A female DJ at the Whiskey a Go Go in Los Angeles, 1965. A friend posted this on their tumblr and I thought it was so cool to know that women have been DJing for decades now. I personally think more women should get into DJing.

By the way, I also have a tumblr blog that I update frequently: faintlyamused.tumblr.com. If you’re on tumblr, follow me!

Yesterday I met Patti Smith at the Chicago Public Library. She was there to give a reading/lecture about her new book Just Kids which documents her early days in New York City with her then boyfriend, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. She read a bunch of passages from the book, surprisingly performed a couple songs on her guitar, answered audience questions, and was her usual witty and intelligent self. Afterward, she signed copies of her book for everyone in the audience. She is a truly inspiring and fabulous lady.

On Friday, a friend of mine also scored us free tickets to go see Evan Dando, formerly of the 90s band the Lemonheads who hilariously was named one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in 1993. According to my friend, he also took Juliana Hatfield’s v- card. Anyway, I really was excited to re-live the 90s and see him play. The show was a lot better than I thought it would be. He did all of the old Lemonheads songs like “It’s a Shame About Ray” and “Into Your Arms” and did a ton of covers, including my personal favorite, “Different Drum”. His voice still sounded really good and he still looked kind of foxy, in my opinion. And seeing him made me long for the simpler days of 1994.

The Lemonheads on the Jay Leno show, back in the day.

I feel bad that I never update this thing. I just never have any time. I started a tumblr where I can record even more of my mundane thoughts and interests. I work a lot, I go out dancing a lot, I’ve been drinking too much beer, and I’ve been obsessed with Curtis Mayfield and Sade. That really sums everything up.

Two of my favorite dudes.

Great song from Ripple, an interracial funk band from Michigan, and a song famously sampled by Kid N Play’s “Rollin’ Wit Kid N Play”.

Happy New Year everyone.

Today I went to Reckless Records today and bought six records for $17. I think I’m going to try to start DJing again in Chicago and needed some new jams to inspire me.

Here’s what I bought:
L.L Cool J- Around The Way Girl 12″
Mary J Blige- Family Affair 12″
Technotronic- Pump Up The Jam (I had this but sold it to my ex when I moved to Chicago)
Jay-Z- I Just Wanna Love You (Give It 2 Me)
Ce Ce Peninston- Finally (I love cheesy 90s songs)
Monifah- Touch It

Until I get a steady DJ gig, I can at least put all of these records on in my apartment and have a dance party by myself. Woohoo!!

New Year’s Resolution: I promise to be a better blogger.

I’m excited to have my first New Years Eve celebration in Chicago, even though I honestly think it’s the second most overrated holiday (behind Valentine’s Day, obviously).

The last couple years I DJed at the Taproom on New Years Eve, so it didn’t seem too bad because, hey, at least I was getting PAID. This year, I’m going to a couple of house parties, one of which I will be spinning some soul & funk records for the fun of it. House parties definitely take all of the worthless pressure off of NYE being “the best most fun night everrrrrrrr” and they are way cheaper (the bars in Chicago are seriously charging $75+ for the night. Ridic.

Here’s hoping 2010 is better, more fulfilling, and more productive than 2009 was.

I would definitely recommend reading her autobiography, No Lifeguard on Duty. In the book, she’s very candid about her abusive childhood, the not-so glamorous life of a new model, and of course many salacious stories about Studio 54 and the 70s party scene, her many famous flings (Jack Nicholson, Sly Stallone, Mick Jagger, Warren Beatty, Liam Neeson), and her substance abuse issues.

But beyond that, and as these pictures hopefully demonstrate, Janice was a fantastic model with the unique ability to look multi-ethnic and totally transform herself for every photo shoot. 

View from Lake Michigan

The Bean

Wrigley Field

Meghan and I with Top Chef Masters winner and Chicago Chef Rick Bayless at his latest restaurant, Xoco.