Metal Leaves Studio

As long as I can remember, I have wanted to go ice fishing. Each winter, after the lake had frozen, we would see fisherman drill holes into the solid ice. They would create igloo-style abodes and settle in for the day. Awesome.

I went ice fishing and used the best pole I could have imagined- it was better than in my dreams. Love the color combination and the simplicity.

Here is the fish I caught with the outstanding pole pictured above. I named him directly, but have since forgotten it. I suppose it doesn't matter since I ate him for dinner.

An interesting aside: Ice fishing is way easier than traditional fishing. Less patience required.

So this is actually where Punxatawney Phil lives on his days off. I have a deep affinity for Phil & his  taciturn predictions, but if you don't love GroundHogs, but do love how they taste- here is a recipe you may want to try. Bon åppetit!

The most amazing train exhibition ever. Located in Scranton, this miniature town is almost an exact replica of the 'Electric City.' This version is iced with a slight comic edge, courtesy of the architect, Don Clark.
Speaking extensively with the exhibition's curator, Kathy, (daughter of the late Mr. Clark) I found she is knowledgeable & not only points out interesting details, but can provide insight into the collection. She is also willing to share personal stories about her father and his obvious affection for model trains.

Old Man Winter is finally rollin' through town, blowing snowflakes all over the city.

Chinese New Year begins today!

Twenty years later... Ice Cube's infamous 'Good Day' now has a date. See the excellent breakdown on Murk Ave. Pretty thorough- very interesting.

As the latest wave of electronica sweeps over the universe, be sure you are there to witness it. The M Machine, an unbelievable electronic group, will be in the Midwest region of the states this weekend- and this show should not be missed.

As an opener for Porter Robinson, The M Machine only disappointed the crowd as it exited the stage. That's how good The M Machine is. Audiences who had never heard their music fall instantaneously in love with the melodic imagery this group creates.

Starting out in the electronic music scene in San Francisco as Metropolis, they are now housed under Skrillex's OWSLA label.  Their fledgling album, Metropolis, was released in mid-October to resounding accolades from critics who heard The M Machine's tracks.

'Promise Me A Rose Garden,' one of the first releases from the album, features impressive vocals [picture a less dramatic Björk-sounding balladeer] whose lilting yet powerful voice provides a slightly haunting undertone to this piece. 'Promise' is symphonic at times yet doesn't take itself too seriously with the inclusion of playful bites of breathtaking sound.

The more atmospheric 'Glow' [the video premieres today] is a contradictory heavy-handed, light-hearted sound experiment which features competing sounds that create a complexity your ears will appreciate.

The varying degrees of musical insight conveyed by The M Machine is impressive. The futuristic sound washes over you, infused with the slightest hint of *pop* without being overtly trendy. Their sound is indicative of how the wave of electronica is positioning itself to step out from among the shadows, ready to take hold of the masses.

Stay poised on the musical forefront and check out The M Machine as they stop by the iLounge at Clutch Cargoes on Saturday, January 21st, in Pontiac. It should prove to be a fascinating performance filled with spectacular sounds.

Went to the train graveyard; it was unbelievable! There were even cabooses- a personal fave.