Ridge Residence, Brentwood, CA

Cool house near Mandeville Canyon featured on the LA Architecture Tour. Designed by Nicholas Budd Dutton

From Curbed LA

Larissa Bates' "Hustle and Muscle"

Got a taste for the boys in tight shorts? It really is like watching the debates, only fun! Enjoy! (it's a silent film)

The film is currently screening at the Monya Rowe Gallery in New York.

Stupid Non-Shoes

"Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months" -- Oscar Wilde

Thanks, Cher

City and Weather Patterns

Here are a few from my new series of paintings. They are inspired by my experiences in these cities. I don't really get to explain myself when they're on a wall, but I will here.


"I hate snow/Chicago, IL" 8 x 12, acrylic on canvas *SOLD

This piece is inspired by my last trip to Chicago. It was right after the worst winter storm the locals had seen in years. Being a city mouse and an Angeleno, snow was not my friend. It felt dirty and reminded me of frozen spit. I have yet to see powder like snow. Some of the icons are symbolic. The wedding cake is in memory of KariAnn and Brandon's wedding, the Bean is my favorite Chicago landmark, I'd seen manatees at the aquarium.


"Portland, OR" 8 x 12, acrylic on canvas

I had visited Portland, OR when I was trying to figure out what direction I wanted to go career wise. Beforehand, I believed my love for LA had expired. Oddly enough, there was a heatwave in the area. No clouds until the last day of my stay. The thunderbolts however represent not only the last and most characteristic day of my visit, but also of all the ideas that were inspired there. Some icons of note: exit sign because I considered Portland to be a "way out", ice cream since it was my staple food during my stay.


"Los Angeles, CA" 8 x 12, acrylic on canvas

Ah, Los Angeles. It's important for people to understand that there is a lot of great stuff beyond the brown smog and media garbage of LA. Once you get through, there's plenty to love.

Weather Report for 9/29

Outside it is cloudy with a chance for thunderstorms. I will still walk to the grocery store.


For lunch: the Food Network

XKCD and my love for science-coolness

The brainiacs at XKCD have a great talent for putting a smile on my face. Their webcomic fuses science and humor, a lethal combination in my book. They pride themselves in their ability to interweave romance, sarcasm, math and language. Fantastic!

Thanks, Newton

My New Pattern of Bohemia

Like many others, my career has been effected by the weakened economy. Weeks have passed without paychecks and I've been left to devise other ways to sponsor my Cap'n Crunch addiction. This entry contains no sadness because my needs and wants have evolved into a minimum.

One new venture is freelance writing. A certain publication, whose validity I still question, approached me and asked if I could write a 500 word article for the entertainment section. "Sure" I respond. My skepticism is muted as a direct result of my hunger. For a writing career or for food? At this stage in my development, the definitions have blurred. The deadline was met on account of having nothing to lose.

Another has been painting. Eva, one of my biggest art cheerleaders, told me about the Gallery at the End of the World. She had a flyer that encouraged emerging artists (that's me!) to display art and hang out with the local art hippies alike. The gallery was a garden space that was decorated with rusty knicknacks and a disco ball. Vines shaded the bar and stage for inspired performers. This is how my Sunday afternoon was spent: Hung up some art. Had drinks with my stylish friends (who looked like fishes out of water) with slimly populated Altadena as the backdrop. Guess what? I even sold some stuff!

Eva asked me, "Aren't you glad that you're not working?" My immediate answer was "no, I hate it." This is evident in the fact that I spend near eight hours a day choosing the sexiest Helvetica resume font and politely e-mailing studios without even a piano break. But at least after the last few weeks, I can define "work" not only by my production jobs, but also by the things I love to do.

Who is you? #7

I'm going to miss you.



You = Mike's Hollywood Hills treehouse, the DeKeyser house (architect: R.M. Schindler) Mike is moving to Venice Beach.

Tarfest: October 3-5, 2008

My dear friends at Ab5trax are curating the film portion of this year's Tarfest. It's an important event for Los Angeles because it not only encourages community in what could be such a daunting and large city, but because it's making art and culture more accessible. (With the exception of the music portion, all events are FREE)

The events begin with an art show on Friday night, which features about 45 local works. Saturday afternoon is the film fest which has a portion devoted to short narrative works and then another for music videos. And since I've known these guys for a long time, I trust that they have chosen some really great shorts. Later Saturday night, the El Rey theater opens its doors for the music portion featuring Castledoor, the Illuminoid and DJ Diabetic (Shepard Fairey--God, that guy is everywhere!). The most heartwarming event is the 1 mile run on Sunday morning. The community of all ages are welcome to "race" along the Miracle Mile to raise money for the local schools and art programs.

Angelenos have been really hungry for these events which is evident in the massive crowds that took over Santa Monica Pier at the GLOW festival and the hour long wait outside the Murakami exhibit. You owe it to yourself. Check out some great art homegrown in Los Angeles .

Tarfest 2008
October 3-5, 2008
Miracle Mile-- Korean Cultural Center and The El Rey Theater

People in Hollywood read?

They most certainly do! Here is my neighborhood Los Angeles Library branch (designed by Frank Gehry). Surely there are probably more homeless drug addicts outside this branch than say your neighborhood library, but at least they're reading books. Eva and I decided today was the day to take advantage of this great resource and get ourselves some library cards. Proudly I will walk to my modern library, greet my hobo friends, and check out books for absolutely no money at all.

Thank You, Alton Brown

For teaching me how to make a perfect omelette. I ate my end result, so I just got another picture of an omelette instead.

Here's the recipe- Alton Brown's Zen and the Art of Making Omelettes

Next Movie I'm Excited to See: Synecdoche, NY

I've been a Charlie Kaufman fan for a very long time and I can't wait to see his directorial debut in Synecdoche, NY (Cher, this is the kind of movie premiere that I'd wear a dress to) Kaufman takes the writing credit for this film which guarantees that the story will explore the human psyche in a very unique and refreshing way. The movie will be released in November 2008.

Thanks, GavCaz

Unemployed LA Architect? Try Dubai!

Hello modern architect! Things not doing so well during the US economic crisis? The United Arab Emirates are in need of your talents to design space-age structures like the Dubai skyscraper pictured above.

See the job listings here: Archinect

R. Mutt & Urinals: Tributes to Marcel Duchamp

The people from Thwart Design are challenging you to answer the question "what is art?" Give them your address and you too will receive your very own vinyl "R. Mutt" sticker that you can place on a urinal or something of your choice. They only ask that you record the event with your digi camera and send them the photo. If you're unable to answer "what is art?" after your sticky experiment, perhaps you've at least crossed off that "vandalize a urinal" from your bucket list.

Get your sticker here: R. Mutt Sticker

Beck, Spoon and MGMT @ Hollywood Bowl

I'm fully aware how redundant my posts about the Hollywood Bowl are becoming, but this will conclude the 2008 Bowl season. At least it was a fantastic way to end the summer.

We all gathered at Mike's house. Smells of beer, caramelized onions, and carne asada were drifting around as maybe 30 people mingled with excitement for the show later.

When crowds of v-necks, skinny pants, and Toms shoes began to crawl up Highland, we gathered our things (mostly sweaters and beer) and began our trek. Eva, Tim, Mike and I sat in seats that seemed normal until we realized we had a perfect view of the Hollywood sign right above the stage. We got there and enjoyed MGMT first. We couldn't resist their dance songs. I was slightly more enthusiastic about their music than they were. It might've been the Tecate, but they weren't really in the best time slot. And too bad they didn't look like the tribes people in their videos.

The sun finally went down, and Spoon came on stage. They played the songs just as we liked and remembered them. Their horn section was particularly enjoyable. This was the time to break open our snacks and remind eachother how much we loved each song. Sappy a little. Wine helped. By this time we've noticed that Bute hasn't sat down yet and remains punching the air with both fists in the middle of the aisle, disobeying the fire code entirely.

After a brief intermission, Beck opened...with LOSER. The audience was in disbelief and it was a perfectly cool beginning for him as he played song after enjoyable song. I have to confess that I am not the biggest Beck fan, but his set was really enjoyable. His decade of his catchy hit songs kept us dancing all the way through. A pleasant surprise was the accompaniment of the LA Philharmonic string section conducted by none other than his father, David Campbell. As the encore began, Bute finally sat down with us complaining that the security wasn't letting him dance. At the conclusion of the show, most people funnel out like cattle: slow and brainless. Thanks to their quick wit, Eva and Bute expedited our departure by screaming they had diarrhea. The crowds parted willingly.

We all walked back happily. Since we'd missed the Al Green show that went on at the same time, Eva and I danced to his album in the living room.

Who is You? #6

You made my day.

You= Bear sitting at a picnic table (from Moose Droppings )

Who is You? #5

You are my favorite of all time and I'll never be willing to share. There's just no one like you in LA.


You = Milk tea with tapioca from J&S Coffee and Tea House in Richmond, CA

Hollywood Weirdness: Mysterious Building Art

This camera viewframe has been placed on several buildings in Hollywood. I get the idea. Hollywood's constantly in front of a camera, but really these look like targets for large weapons. It's disturbing. As Nathan would critique, "FAIL!"

Hollywood Wilderness: Runyan Canyon

Mike was surprised that I wasn't leaving my apartment until the sun went down. My "art/write" hat just doesn't really tell me to go outside. Feeling slightly offended, I decided to prove him wrong and take advantage of Los Angeles' most valuable asset: sunshine.

I forced myself to get up earlier than my biological clock enjoys, nearly making me a stunt writer. I took a small walk/hike to Runyan Canyon. It is about half a mile from my apartment and there were plenty of beautiful locals with white headphones walking along with me.

Once you enter the gates, you've stepped outside of Hollywood and into a national park. The silence and shade bring a little serenity into my traffic stricken tourist trap neighborhood. There's a grassy knoll where some people meditate, plenty of happy dogs, and miles of trail to take on. In just 30 minutes, I'd reached one of the peaks. (where the picture above was taken)There I sat and admired the smoggy view. Reminded me why all the movie stars and affluent Angelenos tuck away into the Hollywood Hills: they're wonderful!

I walked home happily and somewhat victorious.

Seen at Selma Ave and Vine St.

Don't know what it's there for, but I really enjoyed walking by it.

Corporate sub-culture

Sometimes I wish my name was a verb.

"I might Kanye your iPhone if you don't stop singing your Gregorian chants about Conan O'Brien!"

I would love my name to be something nice like reading to the elderly, or when someone rescues a kitten. I'd have to be careful not to become like that guy Munson from Kingpin.

The Fratellis with Airborne Toxic Event

Mike once again scored a deal on tickets. So we hopped on the Metro to the Wiltern to see some familiar faces. It was fun! Good show! High five, fellas!

Weather Report for Today, 9/17/08

Very sunny and warm.


For lunch: grilled cheese and apple sandwich with hummus

Movie Review: Burn After Reading

Burn After Reading
dir. Ethan and Joel Coen
comedy, 96 mins

The Coen brothers have proven to us, once again, that they're more than capable to wow audiences. It almost seems too easy for them. With their Academy Award wins just beginning to fade into memory, they return into the current with Burn After Reading, a crime comedy, that blends their comedic timing with their talent for action directing. Coupled with a brilliant ensemble cast including George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich and Brad Pitt, the Coens have cemented their knack for dark comedy.

I'm reluctant to spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it. The strengths lie in the way the story presents information and the use of the information. This is the reason why I love the Coen vehicle: their ability to surprise when they need you to be surprised, not to mention allowing you to laugh. They know that filmmaking isn't about making spectacles, but rather about communicating stories. This story was fresh and new, but with classic Coen wit.

In writing this, it's very difficult to not use the word "another." Another great movie. Another great script. Another witty comedy. In terms of Coen Bros films, it was just another movie. Big Lebowski meets Fargo. It must be nice for the Coens to have great filmmaking as their redundancy. To the Coens, I say, please keep making movies.

Weather Report for Today, 9/15/08

It's cool enough to fool myself into wearing a sweater out, but not warm enough to wear shorts.


For lunch: pasta and Capn Crunch

Poor Examples of Humanity: Choque Cultural Gallery in Sao Paulo, Brazil

It saddened me to find out that the Choque Cultural Gallery in Sao Paulo had been vandalized in political protest last week. 30 spraycan wielding Pixadores stormed through the gallery in defiance of "marketing, institutionalization, and domestication of Street Art." They ruined and damaged the artwork by several artists.

Despite how passionate as these 30 Pixadores were in conserving the sanctity of Street Art, it's utterly heartbreaking that these "artists" were destroying art for the sake of art. There are more creative and stronger ways of communicating this concern. This act of vandalism was a tragic step backwards for street art and deserves no pride.

From The Wooster Collective

Far Out: Brian Wilson @ the Hollywood Bowl

Upon our return to MIke's house, we were greeted by his smiley neighbor and fellow cyclist, Ian, who lives rent-free as the caretaker of Frank Lloyd Wright's Freeman House. He had a spare ticket to the Brian Wilson show later that evening. We were in!

Along with Ian and friends, Mike packed a bottle of wine and sandwiches and off to the Bowl, once again. We had amazingly great views from a central and high point in the amphitheater. The night began with the LA Philharmonic playing Gershwin, Brian Wilson's favorite American composer according to the conductor. But shortly after, Brian Wilson and his band begin playing Beach Boy with the LA Phil including "God Only Knows" dedicated to the those whose lives were lost in the recent Chatsworth Train Crash. He was entirely lovable and entertaining shouting out "Rock and Roll!" to even "Brian Wilson!" after a song. Three songs in, however, we were given an intermission. Mysterious.

When he returned for good, he played plenty of psychedelic arrangements of classic Beach Boys, a couple Chuck Berry covers (incl. Johnny B Goode) along with newer work from his solo albums. I sat dancing in my seat until I just couldn't hold it back anymore. (Especially when he played Do You Wanna Dance?) His band was huge but each member was consistently beyond enthusiastic for each and every song. One of the drummers eventually became shirtless hitting symbols with two tambourines. The fireworks finale was quite exciting with the band playing Surfin USA to accompany. They had a pyro- tiny surfwagon with a surfboard on top to go with the beachy theme. This concert was the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer, even if it never ends in Southern California.

Fat Out: 2008 Taste of Santa Monica

Yesterday, chefs from 40 local eateries gathered at the Santa Monica Pier to sample their best dishes to curious foodies at the 2008 Taste of Santa Monica. It's not as gigantic as its sister event in Chicago or New York, but earns Santa Monica itself a "cute" description as the locals lined up, paid $45, pushed and shoved, to gather teaspoons full of culture.

Mike and I decided to go. (Grace couldn't fight the urge to eat lunch. She apologized.) It was a good opportunity to check out local eateries. While some of the city's most beloved restaurants were not involved (Ivy on the Shore), it was an eclectic mix that ranged from hotel restaurants like Whilst @ The Viceroy to chains like Il Fornaio and Hooters.

My favorites included the samples from seared albacore from Ma'Kai (asian fusion), gelato from Angelato Cafe, iced pear green tea from Evergreen Tea House. Interesting tastes included mascarpone "dry" ice cream from the featured molecular ice cream lab, the shishito peppers from Tengu and the spicy tuna-avocado- Dorito concoction from Wokano. Our strategy was to try to eat as much as possible in hopes of getting our money's worth, which I paid for dearly as I rolled out of the taste feeling more like Humpty Dumpty.

You can see the official website here: 2008 Taste of Santa Monica

Style on Style: Eva

She's my BFF with a fashion taste for the anti-vanilla. Eva has combined her Bohemian eye for layers along with her amazing skills as a seamstress to create an artsy utilitarian girl-next-door style all her own. From the tiniest skirts with high leather boots to plunging thermal necklines and Chucks, her style is both practical and risque like her gemini self. Eva's love and appreciation for organic living and wellness (she's brewing her own Kombucha!) also lend to a comfortable choice in her everyday clothing: high socks, jersey tunics, soft leathers, not to mention gauged bone earrings and perfectly disheveled hair. What makes Eva's look so striking is that she rips and mangles pieces to make them her more her style. (One of my favorite Eva pieces is a torn off hood from a sweatshirt that she wears by itself.) Eva is indeed, the coziest and coolest Boho trendsetter on the block!

From Eva:

My style in 3 words: Fun, girly, utiilitarian

Favorite things to wear: tall boots, short skirts, old jackets, scarves, legwarmers

Style influences: post-apocalyptic costume, dance costumes, Victorian era

Newsflash: LA is unfriendly and terrible

So my fellow Angelenos, we've done it this time. Thanks to all of our taunting of less fashionable tourists, over the top cellphone use, and Botox'd expressionless faces, America has rated us as the nation's least friendly, worst traffic, least intelligent city in Travel + Leisure's America's Favorite Cities survey.

Over 600,000 tourists surveyed various cities in the US to rank which cities they loved and which they hated in different categories: culture, people, quality of lifestyle, etc. And we just really left a terrible impression on those tourists. This is funny to me, and I'm not trying to be a defensive Angeleno, because tourists LOVE the ILLUSION we make out here. They are attracted to the rockstars and the skinny rich girls and the hot cars and palm trees they see on TV, but not the actual city? The harsh reality that our city is indeed a dirty lifesized movie set has sunk in.

One true thing is that Los Angeles is a HUGE multi-faceted city with PLENTY of dynamic people. There are pockets of us who embrace art and actually read books and newspapers along with those who don't. Believe it or not, but most of us are from friendlier cities and will probably give you directions if you're lost. We have certain advantages like our resources and overall hopefulness (remember, "city of dreams" cliché?), but our biggest strength is that we're definitely not boring (that's why you have Entourage and the Hills on Tivo). Sure there's plenty of traffic and big city trash that makes us grumpy, but nobody's perfect. We'll see you all later when you want to become a pop icon!

This is weird: Jada Pinkett's Smith's nu-metal band, Wicked Wisdom

Another side of Jada Pinkett Smith that I never knew. Good for her. She's so tough!

Dreamy House in Iporanga, Brazil

Architect: Arthur Casas
Location: Iporanga, Brazil

For more photos: Arthur Casas

From Kanye West's Universe City

Wanted: Arch Rival

Photo of ice rivals, Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan

Imagine putting so much of yourself into something: your life's work. You struggle in the shadows for most of your career, but in an instant, your work suddenly becomes public. It may seem that the attention and acclaim was all the reward you needed. How do you know you've reached the top? A respectable rival. That's when you know you have something worth fighting for. After all, nothing says "I love you" more than "I hate you."

A rival is a great milestone. Consider the lives you affect on your path to greatness. Thanks to you, many lives were touched and hopefully improved, but your rival's life was affected more than anyone else's. Your work is now fueling their work and theirs with yours. Much of their inspiration now stems from your demise, and your hatred for them only drives your creativity to higher limits. Hatred? I call it flattery. Think about all that time and energy taken to sabotage your potential prize winning peanut-butter fudge bars of heaven at the Pillsbury Bakeoff. Or when they sleep overnight beneath your unguarded science fair project to nudge things out of place before the science fair? To finally have that person in your life is achieving an ultimate level of productivity, unless they've already broken your knee.

Jonesy's Jukebox

Most Angelenos are fortunate enough to have The Sex Pistols' Steve Jones grace the airwaves every weekday at 12 bells. (In Jonesy speak, that means noon). Indie 103 broadcasts his radio show, Jonesy's Jukebox, and pretty much gives him free reign on what he says and what music to play. His monotone British accent could probably lull someone to sleep, but he says such funny things! During his 2 hour time slot, he plays tunes, interviews the who's who of Hollywood, and even has moments to sing and play the guitar. (You'd be impressed at how many songs he can play)

Something that is very refreshing from the typical Indie 103 (still a clear channel station) indie rock lineup, is that Jonesy plays a huge range of great music from Nina Simone to John Legend to Teenage Fanclub. He's got the taste that your favorite person should have. On Fridays, he hosts Jonesy's Jukebox jury where he and a group of guests listen to new music that's coming out and rate them as "mustard" (good) or pants "bad".

Enjoy Jonesy. You can find his PodCast or hear him every weekday at noon on Indie 103.1.

Creepy Contact Lenses

Yes, there are Swarovski crystals embedded in the lenses so that your eyes "sparkle". Here's an idea to keep those eyes sparkling: stop drinking alcohol! This is just ridiculous.

Style on Style: Cher

Inspired by those who strut along the streets of Los Angeles, I wanted to write a little bit about fashion. At first I thought of writing about Marc Jacobs or Alexander McQueen, but I felt that's been done. I'm beginning a series of style profiles on the fashionistas closest to my heart: my friends. It's fortunate for me to have friends who have so much integrity when it comes to choosing the clothes they put on in the morning.


Cher and I have been friends for a few years now and she's never not looked like a superstar.  This graphic designer/fetish model is the epitome of tough girl glam. While Cher is most often in heels, lip gloss and big sunglasses, she always smells like mens deodorant (I believe Old Spice is her stick of choice) and has a mouth just as tough as a man's man's. Balance and humor are Cher's strengths so they come out in her clothing. Her tribal earrings, tattoos, and dyed hair give some edge to her designer/expensive/Neiman's tendencies. But we're friends because she'd wear a fake mustache with a pencil skirt any night of the week.

From Cher:

My style in 3 words: Sexy, rockstar, chic

Favorite things to wear:  my headbands, Balenciaga handbags, my "Mary-Kate" boots, wife beaters and skinny jeans

Style influences: Mary-Kate Olsen, Nicole Richie, Victoria Beckham, Alexander McQueen, Vena Cava, Balenciaga, YSL, and Rag and Bone

Note: Cher has her palm up because that means "SUPER" peace.

Who is You? #4

You are overrated and I can't stand what you do to my head. Besides, when we're together, people look at me too much.




You = Convertibles

Dear Apple,

I'm over the IPod. I already own an Ipod and a Phone-Pod. Could you please start talking about computers again? I really need a new laptop and the macbook air doesn't count!

Which group gets attacked by the media the most?

You can guess. Hint: It has nothing to do with this group's income, ethinicity or gender.

The answer: scientists.

Scientists get it real bad from the media. They are held responsible for many of Earth's tragedies: a-bombs, pollution, cancer. In particular, we point fingers when human life just wishes their brilliance could've prevented a decline in resources or more certainly, death. Curiosity can be a curse, but also a blessing.

Recently it has been announced that 14 kilometers beneath Geneva, there is a lab where an impressive experiment is going to take place. The Large Hedron Collider (LHC for short) is a particle accelerator that is aimed at the smallest particles we know. This $4 billion dollar experiment is going to try to recreate the Big Bang; fusion power. These scientists want to know how we came to be from the very start of the universe.

Why is this important to know? This may just give us the missing link in particle theory, the source of life as we know. Not to mention, an incredible power source. But this is worrisome to skeptics. Many fiction stories have been inspired such as powerful neutrino rays, the creation of dark matter, a black hole, or possibly the end of the world. I remain more hopeful than the sci-fi skeptics.

I'm excited to see what happens next.

Burn After Reading ... This Friday

From the Coen brothers. They're way too cool it's frightening.

Weather Report for Today, 9/8/08

It's warm outside; sunny. Like always.

For breakfast: coffee with nectarine. need to go to grocery store.

My real estate love: The Kaufmann House

Photo from Dwell Magazine

Ladies and gentlemen, here is the house I love: the Kaufmann House by Richard Neutra. (my favorite architect!) I enjoy the fact the floor to ceiling windows blur the divide between inside and out. The sharply clean edges lend to a deliberate design that reflects thoughtful planning and intelligent building. It's timeless. It's so easy to imagine living this house. Grand piano in one of the corner windows. Mini cooper in the driveway. Pet tortoise and angora bunny in the lawn. Even though the Kaufmann house was put on auction this year and purchased for $15 mil, the buyer fell out of the deal. It's still available through a private seller. They should just let me live there already!

Here is the inspirational photograph on my refrigerator:



"Poolside Gossip" by Slim Aarons
Photo from Artnet.com

Spore: The game that lets you play God

I've noticed the pattern of movies being influenced by music videos and now video games. It's nice that video games, have in exchange, become more cinematic. A growing fascination with video games is in the making! (Though I'm terrible at them..."There are TOO MANY BUTTONS!!")

Eric had introduced me to this game, Spore. It allows you to control evolution and ultimately have a chance to play God. There is a creature creator program that is quite fun. (Upon its public release, many were most inspired to make what? Penis monsters. Thousands and thousands of penis monsters!) Enjoy!



Thanks, Eric K. (Tokyo)

Movie Review: Hamlet 2

Hamlet 2
dir. Andrew Fleming
comedy, 92 mins.

So when posed with the question: Which is better: a burrito, a date with a lame guy, or watch Hamlet 2? Your choice should be Hamlet 2. Eva and I were planning our Friday night. For most girls our age, Friday night plans involve some adult beverages and high heels, but not for me and Eva. Not tonight. We were going to see Sexy Jesus at the ArcLight.

Caramel popcorn in hand, we watched and immediately befriended Steve Coogan as a passionate, yet struggling, actor in Tucson, Arizona. He is given a position at the local high school teaching drama to a seemingly distracted and delinquent bunch. Sound familiar? Yes. The difference is that this movie is not about how he reaches the kids, but how he's completely faithful in his zero-talent and his honestly strange reasoning. Through parts of the story, it felt like the writers were going for the easyshot slapstick humor (like when the same girl keeps getting hit in the head), but you forgive them later during the stronger ounces of humor within Dana's dialogue and the play itself. Set to a pop-music filled soundtrack, Eva and I were all laughs. Brought to us by the tasteful people at Focus Features, they manage to squeeze this Sundance heartfilled success into the artist is all of us.

See the trailer here: Hamlet 2

The Women: The After Party

Exiting the movie theater was much more difficult than I had expected. We decided to wait for the rest of our party but then a wave of people crushed me as Will Smith and Jada were exiting the theater.

After I had escaped the crowds we went to the after party at the Napa Valley Grill.

There Cher and I sped right past all the celebrity tables to the ladies room. Naturally, there was a line that extended the length of the hallway. Way too long. With the help of Daphne Zuniga (the princess from Spaceballs) we snuck into the mens room. Once we were done, I had to sneak by the dessert table full of brownies, chocolate covered strawberries and cupcakes. 

Most people were very excited to be among the celebrities, I have to admit that I was very excited about the food and free drinks. Arugula salad. Pasta. Lamb. Kobe burgers. Ahi. It was great because I was starving going into the movie. After a few drinks and all my helpings of dinner, I went with Cher to snake around and see who was there.

Cher got entirely excited about seeing Warren Beatty and Annette Bening's table. She managed to take a picture with Warren for her mother. Later we manage to takeover Debra Messing's (after all the drinks, we managed to call her D.Mess) booth and drink her stuff. We made friends with a very cute couple, Kate and Taylor, who also got excited when the 90's dance hits came on. Who then forced me to do the snake. What? So I forced Cher to talk to her bearded party crush. We don't know his name. We just call him Sexy Jesus. 

After speaking to many people, it had occurred to me that many men in Los Angeles have a a few  standard conversation starters/enders: movies (including their place in "the industry"), tattoos (show and tell), or even a distaste for the lower class/black people. (Yes, we just walked away). Needless to say, later Cher and I just laughed a lot at these lame guys' expense over grilled cheese at Kitchen 24 back in Hollywood away from the meat headed UCLA students and aspiring/accomplished industry douche bags and back to our vain and aesthetically Bohemian neighbors.  

Laundry list of celebrities we saw tonight (just so you know): Candice Bergen, Debra Messing, Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Warren Beatty, Tara Reid, Daphne Zuniga, Debi Mazar, "Ryan Schechter's mom", "the woman who killed Selena in the movie", and Eva Mendes. 

Movie Premiere & Review: The Women

The Women
dir. Diane English
comedy, 114 mins.

After Cher tells me the plans, the night began with a conversation about dresses. "Forever 21 or Diane von Furstenburg?" I ask myself. Then I watched the trailer and realized quickly that there was no way I was going to wear a dress to a Meg Ryan premiere.

And rightfully so, I should've worn pajamas for this cozy chick flick of chick flicks. But for the sake of Hollywood's glitterati, I actually wore heels. No dress. Cher and I sped over to the Fox Theater in Westwood to meet the red carpet. We watched as starletts like Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes and Debra Messing paraded down the long line of paps. (My dad would've been excited).  We grabbed our popcorn and sat down to listen to director, Diane English, as she mentions that this screening was very much like being in the "delivery room". This movie was her labor of love in that it was the first film in 80 years to have an entirely female cast. Not one male graced the screen despite Will Smith and Warren Beatty's presence. They were there to support their wives.

The movie is an ode to George Cukor's The Women which was released in 1939. With modern day lovable pop icons like Meg Ryan, we were instantly going to love it. Much like Sex and the City, we are presented with four friends of extremely different personality types that actually mimic the dynamics of one woman. Since it was a remake, the themes in the story were already very familiar. The most refreshing thing about the film, though, was that the women's empowerment did not come from promiscuity, but from a more real approach: suffering and dealing with it. It comes to conclude that female friendships are a driving force in any woman's life. Yadda yadda yadda. I may watch it again on cable. Felt good to watch with a girl friend.

And then the after party...

My fave 16th century astronomer: Tycho Brahe

I've always had an interest in astrophysics, mostly in stellar evolution anyway. So I was intrigued when Jason had told me about Tycho Brahe.

Brahe was a 16th century astronomer whose observations of the sky had help Kepler develop his laws of gravitation. Which Newton then used to create his law of gravitation which then Einstein debunked with his theory of relativity. This is not to say that his observations were in vain, but that Brahe had a large and fundamental contribution to the approach of astrophysics.

Brahe's life was more fascinating than anything. He had an interchangeable wooden nose (he lost the real on in a fight), a clairvoyant dwarf named Jepp used to entertain guests, a pet moose which he was going to trade in for a mini horse, but the moose unfortunately drank too much beer at a party and fell down the stairs to its death.

Tycho also met an untimely death because he had to go to the bathroom at a banquet. But for the sake of courtesy, he held it in. Supposedly he gained and an infection and he died. That's what some believe anyway.

So to Tycho Brahe!

Weather Report for Today, 9/4/08

Outside it's sunny and too hot to stay dry. Where is my hat?

For lunch: undecided

Bike Stuff: Solvang Prelude

Solvang, CA is wonderful: vineyards, windmills, sweets. But twice a year they host a very popular bike rides: The Solvang Century and the Solvang Prelude. Imagine riding your bicycle 50 miles through serene wide open vineyards on a crisp sunny California day. Then later, once finishing the ride we can eat as much aebleskiver and go taste local California wines. After all we just burned off 1000's of calories during a 4 hour ride in spandex. We deserve it.

Consider signing up. I'll be booking rooms.

Here's the website to register for the ride: The 2008 Solvang Prelude


Ps. Yes, after a ride to Nichols Canyon, it was discovered that I neglect my bike. It will be in the shop for a week. Training will start up again afterwards. Daa.

Labor Day Waterbattles and Carne Asada

After a long weekend of fun with my parents, they flew home on Sunday. I have a feeling that some of the urgency in their return was thanks to their new pet, Basilio, a basil plant.

So I went to Jason's Labor Day BBQ at his house in Eagle Rock. He and Meespace made plenty of carne asada, Lorenzo brought bread, I brought Capn Crunch and ice cream, and Steph brought an integral contribution: squirt guns.

After eating enough to fuel us for days to come, 5 of us (Nathan, Lorenzo, Jackie, Anthony and I) decided to play a round of horse on Jason's basketball court lower in his backyard. (Yes, it's a very big backyard) Suddenly as we're innocently making airballs and spelling HORSE, a purple projectile comes whizzing through the trees and onto my skirt! A waterballoon! At least 6 more follow.

We scream and Lorenzo suddenly urges us to charge the upper lawn where Jason, Meespace and Eric are making their balloons. With strategies in place, we successfully took over the lawn. Several battles occur with even Nathan acting on his own to steal the other balloons. Then this:

Jason: (hands up) I just want to guarantee the safety of my cellphone!
Lorenzo: (holding 5 waterguns) Stand back!
Jason: Look! I'm unarmed! Just let me know my cellphone is safe!
Lorenzo: (at me) Go check to see! Stand back!
At which case I have the cellphone in my hand and a bucket of water. Threatening to drop the phone.

We then manage to take on Jason, with Meespace and his phone hostage. (Lorenzo pelted her with a balloon that wouldn't pop, and therefore felt like a rubber stone on her head.) Anthony says "The house is ours. Your parents have 2 days to move out!" Lorenzo and Nathan then got Jason surrounded at which Jason performed the death scene of all death scenes while Lorenzo shot him with a hose.

Jason: (drenched; crawling on the ground towards Lorenzo's ankles)Tell mah boy...Tell mah boy...that I'll see him in HELLL!!!!!


See pictures on Lorenzo's website: Save Lorenzo

Recent DVD madness

I don't know why I've been watching so many movies at home during the last couple of days. Here is a list:

Chariots of Fire drama; American (1981) dir. Hugh Hudson
Enjoyed this film about running after all my friends ran the Nike Human Race 10k. I now imagine running over hot coals all the time.

Knights Tale comedy; American(2001) dir. Brian Helgeland
I still don't understand why people like this movie. I observed that it is a tasteless postmodern pastiche that pays tribute to a weak and predictable lacking love story. Boo.

Gilda drama; American,(1946) dir. Charles Vidor
The story line drags womanhood through the mud and calls it elegance. Rita Hayworth is stunning, however.

Genesis documentary; French(2007) dir. Claude Nuridsany, Marie Pérrenou
Beautiful imagery. Bizarre narrator tells an artful perspective on evolution from the Big Bang.

La Vie En Rose biography; French, Czech, UK (2007) dir. Olivier Dahan
A beautiful film about Edith Piaf and her struggles to stardom. An incredible performance by Marion Cotillard.

The Road to Wellvillecomedy; American (1994) dir. Alan Parker
An interesting perspective on the relationship between love and society set in a early 20th century. A movie set around Kellogg and his attempt to heighten the standard for American wellness.

Singing in the Rain musical; American (1952) dir. Stanley Donan, Gene Kelly
Feels good to watch this movie. The storytelling is creative and imaginative. Great costumes.

The Prestige drama; American (2006) dir. Christopher Nolan
Such an interesting way to tell a story. I know that Nolan enjoys experimenting with the roles of his narrators (Memento) and I thoroughly enjoyed this story about obsession.

Next on the DVD list: All About Eve and Funny Face.

Note: I will watch movies in theaters too.

Weather Report for 9/1/08

It's dark out and cool. Pleasant and good for kareoke.

For dinner: salad and chilled soup

Fred Astaire Dancing on the Ceiling and Why I Love Old Movies

From Stanley Donan's Royal Wedding

This scene was created to reflect the euphoric feeling of love. It was an excellent idea executed with such ease without the power of computers. Well, Donan confesses that the set was built within a gigantic ROLLING cylinder. The camera man was tied to a table that was secured to the cylinder to control the photography. Amazing.

Sackboy and Sackgirl: It's wuv.

User created cuteness. I'd play it.
Music is "Atlas" by Battles

Thanks, Eric

John Williams and a Celebration of Hollywood

What better way to show my parents Hollywood than an enchanting evening at the Hollywood Bowl with John Williams? Close to none. My parents, Jason and I once again trekked to the Bowl for a night of classical movie themes. And as every year prior, it was still very exciting. Like the years before, devoted Star Wars fans proudly lit their lightsabers as the Star Wars theme was played by the LA Philharmonic. Jason's eyes grew with fulfillment as he very loudly requested the "Imperial March" and was granted his wish. I hurriedly grabbed my Reeces Pieces as the ET theme played. My mother, the most outgoing of us, yelled "SUPERMAN!" at the top of her lungs as that theme began.

Williams had a special guest, Stanley Donan, who had directed musicals (i.e Singing in the Rain) and worked with Williams well before he had begun his career with the Spielberg/Lucas vehicle. His stories were so amazing and were so romantic. It was amazing to see what old Hollywood had accomplished before computers and before big budget politics. We watched Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire perform in such magical performances that really made me fall in love with moviemaking all over again. It's easy to forget that there is a unique beauty beneath much of the commercial filth that storms out of Hollywood these days.

Katsuya - Hollywood

My father, who loves TMZ, requested that he see some real papparazzi during his visit to Hollywood. I decided to bring him to Katsuya, a frequent stop for the paps.

Katsuya is entired designed by Philippe Stark, most known for his modern furniture designs including the Ghost Louis chairs. You enter a modern Japanese themed restaurant that could easily be imagined as the set of an action movie. The bar consists of many pedestals topped with knifes floating in plexiglass cubes, or the bigger than life geisha lips that plaster the walls. Candlelight and gothic mirrors then add a sense of warmth.

OK, so beyond the overwhelmingly stylish fascade, the food was excellent. We had several orders of the Katsuya roll and the sashimi samplers which had perfect textures and flavors that had us all grabbing them quickly off the plates, which were beautiful as expected.

A little pricey as sushi tends to be, but really as a taste of Hollywood it really encapsulates the love for themed spaces that characterizes Los Angeles and is spot on.

Katsuya
6300 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323 871 8777