food, drink, monkeys, and beats from the dairy air of mondovi, wisconsin, the streets of minneapolis, and the sands of bondi beach, australia

SPEAK...

AIM is pntyrdr1
Email Seppo: kris dot sipe at gmail dot com
EAT ME!!!

Beef Bourguignon
Bitchin' Baked Paella
Risotto Magic
Stuffed Salmon
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Chili Prawn Penne
3 2 1 Spatchcock!
Tomato Basil Fettuccine
Chili Con Seppo
Blueberry Boat Roast
Marinated Buffalo Mozzerella
Grilled Swordfish with Mango Salsa
Miss. Highco's Creme Brulee



ON THE IPOD...

Sufjan Stevens - Come on Feel the Illinois

Tegan and Sara - So Jealous

The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday

Nickel Creek - Why Should the Fire Die


FOR THE BOOKCLUB...

John Irving - Until I Find You


PREVIOUSLY ON...

95 Kg Tuna
Gay Post of the Week
Bonsai
Croc and Roll
French, Yes, Gay, Not so Much
I Could Spit on a Stranger
Outfoxed!
Heat Wave!!!
Bitched at Swirth
Sydney Supernova



WHEN?




WHERE?

blogger
all music guide
college music journal
internet movie database
slayage
urband legends archive
tripple j
all zone 4 dvd
grimsey records
britneyfreak
Blogger Boobiethon
Starlight Foundation
Sydney Morning Herald
Apple
Torrentspy
MacRumors



Favs, Fads and Friends

Thursday, October 28, 2004

This One Goes to Eleven

If you are looking for reason eleven, this weeks episode of the Gilmore Girls featured Norman Mailer drinking copious amounts of Ice Tea. Next week, J.D. Salinger. In other Gilmore news, Grant Lee Phillips plays tonight in Sydney:


Where:
Metro Theatre 624 George St Sydney
When:
7:30 pm Thursday, Oct. 28
Price:
$38 plus booking fees

***
UPDATE:

Mark Philippoussis claims he has hung out with Paris, but not in Paris. Sources say Paris may be giving Andy Rodick raw dick.
... Seppo 9:29 am...

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Boom Crash Opera!!!



How the hell we all just missed this happening outside my office window is beyond me...
... Seppo 3:27 pm...

10 Reasons You Should be Watching the Gilmore Girls

1. Alexis Bledel is as cute as a button, and her character, Rory, is becoming a bit of a horn dog now that she has lost her virginity.
2. Former Skid Row front man Sebastian Bach is the lead guitarist for Rory's best friend Lane's band.
3. Bach performed a hyped up version of the theme song to "Greatest American Hero" on one episode.
4. The "Town Troubadour" is played by Grant Lee of Grant Lee Buffalo.
5. In just one episode, the references were made to The White Stripes, The Cramps, Yo La Tango, Sonic Youth, Superchunk, X, Rilo Kiley and Ramones.
6. Adam Brody of the O.C. played Dave, Lane's boyfriend.
7. The main square of Stars Hollow is the same set used to film "The Music Man".
8. Last season, one episode featured The Shins live (at spring break, for some odd reason.)
9. Sally Struthers plays the girls' excentric neighbour, Babette.
10. I watch it.
... Seppo 9:45 am...

Monday, October 25, 2004

Don't Mess with Delta...

Poor, poor Delta... For Americans, Delta Goodrem is the one time star of Australian soap, "Neighbours" and hugely successful pop singer. She has recently battled cancer in the midst of winning several Aria awards. Our Delta may be the sweetest and most humble public figure I have ever seen. While her music is in the overly sentimental tripe category, it is hard not to fall in love with her shy, cute little voice. You may have remembered that boyfriend Marc Philippoussis wore a symbol of their undying love during the one of his tennis matches. Well, it seems that he has moved on. Paris Hilton has announced that she has been filling in for Delta in the bedroom, as "The Scud" finds Delta "too boring". Marc may have wished he thought ahead, before damaging the reputation of a young woman who has become an Australian icon. JJJ radio compared the act as to exhuming and defiling the body of famed Australian Cricketer Donald Bradman.
... Seppo 3:18 pm...

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

On a Serious Note

Normally I leave the politics up to the crew at 1115.org, however, to address Conky's comments regarding the re-election of conservatives in Australia.

Yes, we have to suffer through another 3 years decreased Medicare bulk billing, lower education spending and panic. Worst, however, is that Australians have been duped by politicians who have been caught in their own lies several times.

George Orwell said, "The point is that we are all capable of believing things which we know to be untrue, and then, when we are finally proved wrong, impudently twisting the facts so as to show that we were right. Intellectually, it is possible to carry on this process for an indefinite time: the only check on it is that sooner or later a false belief bumps up against solid reality, usually on a battlefield."

This is not a football game where one team lost over another, and we can rah rah over a win or sulk over a loss. In the end of the day, those Australians who voted for Howard will suffer their own ignorance, whether it be 5 or 15 years down the track.

For those in America, I hope that anyone thinking of re-electing the current president will reconsider, so that in the future they can call themselves compassionate, honest and intelligent, and still be able to sleep at night.
... Seppo 2:28 pm...

Sunday, October 17, 2004

Grilled Swordfish with Mango Salsa

It's one of the biggest food cliches of all time. A restaurant is described on some three run sitcom as pretentious because of it's inclusion of this "California Cuisine" classic. The truth is, it has remained on the menus of fantastic restaurants because it is easy and a perfect combination. Swordfish is a meaty white fish, and it's flavour holds the yummy bits of the ocean, without tasting even remotely "fishy." The sweetness of the mango brings it to us top dwellers. So.... put down that copy of "The Da Vinci Code" and join the party. Those of you emailing about easy recipes should find this one takes about 20 minutes, and is really hard to muck up.

ingredients:

2 Swordfish Steaks
3 Roma or Vine ripened Tomatoes
1 Mango
Fresh Coriander (Cilantro)
1 Small Red Onion
2 Tablespoons White vinegar
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 Red Chili

I like to make the salsa about an hour before grilling the fish, so it marinates a bit. Simply chop up your tomatoes, mango, coriander, onion and mix them together in a bowl. Add your olive oil and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir. DONE!!!

To grill the fish, drizzle it with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Using an outdoor barbecue or grill pan, cook for about 3 - 4 minutes. Place the fish on a bed of baby spinach, add your salsa and garnish with coriander.

Welcome to Newport, kids...

... Seppo 9:14 pm...

Thursday, October 14, 2004

Once More With Feeling

A woman in Sydney has been sleepwalking at night and having sex with random men. Her husband caught her in one of her unconscious trysts, and her doctor has diagnosed the condition. A man from Minnesota, living in Sydney has been seen stumbling around, trying to smooch random women and waking up with a hazy memory. The same doctor blames rum.
___

I have yet to hear Ben Lee's cover of the already classic Modest Mouse tune "Float On," and I can't really tell if Pitchfork Media's comments are scathing, or not (man o man, some people take things waaaaaaay to seriously). I miss seeing Claire and Ben down at Bondi Beach, and they did really look in love. Becoming an Indie darling and the Beastie Boy's pet project at the age of 15 would be rather daunting and difficult to deal with. My flatmate and I have made declarations that Cigarettes Will Kill You is the most introspective love/hate song of all time, and it looks like it was a predilection of Ben and Claire Daine's relationship. If you haven't yet seen it, check out Ben's feature film debut, The Rage in Placid Lake, with the talented and freshly gorgeous Rose Byrne. Via Unkl Grambo.
___

Call me a jealous prick, but Andrew G., Host of Australian Idol and Cleo magazine's bachelor of the year, is an effing knob.
___

When I moved to Sydney, Mike Kasem, son of Casey, drove me to the airport and helped to save me from a potential sober situation. He later took a short but well documented ride on the love bike, Britney Spears... but refused to comment afterwards. SOOO... what's she REALLY like, just ask Ms. Cityrag...
___

Putting your ipod on Shuffle can lead to some interesting combinations. I walked to the bank today and went from the Bangles' "Walk Like an Egyptian," to The Pixies cover of the Jesus and Mary Chain classic "Head On" to "Going through the Motions" from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Musical. It kind of put a Twin Peakesque vibe to the rest of my day.
___

Ok, my little smurflings, since I have the night free, if you are good, I will cook something good up for dinner... (recipe to follow, obvs)
... Seppo 4:13 pm...

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

As I walked into the train station today, throngs of backpackers were already in their bikinis, heading down to Bondi... It's still early spring, and today was the hottest October day ever recorded in Sydney, 37.7 degrees celsius (100.4 F), and here I am in a suit...
... Seppo 5:00 pm...

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Ukrainian Nights

There's nothing like an ethnic wedding. It's an opportunity to experience another culture's traditions, clothing food, and drink. Ahhh, yes drink... Vodka, the devils spirit, damn, damn Vodka... the reason I ended up in Newtown at someone named Svetlana's house, dancing to a crackling radio and drinking something that may have lost me my wallet.



Before heading for the wedding, I had a photo shoot for my new CD, "Ferrari Nights." I have named my car "Kit" in honour of the Hof.



The wedding lasted for about an hour and a half and was completely in Ukrainian. There was something to do with crowns, and having their hands bound together, and doing a bit of a dance with the priest. We were very happy to get to the reception, where a group of Cossacks performed.



I made Zorba pose for this picture so I could get a picture of this girls hair. Good lord, it reminds me of my dear, departed Lhasa Opso, Hai Kye, and the hours of combing out the clumps.



My flatmate insists that as a hairy ethnic looking man, he would do very well in the Seventies. Looks a bit like the Bert Reynolds Cosmo centrefold.



The lovely bride embroidered this traditional shirt for the groom, my mate A.K.. Please note that I am not short, Ukrainians are all giants.



This guy shouted at me in Ukrainian after I took this picture. He had too much vodka too...



The night finishes off with everyone dancing, even the little ones. It was like watching Breakin' II Electric Boogaloo with Eastern Europeans....
... Seppo 4:25 pm...

Friday, October 08, 2004

Hop the Vote!!!

While those of you in America have another month to decide whether or not to let a monosyllabic, bible misinterpreting redneck continues to lead your country, in Oz, we vote tomorrow. The rules are a bit different here, in that we vote for our local candidate, and the national majority party's leader becomes the Prime Minister. Another twist... it's compulsory... don't vote, get fined. Preferences are a very cool thing. This means that while I can vote for the party I most believe in (Greens), I can still put my next preference as Labour, ensuring that my vote isn't wasted. So, here's hoping that the Labour candidate, Mark Latham, becomes the next man in charge, and then I can talk about our two degrees of separation at the pub.
___

My flatmate wants someone to buy him one of these T-Shirts.
___

The line up for this years Big Day Out in Sydney has been announced, and includes The Beasties, The Streets, The Chemical Brothers, and bestley my dreamdate foursome, The Donnas. Get your tribal tattoo now, so you can show it off on Wednesday, January 26 at Olympic Park.
___

Thank you, Thank You, Thank You to Scott Stereogum for introducing me to my new favourite band, The Drive-By Truckers. I haven't been keeping up with the alt.country scene since I have been here in Oz, and now I have a huge back catalogue to wade through. These guys are more traditional southern rock than .alt and have great songs about Mustangs, tornados, Nixon and putting people on the moon. Their Rock Opera based on the history of Lynyrd Skynyrd has been putting a definite step in my walks to the train station each morning.
... Seppo 3:37 pm...

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

Who Let the...

Sydney is giving me the shits... Last weekend was the rugby grand final, and since I have friends who just moved here from Minneapolis, I thought I'd take them out to watch the game. So, we headed down to the Coogee Beach Palace, which was doused in young women wearing very short Tsubi skirts. I didn't watch a lick of the game, as I am a traditional nerd in my lack of interest in organized sport. The Roosters were beaten by the Bulldogs, who have been embroiled in a "was it gang rape, or just a bunch of good ol' boys havin' fun" controversy for the entire season. As Bondi Junction holds the headquarters for the Roosters, I spent the entire next day cursing as a bunch of brain-dead assholes spent THEIR day driving up and down Bondi Road honking their horns and playing "Who Let the Dogs Out."

Why does Melbourne have such a vibrant, artistic community and in Sydney we are stuck with no gap between the horn honking fuckwits and the pretentious, non hipster pricks who dominate the night clubs? I should move to NY, at least the assholes there have a reason to be assholes. Here, the attractive little worms' cd collections consist of the latest chill out albums from the Ministry of Sound, and while their fashion sense is more up to date than anywhere, it borders on ridiculous (and interchangeable). According to this article, I am not alone in these thoughts. (Link Via Taz). However, just one look out the window, and I fall in love again, the harbour, the beaches and the dipshits, I guess I'm stuck.
... Seppo 11:57 am...

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Marinated Buffalo Mozzarella

This is a dish that I use all of the time. It works great for dinner parties, barbecues or for cocktail parties. It takes about five minutes, but you won't believe the reactions you'll get. Because of the pure indulgence taste, people fall in love with it. I people ring up before every get together, "are you making that Buffalo Mozzarella thing???" It also looks really cool. After all your guests have arrive, and you pull this out of the fridge, you'll be a superstar, even if you fuck up the fish...

Ingredients:

350 grams Buffalo Mozzarella
1 1/2 Cups Creme Fraiche
2 Chillies
1 lemon
Salt to taste
Cracked Pepper
1 Baguette
Melted Butter

Slice up your Mozzarella, and lay the pieces flat on a plate. Zest your lemon, and set aside. In a mixing bowl, dump your Creme Fraiche, squeeze the juice out of your lemon and add a pinch of salt. Whisk well, until blended. Pour the mixture over the Mozzarella. Slice your Chillies finely and sprinkle over the top, along with the lemon zest. Add a bit of cracked pepper. Place in the fridge.

Just before you are ready to serve, slice up a Baguette into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Drizzle with butter and bake for about 10 - 15 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.


... Seppo 1:27 pm...