Sunday, May 31, 2009

Sunday, May 31

Dearest Tilly,


As I write this, stationed in The City of The Angels, I can't help but
hope this blog post makes its way eastward to you. Conditions are harsh here, the 70 degree weather and sunny days are unforgiving, but I will do my best to muster up whatever strength I have left and tell you about my travels. My stories must survive if I do not.

My journey here by car was a long one, driving through the tumultuous
territories of New Mexico, Arizona, and California. I will admit that there were
times when I did not think I would make it, especially when I was summoned to steer the Mazda 6 vessel in order to let my comrade nap. However, I have arrived safely in this desolate city, and am beginning to set up camp in the hills of the Oakwood apartments.

In the little time I have spent here I have already learned how to communicate with the natives. Doing this has allowed me to commute by rail and bus to the land of St. Monica and the charming city of Venice. I used my camera to document the strange lifestyles of the inhabitants of these villages and will post the pictures soon.

Besides exploration, I have been working on securing apprenticeships at Panavision and Playtone. My apprenticeship duties at Panavision include cleaning and working with their cameras. As far as Playtone, I am not certain yet if I will be working there, but if I do I will be learning about Music Supervision.

This is all I can write for now as I must ration the last of my strength to forage for food, and also because there is a marathon of America's Next Top Model and I really want to watch it. Please send reply by telegram or other preferred social networking site with a response. I wish to know of your adventures in the Brown village.

Sincerely,
-Thomas
Sunday, May 31 2009


"The Soldiering Life" - The Decemberists

Friday, May 22, 2009

Los Angeles


This is where I'm going this summer.

I am excited about going to LA (or is it L.A.? or is it Los Angeles?) for many reasons. First of all, I will be interning in the entertainment industry. As of now, I have not solidified any internships yet, but have been assured I will get one once I get out there.

Second, I will only have my bike for transportation. From what I have heard, I am the only person in the UTLA program not bringing a car. I can only assume that should I survive navigating the sprawling desert city on my bike, I will return to Austin with leg muscles of steel, golden bronzed skin, and sun-bleached blonde hair. I am also assuming my hair will somehow become straight.

In order to prepare for my trip, I have been collecting a few songs about the city. Below each song is a quote, an inspirational message about the wonder and beauty of the city of Los Angeles.

First, a brief introduction by Death Cab for Cutie.

"Why'd you want to live here?" - Death Cab for Cutie
I'm in Los Angeles today
Asked a gas station employee
If he ever had trouble breathing
And he said, "it varies from season to season"

I'm sure The Decemberists will have a more optimistic outlook about LA.

"Los Angeles, I'm Yours" - The Decemberists
How I abhor this place
It's sweet and bitter taste
Has left me wretched, retching on all fours
Los Angeles, I'm yours


I don't see how this could get any worse...

"Los Angeles is Burning" - Bad Religion
A clock that reads
The end of days
Shotgun roundabouts are bending in the haze
More a question than a curse
How could hell be any worse?

It's too late for me to turn back now.

Monday, May 18, 2009

1 to 99 Luftballons

Some might call this post a filler. I call it pure, balloon-filled whimsy.

I recently stumbled upon a creative and charming unofficial video for the much-blogged-about band Grizzly Bear's song "Two Weeks" (off their cool new album, Veckatimest). It uses footage of a French film from the 50's about a boy, a balloon, and Paris. It's cute and reminds me of Wes Anderson, but with less of a 'tude. (Also, the song is really really awesome.)



And since I'm talking about balloons...99 Luftballons is a classic. Not only is it prime 80's musical/fashion goodness (check out the keyboardist's scarf!!), but it has an important message in a time of confusion and disjunction for Germany. But what the hell, BALLOONS! Enjoy.



Watch out for more posts from both Tilly and Thom very soon!

Love,
Tilly