We’re back with another edition of G.W.W.E. (Guys We Wanna Eff)!

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the sizzling it-boy of the moment, and apparently has a penchant for projects beginning with numerals instead of letters. He has been on my radar since his days as Tommy Solomon on 3rd Rock from the Sun. Man, remember that show? Besides the fact it was gut-bustingly funny, it rocked because JGL played the unconventionally-hot teen boy that was irresistible to my young lust.

Then, to confirm his pop-star status, he starred in one of the most iconic coming-of-age flicks of the 90s, 10 Things I Hate About You.

But a lot has happened since then.  Shortly after 10 Things, JGL took an acting hiatus to study French at Columbia, and developed an appreciation for the smaller things in life. He left college just shy of graduation to begin acting again, this time in plays and on the indie movie circuit. Now, he’s a fully matured adult with his first headlining role in the indie “it” movie (500) Days of Summer, opening today.

And while JGL has always been a cutie, these days there’s no denying he’s 100% smokin’ hot.  Trailers and clever ads for (500) Days of Summer reveal his intelligent, understated, and refined attractiveness that’s effing driving me crazy. Add a French accent to the mix and he can 3rd rock my world any day–summer, winter, whenever!

You want nothing more than to slap your boss. And then to quit your job. You want to spit in your professor’s face. You want to tell your parents you’re joining the circus to make money for crack…JUST TO PISS THEM OFF. Today is the day you tell your best friend that those jeans DO make her ass look big because HER ASS IS BIG. You want to list off all of your exes to your guy who have been better in bed. That’s right. This is what I refer to as a “SCREW EVERYONE” day.

And they should never be spent without a soundtrack. So me and my Ipod went and made a playlist for these days.

“Spent on Rainy Days” BRIGHT EYES (Indie)

“Blueprint” FUGAZI (Punk)

“Gravity” DRESDEN DOLLS (Rock)

“Today is the day” MOROS EROS (Indie/Experimental)

“The Egg” SHINER (Indie/Alternative)

“The Other” ISIS (Experimental/Metal)

“The Never Aftermath” THE END (Metal/Ambient)

“In The Belly Of A Shark” GALLOWS (Punk/Rock)

“Complete and utter confusion” FEAR BEFORE THE MARCH OF FLAMES (Experimental/Rock)

“Set fire to the face on fire” THE BLOOD BROTHERS (Other/Punk)

So instead of taking your Screw Everyone day out on the people around you…why not just put on these songs and let out your angst the old fashioned way? You know…like a 14-year-old who just slammed her bedroom door in her mom’s face. And then locked the door. And then wrote “Screw EVERYONE” in her blog.

Does this mean anything to you?:“Post punk/indie/English geek/Rock”

Maybe?

Well, let it mean this to you now: the Young Knives.

Young Knives are an English band stirring up a bit of a buzz these days. With a name erroneously taken from a book and a bassist who goes by The House of Lords, they’re quirky and simultaneously artistic. The members of Young Knives all have a long history of dancing in front of mirrors and competing for the spotlight, but singer Henry Dartnall maintains that they all show off in their own ways.

“Well, I’m the loudest, ‘look at me!’, one…” Henry says, going on to explain that his bassist and brother, Thomas (The House Of Lords guy), can put on a quiet and shy act all while he’s well aware of the fact that all eyes are on him. Read More »

I’m not a music snob. Not by a long shot. I like too many genres of music to be one of those people who comb through record stores like Indiana Jones [can't wait for the new movie, btw!] in some ancient temple of indie-hipster-obscurity reserved for bands who only play in garages dark enough to contain their slippery coolness.

Whenever people would try to corner me with the “what’s your favorite band?” question, I would always shrug and tell them the truthfull answer, which was “my tastes change too often to have a favorite.”

Then, I discovered The Weepies.

I had always been a fan of Deb Talan, her beautifully different voice and soft, simple lyrics carrying me through many a break-up or summer drive in the country. So when Deb joined up with fellow folk musician Steve Tannen a few years ago, I was suspicious. Who was this guy and what was he going to do with my Deb’s lovely music?

Turns out, the only thing he did was make it better. Read More »

Being a Literature student and an all around geek when it comes to anything book related, I’ve listened to my fair share of poetry readings; ranging from the well known classics to the new and upcoming talents of today.

The Internet has become my own little bookshop/library, and I often browse pages like fictionpress for creative finds and sometimes even upload my own writing. I love discovering new artists because they give me inspiration to progress with my own creative work.

When it comes to poetry reading and artistic inspiration, Myspace is slowly becoming my new haven. It was only a matter of time before poets joined the ranks of bands everywhere and began recording and uploading their own profiles. I first came across these new artists while browsing Kate Nash’s Myspace music profile (a woman who’s pretty damn cool on her own), and instantly fell in love. Read More »

Everyone has been so busy constantly hyping how amazing Seattle is (and it is) that Portland often gets lost in the mix. I feel it’s our duty to give it it’s own marquee of greatness. So here it is.

As indie music increases in it’s popularity and more of us start “going green” and becoming more eco-conscious, it’s hard to not recognize that Portland is alllll things earthy. Not to mention the bustling arts scene, the cozy coffee shops, and the blend between charming city and crunchy, nature chic.

In my opinion, nothing goes better with Portland than a nice glass of wine.

Best Wine Bar: Carafe, with the coziness of a French bistro Carafe has an incredible wine list and a cheese plate that’s to die for, with local Oregon hazelnuts and fruit. Oo La La.

Also try: Caffe Mingo, Grolla Restaurant and Wine Bar and Three Doors Down Cafe.

Best Coffee: It’s not secret, but Starbucks isn’t where its at when it comes to Portland. World Cup Coffee & Tea is. Organic coffees, good vibes, check it out.

Also Try: Anna Bannanas and Tiny’s. Read More »

12 Days of Christmas – Christmas Is for the Birds

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In case the holidays are bring you down, check out this video from Taking Back Sunday, “Christmas Is For the Birds”!

Okkervil River: Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe

OKKERVIL RIVER “Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe”

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I’m willing to bet this band from Austin, Texas will be a new favorite of yours! Be sure to get their album here!

The Duke Spirit: Lassoo

This amazing band from the UK will definitely be one of your favorites! Check out their video for “Lassoo” and if you like it, get it here!

New Found Glory: Kiss Me

Kiss Me

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Admittedly, I’ve been on this strange pop-punk kick and I’ve been listening to bands I got into in like…2001. Nonetheless, this is a brand new song (well, it’s a Sixpence None the Richer cover…) from New Found Glory called “Kiss Me”.

Get it here!