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July 29, 2004
July 30th Film Releases
This is going to be a tough week for me. It's not Oscar season yet, so there aren't more good movies than are spaces in my top 3, but this is a very close top 3.
1) She Hate Me
2) Garden State
3) The Village
Sperm donors, disaffected youths, and monsters! Oh my!
The Village
No one is better at making you afraid of what you don't know than M. Night Shyamalan. Yes, he may have a formula, but it's one very good formula. I'll let you know when it stops working.
The Manchurian Candidate
I don't know why people say that the citizens of LA don't care about the environment. People who work in Hollywood recycle all the time.
Thunderbirds
Another recycling effort. This time it's a 60's TV show that no one ever watched about a family with nifty planes who fight evil.
Maybe it would be better if producers stopped recycling crap.
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
What's the big deal about pot? Really. Humor me. I've tried it and it made me do was want hack up a lung. The worst part about the experience was that I was actually stupid enough to try it again. Peer pressure is a bitch. Don't let anyone tell you different.
This movie is a dumbed down version of a Cheech and Chong flick.
She Hate Me
A white-collar biotech executive is fired for being a whistle blower and forced to father children for lesbians in order to make ends meet. The cherry on top of this sundae of plot is the fact that the movie was written and directed by Spike Lee. I love him.
"A sperm bank? That's like trying to Gucci at Wal-Mart." Funniest line I've heard all year.
Garden State
If you've seen Scrubs and witnessed Zach Braff in his goofy comedic brilliance, then you will be genuinely surprised by this movie.
This movie about a young man returning home during his 1/4 life crisis is visually striking and written with what I can only call a solemn quirkiness which I find to be a daring first writer and director effort for Braff. I can't wait to see it, but only after She Hate Me. Age before beauty, after all.
Intimate Strangers
A beautiful young woman tells all her secrets to a psychiatrist, who doesn't have the heart to tell her that he is actually a tax accountant. Opps. That never happens to the ugly chicks.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 8:05 PM | TrackBack
Authentic Sleeves?
File under "What the....?????":
Fates Finery is offering "Girls Bazaar" a line of "Authentic Sleeves".
Hmmph! Not quite sure if I should laugh and laugh and laugh or pass the link on to Mel Vicious as fodder for one of her rants...
Posted by Ms. Jen at 3:14 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
July 26, 2004
Miss Kitty's Fotolog
I don't understand the back tattoo. You can't see it, but everyone else can. I guess that's why there are so many ugly back tattoos - you don't have to look at it every day and think "damn! that's an ugly tattoo! What was I thinkin'?" If I had designed the Ramones logo (this is the designer), I'd get it on the front of my chest, backwards, so that every time I looked in the mirror, I could see it. Screw everybody else.
Check out Miss Kitty's Fotolog for more great pics.
Posted by DJWanda at 10:21 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
July 23, 2004
UglyDress.com
The only person who didn't make me wear an ugly bridesmaid dress was my sister (thanks sis!). I think that's because, no matter how hard the bride tries, bridesmaid dresses are just butt ugly. Finally, after years of wearing ugly bridesmaid dresses, I feel vindicated! A whole website devoted to ugly dresses, ugly shoes, ugly bridal gowns! This one makes me laugh out loud - the dresses are that ugly! Take a tip from me and just say "no" to weddings and all their attendant tribalism. If you find that you must participate in this barbaric ritual, feel free to send a picture of the dress, shoes, or anything else to Keesha Myas at UglyDress.com and even though she makes her living as a bachelorette party consultant, I suggest you boycott those disgusting rituals as well. Oh, and no, I won't be in your wedding.
From the site:
This is a dress to choose for your bridesmaids if one of the bridesmaids happens to be your Grandma.
She'll feel right at home in this number. With the muted, strange blue color, the plethora of lace in unusual spaces, and the wrinkle-hiding high neckline it will be perfect.
A word of advice, keep grandma away from the strippers at the bachelorette party. Grammy might get butt wild.
Posted by DJWanda at 8:11 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
July 19, 2004
This Little Piggy Went to...
The Orange County Fair opened Friday, July 9 at the OC Fairgrounds. This year's theme is "Jammin' at the Fair." I've already made the first of my yearly pilgrimages to see the baby animals. On July 15, this little fellow had just been born. There are also baby chicks, bunnies, goats, cows, and sheep. I like the pigs the best! As a vegetarian, it's hard for me to imagine anyone eating the entry that they worked so hard to raise, but I also recognize that this country was built on a largely agrarian society. You can see these little fellows before they become bacon through August 1 at the Fair.
Posted by DJWanda at 12:48 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
July 15, 2004
Camp Jam
The lead guitarist for 38 Special started a summer camp for rich suburbanites in Atlanta.
Where was this when I was a missunderstood tweenager and I got stuck at Camp Miscreant?
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 10:05 PM | TrackBack
July 16th Film Releases
Nothing like sex and drugs to get me clamoring for a movie. Too bad there's no rock and roll. I always crave rock and roll after a hearty serving of sex and drugs.
1) Maria Full of Grace
2) Door in the Floor
3) Seducing Dr. Lewis
I, Robot
I don't really know how long I've been doing these film recommendations, but long enough to begin seeing patterns form. Take this film for instance. I'm not sure who's promoting it, but they've decided to prerelease a lot of clips from the movie over the Internet in anticipation of the feature. This is never a good sign. In movieland we consider this a sign of weakness and desperation, as in "we lack the confidence to promote this film off of strength of story and natural word of mouth, so we hope that by showing you the best scenes beforehand, you'll be tempted to squander your $10 on our failed attempt at fine cinema."
Don't waste your time; you can see most of it on the film's web site anyway.
Cinderella Story
Not recommended for people past the age of puberty. Unless your one of those creepy Hillary Duff fans who are about to be put in prison for downloading child porn. You make me sick.
Door in the Floor
A married couple grows further and further apart after the death of their two sons. The husband, a children's book writer, hires a young man to be his personal assistant and the third party forces the couple to deal with the issues of loss that they had been ignoring.
Sorry I wasn't funny.
Touch of Pink
A Muslim Indian must hide his obvious gayness from his overbearing mother who is determined to find him a wife.
Been there, done that. Great web site though.
Maria Full of Grace
What is a bright young unmarried pregnant girl from Columbia supposed to do with her life when the traditional options seem dismally dead end? Why lead the glamorous life of a drug mule and learn to relax her throat, of course! Oh the places she'll go! The DEA holding cells she'll see!
Seducing Dr. Lewis
A town on the verge of bankruptcy must convince a young doctor to set up his practice there in order to lure a factory to the area and save the community.
Think of it as Northern Exposure, only French-Canadian.
Zhou Yu's Train
A woman is tempted to end her long distance relationship by a man she meets on a train. Like these things ever work out.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 8:48 PM | TrackBack
July 8, 2004
July 9th Film Releases
Will the miracles never cease? Once again a documentary has made it into my top 3, this time it's a long hard look at what's really running this country - corporations. As a yuppie, I have a slight twinge of fear as to the light this film will cast my people in. But, as a citizen who went through years of unemployment and is still feeling the aftershocks of the Enron scandal among others, I can't wait to see a documentary really stick it to corporate America.
1) Anchorman
2) The Corporation
3) I'd rather recommend the home video of my bat mitzva than whatever else is being released this weekend
King Arthur
Let me start by saying, Clive Owen is hot. Now I will continue by stating that the guy who directed The Replacement Killers and Tears of the Sun (both remembered as abominations) also directed this film (and he isn't exactly Gaelic either). I will end by saying, Clive Owen is hot (but you can see him in I'll Sleep When I'm Dead).
Anchorman
Will Farrell plays a San Diego TV news anchorman who is desperately trying to keep television journalism an all boys club while Christina Applegate proves herself as the first female anchor. Sure, it looks stupid, but it also looks funny, and if it's funnier than it is stupid, then it could be a winner.
Sleepover
Sorry boys, these kids don't explore lesbian sex.
Riding Giants
A documentary about the history of surf culture. Dude, I am so not going.
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster
I've seen this and it sucked. After three hours of mind numbing complaining and nagging and fighting, I only saw this band do one cool thing. They immediately made their new bassist a full-fledged member of the band with an equal share of the profits. I think that was on day 3,957 of the documentary.
The Corporation (limited release)
A look at the rise of corporations in recent history and their effect on society. If you thought Michael Moore was mad in Fahrenheit 9/11, wait until you get a load of these guys. Surprisingly enough, you will hear a bunch of high profile CEOs speak very candidly about their tenure as leaders of business as we know it.
If you can find it, go see it. In LA, it's playing at the Nuart in Santa Monica.
PS: Clive Owen is hot.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 8:50 PM | TrackBack
VonFranco & Friends @ Bahooka!
If you've never been to Bahooka Restaurant in Rosemead, this is an excellent opportunity to check out one of Southern California's few remaining Polynesian palaces. Boasting of over 100 fishtanks, the dusty nautical decor harkens back to the ribs & grog steakhouses of the mid-century. Now a bit lackluster, it is still a fun excursion for any retrophile. Last time I hit up Bahooka there was over a two hour wait, so make reservations if you can!
VonFranco & Friends Tiki Farm Show
Saturday, July 10, 2004
7:30-11:30pm
Bahooka Restaurant
4501 N. Rosemead Blvd.
Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 285-1241/285-7514
Free!
Von Franco & Friends Tiki Show
J.R. McNasty Productions presents, “The Von Franco & Friends Tiki Show”, Saturday, July 10th, 2004. The event will be held at the Bahooka Restaurant in Rosemead, California from 7:30pm-11:30pm.
The show will feature Tiki art by Von Franco, carvings by Crazy AL, bamboo creations by Bamboo Ben, and mugs from Tiki Farm. Each artist will be debuting new art and merchandise, including one-of-a-kind pieces, custom items celebrating the event and a special limited edition collaboration from all four artists. Bahooka signature drinks will be available in the events collectable Tiki Farm mug, and just added… a Tiki slide show presentation by Doug Nason.
The Bahooka is one of the few remaining “tiki” restaurants and is the perfect setting for this showcase of artists. No admission charge for the show. Call 626-285-1241 for dinner reservations (reservations highly recommended). Parking is free but limited space is available.
All hail the Tiki!!!!
About the artists:
Von Franco-- Von Franco got started with the influence of Von Dutch and Big Daddy Roth, but took it to a whole other level. He is considered a master of the pinstriping community, an amazing airbrush artist and a pioneer of the Kustom Kulture scene. While living in Hawaii in the early 70’s, he studied the art of Tiki’s and the surf movement, an influence that is obvious in his Tiki paintings and products of today. Both Von Franco and his work have been seen in movies, television, books and countless magazines.
Crazy AL-- A native of the South West, Sculptor Crazy AL Evans got his tiki influence from a variety of sources. Kachina dolls, “Trader Vic’s” in downtown Scottsdale, trips to Hawaii, his father’s Hawaiian shirts, and a Hawaii 5-0 habit all played a large part of his childhood. In 1990, during his education at Art Center Pasadena, AL started carving tiki necklaces for the ‘OC’ surf band “The Swinging Tikis”. The band dubbed him “Crazy AL” for his on-stage and on-bar antics. In 1992, AL established his company “Crazy AL’s Bone Productions” which brings you all of his “Manic Whittling” recreated in affordable resin casts. Since 1997, his very unique and intricately carved large tikis have spread from Hawaii to New York City. Crazy AL also carves tikis live on-stage with his tropical themed band “APE!”
Bamboo Ben-- Bamboo Ben is one of the leading artists of tropical decor and bamboo work in Southern California today. His work echoes the passions of his Grandfather, Eli Hedley, who is known as the "original Beachcomber." Over the past decade, Bamboo Ben has been spotlighted in many print and film media including a feature article in Orange Coast Magazine. He has also generated an impressive clientele. From tiki bars for MGM Studios (Windtalkers' Production) to tropical pleasures for Hollywood producers, rockers, corporate heads to the largest coffee tycoon known to date; Bamboo Ben is always original. No art piece is alike. Located in Huntington Beach, Bamboo Ben creates in his studio weekly. The store door, operated by Mrs. Bamboo, opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday and displays Bamboo Ben's creations ranging from tiki bars to king size beds.
Tiki Farm-- In the Fall of 2000, Holden Westland, took up a lease on a 1,400 square foot industrial building. With about a dozen products in his line-up, he created “Tiki Farm, Inc”, San Clemente CA’s based tiki mug manufacturer. Tiki Farm is now in over 3,000 stores worldwide, has over 100 designs, and resides in a new 5,000+ square foot facility. Tiki Farm has dedicated itself to making the finest tiki mugs available to the public, showcasing new artists, and making future collectables. Honoring traditions of the past, Tiki Farm has created several replicas of historical mugs, all done with the same level of quality and attention to detail as the originals. Tiki Farm mugs can be found in restaurants, theme parks, nightclubs and are in many surf shops as well.
For more information contact J.R. McNasty Productions at: jrmcnastyproductions@yahoo.com
Posted by Lucky at 10:11 AM | TrackBack
July 6, 2004
best and worst hootananny
Tink's best/worst hootananny
Best:
It was nice and cool
more shade
original venue
ice cream truck
getting my very own barflies.net button
seeing the friends that I did get to see
Worst:
Not seeing all my friends who were there
waiting in line to get in
$5 bucks parking
no cell phone reception, hence the reason of not seeing most of my friends, I couldn't call them :(
Actually I had a good time this year. I think it should be at Oak Canyon every year.
Posted by Tinkinator at 6:48 PM | TrackBack
Hootenanny 2004: The Award for the Best Panties
... goes to the Cramps!
Posted by DJWanda at 12:08 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
July 5, 2004
Hootenany 2004 : The Award for the Best Self-Referential T-Shirt...
... goes to Karl Irish:
Notice all the women behind Karl who are transfixed by The Millionaires.
Posted by Ms. Jen at 11:16 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Hootenany 2004 : The Award for the Best Shoes...
.. goes to San Diego's The Millionaires:
Posted by Ms. Jen at 11:09 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
July 2, 2004
Boys Gone Wild
I was browsing cnn.com this morning and came across this headline under top stories Girls, step aside: It's 'Guys Gone Wild' I quickly clicked on it thinking someone caught word of Ms. Jen and her escapades with her camera. Turns out it's a bunch of frat boys not punk rawk boys, but that's okay Jen will take care of covering our beloved boys.
Posted by at 8:22 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
July 1, 2004
July 1st Film Releases
Happy 4th of July everyone! Some people know July 4th as the weekend of our nation's independence from Brittan. Studio executives understand that it is the weekend that will either make or break their biggest feature of the year. Vote with your heart and not with the masses.
1) The Clearing
2) De-Lovely
3) Spiderman 2
Spiderman 2
I will freely admit that during the romantic dénouement of the previous Spiderman film (you know, when MJ declared her love for PP while simultaneously figuring out that PP is SM) I laughed out loud and others joined me. I snickered and I was not alone.
Now there's a new entry and it is being hyped to death. I do not doubt that the fight scenes will be fantastic, but the more down to earth elements, like the love scenes and anything involving human-to-human interaction, will probably be unrealistic, and I will openly snicker once more.
De-Lovely
Cole Porter (played by Kevin Kline) looks back on his life through the songs he wrote. On the plus side, there are performances by Elvis Costello and Diana Krall. On the down side, you have to grind your teeth as Alanis Morrisset and Robbie Williams try to do jazz. What kind of drugs was casting on?
Before Sunset
Can you fit a very long, drawn out relationship into one single day? Ethan Hawk and that piece of Eurotrash give it another shot. But why? Could you imagine that pitch? "I want to film two hours of just two talking in different locations around Paris." Translation: "I would like your production company to fund my vacation."
The Clearing
Robert Redford portrays a captain of industry that has been kidnapped by one of his employees and it’s up to his once cheated upon wife to raise the ransom and set him free. Good cast, good story. It has promise.
America's Heart and Soul
A two-hour documentary on what makes America great. Go us! We're the best! It's a giant affirmation in celluloid. Just what we need.
