Everyone likes a sweet deal and everyone and their grandma likes a sweet deal on their terms. Paste Magazine billed as “Signs of Life in Music Film and Culture” is letting you pay what you want for a year long subscription.

This subscription not only lets you get a magazine monthly, but it comes with a CD every month. 11 CDs, 11 songs, thats about 220 songs, for as little as $1. And if it sucks, well, then its just something more to add to the recycling bin. If its great, there you go.

The website is promising. Each section has recent stories that I haven’t heard about, but are interesting–always a good thing. Topics include: What song would you like to play in a Guitar Hero Sequel?, Disney Land on 5 bucks, Justice League film, free listens to the New Pornographer’s very good CD The Challengers, a review of the intriguing One Hundred and Forty Five Stories in a Small Box, and a lot of indie stuff. Oh, and theres a video game section. Gross.

Plus, they’re all over a lot of Walker related stuff, Deerhoof (just came), Juno (aka next Napoleon Dynamite, coming soon), and other stuff. Here’s the trailer.

Check out the magazine, be generous, and if you hate it, remember: reduce, reuse recycle!

This weekend, I helped six curators from various youth video organizations curate the upcoming Twin Cities Youth Media Film Festival. We watched, critiqued, and weeded through over 50 films made by students 18 and under. Needless to say, my eyes need a rest.

All of the curators are talented filmmakers in their own right, so I thought I would post a couple of their videos for your enjoyment. I wish we could have included these films in the festival.

Belle by Maya Blevins

Untitled by Nick Gerads

Blake’s first Open Mic Night of the 2007-2008 school year is this Friday, Oct. 26. The main feature starts at 7:30 pm and ends at 9 pm in the paint room at the Northrop Campus (511 Kenwood Parkway), walking distance from the Walker.

Admission is FREE. Although this is event is being held at the Blake School, it is open to the public and several students from other schools attend each one.

Open Mic Night is an awesome way to kick off the weekend. Last year we had everything from epic haiku battles to wicked marimba solos to classic garage band jams. If you don’t like the show, at least you can keep the free snacks and pop.

Also, Friday is my birthday! =)

After a bunch of work, this site is live. Expect a larger write-up on it soon in the New Media Blog. Until then, enjoy the cataclysm of 16 people competing for the wackiest background. Thanks to Nate for working some magic on the server to make this all work with our blogs setup.

And by the way, the old boring and non-offensive site is still available here: http://teens.walkerart.org/old/.

This is an 18+ show, but we thought we would add it anyway.

Like many others, I was first tipped off to Justice when watching the youtube clip of Kanye whining about how they “stole” Best Video at the MTV Europe award away from him. If you haven’t seen the clip, check out the video below. Hilarious.

Regardless, Justice’s video deserved to win.

Here’s the info on the show.

Kanye West has co-”authored” a book with J. Sakiya Sandifer. Due to be out December 15th. $10. See more for reviews.

Kanye says:
“an entertaining volume of ‘Kanye-isms’ -- the creative, humorous and insightful philosophies and anecdotes used in creating my path to success.” So modest.

His fans say:
“Oh Lawd…..this is SO going on the coffee table! definitely will make for entertainment.”

“Is it going to be filled with phrases like …10 Bucks!? If it is…then its gonna be dope…Crumbs”

“I love the typeface..looks like Ben & Jerry’s crossed with “Free to be, You and Me.”"

“The world is about to blessed once again.”

New York magazine says:
“Expect lots useful advice on what to do if you’re denied a Video Music Award or if your album receives only four and a half stars from Rolling Stone. ”

Oh snap.

Christi and I wanted to send a belated congratulations to WACTAC alumni Calder Zwicky on his promotion at the MOMA. In classic Calder fashion he said, “I’m now running all of the museum’s community partnerships. I don’t know what my title is, but I’m sure it’s fancy sounding.” Hopefully he’ll run into our out going director Kathy Halbriech at the water cooler.

In addition to his MOMA gig, Calder also started and currently works with the Bronx Museum of the Arts Teen Council. They have done some really cool podcasts and zines - check it out here.

Nice work Calder!

First Amendment Arts
Opening Reception Sat, Oct 27, 7-10pm.
Admission is FREE and ALL AGES are welcome.

First Amendment Arts is proud to present The Magical Misery Tour, posters and prints by the Milwaukee-based husband and wife duo of J W & Melissa Buchanan, better known as The Little Friends of Printmaking. Both J W & Melissa Buchanan will be in attendance at the opening.

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So today a couple of my friends and I headed downtown St. Paul to see Jennifer Baldwin and Christina Baldwin do a FREE opera show called Opera Demystified with the Skylark Opera…and of course it was awesome. It was the show that they usually do for students when they come to schools and it’s pretty much just like an opera 101…but Jennifer and Christina Baldwin made it really fun/funny and if they haven’t come to your school…you should get them to come (even if you think your not that big on opera) …BECAUSE….

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If you make films and you’re 18 and under, you should submit your films to these upcoming film festivals at the Walker! Click here for submission form for the 3rd Annual All City Youth Film Festival. Email girldirector@walkerart.org for a Girls in the Director’s Chair Film Festival application. If you couldn’t tell by the title, the festival is open only to young women 18 and under.

Tonight I was alerted that I had missed my chance to venture on down to First Avenue and check out the legend Del, along with Devin the Dude.

It reminded me of Murphy’s law,

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I just spent a hundred and thirty dollars on ebay.

I bought a Nintendo DS and Pokemon Pearl.

I am hereby notifying all those who know me of my withdrawal from social life- sans Pokemon related wifi encounters.

Crow-ku by Julia Babb

The current exhibit at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts is Book: Unlearned. The exhibition features 6 emerging artists, each focusing on their own medium while keeping in mind the topic of book art. The artists mediums include sculpture, installation art, fiber, murals, photography, and poetry. The exhibition is new work from artists selected for the inaugural series of MCBA/Jerome Foundation Book Arts Mentorship. The show is up from October 13, 2007 through January 5, 2008.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts is located in the Open Book Building in downtown Minneapolis (1011 Washington Ave S, Suite 100)

Rejoice people, come one, come all, critical mass is taking place this Friday! I’m sure you’d all heard of the terrible incidents with the MPD during the August Critical Mass Bike Ride. The political attack on bikers by the cops was the first incident Critical Mass had encountered since the 80’s.

The September ride, however, was beautiful and flawless. I anticipate this Friday’s Critical Mass to be one for the ages. Meet at Loring Park (across from the Walker) and depart around 5:30 PM. After the Ride,
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Tomorrow I have the PSAT, tonight I have a french press with chamomile as opposed to fair trade dark roast, and there’s some globally amazing things in the world that we should all be aware of.

A week from tomorrow (so, on the 24th of October) I’m doing a spokenword/dance collab with perpich kids at the Bryant Lake Bowl - peep back later for details.

If you’re a student, I hope you’re PSATing tomorrow and getting ready for MEA weekend- not that schooling is the only path- but 15 bucks for the PSAT is worth it to keep some doors open.

This Saturday there’s a youth summit up at Ihduhapi, I believe it’s too late to register, but just so you know- Mpls youth organizations ARE getting together and putting some major head work in- so watch the kcuf out, whispers say there might be a chantz rap?

c’est possible…

Anyways- peace to Big Zach- wishing you luck and love with yo’ face n’ isht.

New Atmos is like the last one- one good track, one alright- the rest garbage.

I’m all across the drewniverse right now- I gotta start planning for apple picking…

Last month we hosted our Annual Student Open House featuring Friends With You. Check out the artist talk video here.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the FWY installation at Soo VAC, get over there! It closes next Thursday, October 25.