« August 2004 | Main | October 2004 »
September 30, 2004
October 1st Film Releases
Just when thought Paul Thomas Anderson, Spike Jones, Charlie Kauffman cornered the market on deranged comedy, David O. Russell throws his hat in the ring. One day, I'm sure, this will get completely played out.
1) I Heart Huckabees
2) Dig!
3) Woman Thou Art Loosed
(Shark Tale finishing a close fourth)
I Heart Huckabees
A young corporate drone or environmental activist (I've found conflicting reports on this) is at a crossroads and decides to enlist a pair of existential detectives to examine his life and tell him how he can make it spiritually better. The story also involves a yuppie, a spokes model, a fireman, a valet, and a Wal-Mart/Target-like super store.
In it's most essential form, it is simply over-your-head comedy. If you have a taste for the bizarre (like me) you may in fact enjoy this.
Ladder 49
A fireman about to die in a towering inferno takes the time to reflect on his life and the events that lead up to that moment. Most people would be too busy craping their pants for any kind of introspection, but whatever.
I'll take a wild guess and say his fellow firemen save him and he lives happily ever after. There, now you don't have to waste your $10 seeing it.
Shark Tale
The son of a shark mafia don is a determined pacifist and there fore enlists a fish who likes to take short cuts to help him fake his own death and bring the fish some ill-earned glory.
Good cast. Cliché story.
Going Up River: The Long War of John Kerry
A documentary about John Kerry's service during the war, his public denouncement of the Vietnam War after his tour of duty, and his career as a prosecutor and politician.
I'm guessing all those people who think Bush is a man of courage and conviction will not be seeing this movie, for fear of being faced with the real thing.
Woman Thou Art Loosed
A young woman battles poverty and drug addiction only to go nuts and start shooting randomly into a church audience. Is that considered a step up?
Dig!
In the war of "Indier Than Thou" there are no fiercer rivals than the Dandy Warhols and the Brian Jamestown Massacre. Watch this documentary as they battle for the title of "Most Avant-Garde."
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 7:09 PM | TrackBack
September 28, 2004
West Coast Wreckers Ball 2
i'll see you there........ MUHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Posted by xx - aprilfalling - xx at 6:00 PM | TrackBack
Best Merch...
Photo by Ms. Jen
The Stockings, LA/OC's newest and bestest all girl punk band, win the contest for the best Merch to date .... Cupcakes!
Go check out Melissa and all the ladies, rock out, and buy Chocolate cake cupcakes with pink frosting made by Melissa and the girls. Hot guitars, great mini-skirts, good songs, and cupcakes! What more can you ask for?
Posted by Ms. Jen at 12:35 AM | TrackBack
Hot Legs!
Photo by Ms. Jen
Russell (in the middle of the photo), singer/rhythm guitarist, from The Millionaires wins any and all contests for the best Legs, male or female, in all of Rock'n'Roll! Hot Damn, he's a man's man at that!
'Ole Rod summed it best...
You got legs right up to your neck
You're making me a physical wreck
I'm talking to you
Hot legs, in your satin shoes
Hot legs, are you still in school
Hot legs, you're making me a fool
I love you honey
Posted by Ms. Jen at 12:25 AM | TrackBack
September 23, 2004
September 25th Film Releases
Since I never want to date again after reading Lucky's post, I'll be going to the movies this weekend and replacing the sensation of an orgasm with chocolate. Do you think I can talk the clerk into replacing the popcorn in an extra large tub with M&Ms?
1) Shaun of the Dead
2) The Motorcycle Diaries
3) The Forgotten
The Forgotten
This is just pain freaky. Parents loose their children and are then told that their offspring had never existed. All evidence of these kids ever being around disappears. Very Big Brother turns kidnapper. Julianne Moore stars and I think she's fantastic, so this could be worthwhile.
Shaun of the Dean
A British slacker and his friends go out drinking at the pub and sober up in a world full of Zombies. Screw the world, save yourselves!
I have been waiting for the movie to come out for over a month. It's about time someone parodied the zombie movies and thank god it's a Brit! Think splatter comedy. Think Monty Python's the Garden Party. Laughter doesn't get much bloodier.
First Daughter
I'm not even going to bother. Go watch something on the WB instead. Too bad, Marc Blucas is hot. Maybe one day he'll find a role worthy of my $10.
A Dirty Shame
Tracy Ullman plays a sexually repressed housewife who gets hit on the head and becomes the sluttiest woman in town. It may not be Divine eating dog crap, but it is a John Waters movie.
The Last Shot
An FBI agent recruits an unwitting director to make a fake movie as a sting operation to bust the local mob boss. I heard the true version of the story on This American Life and found it hysterical, but I hear it didn't translate well onto film. Too bad.
Lesson to be learned - Don't hire movie people to make fun of movie people. They aren't all that into self-depreciating humor.
Motorcycle Diaries
The young man who will later be known as communist revolutionary Che Guevara goes on a motorcycle journey all over South America and has experiences that will shape him into the man he will become.
See the movie, get the t-shirt.
The Yes Men
Who knew global activism could be so funny or so boring? Rent it on DVD so that you can fast forward through all the talking and get straight to the pranks.
Infernal Affairs
Two crooked cops are assigned the task of looking for the traitor among them.
I'll wait for Scorsese to make his version in English and lament about how I should have seen it in Japanese. That way I appear to be an intellectual movie snob without having to read subtitles. Clever me.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 8:23 PM | TrackBack
Dating Pet Peeves
(Because I'm killing time at work...heh heh)
Booty Calls - If I have not talked to you in 2 months, do not call me up at 2am drunk and horny, I will laugh my ass off at you.
Cajones (balls) - If you have had a crush on me forever but can't seem to make a move, get some fucking balls & do something about it, I am sick and tired of your friends telling me about it over & over again. Confidence is the greatest aphrodisiac.
Non-Committal - He/she asks to hang out with you, but then can't seem to find a time to agree on, says "we'll see" (most likely because he/she wants to keep their options open). Puh-lease, like I'll be waiting for that call.
The "Homer" - He/she does something wrong/bad/inconsiderate/whatever, then gets mad at you for getting mad at them.
Wasted Slobering - Will only work if I am also slobbering drunk. Pull yourself out of that drunken haze long enough to assess my sobriety first.
Cling-Wrap - I have a life of my own, you need one too. My sun does not rise and fall every time you take a shit.
I Was That Way When Ya Met Me - If you didn't like my _______ (fill in the blank here, some good examples are: hair, wardrobe, shape of my ass, taste in music, hobbies) then why the hell did you go out with me in the 1st place? Please don't ask me to change it now.
Clueless - If we used to date/have sex/talk a lot/whatever, and I keep turning you down for it now, then it's OVER... don't make me have to spell it out for you, it will be unpleasant for the both of us.
Bad Habits and/or Dirty Little Secrets - Don't bother lying about them, you will only get busted in the end. Better just to take your chances and fess up.
Insult Compliments - If it can in any way be misconstrued as an insult, keep that comment to yourself. Some of my personal faves: "Wow, you're actually pretty smart" or "You're really hot for a girl your size" .
Get With The Times (this mostly applies to girls) - Just because I had sex with you doesn't necessarily mean that I want to be your girlfriend, so don't freak out and assume that I'll want a "relationship". I may not call you the next day, or ever for that matter.
Broken Promises - Don't make promises if you think there's even the slightest possibility that you might break them or change your mind, or if you have a history of doing things like that in the past. Better to not promise anything at all, even if it's just something small or stupid.
Three (or More) Is A Crowd - If we are supposed to go on a date, and I show up to find that 3 or 4 of your friends are going to tag along for the ride, then it is no longer a date, but a group activity, which would have been fine if we had discussed it in the first place (because then I wouldn't have spent so much time getting done up).
I am Not Your Mommy/Daddy - somehow you managed to make your own food, pay your own rent, do your own laundry, schedule your own dentist appointments, wipe your own ass, etc. before you met me. Do not expect that I am going to do it for you now. If I wanted children, I'd go have some.
Pity Lay - Don't ask. I do not take pity on any of your gross friends.
Posted by Lucky at 3:18 PM | TrackBack
September 19, 2004
Heidi's Night of Beauty at the Echo - September 19, 2004
Heidi’s Night of Beauty Yard Sale-BRAT Fashion Show with THE SUPERSUCKERS!!!
Sunday, Sept 19 at 3pm
BBQ/Beauty/Bar/Bands/BRAT Fashion Show
Place: The Echo: 1822 Sunset Blvd between Alvarado & Echo Park Blvd
*There’s tons of free parking! Street parking, as well as a massive free lot: head east on Sunset past The Echo, & turn right on the first street, which is Lemoyne. You will see the lot on your left.
What really happens at HNOB?:
*Try out & buy some of your fave beauty brands super-discounted: Urban Decay, Benefit, Tony & Tina, Nars, Air Craft, & Mark, to name a few
* Buy the latest from Chimni, Monkey Cymbal Marching Band, mas.con, Impale, Defile, & Glamorous Rockstar Fashion Design, DJ Rabiola as well as Kimi Ray’s one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry.
* Spruce up for a good cause: Manicures, Massage, Eyebrows, & Updo’s minus the salon ‘tude
*See into your beauty future with 15 minute readings by Christina Cooper
*% of all proceeds to benefit Angel Pals, the Los Angeles Entertainment Auxiliary of Childhelp USA
Heidi’s Night of Beauty ManifestoHeidi’s Night of Beauty was launched two years ago as a multi-media ALTERNATIVE to the fear-mongering & harsh judgments of conventional beauty zeitgeist. At HNOB, you can make out, make a deal, make a friend, make art, make noise, & make peace with your perceived flaws. Self-improvement & self-destruction taste much better with a soundtrack & a cocktail shared with comrades, new & old. Both are welcome at HNOB
Posted by DJWanda at 12:19 AM | TrackBack
Heidi's Night of Beauty at the Echo - September 19, 2004
Heidi’s Night of Beauty Yard Sale-BRAT Fashion Show with THE SUPERSUCKERS!!!
Sunday, Sept 19 at 3pm
BBQ/Beauty/Bar/Bands/BRAT Fashion Show
Place: The Echo: 1822 Sunset Blvd between Alvarado & Echo Park Blvd
*There’s tons of free parking! Street parking, as well as a massive free lot: head east on Sunset past The Echo, & turn right on the first street, which is Lemoyne. You will see the lot on your left.
What really happens at HNOB?:
*Try out & buy some of your fave beauty brands super-discounted: Urban Decay, Benefit, Tony & Tina, Nars, Air Craft, & Mark, to name a few
* Buy the latest from Chimni, Monkey Cymbal Marching Band, mas.con, Impale, Defile, & Glamorous Rockstar Fashion Design, DJ Rabiola as well as Kimi Ray’s one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry.
* Spruce up for a good cause: Manicures, Massage, Eyebrows, & Updo’s minus the salon ‘tude
*See into your beauty future with 15 minute readings by Christina Cooper
*% of all proceeds to benefit Angel Pals, the Los Angeles Entertainment Auxiliary of Childhelp USA
Heidi’s Night of Beauty ManifestoHeidi’s Night of Beauty was launched two years ago as a multi-media ALTERNATIVE to the fear-mongering & harsh judgments of conventional beauty zeitgeist. At HNOB, you can make out, make a deal, make a friend, make art, make noise, & make peace with your perceived flaws. Self-improvement & self-destruction taste much better with a soundtrack & a cocktail shared with comrades, new & old. Both are welcome at HNOB
Posted by DJWanda at 12:19 AM | TrackBack
September 18, 2004
"Interpol Space"
Last night at Subliminal Projects on Wilshire, there was a promotion event announcing the upcoming release of Interpol's album, Antics. The release date is set for September 28, 2004. Shepard Fairy (Obey / Giant) did the posters and prints for the event. There were also ten short films commissioned by the band.
I thought the event was an interesting way to promote the new album. The art was really well done. The films were a little too abstract for my taste. The DJ was pretty good but I wish the floor space had been used as an actual dance floor. Hey, at least the reception had free drinks and the cutest little water bottles and mints.
If you get a chance, go check out the art. It will be up until October 1st.
Posted by ashleykiana at 6:39 PM | TrackBack
September 16, 2004
Derby Dolls : Hellraiser II
The L.A. Derby Dolls roller derby gals are having a big fundraiser and party this Saturday (9/18/04) at their new digs in Chinatown.
WHAT: Hellraiser II, a carnival-themed fundraiser including: Dunk-a-Doll, Pie Eating Contest, Velcro Wall, Sumo Suit Wrestling, fun games, AMAZING prizes, DJs, and much, much more...
WHO: 21 and over ONLY!
WHEN: Saturday, September 18th
Doors open at 8 pm
WHERE: The Dollhouse
1460 Naud Street in Los Angeles
HOW MUCH: $10 before 10 pm
$15 after 10 pm (cash only)**
VIP: $25 VIP ticket includes admission to L.A. Derby Dolls roller derby match on the rooftop (10 - 11 pm), panoramic views and private bar
MUSICAL GUESTS: Los Mysterioso (at approx. 11 pm)
**please bring cash with you as there are no ATM machines
Alex's Bar is catering the event so make sure you say hey to Alex, Stacey, and Jenny. Alex's band Los Mysteriosos are playing, and I do believe the Ms. Fits and the Bolides will also be playing but I don't have a confirmation on this. I unfortunately will be holding down the fort in Long Beach.
Posted by Ms. Jen at 2:14 PM | TrackBack
Marky Ramone on Johnny Ramone
Here is a statement/quote sent out by Marky Ramone's publicist today:
"Johnny Ramone was my bandmate and brother for over 15 years. The bond between band members was closer than any others in the Ramones’ organization. John kept things in control when they could have spun out of control very easily. I'll never forget the day he asked me to join the Ramones in 1978. I always admired his guitar playing. He was the originator of the down stroke 8th note guitar style, which is very difficult to do for hours on end like he did playing in the Ramones. Four months ago, I knew about the serious nature of his illness, but for a while, he had a turn for the better. This comes as a shock, but it was inevitable because of the severity of his condition which worsened more recently. We were lucky enough to talk and hang out a few months ago when he was strong enough to do the commentary track on the DVD "Ramones Raw", which was his last professional contribution to the Ramones. I spoke to him most recently when I was in LA for the 30th Anniversary concert that we put together for Ramones fans. Based on our last conversation, I felt this moment was coming. I'm sorry to see him go--like this. I hope the fans take the news as best they can. His legacy will live on in every band that has, is and always will be trying to duplicate the Ramones sound. It's a sad day for Ramones fans and a sad day for rock and roll." --Marky Ramone
R.I.P. Johnny
Posted by Ms. Jen at 2:09 PM | TrackBack
September 15, 2004
Johnny Ramone passed away at 55
One of the founding members of the Ramones, Johnny Ramone, passed away today 09-15-04
I happend to listen to Indie 103 one night, during Joe Sib's set, and Johnny Ramone called to talk about the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Ramones show at the Avalon, which was this past Sunday.
I thought he didn't sound very good. I knew he was battling cancer but he just did not sound well.
I think he hung on to be apart and witness the 30th anniversary. Funny how life works that way.
I enjoyed when he was on Jonesy's show in the afternoon and how both, more Johnny then Jonesy, would tell their stories when punk rock was real. Very interesting and funny stories. I hope but I'm sure they taped those stories. A book would be great. The Ramones were and still are great.
Posted by Tinkinator at 10:07 PM | TrackBack
September 14, 2004
September = The Scotch Greens
If you haven't already gotten out to see The Scotch Greens, do so. The San Diego band has created a new musical hybrid by marrying punk with bluegrass. Think of the Pogues on speed... Not to be missed.
The band has a Tuesday night residency at Molly Malone's in mid-town Hollywood this month and will be at Alex's Bar with the Irish Brothers on Thurs. 11/30.
Posted by Ms. Jen at 4:42 PM | TrackBack
September 9, 2004
September 10th Film Releases
Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? No kids, we're still not at Oscar season. This week's releases make that fact painfully obvious.
Damn you studio system! Damn you to hell!!!
1) Criminal
2) Paper Clips
3) Screw it. Stay home and jerk off.
I am not going to accept the probable excuse of "it's September 11th, we're trying to be sensitive to a distraught and mourning nation." Since when was Hollywood ever sensitive? Since when did potential profit not replace conscience? I am terribly disappointed.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Skinny Mini must save Raccoon City from a virus that turns people into zombies.
Is it just me, or does this little bit of casting featuring a stick figure/super model as a zombie-killing machine seem a little bit far-fetched. If I were in the driver's seat on this movie, you’d be seeing a hard-core butch lesbian or Vin Diesel in drag in the role of Alice before Milla Jovovov-whatever even had a chance to audition.
Now that, I would pay $10 to see.
Criminal
A con artist and his protégé attempt to pull of the score of a lifetime, but not before blowing it all to hell. Good cast, but it's a first attempt at the helm for Steven Soderbergh's assistant director. Hmmm. Looks like a gamble to me.
Cellular
A woman being held hostage MacGyver’s a smashed telephone and randomly connects to some guy on his cell phone. Lucky for her, he just happens to be a Good Samaritan who doesn't mind risking his life for someone he doesn't even know.
What are the odds that this guy is that stupid?
Reconstruction
A young man has a love affair with a married woman. He's in love. How sweet. He wakes up to find his entire life is gone. His apartment isn't his. His friends have no idea who he is. Job gone. Adulteress doesn’t even recognize him. Where most people would turn themselves into the local mental ward, this little Frenchman decides he needs to get his girlfriend back and does whatever it takes to feel her love again. Ah, Amore!
Paper Clips
A class of Southeastern middle school students collects 6 million paper clips from 6 million people to represent all the Jews who died in the Holocaust.
I'll admit it. I cried like a baby during the trailer. We survived, therefore we are Jewish.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 7:39 PM | TrackBack
September 2, 2004
September 3rd Film Releases
Okay, so I missed a week (maybe two I've lost track)(What am I? A machine!? Go pick on someone who doesn't have a life. Oh wait. That's me.). That's no excuse for the studios to release a week of pure trash. I did not deserve this.
In retaliation, I will recommend previous weeks releases that would have made my top three list had I been slightly less lazy. Procrastination and I are familiar friends.
1) Hero
2) Vanity Fair
3) Suspect Zero
Vanity Fair
Reese Witherspoon plays a poor Londoner in 19th century(?) England, trying to climb her way up high society's steep ladder. I like Reese, and I like themes involving women who kick ass. This could be worthwhile.
The Cookout
I'd rather choke on an Adkins diet than see this bowel movement about a basketball star that tries to keep it real by throwing a block party.
Paparazzi
A rising star is hounded by the evil shutterbugs until his family is killed in an accident al a Princess Di, then he gets his vengeance on.
Wicker Park
I'm still having trouble figuring out the plot of this movie out. Its a little bit Single White Female with some other stuff thrown in for good measure. The synopsis and trailers throw around the word "obsession" a lot. This could be good.
Then again, Josh Hartnett and Mathew Lillard are at the helm. This could suck.
Warriors of Heaven and Earth
Another sub-par kung fu movie. You're better off seeing Hero, which is stunning.
Posted by xx - Ms. Lauren - xx at 8:25 PM | TrackBack
September 1, 2004
Do You Want Fries with That?
This article came to me via Ray E. Jiminez, Ph.D., and his e-newsletter. (Click here for an enhanced view of this newsletter). In it, he purports that "The iPod had become an icon, a status symbol, an important part of one's life. It is an extension of their personality" (sic) and supports Duke University's decision "to distribute iPods to its incoming freshmen as part of an experiment to motivate both faculty and students to think creatively about using technology in education and campus life. The iPods will be pre-loaded with related content as information on orientation and the academic calendar. Students will also be able to download faculty-provided content."
(Click here for the Duke article)
According to Jiminzez, "The gospel of Duke University and Steve Jobs accomplishes three things:
1. It makes it easy for technology to be friendly, cool and hip
2. It will be ubiquitous, becoming a part of our everyday landscape
3. It will make the learning tool portable, self-paced and easy to use"
Now, stop me if I'm wrong, but every time academia or the mainstream co-opts something that is supposed to be "friendly, cool, and hip" don't they create a backlash that renders things extremely UNhip?
Upon closer reading, Jiminez is trying to sell you a seat in his e-learning seminar on blended learning so you can master the technology needed to dazzle your students with Flash (more "edutainment"). Jobs has sold Duke on the iPod. Now Duke is trying to sell you an iPod with your diploma. Want fries with that?
