Dried Up

I saw a feature about this film on last night's local news. Dried Up was created by Jeremy Casper, Stuart Bury, and Isaiah Powers, graduates of the Kansas City Art Institute and native Kansas Citians. The film's original music was created by Max Justus, a local musician who puts on an interesting show should you have the opportunity to see him live. The film won a Student Academy Award, presented by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science, for Best Animated Film. This 6 minute stop motion film took more than 8 months to create. I think you'll find that the months of work show through in the quality of the film. It's not often the Art Institute gets press coverage around the city. I was excited to see such stunning work coming from our very own arts community.

- Joel

David Bates

The Storm Triptych, Panel 2 © David Bates

If you live in Kansas City, check out work by Dallas-based artist David Bates in the current exhibition, "The Katrina Paintings", at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. I randomly met Bates at a fishing store (ironic considering the title of this blog) in downtown Dallas a few years ago. I wouldn't have known who he was if it hadn't been for my boss who pointed him out and introduced us. Looks like I'll be making a visit to the Kemper Museum between now and August 22 when the exhibition closes.

- Joel

The Deluge I © David Bates

The Book of Basketball

I recently finished reading The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons (aka The Sports Guy). To call it a book is a bit misleading; The Textbook of Basketball would be a more apt title. In more than 700 pages, Simmons strives to settle nearly every NBA argument. Who was better, Russell or Chamberlain? Russell. Do coaches really matter in the NBA? Only four have made a difference; Auerbach, Riley, Jackson, and Popovich. Who is the greatest player in NBA history? Jordan, duh. Who is the greatest team in NBA history? The 1986 Boston Celtics.

To be clear, I loved the NBA before I read this book; to learn about George Gervin's selfishness, Bill Walton's dysfunctional body, Elgin Baylor's hangtime, and every other bit of NBA minutia only tripled my love for the NBA. No detail goes uncovered. What stood out to me, in spite of the endless barrage of statistics on every page, was Simmons' emphasis of what statistics can't measure - "The Secret" as he calls it. "The secret of basketball is that it's not about basketball." I appreciated Simmons' devotion to and explanation of the truth that, for the most part, players who sublimate the temptation to pursue statistics and individual glory for the pursuit of the team are most successful in the NBA.

The glaring weakness of this book is Simmons' tendency towards misogynistic, "frat guy" writing. It didn't take long for his references to porn stars, lust, and infidelity to wear thin. The fact that Simmons is a "man's man" has made him beloved and as viewed as "one of us" by many sports fan. However, in the absence ESPN's watchful (read "censoring") eye evident in his regular column, the abundance of testosterone-filled anecdotes was overwhelming. Maybe it's just his act, a way for Simmons to build his island in a sea of sport writers, but I finished the book with two thoughts: "I LOVE the NBA" and "I feel bad for his wife." One more note; it took me a month to finish this book. I would recommend it for any sports fan, but be prepared to devote at least a month to wade through a book of this detail. It's worth it if you ask me.

John Wooden

The world has lost a coaching legend. John Wooden, UCLA's legendary basketball coach, died at the age of 99 last night. The man, known affectionately by his players as "Coach", brought small town values to the bright lights and big stage of college basketball in Los Angeles. For years, players have swapped Wooden-stories like trading cards with reverence rarely seen in the sporting world; like the time Wooden told Bill Walton they'd take the team picture without him unless he shaved his beard; or the fact that Wooden began the first practice of every season by teaching his players how to put on their socks and shoes.

John Wooden strove to teach his players the limitations of a life devoted to basketball. Ironically perhaps, the man who never saw basketball as the ultimate became the most successful coach the game has ever seen. Wooden won ten National Championships while at UCLA, including seven in a row from 1967 to 1973. He led UCLA to an NCAA record 88 game winning streak and coached 4 teams who finished the regular season undefeated (30-0). On the eve of the 1975 NCAA Championship game (which UCLA won), he announced his retirement, walking away after winning his tenth championship in twelve years. The man clearly knew what he was doing.

John Wooden's humble disposition became a breath of fresh air as the world of basketball became increasingly ego-centric. Coach's "team first" lessons stand in stark contrast to a sport now characterized by individual expression, statistics, and notoriety. Still, his wisdom and clever anecdotes will extend Wooden's influence long after his death. Maybe it is because I am heartless, but it isn't often that the death of someone I never knew, celebrity or otherwise, affects me emotionally. However, I can honestly say that, as I think on Wooden's death, I am melancholy. A few months ago I posted a video of John Wooden speaking about his definition of success. I've posted it again below. May John Wooden's message of faith in Jesus, humility, and teamwork live on.

- Joel

Kobe

Kobe will officially be one of the NBA's all-time greats when he wins his fifth championship ring in a few weeks. Nike will be ready with this ad. I never thought I would hear Andre 3000 covering The Beatles.

- Joel

Ben Chlapek

© Ben Chlapek

I've posted about Ben before. We went to elementary school (Alexander Doniphan), high school (Liberty High School), and college (University of Missouri) together, though I don't think we ever really talked. I noticed a few new pieces on his website and wanted to give a shout out. I'm not a big fan of Japandroids but the poster with the prison tower is great. Plus, the show took place on my 27th birthday.

- Joel

Drive

My dad showed me this video today. It's Daniel Pink, author of the fantastic book Drive, speaking about the premise behind the book. Throw in some creative animation, as well as the fact that Pink sums up the entire book in this excerpt, and it makes for 10 minutes that are worth your while. This should RADICALLY transform your ideas about motivation. By the way, if you have a chance to read this book, do it. It's the best book I've read this year, and maybe the best book I've read in the past few years.

- Joel

Piano Stairs

If only exercising could be this fun. An interesting concept from Volkswagen.

- Joel

Levi's

Levi's has experienced a renaissance of sorts in the past few years - in part due to their price point and placement in semi-hip stores, and in larger part due to a masterful advertising campaign. Somehow Levi's, in spite of their ubiquity, managed to brand themselves as the original. I still vividly remember their "Pioneers, O Pioneers" ad. The dude reading Walt Whitman has a ruggedly cool voice. And more than one denim company has not so subtly borrowed from their "band of youths frolicking around a fire" idea. Levi's recently made another wise move - gathering interesting (or semi-interesting) artists and commissioning them to record covers to then release for free online. Check out the Levi's Pioneer Sessions. At the moment, you can download tracks from Nas, The Swell Season, and She & Him. On the horizon are songs from Dirty Projectors, The Shins, John Legend, and others. Watch the Levi's performance from She & Him below (as well as the ad that spawned this whole Pioneers idea). Go here to download the available tracks.

- Joel

Union Station

© Joel Thomason

My favorite building in Kansas City is Union Station. One of the city's most historic sites, Union Station came into being after a flood wiped out Kansas City's railroad station, located in the West Bottoms, at the turn of the century. Upon completion in 1914, Union Station become one of the nation's busiest railroad stations. During World War II, as soldiers crisscrossed the country, it saw more traffic than any other station in the world. However, as railroad travel declined in the 1970's, Union Station became more dilapidated, ultimately losing all passenger traffic in 1985 and shutting it's doors completely in 1989. Yet, a 1990's public campaign helped raise $250 million to restore its once ornate condition and historic prominence. Union Station reopened in 1999. Today, it stands as a crown jewel in Kansas City's rich tradition.

I was reminded of my love for Union Station this evening when more than 50,000 people gathered in it's shadow to watch the Kansas City Symphony perform patriotic favorites in honor of our soldiers for Memorial Day. This outdoor concert, known as Celebration at the Station, has become a popular way for our citizens to kick off the summer season. The fireworks show over Liberty Memorial adds a nice touch to the festivities. No matter the season, Union Station stands in magnificence, it's intricate ceiling dazzling above lavish decorations. I may not always live in Kansas City, but Union Station will always be my favorite building in the United States.

- Joel

© Joel Thomason

© Joel Thomason

Summer Jams: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Two different people (Anthony & Cassie) mentioned Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros to me last week. I haven't listened to the entire album yet, but I do like their album's most noteworthy track, "Home". It conjures up memories of the country twang and playful banter of Johnny Cash and June Carter from the 1960's. Plus, something about the whistling makes me think of summer. Download the track and enjoy the music video below.

- Joel

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - "Home"

Summer Jams: Big K.R.I.T.

I think I enjoy hip hop more in the summer than any other time of year - when the sun is setting, the heat of the day has passed, and I'm driving across town with the windows down. A few summers ago it was Kid Cudi for me. This summer, though he may not get radio play, Mississippi M.C. Big K.R.I.T. might be an evening regular in my speakers. Download his debut album/mixtape, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, for free below. Also, watch a video of the track "Children of the World".

- Joel

Big K.R.I.T. - K.R.I.T. Wuz Here

New Banner

I finally have a blog banner I can be proud of thanks to the talents of my brother Cory and Brian Jaramillo of Agency26 (and maybe an ounce of creativity on my part). The banner combines a public domain political ad for Abraham Lincoln from the 1800's, which I found in the Library of Congress, with custom lettering created on the fly by Brian Jaramillo. Cory put it all together this morning. Thanks for the help guys.

If you'd like to purchase their services, click on the links above for more information on how to contact them.

- Joel

New Kanye

Like him or love him, Kanye West makes music that people talk about it. So why not take a few minutes to take a listen to the first single off of his upcoming album, set to drop later this year. Something about the choir in the background is reminiscent of "Jesus Walks" to me. This track is called "Power".

- Joel

Update: Video deleted from YouTube

Public School Gear

My friend Cassie took a trip to Austin, Texas for the Renegade Craft Fair. At the Fair she stumbled upon a booth set up by Public School, the artist dudes from Austin who I've blogged about (and who I'd love to meet one day). Knowing how much I enjoy these guys from afar, Cassie texted me to let me know they were selling their gear. Then, over the phone in the midst of the crowds, she graciously described what they were selling so that I could buy some stuff through her. I bought the poster shown above. Now, after seeing all the goods online, I want to buy the print below. It's pretty cheap (as in price, not as in quality). You should check it out.

- Joel

Smithville, Texas © Jay B. Sauceda

Dallas

Downtown © Joel Thomason

I have banished myself to my room while the rest of my family finishes watching the season finale of LOST. My Monday may be a rough one as a result, but I will be staying up as long as necessary to watch it tonight. In the meantime, here is a quick recap of an eventful weekend in Dallas (with a few photos as well).

• helped Cassie chaperone the Arts Magnet High School prom.
• served as a photo assistant for the talented AVS as she shot portraits for the family of Tim Delaughter (the creator of The Polyphonic Spree)
• had a lovely dinner at Matt's Rancho Martinez with seven friends.
• sat beneath the stars at Lee Harvey's and watched Hunter Sullivan and his orchestra play all the greatest big band hits.
• visited The Village Church for the first time with Mat and Kelsey Hency.

A fun time was had by all.

- Joel

Matt's © Joel Thomason

Jeff & Nicole's Chickens © Joel Thomason

Girl Talk

Finally the website that most fans of Girl Talk, or at least this particular fan of Girl Talk (me), have been waiting for - www.gingerninja.org/feedtheanimals/. The site allows users to stream Girl Talk's most recent album, Feed the Animals. As each new sample pops up, the site gives you the artist/song title so you can know what Gregg Gillis used to create the album.

Check it out.

- Joel

Photographer of the Day

© Christopher Wilson

Christopher Wilson. Wilson's photography has found itself on the cover of all three Band of Horses albums. Actually, in my opinion, the best part of the most recent BoH album, Infinite Arms, was the album cover (the music was just average and much the same to what the band has already released). I find Wilson's outdoor photography to be striking.

- Joel

© Christopher Wilson

© Christopher Wilson

W.H. Auden

I'm not sad right now, but I've known the sadness W.H. Auden desribes in "Stop all the clocks...". In the midst of it's heaviness, I find it to be an incredibly beautiful poem.

- Joel

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

- W.H. Auden

The Black Keys

The song "Tighten Up" comes from The Black Keys' latest album Brothers which was just released this week. It's pretty good. So is this music video. You can download the song below as well.

- Joel

The Black Keys - "Tighten Up" (link removed by request)


The Black Keys "Tighten Up"

The Black Keys | MySpace Music Videos