New Year's Eve 2010

Still in Taiwan -- about 1 week left and then back to America, back to DFW, back to Austin and back to work. So, I hope you guys have been having fun in Texas. I obviously have not been keeping up with what has been going on overseas. Here, it is just a lot of family, a lot of food, great shopping and incredibly fair weather.

For New Years, I am sure a lot is going on in Austin. I am going to be celebrating the new year in Taipei, at Taipei 101 to be specific. It is supposed to be a huge thing, like the ball dropping in Madison Square Garden, but Taiwan style with a bunch of fireworks shooting off the building (tallest in the world? I am not sure.) Anyway, so far, I am aware of a couple big events happening in Austin. Let me try to list them all. I apologize if I have done a rotten job.

1. So, this first one is great because of its local music -- including bands that I am a fan of, The White White Lights and Missions. The rest are also great, I am sure, I am just less familiar. You can read more about the event on the Parish website and buy tickets online for $18 - they'll be $24 at the door. Get there early - first 100 attendees receive 2 free drinks. You'll also have a chance to win a free SXSW badge.

2. Here is Rare Magazine's event at the Seaholm Powerplant. Go the the event site to buy tickets (now $100), and to learn more about the artists (Flosstradamus and Car Stereo Wars) This one is bound to be the big event that you may regret missing out on. Sounds like fun, I would probably try to be here if I were in Austin.

3. Beauty Bar's NYE event sounds pretty great. It's only $5 at the door with an RSVP to beautybaraustinrsvp@gmail.com and $10 without. Plus, there is DJ Mel and a load of local bands.

4. This one is thrown by my old buddies at Central Booking. They are coming to Wahoo's in Austin to bring you a NYE event. It is only $5 at the door, so this is a good deal for those of you who do not have a bonus to blow on partying.

5. I don't normally advertise Co-op parties, but this one is being thrown by my buddy Blake. Plus, I went to one of his recently and it was actually pretty fun. This would probably be a good alternative for the underage ones who wanna get together on NYE. Plus, I like the flier. This one is free with free alcohol, suggested $2 donation, and suggested BYOB.

6. I couldn't quite find a flier for this one, but it is being put on by Knuckle Rumbler and appears to be at a house. Here is the Facebook event page. Dj Richard Gear and an LCD Soundsystem cover band will be playing. This event is free, but there is a suggested $5 donation. There will be free Tito's vodka and keg beer, but it is suggested that you bring your own champagne.

7. This one at Malverde is expensive, especially now, but it sounds like fun. The thing is there will be an open bar, free La Condesa hors d'oeurves, Hornitos cocktails, etc. Buy tickets on this site.

Sabbatical

In Taiwan now, will try to update when I can about stuffs, love you guys.

preemptive weekender

There is always so much going on in Austin when I am out of town. I will be out of town for a long time -- well, out of the country. Thus, I thought I would try to cover as much base as possible beforehand. I guess Taiwan has internet, but not as on-hand as when I am in the U.S. So, it seems like there is a lot going on this weekend. Lots of holiday benefits, shows, etc, even a special birthday.

Happy Birthday, Mike!

(and of course Orion and Don as well)

Mike has always been super helpful and nice, and the PS has always had my back. So, of course, visit them if I become a ghost these next few weeks and forget to post; they are super helpful.

thursday:

[click for higher res]

friday:

saturday:

Wishlist pt. 1

Sam Edelman booties

via Topshop

via American Apparel (ugh)

I can never use enough boots, or shoes in general. Don't ask me about my collection.

Urban Outfitters & Kai-aakmann via Buy Definition

parties tonight:

So, in my internet searching, I was unable to find a larger image. Yeah, bad blogger. Anyway, this is more than likely where I will want to be: The Winter Formal. The Carrots (of the aforementioned VICE party) will be playing again at the 501 Studios (501 Brushy St.) with Shapes Have Fangs and more for a dressy, winter-themed party. There will be a Santa Clause, jacket rentals -- because formal wear is enforced -- BYOB, and a $5 suggested donation.

Otherwise, there are other viable options for tonight...

RSVP for tonight!

The Carrots and The Strange Boys will be playing at Longbranch Inn (E. 11th St.) tonight for an exclusive VICE party, sponsored by Hornitos. Apparently there will be free Hornitos all night long, too. Be sure to RSVP here with your name and e-mail to get in. I believe it is going to end up being RSVP only.

Magnolia Family Vintage giveaway

Magnolia Family Vintage, a locally-run vintage Ebay boutique, is hosting a lovely little giveaway and I am here to inform you.

I suppose that would be the Magnolia Family.

Included will be Magnolia Family vintage goodies for the holidays... I imagine scarves, accessories... Consider it an extra present to yourself this December. All you have to do to enter follow Magnolia Family on Twitter, and from there Sarah Dean (owner) will choose one follower on Monday, Dec 14 to receive the gift. So just one click puts you in the running. Plus, it's a great twitter to follow, there will be updates on special deals, new merchandise, sneak peeks and vintage insight.

I love vintage clothing, personally. I'd say it occupies half, or more than half, of my wardrobe. Here are some of my Magnolia favorites of the moment.

Check those out in her shop yourself.

Also, listen to what Miss Sarah Dean has to say about her business and vintage clothing and check out her blog The Year of Living Thriftily. Now, go enter.

getting ready for thursday.

RSVP to Learning Secrets' event at Beauty Bar

featuring J.G. Wiltes of OPTIMO

There are a lot of recognizable names here. These local DJs will be spinning the music of 10 local bands. There is a $5 suggested donation. All proceeds will go to the band Riverboat Gamblers whose guitarist was injured. Read about Ian's story here.

RSVP for Wednesday

RSVP via Scion

This night should be a lot of fun. Sure, it is in the middle of the week, but you deserve to unwind because you've been working so hard this year. That's what I am telling myself anyway.

Learn more about the musicians:
http://www.myspace.com/jesseroseandcontent
http://www.myspace.com/rivastarr

http://www.myspace.com/zombiediscosquad
http://www.myspace.com/oliverdollar

http://www.myspace.com/weareidiotproof
http://www.myspace.com/markuswithak

R.I.P. John Lennon

One of the greatest musicians ever. Some of his songs and photos are still my favorite.

sunday's parties

last minute post

But I thought you guys shouldn't miss out on this one.

My suggestions for tonight --

These first two are old & new (respectively) (bi-)monthlies. They will be consistently bringing you dance music even when it is dreadfully cold outside. Did you guys see the snow earlier today? It was like little flecks of dandruff falling out of the sky around campus - no snow storm. Be careful out there tonight, though.

+ And most of all, at Beerland, The Heiz, a Japanese band, will be playing with locals Cowabunga Babez, The Diagonals, Flowers and Shanghai River. Check out the even information here on Do512. It starts at 10 p.m. and will cost money, I don't know how much.

RSVP

RSVP to this real quick! I just saw the official flier and I think it ends in 30 min.

+ Paul Banks and the Carousels

Friends and talented musicians Paul Banks and the Carousels have been a local music staple for quite a few years now, but they are getting ready to get famous. Well, I can't necessarily say this. However, I have good feelings about their latest album which is slated to release this month (or next at the latest). They have been working hard recording this full-length album for quite a while now, perfecting it for the public. From this video I made of their recording process is one of their new songs "I Don't Cry." Love it?

Paul Banks and the Carousels from TiffanyDiane on Vimeo.

Listen to what Paul has to say about the band's music; it pretty much sums it up.

The band is going through some staff changes, meaning they are dropping members and maybe getting new ones soon, but the lineup for this album has been Hunter Dryden on lead guitar, Jonathan Nesvadba on bass and vocals, James Summers on drums and of course Paul Banks on vocals and an array of instruments -- a very multi-talented man of music.

Two members, Paul Banks and Jonathan Nesvadba are definitely going to be staying in the group. Keep your eyes peeled on their Myspace page for the album and updates.