For a while now I have been salivating to take classes via UCLA Extension. So I took the opportunity to do so this past summer when I came upon a class that I feel, was made for me . . . Music + Graphic Design. They knew I was coming . . . Here is a class representing my two loves. Music and Graphic Design. How grand is that! Through the years I have been able to design for bands/musicians: CD artwork, websites, logos, and flyers! And now I find a class that marries the two and I was in heaven.
The instructor has been doing art for bands for many years, working for Warner Bros. Records and then has been the designer for Wilco for many years. He brought in many colleagues that work in the industry from photographers, stylists, to managers. My fave was a former designer for Rhino Records. Very cool box sets like this one that were designed by him were amazing. He came in with like 3 duffle bags full for show and tell.
Our assignment was to take a band and carry them though from logo design to merch design.
The class kicked my butt. It was harder than I thought it was going to be. Maybe it was the band that I had chosen or not. Who knows. I know now I need to step up my game and think outside the box. Most of the folks in the class were in the design certificate program so their stuff was phenomenal. A lot of my design sense comes from DIY aesthetics and I get to think like what if I had a huge budget that I can take the design to the fullest and not think like there is no money!

A special note regarding the Oscars. I have not see the nominated movies but I do have some opinions about the show, winners, losers, outfits.

1. I thought the whole thing was a bore. Truly disappointed. I actually felt bad for Hugh Jackman, even embarrassed.
2. I did see Vicki Christina Barcelona and although, I thought Penelope Cruz's performance was great, I didn't think it was Oscar worthy. But again, I didn't see the other nominees performances.
3. Am pissed at the movie making gods from keeping my beloved Javier Bardem from coming to the Oscars. How dare they!
4. Although I thought it was a very nice tribute that past Oscar winners came to pay tribute to the nominees but it took too long.
5. I really loved Angelina Jolie's dress but the earrings did not go.
6. Mickey Rourke is a freak . . . but I think I like it!
7. I do agree with yahoo, that the best presenters were Tina Fey and Steve Martin.
8. Why only 3 nominated songs? What's up with that? And two were from the same movie!?!
9. I was so hoping that Jennifer Aniston was going to leap off stage and throw a smack down on Brangelina!
10. Again, disappointed.

Now onto Movie reviews:
He's Just Not That Into You, starring a slew of actors, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, etc.
I would say that Cupid has not been so kind to me in regards to healthy relationships so when I saw the original episode on Sex and The City by the same title, I thought, Wow, how 6 little words, one little sentence can make the most heart wrenching relationship/experience seem so easy. That by just realizing that He's Just Not That Into You can uplift and help you move forward. Then I subscribed to the book when it came out and I think I had various non-relationships between the episode and that book and one tends to forget that He's Just Not That Into You mantra so reading it was, again, catharsis. It does suck but it makes everything so much better. So in between the book and the movie I was involved in this non-relationship that took over my life (I let it) truly thinking that was going to be something. So I really debated about going to see the movie in the theater. I knew I eventually see it on DVD but to go see it BY MYSELF in the theater made me shutter. So I was in a mood and went to the movie theater on a whim and it was movie that didn't seem the crappiest and was playing next.
THERAPY. I'm so glad I saw it. How we woman torment ourselves over guys and how sometimes outside pressures like married and dating friends make this huge deal about being in a relationship but when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter.
It's about being yourself and just keep moving forward.
I really enjoyed Ginnifer Goodwin's character. I can relate with her situation(s) a lot. Although, I'm still single. But that's movies for ya, somebody always has to have a happy ending.
I give it 4 Tink's.

Interview Starring Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller
I thought is was a boring movie. It was nice that they honored the original director who had passed and wanted his movies filmed in New York City but is was a so-so movie. It kinda made me sad. It's about not judging people but at the same time not trusting people as well. And that we are all pretty much f*** ups!
I really like Steve Buscemi but I'm still out to lunch on Sienna Miller. I saw the movie, Factory Girl, which I thought was a good movie and she did a good job but there is something that bugs me about her acting.
I give it 2 Tinks!

Iron Man Starring Robert Downey Jr, etc
Like Hancock, I really liked it. A bit predictable but it was entertaining. Not sure if Gweneth Paltrow was right for the part but I can't say too much about her character since I have never read a Iron Man comic but I felt something was missing in her character or it was not the the right role for her. I think it's great that Jon Favreau directed this. I also really like the fact that Robert Downey, Jr is getting these great roles. He's character in Tropic Thunder was hilarious. Totally deserved the Oscar nod.
But like Hancock, that is what Sequels and pre-quels are about, right?
I give it 3 Tinks!

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Starring Natalie Portman, Dustin Hoffman and Jason Batman
I really enjoyed this movie. It had a great message. Very whimsical and imaginative.
It's about a very old man who has a magical toy store. The old man, played by Dustin Hoffman, feels that it's time for him to go. Kinda like Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings. Not really dying but just going "someplace". Well the old man leaves the store to Natalie Portman's character, well she is having a difficult time believing in herself . Basically once you start believing in yourself anything is possible.
I give it 4 Tinks!

The Women Starring Meg Ryan and well a lot of women.
A remake of the 1939 movie by the same name, The Woman is about well women. There are no men in any of the scenes except at the end. One of the characters finds out her husband is having an affair and how she deals with it. Of course nothing can compare to the original movie. I thought it was o.k. not great but it has it's moments. I have decided that I'm not a fan of Meg Ryan. The stand out was Cloris Leachman's character and I'm glad Debi Mazar got some attention, I think she's a great actress.
I give it 2 Tinks!

The Incredible Hulk Starring Edward Norton and Liv Tyler
I thought the special effects were good. They tried to be funny in some scenes but it didn't translate very well. I liked the guest star scenes but that was pretty much it.
I give it 2 Tinks!

Hancock - Staring Will Smith and Charlize Theron
Hancock is about a everyday superhero named Hancock who needs to clean up his image just a bit.
Very Surprised. I was entertained. Although the story line between the characters of Will and Charlize was a bit annoying, I felt they could have developed that better but that's what sequels as well as prequels, are for, right?
I give it 3 Tinks!

Charlie Bartlett - Staring Anton Yelchin as Charlie Bartlett, Robert Downing Jr and Kat Dennings
Charlie Bartlett is about a teenager trying to find himself and it get's him into trouble. What else is new.
It was a good movie. It has Kat Dennings from Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (which I loved) who I think is a good up and coming actress but I see why she was picked for Nick and Norah, pretty much the same character.
I give it 2 Tinks!

Vicki Christina Barcelona Starring Javier Bardem (my love) and a slew of other people.
Well, it has Javier Bardem in it . . . O.K. I will get serious . . . The movie is about relationships and finding love, falling out of love and how love makes you CRAZY!
Basically I want to go to Spain, the movie makes you fall in love with Spain. So I'm going to Spain. I actually thought it was a good movie.
I give it 4 Tinks! one extra for Javier Bardem! Can you tell I love Javier Bardem? Just wondering.

The Duchess starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes
The Duchess is about the Duchess of Devonshire in the 1700's England. She was a young woman married in hopes that she would have Duke of Devonshire's son/hier. She was the talk of society in regards her fashions, debt and gossip. The movie was about her but it was more about how much of an a**hole her husband was to her.
I give it 4 Tinks!

Burn After Reading Starring Frances McDormand and George Clooney
The movie is about how very different lives collide and how the world is such a small place. I think it was a very standard Cohen Brother's film.
I give it 3 Tinks!

Fool's Gold Starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson
Another Romantic comedy from Matthew and McConaughey and Kate Hudson. Oh boy do they find themselves in trouble this time. Will they find the treasure and get back together. You will have to watch and find out. Predictable.
I give it 3 Tinks! (for the supporting cast)

1. Vicki P. If you were there at the bar by the waterfall Sunday night after the awards party. YOU WILL KNOW WHY. . .
2. Funny that we were a bit upset when we had to bowl the second day. We wanted to go shopping.
3. The Gazebo bar at the Paris. Love that bar.
4. Walking over to the Bellagio to watch the water show. Delight!
5. Not thrilled with the El Primero (what ever it was called) bar for the awards party. I still smell like smoke.
6. Lots of cute boys this year!
7. That we initially came in 17th place for the b league. NONE of us practiced this year. That's pretty good. We ended at 40 something place.
8. Bowling next to the Windy City Bowlers. Eight is great!

Startin' 09' out with something new to Barflies . . . well, not new but it's been awhile. . . introducing Tink's Movie Reviews. I watch a lot movies.

Step-Brothers Starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.
I find these guys hilarious. They make me laugh in everything they do. Have you seen the stuff on Funny or Die? FUNNY! I know there are some folks that are not particularly happy with their brand of HUMOR, but it's funny stuff.
Anyway, the movie is about these two people (Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins, who just was nominated for a Oscar for The Visitor, amazing performance and movie. Well Deserved!!!) who get married the second time around and they both happen to have 40 year old sons who still live at home. With this union, they all move in together and the mad cap fun begins. Both have just not grown up and with circumstances they are made to grow up. It's about finding your niche and just being yourself. The stand out performance for me is the brother of Will Ferrell character played by Adam Scott. He plays the best a**hole ever!
I give it 3 Tinks!

Run Fat Boy Fun Starring Simon Pegg (from Hot Fuzz) and Thandie Newton
A sweet movie about getting the girl you love back. You made some mistakes but when you realize you still love her, you will go at any lengths to get her back. I liked the movie. The little boy is cute. The supporting cast is what makes the movie, the Indian landlord and the best friend. The motto is about self confidence and if you want to make your dreams come true, go for it.
I give it 4 Tinks!

The Ringer
Starring Johnny Knoxville and Katherine Heigl
When I started watching the movie and subsequently fell asleep, I thought, I just wasted a few minutes of my life. HORRIBLE. But I gave it a second chance, and I thought it was one of the sweetest movie ever. It's not the best movie in the world by no means but still it's got heart. It's about this guy, who gets in a bit of trouble and somehow a scheme is made up to throw the Special Olympics. It's a bit far fetched. At first, you think how rude they are making fun of people of special needs but most of the cast were special needs people. Actually, I happen to know one of the cast members. Really what it comes down to is accepting people for who they are. Even, if they have challenges, they get to make their dreams come true, too. They just want some respect too!
I give it 2 Tinks!

P.S. I Love You Starring Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank
This movie made me cry like a baby. And it has Gerard Butler in it. Enough Said.
I give it 3 Tinks! (just for Gerard Butler and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, too) O.K. I will stop gushing.
Did I tell you it has Gerard Butler in it. Just checking . . .

So as I'm going through photos for my 08 music redux, I came upon the best pics ever.
It's a "had to be there" moment but it was the funniest and one of the best moments at Punk Rock Bowling 08. Basically, Brian proposed "marriage" to Wanda. Don't worry it was just pretend but very funny.

Well since I have not really posted much this year, I'm going to now vomit all that i have wanted to tell you folks but have not had the time and, unfortunately, the desire to post. Being that I'm recently unemployed, I decided to cross some things off the list and start 09' with a clean to do list. Basically, I'm really glad to see 2008 scooch on out of here. So enjoy!

Started 08' on a positive note. Punk Rock Bowling. Please see my review here.
Also, here are my pics.

March, I took the plunge and went to Austin, TX for SxSW. I really had a great time. I heart Austin, TX!
I did the whole ten days of SXSW which includes, Interactive, Film, and Music. For Interactive, I just went to panels and enjoyed learning new things about all things web. Through Ms. Jen I met some lovely, very smart folks from many parts of the world.
During that time, I took myself up to The Continental Club to see James Intveld. I know I live in L.A. and I can see James Intveld pretty much anytime I want but this was the only time for me to get to The Continental Club. While I was there, I met some folks from Sweden and I got to dance.
For Film, the only thing that I went to see was the Sailor Jerry documentary. I thought it was a really great doc. The showing was held at a very small movie theater in a mall in North Austin. I took public transit a spin gettin' there. Many tattooed people, who help get this doc off the ground were there, including, Don Hardy. After seeing the documentary, I took a cab out to Ginny's Little Longhorn. Through the years, I have met some fine folks from Austin and they have pounded into my head that if I ever land myself in Austin, that I have to go to Ginny's. Well I got there and LOVED IT. Roger Wallace was playing that night so it made even more worth the visit!
And finally Music. That was the best part. For those that have not gone to SXSW before, the Music part of SXSW is a whole lot of music. Over 2000 bands around the world descend on Austin, to play their songs and to schmooze. 6th St., as well as, all of Austin for the most part are packed with bars and people and more bars and people. Hightlights for me: X and standing next to Moby at X, Aggrolites, Legendary Shack Shakers, an acoustic set by the Asylum Street Spankers, and the Dolly Rots, and the food . . . SxSW is expensive. If you can get your company to pay for it or somehow write it off, then by all means GO! Oh and go on the Duck Tour. Fabulous!
How To Survive SXSW!
Plan ahead as much as possible.
But be flexible and open to change.
Pack for all kinds of weather.
Buy a badge.
Book early for travel and hotel!

June, I went to the Ink and Iron Tattoo and Kustom Kulture Festival event at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. I went the first day and I was fine going just to the first day. Not very crowded and I think the line up for the bands was better, too; Wayne Hancock, Rosie Flores, Dale Watson, The Blasters. I liked the event. Lot's of cars, vendors, and a ship full of tattoo artists.

July, I went to the Hootenanny with Wanda, Sandra and Justin. I took a break from last year since I almost died in the heat on 06'. This year was a tad cooler, but not as crowded in years past. It was o.k. Not really a great set by Mike Ness, disappointed actually.

Pic used by Permission. Thanks Sandra

September, I went to Goldfrapp at the Orpheum in Downtown L.A. I took a stretch and went to experience music that I don't participate and actually had a great time. I was familiar with one of their songs "Strict Machine" that was used in a cell phone commercial but live they have quite the production/theme going on. Their sound is dance, electronic, pop. The lead singers voice is amazing. It was very Clockwork Orange meets Court Jesters meets Led Zepplin meets the 70's. Everyone was in white. The ladies had these Queen Elizabeth era Court Jester like outfits and the guys looked like they were going to a Clockwork Orange party. The light and video screen show behind the band was a piece of installation art in itself. The Orpheum has been beautifully restored and the Broadway Bar next door is quite the experience.

October, I went to the Rockabilly Rave USA with Wanda and Wes. A few years ago, I decided that I had enough of going to Viva Las Vegas. I'm still on Tom Ingram's mailing list and noticed the advertisements for the Rockabilly Rave USA. And I'm like how is this so different from Viva and why another rockabilly event in Vegas? Wanda asked me to go with and assured me that it's not like Viva. More Rockabilly music centered and it's low key. Just music and vendors. I also think that the Tom Ingram folks wanted to test out The Orleans where Viva will be held this coming year for the first time. I have stayed at the Orleans and found it quite nice. More room and a lot more accommodating. I think Viva will do well there. It does get crowded around the showrooms, so that may have to be worked out especially when there is no band playing, i.e., it gets smoky!
I had a great time. I liked how it was low key but at the same time a few more people would have been nice. The Stars of Sun Show was fantastic. Four original Sun Recording artists; Hayden Thompson, Jack Earls, Carl Mann, and Sunny Burgess. It was supposed to be five but Billy Lee Riley was ill. All are now in there 70's, respectively, and just were so happy to be there and it was very sweet. They each played their hits and then some! Unfortunately, the pics that I took came out bad but here are pics of us!

In Dec, I headed out to Alex's in Long Beach to see Wayne Hancock, Russell Scott and the Hula Girls. Wayne can never do wrong. Russell Scott and His Red Hots were amazing and Russell has never sounded better. The Hula Girls were fun,a mix a surf and rockabilly.

Recently, went to visit Big Sandy and His Fly Rite Boys at the Juke Joint in Anaheim. It's my first time to get over to the Juke Joint since it has opened like 5 years ago. I know it takes me awhile. Anyways, it was crowded and it does not have the best layout to see bands. But I saw some old friends so that was nice.

So what does 09' have in store for Tink? All I ask for is peace, love, and continuous employment!

xoxo

My highlights were:
Laser show in the atrium. Proud to be an American!
Captain for Bad News Bowlers
Dancing at the Roxy Club at Sam's Town
Shoe shopping with the girls @ the Zappos outlet. Where ugly shoes go to die! (sorry girls).
Manic Hispanic
Finally getting to see the Adolescents play. (I know. I admit it. Not worthy!)
Wearing our cute vintage cowgirl outfits!
Seeing and spending time with good people (Al, Tammy, Wanda, Jen, Brian, Sandra, Justin and Vicki) and meeting new people (Ruth and her fam!)!

I have a guilty pleasure. Well it's not really guilty because I'm not ashamed of it but I love Jane Austen's novels. And for the next couple of months they are showing all the PBS's Masterpiece productions of her novels. It started back in January with Persuasion, then Mansfield Park, now showing is Pride and Prejudice. AWESOME! I love my Sunday nights now.

Transformation!
Camping up in Idaho's Sawtooth's with the family! Stanley, Idaho was the coolest spot in America that summer, if you can believe it.
And that was my year!

Instead of an actual definition of Surreal, it should just read one person's name and that is Salvador Dali. The dude was Surreal in all aspects of his life.

End of 07, beginning of 08, LACMA hosted a show of Salvador Dali's work. It was extensive from early art, to set designs for the movie Alfred Hitchcock's Spellbound to the ccollaboration with Walt Disney called Destino, which was truly amazing.

For some reason the project was scraped, either from budget issues or personality issues or a bit of both. In 2003, Disney opened the archives and finally completed the animation.
I was surprised how small the painting The Persistence of Memory was. When you see it in books or in photos, it seems so larger than life but it's only 8x10, if that.
Dali loved Hollywood. He is quoted by saying . . ."I'm in Hollywood, where I've made contact with the three American Surrealists, Harpo Marx, Disney and Cecil B. DeMille."

I like how LACMA used large screens and video to capture Dali's work and yet traditional display of his work. One room had one end of the room screening Dali's screen test that he did for Andy Warhol and then at the other end was the same screening but upside down. There was no sound and it didn't show much. In fact it didn't make sense but I guess that was the point. There was a lot of work to view. To much in fact that it became overwhelming and that they were letting in a lot of people at one time, so things were bottlenecked at certain points.

is Willie Nelson. Went to his show at the new Nokia Theatre in Downtown L.A. Across the street from the Staples Center.
First of all the Nokia Theatre is a decent venue for once. Not to big and not a bad seat in the house.
This was my first time seeing Willie Nelson perform live. I missed Johnny, Roy and Jerry Lee is unreliable (sorry Killa) and well Willie is one of the last "outlaws". Highlights was nod to Crazy and then a triple treat of Hank Williams, plus a few hits.
He has a couple of his sons perform with him. One of his sons is awesome blues guitarist but when he sang I was a bit thrown off. I thought it would be deeper but it wasn't. Just didn't mix. Both sons are into Bob (Marley, that is) which I think brings musically a even more laid back/relax vibe to the night.
At the beginning of the show he played this mini movie/video of him kicking back in Lucky, Texas for the annual lawnmower race. Stars like Luke (I heart) and Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, who I thought was awesome in The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by the way, and unfortunately Jessica Simpson were featured. It was very cute and had a few laughs.
Willie played his anti war song A Peaceful Solution which got everyone on their feet. It has great lyrics. I really do think we need to take back America.
I was disappointed that he didn't perform Hello Walls, one of my faves!