group knows what matters most when it comes to their children's future. Please join the 1 Million Moms group and me when we boycott the cumquat.

Read the full News article here: Some stores freezing out Ben & Jerry's new flavor

PostScript: I read a fair amount of useless information. I feel like sharing.

Also: It's been a while since I've blogged.

(spot)light - Street Styles - Van Vorst Park

Hello (in)Flux followers, Colby Kelly here writing a blog for ChrisTopher.  If you don’t already know, I’m your local vintage stylist entrepreneur and I am here for all of your questions and concerns, really, try me!

So the new thing I am doing this summer, aside from sporting color-blocking attire, is setting up a table at flea markets in our local parks. Not only will I have my own amazing goods to offer, but also I’ll be checking out and highlighting some of my best finds.

(If on main page, click read more just below.)