Daily Loaf

Routes Music is a documentary film acting as a roving music census, taking in the true musical passions (and disgusts) of the American people. We’re traveling all across the country, stopping along the way to interview local bands, take footage of live performances and chat with anyone and everyone. Learn more about the documentary here; check out all previous entries here.

The first thing we noticed on Austin’s infamous Sixth Street was the preponderance of clubs. Not the live music that Austin is known for, but booming bass beckoning babes in short skirts (and the dudes chasing them). Roads blocked off … police bored and leering … drunk college kids swaying from one sidewalk to another … a street musician, here or there, drowned out by the latest pop hits.

To find some music that wasn’t prerecorded, the Routes Music crew had to drive across town to locally-owned and operated Violins Etc., a full service string shop.

Inside, we were greeted by hundreds of violins – some brand new and ready for sale, others in various states of disrepair – as well as the employees who fixed them.
Read the rest of this entry »

Routes Music is a documentary film acting as a roving music census, taking in the true musical passions (and disgusts) of the American people. We’re traveling all across the country, stopping along the way to interview local bands, take footage of live performances and chat with anyone and everyone. Learn more about the documentary here; check out all previous entries here.

It’s 8 p.m. and Phil is driving through a torrential rainstorm in an abandoned part of New Orleans’ West End. He’s running his hand through his hair, bent over the steering wheel, trying to find Magellan Road. The GPS isn’t working and every street seems to lead back to the interstate we just exited. A tiny brown Chihuahua looks lost, too, as it darts across the road and between two houses.

It’s enough rain to make a New Orleans native nervous.

Read the rest of this entry »

According to reports from the AP and TV news, seven people have been killed and 20 wounded in shootings at the Fort Hood military base in Fort Hood, TX.

From the New York Times/AP report:

An Army spokesman at the Pentagon says the shootings began about 1:30 p.m. Thursday at a personnel and medical processing center at Fort Hood.

The spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Banks, says two shooters were apparently involved. There is no word yet on who they were, nor on identities of the dead.

Banks says the second incident took place at a theater on the sprawling base.

Updates to follow.

UPDATE from ABC News:

12 reported dead, 31 wounded in shootings on the base. Authorities say the shooter, who was killed, was an Army major, Malik Nadal Hasan. Two other soldiers were also involved and have been apprehended.

UPDATE from CNN 6:50 p.m.

Major Hasan was a psychiatrist.

UPDATE and CORRECTION

Contrary to reports on the day of the shooting, Major Hasan survived. Kimberly Munley, a sergeant in the civilian police department at Fort Hood, is being acclaimed as a hero for taking down the alleged assailant in four shots, ending the rampage. Hasan was in a coma as of Friday Nov. 6; Sgt. Munley was in stable condition with shots to the leg and wrist.

An unexpected but enthralling update from Phil Bardi of Routes Music:

Austin is a city with a long tradition of many things, from mass murders to good music. So, it’s no surprise that many claim the state capital of Texas is haunted.

On Saturday, while coming down Brazos Drive in downtown Austin, I snapped some photos of Driskill Hotel.

While looking through my pictures tonight, I came upon these two similar photos:

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Stryker Vawn, the XXX fetish tag-team from Austin, Texas, will perform for an intimate crowd at the VIP Dungeon Show, Saturday Sept. 26. The leather clad Stryker and perpetually topless Vawn, took a break from whipping and prodding each other on stage to bare it all to CL.

-How would you describe a Stryker Vawn performance?

2 parts burlesque, finely chopped

1 part Vaudeville, peeled and pressed

6 parts perversion, stewed in sex butter

3 parts fantasy, drizzled with honey

1 part fury, ground coarsely

Mix contents vigorously in your mind until creamy thick.

-Do relatives know about your alter egos?

YES. When we first started, there was always a family member in the audience. They think we are weird but accept us for doing what we enjoy.

Read the rest of this entry »

Heather Zeo's Facebook pic

A high school math teacher in Pennsylvania, Heather Zeo, was recently arrested for seducing her 17-year-old student and having an inappropriate relationship with another pupil. The student claims that Zeo, a 36-year-old mother of 3, friended him on Facebook (Editor’s note: I’ve since friended Zeo on Facebook and am waiting for a sexy reply). Soon their relationship blossomed from heavy petting in the classroom to a sex romp in the back of Zeo’s minivan, in a Target parking lot.

Zeo joins a long line of female teachers crusading for equality in teacher-student sex scandals, providing further evidence that female teachers are just as horny as high school football coaches. Read the rest of this entry »

Forget tableside Caesar salad (so ’80s), it seems the hot new trend is tableside guacamole. Right in front of your eyes, your server will whip up a batch of fresh guacamole with your choice of mix-ins: onions, peppers, jalapenos, tropical fruit, cilantro, etc.

I’ve seen this trend at higher-end Mexican and Latin restaurants lately, like the renowned Boudro’s Texas Bistro in San Antonio, TX (read about my culinary adventure), and Cantina Laredo in Wesley Chapel, FL. But be prepared to shell out around 10 bucks for it, which seems to be the average. It’s all for the novelty and the show, I suppose. Read the rest of this entry »

Last weekend I was able to fulfill a long-standing dream of mine: visiting San Antonio, Texas. Why San Antonio, you ask? Well, there’s the historic Alamo, the touristy River Walk, and many other cultural and historic sights. But this city has also been the mecca of Tex-Mex food in my eyes (and also a stop on my “BBQ of the U.S.” tour) for longer than I can remember.

I had been planning this culinary pilgrimage for almost two months, as soon as I found out I was going (courtesy of wonderful boyfriend and free airline tickets), and did extensive research on just about every Tex-Mex/barbecue/Mexican restaurant in town. My main goal was to stay away from eating on the River Walk as much as possible, since it contained mostly overpriced tourist traps with bland interpretations of the authentic Tex-Mex food I sought. This weekend getaway made me feel like Giada on one of her “Weekend Getaways” (minus the camera in my face). Read the rest of this entry »

Sooner Holley:  Here we are.  As I am beginning this first blog of what will be many this evening, I am filled with an anticipation that is both exhilarating and terrifying.  I have been watching the ESPN Game Day boys, and while I’m appalled at the way they seem to have written Oklahoma off already, I’m also encouraged. Oklahoma was the favorite against Boise St.  Oklahoma was the favorite against West Virginia.  Oklahoma knows what it means to be upset, and they know the power of a motivation that comes from having no one believe in you.  Florida is a tough and scary opponent – that is true without question.  But, I think this game may look a little different than many expect.  

At least I hope so.  Gator fans, I fully respect the power of your defense and the sheer mass of your quarterback, but you may not want to turn your nose up at the Oklahoma defense, nor should you believe that you will easily stop the Sooner offense.  

At last announcement, Vegas likes the Gators by 5.  That news is like putting on warm fuzzy slippers like I just did a few minutes ago.  (did I mention I have a mini-plague which I believe to be the flu?)  That lack of faith is actually comforting.  

Both Lou Holtz and Mark Mays just picked Florida because of Tim Tebow, and Mark Mays just spouted some ridiculous garbage about Bob Stoops being an inadequate coach in bowl situations.

Keep talking boys….

8:04 pm Sooner Holley:  We’re now minutes from kick-off, and so far, I’ve seen one media member pick Oklahoma, and it was Barry Switzer.  I suppose we’ll just see what happens.  This game is going to be decided on the gridiron, not in the press box, and that’s the way it should be.

I’m looking for score predictions.  Gimme whatever you got, even if you’re predicting a Gator blow-out.  I’m curious.

8:27 Sooner Holley:  Okay, one drive down, and the blitz backed the Sooners up and out of scoring range.  It should be noted, however, that the two plays previous, the blitz was blocked effectively, and I’m pretty sure there was a pass interference call that was missed.  Blatantly.

However, the Sooners will persevere.  Let’s see now what happens with the Gators offense.  Is Tim Tebow all he’s been made out to be?  

8:48 Sooner Holley:  Well, it’s as I predicted.  Oklahoma is keeping it in the air, and doing well with it.  Too bad they are making petty mistakes, and also being jobbed by ACC refs.  Even Florida fans can relate to the misery of ACC refs.  I can remember a UF/FSU game just a few years back when the game’s outcome came down to some pretty terrible calls.  Throwing a flag for nothing with no explanation is nothing if not a maneuver to break the momentum of a driving team.

Roughly 4:40 left in the 1st quarter, and we’re still scoreless.  Both teams.

9:07 Sooner Holley: 7-0 Gators, and the commentary color guy would give the trophy to the Gators right now if he could.  Second quarter.  13:34 to the half.  Drive, OU, drive!

9:12 Sooner Holley:  Sorry color commentary guy…can’t give that trophy away just yet.  This is the speed of football that Oklahoma plays well.  Quick to the line, quick execution.  The Gators executed their scoring drive in true Gator style as well – do what it takes to make it happen.  Pound the rock.  Both teams are now playing their own styles of football.  This game starts now.

9:47 Sooner Holley:  It’s half time, and I don’t think ANYONE could have predicted this game.  Oklahoma’s total offense as compared to the score is going to look ridiculous at the end of this game.  We’ve had an interception leading to a 4th and goal gamble and a good old fashioned drive foiled by a receiver who clearly doesn’t know that if you can’t catch it KNOCK IT DOWN!  The Gators have played strange defense, but clearly it’s been effective.  Oklahoma’s offense looks stellar.  Florida did what they needed to in order to put points on the board.  It was messy, but a touchdown is a touchdown.  

I’m not sure what either locker room conversation will be like.  I have no idea what either coach will say to his players.  Personally, I’m a little dumbfounded, but I will say this.  I don’t want to hear anyone say anything again about Oklahoma having an inferior defense.  I think their defense has actually looked better than Florida’s so far, except as it pertains to the goal line, I guess.

All that said, I’m now going to go and have a spot of tea to soothe my throat whose terrible pain has been exacerbated by the frequency of my verbal outbursts.  I’m not sure what Gator Matty is up to right now, but I bet he is as baffled as I am.

10:20 Sooner Holley:  These are the two best teams in the country.  It’s pretty clear now, isn’t it?  There are so many penalties in this game, and so many of them seem unjustified.  I could yell, but my throat says, “please don’t!”  A drive a piece down and nothing really happening.

You know, now that I’m on the other side of the stadium, those “Gator Bait” signs are pretty darn annoying. I’ll admit, I’ve chanted that on behalf of my husband’s team plenty of times, but now I’m kind of sorry.  Plus, it’s just two nouns strung together with no verb.  It’s not “You are Gator Bait” or “We want to eat some Gator Bait” or “Run you stupid Gator Bait”.  It’s just “Gator Bait”…period.  Plus, if you don’t know what’s being said, and you hear it you could totally mistake that chant for any number of similar sounding words.  ”Gator Wait”…”Gator Hate”…”Wait, my mate!”  Granted, those are pretty ridiculous too, but…well…you get the idea.  

Gators are driving.  Ugh.

10:59 Sooner Holley: 4th quarter, Sooners driving, 14-7 Gators.  It occurred to me that if it weren’t for certain bad calls (or lack there of) and some dumb mistakes, the Sooners would be leading by 14 by now, even with the most recent Gator touchdown.  

11:15 Sooner Holley:  Gators up now 17-14 in the 4th.  Percy Harvin appeared to have been injured but was back in the game a play later, so it looks like he’s okay.  Sooners will get the ball now.  

11:33 Sooner Holley: 2:09 left in the game, 24-14 Gators  My faith is starting to waiver.  I don’t think my Sooners can pull out a win.  I believe in them, but I am afraid their confidence might be down.  I will say this, thanks to the overt bias of the commentary team in this game, I will, regardless of any agreements made between the Sinns, never ever declare Tim Tebow the best quarterback in the country.  Never.  It’s not his fault – the fault belongs to the people who have elevated him to god-like status.  He’s a kid like any other who has been afforded some incredible opportunities to be able to travel to other countries with his missionary family.  He has done some really wonderful things, but it isn’t fair to turn a blind eye to the life accomplishments of other more understated players simply because they are not as outspoken.  This game may well be over, and I hope you will all forgive me if I retire from this blog a little early.  I’m afraid, with my adrenaline spent, my flu has really started to overtake me, much like the Gators have overtaken my Sooners to this point.  

This game was personal for me, but tomorrow, I’ll have to get out of bed and remind myself of one very important fact:  it’s just a game.

Goodnight, and might I say once more:  ”I’m Sooner born, and Sooner bred, and when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead.  Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma…O-K-U!” 

Gator Matty and Sooner Holley

UPDATE!! Join Sooner Holley and Gator Matt as they live blog the Championship Game here!

Gator Matty: After weeks of droning on about statistics, schedules, and Superman (had to get a Tebow reference into the first sentence of the blog), game week is finally here.  The wife and I have argued over everything game-related to argue about, but in what may be the final post, what does the outcome of this game really mean to our relationship?

Actually, let me rephrase.  What is the better outcome for me?  These are going to be tough choices.  No sex for a week or the image of Tebow hoisting the BCS Trophy ingrained in my memory forever?  An achy back from sleeping on the couch or bragging rights to two national titles in three years (or four in five years if you’re counting basketball)?  Yes, Gainesville would officially become the all-time college Title Town, and ironically, Superman would turn my house into the Fortress of Solitude.

But these can’t be real choices, you’re saying.  She’s not that serious.  My friends, hell hath no fury like a Sooner woman scorned.  Let’s just say we would have never gotten married if I had attended the University of Texas.  Trust me.  Mack Brown should probably be thankful that Lorena Bobbitt wasn’t a Sooner.

After much deliberation, I have sent an email to Florida head coach Urban Meyer, instructing him to make sure the game is a close one for the sake of my sex life… Read the rest of this entry »

Sooner Holley:  In addition to the constant ribbing I’m getting lately about how “Tebow is Superman – just admit it” and how I better start mining for kryptonite, there’s a more personal Holley-criticism which is coming to me more and more frequently: Apparently, I lack objectivity.  By not admitting that Tim Tebow may as well be Zeus and Apollo combined because he has faced more top 50 defenses than Sammy B. and the Sooner offense, I am failing to recognize some legitimate facts and therefore, am not an objective fan.

Objective….Fan….Objective….Fan….there’s something that doesn’t feel right about that pairing of words.

Oh, it’s that they are completely contradictory.

If you are a “fan”, you have a bias.  That is the definition of the word.  You support a particular team, group, cause, ice cream flavor, grocery store, yada yada yada.  Objectivity doesn’t really have a place in “fandom” or “fannery” or “fanaticism”.  (I think that last one is the correct noun, but honestly, I like “fannery” the best.  It has a nice ring, doesn’t it?)

Example: Read the rest of this entry »

Ron Howard wants Barack Obama to win so badly that he was willing to complete sacrifice his dignity and make the following video. Way to go, Opie. Happy Halloween everyone!

• New poll puts Obama up 7 in Florida.
• Obama’s infomercial scores in the ratings.
• Meanwhile, Barack pays a visit to Sarasota.
• The head of Hillsborough’s Republican Party should stay off the computer…
• …and learn how to craft a better apology.
• 23% of Texans think Obama is a Muslim.
• Live from New York, it’s John McCain on SNL.
• Tampa’s Friday downtown farmers market launches today.
• Florida Democratic Party has uncovered a vast right-wing conspiracy.
• Obama’s chief of staff: Rahm Emmanuel?
• Vote naked!
• Reviewing the season launch of 30 Rock.
• Exxon/Mobile’s record profits get the candidates sparin’.
• The Big Three soon to become the Big Two.
• Don’t forget to turn back the clock this weekend.