The Randomness Digest #1
Sandwiches, music, games – sometimes one needs to just throw it out there.
Sure, the Digest is pretty random on the best of days, but as I’m busy with a couple of new projects, I’m going for gold this time around. More next week, unless I get distracted – which isn’t exactly outside the bounds of possibility.
The Home Skillit
There is a corner of South Side Seattle’s S Grattan and Seward Park Ave that serves as a beacon of eclectic food. Some days you’ll find a fruit stand, other times a hot-dog cart – and recently a barbecue tent.
I had not heard of the Home Skillit until stumbling across it a couple of weeks back. Of course, “stumbling.” This is one of those cases where you smell before you see – the smoky barbecue aromas travel for blocks. And while the street corner regularly sees steady traffic, Home Skillit looks to up the ante. For a late-afternoon stop, they were pretty much sold out of their barbecue mainstays. Spare ribs and shredded pork shoulder were all gone, and I had to settle for the Philly. Of course, “settle” is not the proper word in this case – the “Seatown Cheesesteak” more than holds its own.
We’re talking smoked ribeye steak, tender and flavorful. Well-seasoned without hiding the protein – this is the type of steak you’d expect from a high-end restaurant, but instead served in sandwich form from a tent. It’s assembled without fuss, with the addition of sautéed peppers and onions and the requisite provolone cheese. Why mess with a classic when you can just prepare it with high-quality ingredients?
The bread, too, is the real thing – the lightly grilled French roll elevates the game. Top the sandwich with the house BBQ sauce… tent BBQ sauce… and you’ve got yourself a standout sandwich. Each top-shelf ingredient adds up to a suitably casual eat. That’s my kind of thing.
I would like to dive further into Home Skillit, and I will when I can, but as it is now, the spot sells out quickly. Which is great – they deserve it, and I always approve of a quirky eatery.
Find the Home Skillit on the web.
The Life is Strange Soundtracks
The Life is Strange games – specifically, the Max Caulfield trilogy – will give even the most cynical misanthrope “a little something in their eye.” Despite its high-concept sci-fi premise, the characters’ relationships are emotionally grounded and set in realistic situations. The trailer for the (remastered) first game will give you a good idea of what to expect.
The soundtracks – which I’ve had on rotation for the last month – feature original music and previously released earworms1. Here is a lovely performance of Tessa Rose Jackson’s “So, This Is Lonely,” from the Double Exposure OST.
Those Bright Eyes vibes you hear aren’t coincidental – Conor Oberst’s “Lua” was central to the first game.
Dig around, and you can find the soundtracks on vinyl, though streaming is the more realistic option for most of us. The albums cost hundreds of dollars on eBay, so I stick with Apple Music:
Life is Strange – I can’t find this one outside of cover versions, so let me know if you have any leads.
You can grab the games from their official website. Those who prefer less-interactive media can check out a live-action adaptation on Amazon Prime next year.
Nine Inch Nails: Nine Inch Noize
I’ll add a recommendation for Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize’s Nine Inch Noize, just to prove I’ve retained my infamous edge2. It’s a faux live recording based on their Coachella set – a studio recording with live nuggets tossed in. The version of “Copy of a” is a highlight.
The People Have Spoken!
Last week’s poll asked: “What sign should be on your next t-shirt?” You voted, and 100% of you3 went with The Santa Sign. Our design department is working on it as we speak.
Now Back to the Boutique
Don’t just read Awesomeness – wear it! This distinguished publication proudly features two official shirts – or magnets, stickers, or whatever medium you can think of: The Hallgrrrl and Zune. Why those? For one, the Hallmark channel and Riotgrrrl are, as I’ve said before, the natural combination. And, who doesn’t love the Zune?
Go shop at The Better Taster Boutique for only the finest goods.
IDLES and LCD Soundsystem’s banger, “Dancer,” is centrally placed in Reunion.
Only a real bad-boy rebel will have watched every 2026 Hallmark movie.
It’s like I always say: 100% of three is still 100%.