WTF, Seattle? Part V. (Protect Tree Signs)

Seattle, I know you love greenery and the outdoors and such... but what's with all the "protect tree" signs and barriers? Putting up plywood and fliers at EVERY tree at EVERY construction site in the city probably kills nearly as many trees as it saves...

 Tree protection devices at a construction site on 41st Street NE.

Public notice to protect a tree on 41st street.

...But then again, maybe city trees are worth more than other trees... Equality for all trees!?!

Gross.

I just wrote this on my homework. At least I can still recognize that it's gross.




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Kelis

If you know me, you know that I'm a big fan of Kelis. Caught Out There was always good for a scream, Trick Me was bumpin', and Like You was sheer 7th grade lyrical genius.

I don't know what she's been doing since she split up with Nas, but she is now an electronica/ dance artist. That is right. Kelis' latest album, "Flesh Tone," which was released this Monday in Europe, is DANCE music. Like, gay club style.



All of the music on the album is equally dance-y. I don't know if I will be able to handle this change, mostly because right now I think it might be a joke. The songs are dece.... and good for her for breaking out of her shell... but... what happened to the Kelis that brought us songs like "Milkshake"?

What do you think about her post-Nas transformation?

Breaking News

I just received this official email from the biostatistics department:

did someone leave a goldfish in the biost offices? poor thing --

someone tried to feed it some bread...i don't think they eat that so unless you have fish food, please don't feed the fish.

anyway, if it's yours, please claim.

 Too much excitement for one day up in the H-wing, 's all I can say.

WTF, Seattle? Part IV. (Utilikilts)

I'd never encountered the Utilikilt before coming to Seattle. What is up with them, Seattle? Are they hip? Are they so old they're out of fashion now? Has anyone ever seen them elsewhere?

Wikipedia tells me they originate here in Fremont. I first noticed them at their flagship store in Pioneer Square. I've heard about them since in an awkward clubbing story and on this Pemco Insurance radio ad:




So what do you think? Would you wear a Utilikilt?

Nashville Eats: Perfect Pig

About a 40 minute drive out of Nashville lives Carl's Perfect Pig, a legendary Bar-B-Que joint. The ribs were prolly the best thing I tried, but everything was darn good. I think I'll just post photos (copious amount of meat to follow).

Meat and Three: Pulled pork, mac-n-cheese, baked potato (w/ sour cream, cheese, bacon), turnip greens ($7.50)

 Meat and Three: Ribs, cucumbers & onions, corn, baked? beans (~$11)

Meat and Three: Pulled pork, fried okra, turnip greens, mac-n-cheese ($6.50)

Full slab of ribs. (~$15)

8.5/10 on the bangin' scale.

Nashville Eats: The Picnic

 Welcome to the refined South, ladies, welcome.

That's what you think when you walk into the Picnic Cafe at the far end of the parking lot of the Hill shopping center in the Belle Meade neighborhood of Nashville. Blue and white china plates on the walls add to the... dare I say...almost-old-lady-English-tea-room vibe I get as I look around. But, no, not quite. 

Decor at the Picnic, Nashville, TN

The Picnic is an order at the register and we'll bring it to you establishment, but the table setup is much fancier than you would expect at such a place. You feel inclined to gossip for an afternoon at some of the sunny tables near the windows, or on the patio outside.

Tables at The Picnic, Nashville, TN

Before arriving I'd been told to try the chicken salad and the special The Picnic punch. Chicken salad. Delicious. Picnic punch. Sweet, but not too sweet. I had to go back for refills. I also tried the pimento cheese sandwich, which was also quite delicious. It was the first time I'd tried pimento cheese, but I can definitely say that if all pimento cheese tasted like this, I'd eat it all the time.

Chicken salad sandwich and pimento cheese sandwich at The Picnic, Nashville

Overall, I'd give The Picnic an 8/10 on the bangin' scale, for a combination of food (Please sir, I wahnt some more?), ambiance (because china plates, matching tablecloths,  paper doilies are where it's at!), and experience (OMG this exists!).