Eat: Stanley's Famous

The four meat sampler plate at Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ , Tyler TX

Hear: Daydream by Tycho

I like to get my Saturday morning run over with early, so I'm generally at the park by 7:00 am. And this is always the first song I listen to. There's just something about the way it mixes with the cool air and new sun that makes me smile. And tingle inside a little.

Want: Sid Mashburn Captive-Top Flask

Sid Mashburn $95

A friend of mine was recently at a Trampled by Turtles show when he got stuck standing behind a group of gents that were constantly sending one sloppy goose to get beers for the whole drunken gander. The bar was at the back of the room, which meant that the guy's return involved elbowing his way back through the crowd, sloshing four Coors Lights all over everyone's shoulders and shoes. This, understandably, annoyed my friend. "If you intend to drink that much, and get that drunk" he later ranted to me, "why not just bring a flask?"

Yes! Why not bring a flask?! Compact and convenient, a flask not only makes you a better concert neighbor, but also allows you the opportunity to drink something a little more refined than $9 horse piss. And if you're going to use a flask, it might as well be made of stainless steel and wrapped in leather. This beauty from Sid Mashburn is even curved to fit the pocket of your jacket. Check your local open-container laws before going crazy. Or just be sneaky.  But whatever you do, be responsible.

Love: Stools

Found these in my parents' barn this weekend. As a child, I spent many a Sunday morning sitting on them learning about how flannel board Daniel survived the flannel board lions den.  And so did pretty much everyone I know. 

New Harmony Baptist Children's Church, circa 1987.  

Hear: Midnight by Coldplay

Coldplay's new album, Ghost, comes out tomorrow. If this is any indication of what we can expect, good riddance Gwyneth.

Wear: Saturdays NYC

Blake Griffin's Esquina Mountain Print from Saturdays NYC

Fire and Meat

A BBQ festival, in theory, sounds amazing. In reality, it's just walking around, eating fatty, fatty meats from 15 of the best BBQ joints in Texas on a sunny Sarurday afternoon. So, basically, amazing. The key, however, is pacing yourself; which I did not do. Not entirely my fault.  I blame the layout. 

As you can see, there were 7 (8 if you count Hutchins BBQ of McKinney, who seemed more interested in getting Instagram photos of their meat than getting food out to the customers) within 40 yards of the front gate. All offering up their take on brisket, ribs, and sausage. 

Riverport BBQ Jefferson TX

I went too hard too fast, and before I knew it, all the cattle and swine I had ingested felt like a rock in my stomach. I knew, at that point, that later would not be fun. But I had to carry on. For meat's sake.

Louie Mueller Taylor TX

I sweat my way through four more booths before my arteries decided that they had had enough.  My blood was pretty much liquid beef gristle at that point. I found a nice shaded place and sat down, ready to die. 

Stanley's BBQ Tyler TX

But I didn't die. I pulled through. Even somehow garnered enough energy to waddle out of there under my own power. As I made it back to my car I asked myself if I would ever do something like that again? Tomorrow.  I would do it again tomorrow.