Blake Ashby came to Webster and spoke.

I sent an e-mail “press release” a few hours before the lecture.

From these events was born a cover story in this past week’s Journal.

Proof that: you always, always, always feed the press.

And I need a job.*

Let’s talk.

Unfortunately, the gig I really wanted is now taken. Link to come.

(*Thanks ACC.)

So lazy, I am! Forgetting to post up DJ gigs, like this week’s dual spin with Jim Utz at the Halo. Oops.

So, uh…

Tonight!: The Royale, 6-10. So windy, only CDs will make the cut. That’s how windy it is, really.

Friday, April 25: The Royale, 10 p.m.-1:17 a.m. Records and CDs, yo. And is there an iPod in my future? Someone send me to some bargain buys!

Thursday, May 1: The Halo Bar, 10:30 p.m.-2:27 a.m. Only records, for celebration on the day of contemplation and lamentation for all International Workers of the World. Not sure what band will be in the Pageant on this evening, but I’m hoping for something more sympatico than this week’s Musiq Soulchild. Let me tell, his fans were not digging me, particularly.

Cultural event, Catholic school picnics: Checking the calendar. It’s about that time of year, yes, indeed. A time for marginal $2 food items, crazy-looking rides, crazier-looking ride operators and a guaranteed good time… as long as the local teens don’t start a gang fight. Yeah-uh!

Newspaper, The Vital Voice: At the risk of slighting any other newspapers fitting the description, my favorite bi-weekly publication formerly targeting the GLBT audience, but now morphing into a wider, progressive niche has to be… The Vital Voice. Especially since editor Lucas Hudson’s on-board and because they started writing me checks. If you’ve not picked up the paper recently, or clicked on the website, please do. One or the other. Or both. Thanks.

Challenges, The AFI Top 100: After a couple of disappointing films in a row and a Netflix membership that’s lapsed, I’ve found myself raiding the stacks of Webster U’s Emerson Library for videos, informed by the twin American Film Institute Top 100 Film lists, from 1998 and 2007. Can’t say all the films to date have been a joy — “The Searchers” is something more than a dull, two-hour excursion into mid-20th century racism? really? — but the process has been vaguely enjoyable, despite the lack of foreign films and docs. But enough qualifiers. The AFI list is fun to work through, especially if you’re an obsessive completist.

Magazine, “Relevant”: Like to think I know a few magazines, but I’d never heard of “Relevant” until now. The mag’s centered around “God. Life. Progressive Culture.” and I’m totally cool with two of those ideas. Despite a few editorial pieces not particularly up my alley, I have to say that the newest Relevant is well-designed, very readable and a real surprise, which is always fun when searching the mag racks.

Reality show, “Split Ends“: Two hair stylists. Swapping places. Meeting new people. Working with new systems. Maybe learning something along the way. What a stupid idea! And what a perfectly enjoyable waste of an hour!

Flickr user, Monstromo: Until recently, I didn’t realize that my neighbor took photos, let alone loaded them onto photo-sharing services. Glad I know, now. Some wacky stuff in here. Moon Mullins? I mean… really. What?

Wacky theatre, “Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park”: Do not miss this show. Why would you even consider that possibility?

Christmas gift opportunities, Historic Soccer Videotapes: Would love those STL Stars vids, definitely; you’re the best!

YouTube oddity, “Flintstones Sell Cigarettes“: Every semester, during advertising class sessions, this video brings on the chuckles, from students too young to reasonably appreciate the full cultural impact of “The Flintstones.” If you’ve not seen Fred and Barney out back o’ the house, lighting up, please enjoy.

Coffeehouse, Cairdeas: I’m not a Dogtown resident, but since my car keeps breaking down and my mechanic’s in the neighborhood, I’m now a quasi-regular at this joint. I even can ID some of the other, weird regulars, including one mean Irishman that I’ve run into on each visit. A charmer, that one. At any rate, I like the spot and like it even more when a postmodern horror film star is behind the counter.

Used book rack, Apop: What the hell is playing in that shop? Ever! That’s my question. Seriously, what the hell? Just check out that book rack, though. Some nutty selections up thurr.

South Broadway gay bar options, Korners: Walked in. Took a minute to sort out what was happening. Somehow, it actually took a minute, instead of three-seconds. How amusing. And how loud! Ten people making the sound of a thousand, so happy were they.

KDHX pledge opportunity, “Topic A”: Wouldn’t you know it? The spring membership drive is nigh. And what better opportunity to give than at 7:30 p.m. CST on Monday, April 21? The station, Amanda, Amanda’s unborn baby and I all thank you for your consideration and loose purse strings.

I’ll be starting a new adver-feature(tte) for the RFT in a couple issues, most likely April 17. More details as they become available.

Check back tomorrow, for the wildly-popular monthly Thirteen feature.

Could use some. Four of ’em. On one, non-wack vehicle.

I’ve you’ve got a line on a ride, let me know.

Three key factors are:

1. Affordability.
2. Timeliness.
3. Well… affordability.

Thanks for any localized tips, ala, “my uncle’s in the business and is a real pleasure to work with,” etc.

In my last (ever) amateur boxing match, I got worked over at Cherokee Rec Center. In my corner was trainer Buddy Shaw.

Last night, Buddy Shaw was the primary corner man for Cory Spinks, in a world championship bout at Scottrade Center.

Also in the corner, was Cory’s dad, Leon Spinks.

Who, of course, way back in the day, defeated Muhammad Ali.

Even if it’s only me, I find this extremely hilarious. Gotta work this tenuous angle, somehow… who knows an editor at Ring Magazine?

He’s leaving us.

Oh, sure, some will lament Aaron Belz the Poet, the Dad, the Advocate for Local Arts. I’ll take a moment to note that: he’s got of the sharpest elbows I’ve ever encountered on a basketball court (a latter day Wes Unseld, I’d reckon); his Facebook-ing skills rival those of a Mehlville HS ninth-grader; and he’s one of those cats that can take a stolen scooter and turn it into a local legend. So let’s add all of that to our collective, embittered, Exiting Stage Left bio, shall we?

The comedic poetic stylings of Aaron Belz are soon to move west, way west. With the news now public, we’ll go ahead and post the grim details, while noting that there’s a chance to catch the man in his very natural habitat in the next week:

========

To those of you who are or might be attending my reading at Regional Arts Commission next Tuesday evening:

I’ve accepted a position at a college in L.A. and will be moving out there in July. This might be the last time I get to see some of you in a while, so I hope you’ll come let me shake your hand and raise my eyebrows at you in a slightly creepy way.

Remember – the reading is free, and so is the wine.
http://belz. wordpress. com/2008/ 03/10/rac- poster/

PLEASE BRING $10 for a COPY OF THE BOOK if you don’t have it yet. I want to sell and sign some of those.

Love,
Aaron

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Not answered in the above: When’s the garage sale?

Bunch up at flickr. Should be working on taxes. I’m not.

I’m putting up a bunch of photos at flickr.

Eastside ramblings, buildings accessed (but not fully) and a wealth o’ Melo’s highlight this installment. I need me some people pics!

Interesting piece on a new blog, written by John Clements and referencing a photo from my flickr site.

Located here.

It’s an interesting and increasing small world.