Things That Matter To People Who Matter

Transformers | Yummy Donut key chain | Luxuriamusic.com | Philly Indie Night

Transformers

A couple of weeks ago, I was informed that I was going through my Saturn Return, an astrological phenomenon that occurs in a person's life at 27 to 30 years of age. According to Wikipedia, "Saturn is associated with time, challenge, fear, doubt and hard lessons, among other more positive things such as structure, significance, accomplishment and order: This is why the 30th birthday is such a major rite of passage and is considered by many astrologers to mark the 'true beginning' of adulthood." Shortly after hearing this, I had the opportunity to go and see Transformers. I thought, "Great, a movie about transformation. Just what I need." And it was. My life is very different now after seeing it. I recommend that you rush out and see this movie!

Yummy Donut key chain

What's new and exciting in my life these days is my Yummy Donut key chain (designed by Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane). I took a big risk spending $4 on it before I knew which doughnut character would be inside the concealing foil pouch. After examining the assortment on the box, I was hoping for a doughnut with sprinkles but was afraid I would be crushed if I got one with no eyes. I ended up with a pink felt, chocolate iced, big-eyed doughnut sporting a coy little grin. It's really cute. I find myself compelled to ask friends, "Do you want to see my Yummy Donut?" As if they had a choice.

Luxuriamusic.com

Luxuriamusic.com is an Internet radio station specializing in dreamy '60s pop: exotica/lounge, sunshine pop, bubblegum, psychedelia and all things Brian Wilson. If you are a fan of these sounds, then this is your fantasy radio station — and you already own stuff created by their musicologist air staff, many of whom produce CD reissues, liner notes and books (including pop culture mavens like Andrew Sandoval and Steve Stanley). Other shows are hosted by cult musicians, including former members of The Mumps and Meat Puppets. For a good starting point, check out the eclectic show Archives of Oblivion, hosted by Rhino Records compiler Andy Zax, and surely the only DJ anywhere to host a three-hour tribute to late orch-pop genius Tupper Saussy of The Neon Philharmonic.

Philly Indie Night

I'm very excited about the new local arts and music advocacy group called Philly Indie Night. PIN was originally founded as a concert series, held at World Café Live, featuring bands such as Barking Spiders, RunRunner and The Hit the Bottle Boys. They have since broadened their scope by including other mediums on a new Web site (www.phillyindienight.com).com. Mike Bradley and Carl Kunz of the band The Slackharmonic are the braintrusts behind this fine and fresh PIN. Gotta check it out!