My Top Ten of 2011: Movin’ shakin’ & sortin’ a sand collection!

Wow! What a year. I quit a job, got a job, moved in with my dude, traveled a lot, tripped out a lot, tried new things, had a JAWS-themed birthday-Halloween party, and like my bestie Justina Blakeney wrote in her year-end round-up, we Occupied LA, Ciclavia-ed the streets, friends had babies, and all kinds of good stuff happened.

One thing I didn’t do this year though was get any good at using Photoshop. So instead of a bunch of photos from the year, I took a photo of a collage I made on my porch this morning…

Ten things that really made my 2011 radical include:

1) New York City & The Late Show with David Letterman
Almost exactly a year ago, I went to NYC with No Age when they played on Letterman. We stayed at a fancy hotel in the Lower East Side, went up to the top of the Empire State Building and did lots of rad New York things!

2) February 21st
On the very same day my dude had his birthday (and I threw him a Creature from the Black Lagoon-themed surprise party with tons of homies), my best friend Sofia had a baby boy named Theodore. It was an amazing day. I love boys! They sure are cute.

3) Spring & Spain
In May, I took a week off from my fashion-writing job to fly to Barcelona and meet up with my dude who had been on tour for two months. We spent a week in the city, at the beach and also attended the Primavera Sound music festival for three days straight. Dancing on stage with The Flaming Lips dressed in Wizard of Oz costumes was obviously the highlight!

4) Quitting & Getting Jobs
In mid-summer, I quit my full-time fashion-writing job and took a run at more freelance writing (also wrote a zine called “Quit Your Day Job”). I revisited some travel writing projects, took my office outside and enjoyed the freelancing freedoms of not having to report to the same office every day. I also moved out of my apartment in Koreatown and moved into storage and in with my dude in Highland Park. Fun! Plus, I was super stoked that my sister and partner in quitting-and-getting-jobs graduated from nursing school, and after years of working in public health, social services and nursing homes, she landed a phat job as a cardiovascular surgical nurse at the top hospital where she lives in Spokane, Washington. Pretty dope!

5) Erie, Pennsylvania
This year, I made it to Erie, Pennsylvania twice: once for a summertime family reunion and the second time for my grandfather’s funeral. At least three or maybe four generations of my family were born and raised in this small town on the Great Lake of Lake Erie (closest airports being Cleveland, Pittsburg and Buffalo). My dad’s living there now, so it’s fun to visit and trip out on all of our family memories and history. Plus, I’m related to almost everyone in Erie some way or another. Needless to say, it’s at times a little eerie. : )

6) Spokane, Washington
My sister and her husband live in Spokane and I visited twice this year, once in the snow and once when we swam in the lake by their new cabin in the woods. It was the perfect escape/retreat. So rad!

7) The California Coast
Road-tripping up to Big Sur to camp and see a show at the Henry Miller Memorial Library was ah-mazing! Then heading further north through Santa Cruz, Bonny Doon, San Francisco and into Marin to camp at Steep Ravine on the cliffs near Stinson Beach was also a total thrill. Four nights of camping, battling hungry raccoons, and being in Marin where I spent most of my grade school and high school years was such a sweet experience.

8) Mexico
In October, I once again got to join the No Age crew on a trip to Mexico City. They played the Corona Capital music festival. There were like 90,000 kids there and it blew my mind! Plus, The Strokes headlined. Swoon! After Mexico City, we headed to Mazatlan and chilled beach-styles. I had piña coladas while I worked and got the best tour from my dude who spent a lot of time there growing up.

9) Disney Job
Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s back to Disney I go. When we got back from our trip to Mexico, my old copywriting job at Disney called me to see if I was available. I returned in mid-November and now the office is only three metro stops from my place. Getting back to a steady gig was perfect timing (i.e. I needed the money) and now I’m very happy back at the “mouse house” bringing magic to millions every day. : )

10) Sand Collection
So, years ago when I was at this cute old couple’s house in France, I saw they had a sand collection. It was a small shelf with tiny jars, kinda like a spice rack. It was filled with sand they had collected from all their travels. I knew I needed to start my own. So for almost five years now, I’ve been collecting sand and labeling where, when and who I was with when I got it. I love it. It’s one of those projects—just like writing or making music—that I always want to keep up with and make time for. I have little bags of sand everywhere, but I’m just now getting it in jars. It’s a little silly, but I love it. And that’s what I’d like to keep in mind as we start this new year: Do whatcha like, even if it might be a little silly. And if your sand is spread out all over the place, it might be nice to organize it in jars so you can remember all the good times and amazing things in your life. I’m not sure what that means, but…

Happy New Year, homies! Best wishes to all & catch ya on the flipside. XO, s

Two Weeks ’til 2012!

Even though we’re still two weeks away ’til the new year, all this holiday stuff has got me thinking about the final days of 2011 and what new and exciting things lie ahead in 2012! Can’t wait to put together my Top 10 of 2011 since my Top 10 of 2010 was so fun to write. Oh and 2011 was even more kick-ass than 2010! So, this one should be a doozy. Yep, ’tis the season to chill and celebrate and reflect on all that is beautiful in our lives! And then make a list about it. : ) Warm winter break wishes to all, s

24 Hours of Holiday Telethon Fun Now @Cinefamily

Come to Cinefamily tonight to hang and support the raddest film club in LA. Personal favorites No Age will play a short score to a cool film and host a panel of friends—Lance Bangs, Gil Kenan, Patrick O’Dell—to talk about music and movies. It’s free! Come early, stay late, and sign up for a membership!!! I’m going to sign up for mine tonight. I’ve seen so much rad stuff at Cinefamily. I love it. Oh and you can also watch it live online at cinefamily.org/fundraiser. I’m watching now. It’s rad! I love movies and music and weekends and the holidays! Such fun. Lots of love to all, s

HUSTLE FILE #88: Jon Setzen

NAME: Jon Setzen

OCCUPATION: Creative Director at Media Temple

LOCATION: Los Angeles

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: My hustle is trying to make beautiful, engaging and usable things, as well as being a present dad and husband.

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: My hustle means doing something I love somewhere I love with people I love. I’ve definitely found that balance at Media Temple which allows for me to be creative and also allows for me to have a life outside of work, because really my life revolves around my family. I hustle to get work done so I can spend undivided time with my two boys.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Pencil that never runs out of lead, an infinitely long ream of paper, iPhone (with a battery that never dies).

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Don’t take the easy way out. Don’t expect compliments. Work hard. Listen to people. Take advice and criticism. Collaborate. Fall in love. Have kids—they change the way you look at the World.

jonsetzen.com
creativemornings.com
@jonsetzen
Photo of Jon by Dana Neujahr.

HUSTLE FILE #87: Lina Linde

NAME: Lina Linde

OCCUPATION: Freelance producer/project manager in the fields of film/art/transmedia

LOCATION: Based in Malmö, Sweden

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: I run a small company that’s basically just me doing everything I like and am good at. Right now I am also part time creative producer at a rad place called STPLN

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: It used to be how I defined myself, now it is in my veins.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Access to the www, a feeling that my work makes the world a better place in some way, and a good memory so I can keep track of everything.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Do your thing and do your best, always.

linalinde.tumblr.com
@lina_linde
Photos of Lina by Lisa Arfwidson.

Look Who’s Talking: Me at Creative Mornings

So, a funny thing happened a few weeks ago. My favorite monthly lecture series Creative Mornings put out an open call for people who’d like to give a talk at this month’s gathering in New York and Los Angeles. I thought it’d be cool to participate, so I applied, and whatta ya know, they invited me to be one of the speakers. Trés cool, no?! I especially love it because this series now takes place in over a dozen cities around the world and just keeps growing as a new community of creatives learning from one another.

Needless to say, I’m honored and totally stoked. So, here are the details because you (yes, you) should really come! It’s this Friday morning December 16th from 8:30 ‘til 10am. I’ll give a short talk titled, “What’s Your Hustle?” at Media Temple in Culver City—I’ll talk about hustlin’ my blog and my writing and I might even bump a dope jam! It’s free and there’s always yummy coffee, rad peeps, good vibes and lots of inspiring stories shared. So, get your ass up early and come! I mean, how often do I get invited to give a talk?

Reserve your spot starting tomorrow morning, Monday 12/12, at 11am PT. RSVP for free here! And if you want any more info, here’s the Creative Mornings blog post about it here on tumblr; plus a rad post on my homie Justina Blakeney’s blog! Oh yeah, and a snapshot summarizing my part of the morning:

Get it? Got it? Good. Much love to all. Have a great week and don’t forget to RSVP! XO, s

HUSTLE FILE #86: Abigail Portner

NAME: Abigail Portner

OCCUPATION: Still trying to figure out what to call myself. Professional juggler? I make drawings, play music, make videos and sculpture, usually all at the same time for myself and for others, including Animal Collective, Jim Henson and the skateboarding world.

LOCATION: Los Angeles, California

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: Constantly trying to put out into the world what’s in my head sonically and visually. I like to try and create art and music that’s personal and organic even when its a job for someone else.

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: It’s my whole being. Creating things is what I like to do all the time whether I’m getting paid or not. I think I hustle myself the hardest. I am constantly moving. I just finished animating a video for someone today, now I am practicing to go on tour on Friday. I get bored really easily so I think making art and music keeps me going. I also just want to get better and better at what I do, so I’m always working. I definitely do it for myself rather than ever pleasing anyone else (maybe that’s a bad thing, haha). It makes commercial jobs hard until you find the right people to work for, which I have been fortunate to find this past year.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: My family since they pushed me to start my hustle and also keep me afloat in my hustle today. A black pen, so I can always draw or take notes on things that I like. Gretel, my dog, because she is my escape from the hustle; even when I am stressed and working on something, I have to step out of my head to take her for a walk or to the beach. Everyone needs something like this in your hustle.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: I think as a lady working in skateboarding and also the music industry and going on tour with a bunch of dudes, you gotta be tough and stand by what you create even when people doubt you. It always turns out okay. Also, make sure you’re having fun in your hustle, because if you’re not, there is no point.

abbyportner.blogspot.com
abzdrawlings.tumblr.com

HUSTLE FILE #85: Cali Thornhill deWitt

NAME: Cali Thornhill deWitt

OCCUPATION: Energy focusing

LOCATION: Los Angeles

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: Life support

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: I am investigating cultural destiny.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Hands, eyes, experience.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Learn to say “no.”

witchhat.biz
teenageteardrops.com

On the Rail, Along the Sea

Super excited to head down to Union Station today and hop the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to Oceanside. Off to visit my bestie from Berlin Amanda Vietta Andersen and chill by the sea until tomorrow. Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend full of peace, love & adventure. XO, s

Thankful for Don Rickles, Randy & YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving all! A few weeks ago I had the super cool opportunity to see a comedic living legend of Las Vegas fame, Mr. Don Rickles. Also known as “Mr. Warmth” and the greatest insult comedian, my rad dude Randy and I were thrilled to sit second row from the legend himself on a Saturday night sold-out show at The Orleans Hotel and Casino off the Vegas strip.

And as if sitting second row (in front of Jerry Springer) wasn’t enough, Randy actually got insulted by Rickles and invited on stage for a silly and appropriately inappropriate skit! We were thrilled. But, most of all, above all, it was Don Rickles’ overwhelming gratitude and thankful spirit that night that touched me most and moved me to tears. At the wise old age of 85, he spoke about how much he loved his life and all of his experiences. He talked about his upbringing and beginnings as a comic running with the Rat Pack. He talked about his friends, his family, his wife and his mother, and just how much he has loved them all and how important it is to love on another. And I absolutely loved it. It reminded me how much I love my life and my friends and my family and everything that has brought me to today and everything that’s ahead.

So, today, on this day of thanks, I thank you and I love you. Yep, all of you. You, you and you!

HUSTLE FILE #84: Isabella Rozendaal

NAME: Isabella Rozendaal

OCCUPATION: Documentary photographer

LOCATION: Amsterdam

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: I make photo books, I’m currently working on a book about hunting culture all over the world. I study English literature, language and linguistics, and I’m learning how to hunt. Apart from that I spend my time playing bluegrass on the banjo and mandolin, writing, traveling to obscure places to meet unusual people, cooking and eating, trying to be a good friend and a sweet lover, and spending days at a time in bed watching TV shows.

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: For me it’s always about learning and seeing new things, that way I never cease to go ape shit over what I do. I haven’t been bored since I was twelve. Not even on that ten hour layover at Philadelphia airport.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Camera, banjo, internet.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Never be afraid when attempting to do something daunting and time-consuming, there is no wasting time, there’s always more time later. Until you’re dead, but that’s okay too. Have fun. And make sure you get enough sleep.

isabellarozendaal.com

HUSTLE FILE #83: Susan Busch

NAME: Susan Busch

OCCUPATION: A&R at Sub Pop Records

LOCATION: Seattle, WA

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: I sign bands!

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: Being able to work with my favorite artists is such a gift. I learn so much from them all. Taking the time to find out what fuels people’s creativity really does lead you down some interesting paths and opens you up to so many new things. Also the process of taking a record from demos, to the studio, to creating artwork and then finally to the live show is really fucking fun. If it’s all done right, the artists are happy, the fans are psyched and hopefully the project continues to grow for many years. It’s a pretty fantastic gig!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Headphones, iPhone, good food.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Only work with artists and people that you genuinely love. It’ll make you better at your job. Don’t get bored! If you find a way to get bored in this line of work, you’re not meant for it. Stay curious, there is always something interesting around the corner.

siouxsiebee.wordpress.com
subpop.com

HUSTLE FILE #82: Abraham Ruben Hercules Benrubi

NAME: Abraham Ruben Hercules Benrubi

OCCUPATION: Pretender

LOCATION: Los Angeles and the world

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: Actorific Actoratin’ in Fims, TV and
the occasional Mall Santa gig

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: I get to play with talented and creative people while avoiding real life drama and strife.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Patience, passion, practice

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Keep on keepin’ on. Take a class. Do a play. If you are only acting every couple weeks (or months!) for auditions you are gonna be rusty every time!

abrahambenrubi.net

HUSTLE FILE #81: Elizabeth Barker

NAME: Elizabeth Barker

OCCUPATION: Freelance writer, co-author of Let It Be Beautiful (a book project in which my friend Laura Jane Faulds and I are rewriting Beatles songs as stories or essays), executive editor of fashion/music blog NOGOODFORME.com

LOCATION: Los Angeles

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: Earning my dough writing band bios for record labels and health/beauty stories for various women’s magazines, and also writing up a storm for Let It Be Beautiful. Laura Jane and I just published a collection of zines that’s meant to be a sneak preview of the first volume of our book: Each zine is an excerpt; my three are “A Hard Day’s Night” (about romance-as-escapism, and ice cream), “Penny Lane” (about Los Angeles), and “Like Dreamers Do” (about productive daydreaming, rock and roll, and imaginary boys who are whimsically pyromaniacal and piggy eaters and great at baseball).

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: I’ve been self-employed since getting laid off from a magazine job about five years ago, and lately what I most value is the freedom to move around. I’m sort of pathologically in love with Los Angeles, so it’s nice for me to get to work at Cafe Mimosa in Topanga Canyon one day and the next at a Starbucks in the Valley or Groundwork in Venice or the downtown library or my front porch. I like how each section of the city has its own special breed of weirdos.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Radio, MacBook, bed. I write best in bed.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Make your home in a city/town/forest/whatever that energizes you, never go anywhere without a notebook and a good pen, drink lots of coffee (don’t ever let them tell you coffee’s bad for you! Caffeine is an antioxidant and your friend), and—whenever you get stuck or stressed or bored with your words—put on your headphones and play a bunch of songs really loud and dance or jump around a lot till you feel all right.

ZINES!: etsy.com/shop/letitbebeautiful

Sin City Stretch

Ahhh, the open road across the Mojave through Barstow to Las Vegas. A Saturday drive and a Sunday return. Feeling lucky, feeling good. Happy weekend to all! Xo, s

HUSTLE FILE #80: Hedi Slimane

NAME: Hedi Slimane

OCCUPATION: Photographer

LOCATION: Los Angeles

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: Mostly portraiture.

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: A diary. An archive. I fill up drawers, one after the other.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Three subjects. The camera does not matter. And maybe my old tired lenses.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Be repetitive.

hedislimane.com
From MOCA:
Opening this Friday 11.11.11, 6 to 9pm
MOCA Pacific Design Center
All are welcome to the opening of the first West Coast solo museum exhibition of photographer Hedi Slimane’s work, California Song. No Age provides original score for exhibition and will perform live inside PDC, and DJ Lovefingers will spin tunes in the plaza.

The Street Where I Live

This was the pretty view from my front porch this late afternoon—right before it got pitch dark at 5pm and this crazy-ass-thunder-lightning rainstorm kicked in. What a fun Sunday. I love LA!

HUSTLE FILE #79: Dean Spunt

NAME: Dean Spunt

OCCUPATION: Life enthusiast

LOCATION: Los Angeles, bro!

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: Work, music, health, family, friends.

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: Everything!!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: Bed, drums, food.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Destroy!!

postpresentmedium.com
noagela.blogspot.com
Photo by Hedi Slimane

Midnight Brain Drain to Berlin

Email to Amanda in Berlin:
hi… me again… so glad you’re coming to visit.
i’ve had such a funny day of thinking too much about career stuff & i cried like 3 times cuz i feel so scattered about what i want career-wise.
but whatever… it’s a good thing to work through i suppose, but i just feel like i’ve been having this same conversation with myself for a million years…
oh well, i do feel like i’m making progress & know myself pretty well by now.
and i’ve had 1/2 a bottle of wine tonight at home alone… just freaking out & spacing out. so, that’s pretty awesome.
i think i might paste this email i’m writing you into a journal i’m writing every day this month & maybe into my blog too.
maybe the title of my journal/novel will be SCRAMBLED EGG BRAIN DRAIN… since that’s what i feel like today.
wanna record a Candy’s Room album with me while you’re here? : ) hahaha.
or do absolutely nothing & just stare at the ocean or something.
okay, that’s enough crazy talk for now.
good night / good morning!!! ; )

Feeling My NaNoWriMo Mojo

Okay, so as a lot of you writers out there know, it’s officially Day 2 of NaNoWriMo (a.k.a. National Novel Writing Month)—30 days writing a rough draft of a 50,000-word novel! That’s approximately 1,666 words per day! Whew. And while I’m only half-assedly committed to writing a novel with a singular story line, I am full-on-fully committed to writing with abandon at least one hour per day this month (and probably more if I’m gonna hit this 50,000-word mark)! Yeah, so far it feels pretty awesome just writing for quantity and not getting caught up with nitpicky quality concerns (especially for a copywriter like me). So if you’re thinking about it, here’s a fun calendar created by Surly Muse. So excited today is “Strong Beginning Day!” 50,000 words, huh? Time to type, type, type, and let loose!

Happy Hallow’s Eve!

Ahhh yeah, this long-holiday-birthday weekend was waaay fun and super-duper chill! Shark parties with sangria and lots and lots of couch time! Tomorrow: Back to gettin’ my hustle on. But tonight: Happy Hallow’s Eve to all!

Just When You Thought It Was Safe…

Morning, folks! Back in the swing of things since my Mexico adventure and now feeling the mid-work-week crunch. Oooo, but most of all I’m getting excited and frightened for my JAWS-themed, B-day-eve, pre-Halloween party tomorrow night at my place! Some JAWS-themed gifts have already arrived from places as far away as Berlin (thanks, Amanda Vietta Andersen, for this shnazzy-scary handmade shark hat!)… and I even got this shark made of recycled fence wood from artist John Birdsong (thanks, sis!). Oh yeah, it’s getting exciting around the waters of Highland Park. We just might need a bigger boat!

Wanna stop by for the birthday festivities or just to watch JAWS, email me. Love and adventure always. Xx, s

Piña Colada While You Work

Forget whistling while you work! How about a piña colada… or two, if happens to be happy hour in Mazatlan!

Happy Friday, amigos! Saludos desde Mexico, s

Mexico City Snapshots

Today is our fourth and final day in Mexico City, as we’re flying to Mazatlan this afternoon. But I just had to post a few snapshots before we left. I’m planning a future post on the lovely eco-social-savvy El Patio 77—from where I’m now writing, but city-sight-seeing calls. Must fit in as much as possible before heading to the airport. Mucho amor a todos, s

Arriving Mexico City

Flying into one of the largest cities in the world, if not the largest city in the world is so rad! We arrived Mexico City yesterday and went straight to the festival grounds, a race track/sports park where the Corona Capital music festival is now just getting started. Over 80,000 tickets sold! No Age sound checked yesterday while I checked the grounds and met lots of new peeps!

And now the day is just getting underway! Full report with more photos coming soon. But for now I’m gonna go see if I can find The Strokes’ dressing room! And best believe I’ll yelling “Las Strokas” with all 80,000 fans when they headline tonight! Que chido!!!! Soy super feliz to be here with the No Age crew! ‘Cuz I loves me some Mexico! Besos, s

Scene Report: Occupy LA at City Hall

It’s a lovely evening down at OccupyLA’s nightly General Assembly meeting. So nice to be out with everyone, observing, learning and participating. Super interesting and I’m very inspired by the movement. Word up! Keep it up. Keep it real. And come check it out. In solidarity. Xo, s

Mexico City, Green and Pretty

This Friday, I’m headed to one of the largest, most densely populated cities in the world—Mexico City, also know as D.F. (day-f-ay, as it’s pronounced) which stands for Districto Federal. I took a 5-day trip there in 2006, but this 2011 trip will be just 3 days. It’ll go bien rapido (really quick), but I’m super emocionada—which means excited, not emotional (though there’s a good chance I’ll get emotional too! : ) I can’t wait to check out the music festival Corona Capital on Saturday (my dude’s band No Age is performing along with long-time faves The Strokes, Portishead and others). That will be rad, and fun to compare with my experience attending Primavera Sound in Barcelona! But, what I’m most interested in writing about while I’m there are signs that Mexico City is indeed becoming a greener city.

In 1992, the United Nations declared Mexico City the most polluted on the planet. High ozone levels were thought to cause 1,000 deaths and 35,000 hospitalizations a year. According to a 2010 Washington Post story, this megalopolis once had the world’s worst air, with skies so poisonous that birds dropped dead in flight. Eeek! But supposedly, efforts to clean the smog are showing visible progress, revealing stunning views of snow-capped volcanoes—and offering a model for the developing world.

I definitely need to do more research on the topic (since I’m seeing conflicting info everywhere), but what I do have on my “green” things to-do agenda are as follows:
(1) Stay at what’s being billed as the “first eco-friendly B&B in Mexico City”—El Patio 77, equipped with solar panels and a recycled water system, (2) take a stroll through Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest)—the largest city park in Latin America measuring in total just over 686 hectares, and (3) probably eat at a few vegan/veggie spots—Flor de Lis seems like the best I’ve come across so far in my internet search.

But, andale amigos! I need more ideas on what eco-friendly things there are to do in D.F. Taking the metro, I know is on my list—even though I almost had an anxiety attack when I took it in 2006 ‘cuz there were so many frickin’ people! But, this time, I’m ready. So, please leave a comment if you have any other fun ideas.
Mil gracias. Mil besos, s

HUSTLE FILE #78: Katie Beck

NAME: Katie Beck

OCCUPATION: Journalist, freelance travel writer, blogger

LOCATION: Nice, France

WHAT’S YOUR HUSTLE: I document my life and the places I go and write about it for the Huffington Post and BBC Travel (and other publications too if they want, hit me up!)

WHAT DOES YOUR HUSTLE MEAN TO YOU: I try to write about travel in a way that people can relate to or even be inspired by, or at least laugh along with me at.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY THREE TOOLS FOR YOUR HUSTLE, WHAT WOULD THEY BE: My camera, my computer, and a good internet connection.

A WORD OF ADVICE TO WANNABE HUSTLERS IN YOUR FIELD: Now is the time to take risks, be honest in your writing, and look beyond the ordinary.

multimediakatie.tumblr.com
For Katie’s latest installment of “Pardon My French” on the Huffington Post, click here!

We are the 99%

It’s a warm, sunny Saturday here in lovely Los Angeles. And while I’ve been spending most of my days this week in front of my computer, trying to figure out how to make a living doing something I really love and care about, today I came outside to check out the new movement gaining momentum across the globe: Occupy Wall Street. Ahh yes, instead of being home alone in front of the computer, I am writing from the south lawn of City Hall at the Occupy LA movement. I even took my bike and the metro, which was fun in-and-of-itself!

I’ve seen a lot of inspiring things here today and it feels good to be out in solidarity with others. Learn more and check it out. I’m glad I did.










“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” —Thomas Jefferson

(Thanks to Justina at Compai for the last photo from Dr. Cornel West’s speech! Rad!)

Inspired by @OccupyLA

Big things going on in Downtown LA at the OccupyLA gathering and I’m feeling inspired! I just watched Tavis Smiley and Cornel West speak on the Live Stream. And now I know I need to get down there tomorrow and finally check it out! Thanks to Jason at The World’s Got Problems and Justina at Compai for getting me hip to this. Sometimes I lose sight of what really matters—using your voice to stand up for something and taking action. Big ups to everyone taking part. This is my promise that I will join in solidarity on the stairs of the Los Angeles City Hall tomorrow, Saturday, October 8th!