A Lesson in Swedish History: Fjallraven Kanken

Via Blackbird: Introduced in August of 1978, Fjallraven's Kanken backpack was marketed as an alternative book bag for Sweden's school children because it centered its weight evenly along the spine and allowed both hands to be free. The new backpack was initially marked as a symbol of liberal political views and sometimes called "the Communist Hunchback" by stubborn detractors stuck on the old messenger style bags of their childhood, but Fjallraven's founder, Ake Nordin, hoped to sell 200 Kanken bags in their first year. He sold 400. The next year sales reached 30,000. Thirty years have now passed since the first Kanken was sold, and its popularity has grown far beyond the halls of Sweden's educational system.

I just ordered the Kanken from the friendly folks at Ooga Booga in a beautiful burnt red--I can't wait for it arrive :}

An Impulse: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I & II

I was out and about for a bit after classes today, mostly unsure of what exactly I was looking for. What I found were two of the best films ever made.

Best ten dollars I've spent in a long while.

Auditory Coffee: Teen Daze - Shine On, You Crazy White Cap

This little gem comes to you courtesy of zeeeeej.

Auditory Coffee: No Age - Here Should Be My Home (Live at Fuck Yeah Fest 2009)

Awesome video, courtesy of Adam Harding.

Auditory Coffee: Friendo - Callers

Here's some nice footage of Mike Wallace (Women) and his band Friendo courtesy of Tyler Stalman.

Auditory Coffee: The Crayon Fields - Graceless

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Women - Public Strain

I'm more excited about this release than anything that's come out recently, and if you've jammed Women's stunning self-titled debut as much as I have, you know exactly why. It's been two years too long but it was well worth the wait. "Heat Distraction" -- holy fuck.

Green at North Flores

Went out to lunch at Green Vegetarian Cuisine today.

I had "the Philly" (grilled seitan, green bell peppers, onions and raw cashew cheese) and broccoli salad. It was delicious. So decadent.

Thai Topaz at Huebner

Joe and I went to Thai Topaz for lunch with my brother today. Their menu is awesome; they are able to make nearly every dish vegan and the most expensive item is only $6.95! I ordered their red curry with tofu after being served some delicious (free) vegetable soup, while my brother and Joe had pad Thai.

It was excellent. You know a place is good when they ask you how spicy you want your food to be on a scale of 1-5.

Cici's Pizza at De Zavala

After class today, my good friend Joe and I decided to head over to Cici's Pizza for lunch. Turned out to be the best decision I've made in awhile!

Joe loaded up his first plate with white, spinach, barbeque and pepperoni pizza. I snacked on some veggies from the salad bar while I waited for the kind folks in the kitchen to prepare a vegan pizza for me. What's Joe got there on the left, you say? I'm glad you asked.

That's a plate of ranch dressing. Yes, a whole fucking plate of nothing but ranch fucking dressing. AMERICA~

My vegan pizza looked awesome; just look at all those pretty colors! I'll definitely be coming back soon.

Summer Comes Softly

Here's a little mix I made in honor of welcomed catharsis and the beginning of Summer.

01. Beach Fossils - Window View

02. Housefire - L.A. Ex

03. His Clancyness - Misinterpret My Words

04. Nerve City - Feelings

05. Emeralds - Candy Shoppe

06. Millionyoung - Hammock

07. Mathemagic - High

08. Male Bonding - Years Not Long

09. Maps & Atlases - Carrying the Wet Wood

10. School of Seven Bells - Windstorm

11. Wild Harem - Never Been

12. Wild Nothing - Summer Holiday

13. Golden Ages - Everything Will Be Alright

14. Caribou - Kaili

15. Avi Buffalo - Remember Last Time

Blackbird Blackbird - Happy High EP, Let's Move on Together EP

Blackbird Blackbird (formerly Bye Bye Blackbird) is the moniker of San Francisco's Mikey S, who recently signed to Arcade Sound, Ltd. alongside other wave-riders such as Memoryhouse, Teen Daze, MillionYoung and Coma Cinema. Swirly, colorful, uplifting, blah, blah, blah--just download it already!