La Roux! I sorta get it.

long story short or to sum it up... la roux is kinda weird. the kinda weird that brings different sorts of other weirdos together.

was able to catch her sold out LAX show this eve. ive been hearing about this red head for months now. maybe 6 months ago i gave her a listen, and just did not get it. at all.

but over time the buzz keeps building and i keep hearing more people talk about this young woman.

i had to check her live show out.


thanks to CP & CT i saw what was a john huges 1980s film meets todays nu-pop uk rave scene embodied in one woman on stage. actually, at one point i thought it was ducky on stage dancing for me.

when the first song started and la roux began to shimmy and shake i have to say i kinda laughed. i was like is this a joke? really???? and yet the crowd was so incredibly into it! i thought i had lost my mind, like is there something with all of them or is it me???

by mid way i found myself tapping my toes.

by the end of the short set. i was won over. la roux's geeky persona and awkward stage presence brings some alien to the table. she is definitely a pop star in the making but for this 21st century audience that i feel i am already too old for.

all in all.. she will definitely rise the ranks of popularity. if they crowd was any indication tonight, as they were jumping for joy and screaming out every lyric to every song.

la roux i believe isn't going anywhere. for awhile at least.

Karen O goes 'Wild'

compliments of Spin Mag listen to the entire soundtrack below!


http://spin.com/articles/listen-karen-os-wild-things-soundtrack

excuse me may i have a knork?

move out of the way spork...

i think i want one just so i say "knork" over and over again.



Knork Flatware was formed with hope and vision of creating and producing products to aid in the chaos of today's on-the-go society. Enhance the dining experience by integrating a fork with the functionality of a knife built in.

amazzzzzing.

http://www.knork.net/

this is for DOTTIE!

i know too many people who would consider this... and it kind of frightens me.







Welcome To The Doghouse artist Alexis Trice creates adorable Custom Pet Portraits from your Photos. What better way to immortalize your pet than with an oil painting that will last a lifetime. More than just dog portraits, Alexis will paint any pet you want, in any style you want! Our gallery features commissioned dog portraits and original animal themed oil paintings for sale.

http://www.welcometothedoghouse.net/index.php

who doesn't love pizza? who doesn't LOVE free samples?!

Pizza Fusion Opening Party
Sat, 5-8pm, at 2901 Ocean Park Blvd; Santa Monica; 310.581.2901
To celebrate the opening of their first LA-area location, this eco-friendly 'za mini-chain's offering up mad free samples of their specialty slices (BBQ chicken, sun dried tomato, four cheese, the veggie-laden "Farmers Market," etc) as well as gratis organic beer from Stone Brewing Co. and New Belgium, whose waffles have lasers!


pizzafusion.com

hidden gem of Long Beach, Cali.

ask most long beach residents, "have you taken a ride on the Aqualink?" and they will look at you and say "what is the Aqualink?"

What is that red, yellow and purple boat? It's The AquaLink water taxi from Long Beach Transit. The 68-foot catamaran comfortably ferries up to 75 passengers to the most popular attractions in Long Beach Harbor and on down to Alamitos Bay Landing. Fare is just $5

it's a pretty sweet ride. its good for a planned date or a spontaneous adventure with friends. there are 3 pick up/drop off points to choose from. Alamitos Bay, the Queen Mary, and the Long Beach Aquarium. my suggestion... pick it up at Alamitos Bay, enjoy a cocktail or beer of your choice (if you partake in such activities) and get off at the Aquarium stop. have dinner, enjoy yourself and for free you can ride the passport bus back to your car in Alamitos Bay. i have been told that later on in the evening (especially in winter) the Aqualink does not always keep to schedule and occasionally cancels some of their departing times, really the only thing to be aware of.


enjoy this hidden gem!

http://www.lbtransit.com/Services/Aqualink.aspx

SHAG is my new favorite, & I <3 Swapmeets.

how was i not aware of him before? or maybe i was, but didn't know it?! regardless... I'M IN LOVE!









Collectors and connoisseurs of Shag will have a chance purchase a cache of art, merchandise and ephemera spanning his entire career at the first ever Shag Swapmeet. Several important original works will be available for sale ranging from the bamboo-framed "The Perils of Trying Too Hard," from 1998 to his signature triptych, "Departure Idlewild, Stopover Borneo, Arrival Ape City." Numerous long out-of-print serigraphs, many dating pre-2004 will also be available for sale alongside a limited number of poly-bagged "Paintings by Shag" from the 2006 "Conspicuous Consumption" exhibition. The Shag Swapmeet will also feature signed casino chips, shot glasses, a very limited edition charm bracelet, bar stools, tiki decanters, mugs, toys, exclusive Disneyland Tiki Room purses, signed prints, discounted books, "Shag With a Twist" merchandise and ephemera and much more Shag Swag.

The swap meet opens at Noon on Saturday, September 12th, and you can leave with your purchases!

Shag Swapmeet

September 12, 2009 ~ noon 'til six

view more items for sale here:
http://www.laluzdejesus.com/shows/currentshow/Shag-Swapmeet/Shag-Swapmeet_prints.htm

if i had enjoyed childrens books growing up..

i would have this in my house.




ps. thanks rook for the posting of this blog site. if you like looking into other people's homes for decor advice i recommend it


http://sweethomestyle.tumblr.com/

holy poop!! POLADROID!

for all of the old skool loving people out there who cry at night knowing polaroid film is just about to be extinct... fear not! we now have digital polaroid photos!!! check out Poladroid project...

they allow you to download (for free, yes legally) a program that these guys have made specially just for us. this program is super easy and allows you to transform any regular digital photo into the famous polaroid format!

its as easy as a drag and drop! the cool part is when you open the program its a picture of a polaroid camera.. you drag the photo you want redone into the camera icon and literally your new photo pops out! not only this... but it comes out in that sepia tone we all loved sitting around waiting to turn into your finish product! it literally takes a few minutes for your "film" to develop!


before:


after:




!!!! oh its the little things in life.

http://poladroid.net/index.php

Bryan Cunningham

Bryan Cunningham

"Wander Lost"

September 4 - 27, 2009


The inspiration for Bryan Cunningham’s “Wander Lost” was born in a road trip across the continental United States. Early in the journey, Cunningham observed that the stopping points along the American highway had become gentrified with megastores and chain restaurants. Each exit mirrored the last, instilling an omnipresent sense of Deja Vu. Cunningham decided to switch courses and explored the forgotten routes that the highways had replaced. Here he found the mom & pop diners, picturesque motels and backyard shrines (to anonymous deities) that gave an indigenous face back to the road. The vision, knuckles and know-how that went into each of these oft-abandoned roadside attractions carries the haunting stain of its creator -producing a duality of being both inanimate and living at the same time.
Bryan Cunningham is a self-taught impressionist born in Detroit and raised in the back woods of southeast Michigan. His art has received both National Merit and Congressional recognition.

http://www.laluzdejesus.com/shows/currentshow/Cunningham/Cunningham2009.htm

Bat for Lashes

rarely do two superb albums, dark as they may be, translate into something so powerful and in certain aspects uplifting.

Bat for Lashes surpassed any and all expectations I may have harbored for her live performance. a must see for all fans of dark angelic voices.

LA LUZ de JESUS GALLERY and CENTURY GUILD present

Voluptuaries & Vivisections:
A Celebration of Depravity

Guest Curator: Thomas Negovan

August 14 - 30
Opens Friday, August 14, 2009
8 - 11 PM

These are images that burned themselves into the minds and hearts of unwitting late 19th/early 20th century citizens, inciting unparalleled controversy all over Europe and beyond... and promise those same reactions in those who cross paths with them today. Decadence, dandyism, sex, and murder: more than mere posters, these are windows into the darkest corners of human compulsion.

In an event curated by Thomas Negovan and Century Guild, a Chicago gallery known for museum quality Art Nouveau and Symbolist Art, La Luz de Jesus invites you to be a part of an unprecedented event that explores the taboos that have titillated and tormented since the turn of the century. Masterpieces of lithographed poster art from 1880-1940 illustrating subjects ranging from seminal S&M literature to STD warnings to serial killers will be shown, all of which shall be sure to incite reactions of lust, terror, anger, nausea, and inspiration.
NOT TO BE MISSED!





http://www.laluzdejesus.com/shows/currentshow/Voluptuaries/Voluptuaries.htm

holy crap!

if you want to freak people out beyond belief, and quite possibly lose some friends, for your next party order one of these!!

puppets made of your likeness!





http://puppetartists.com/PortraitPuppets/tabid/447/Default.aspx

i <333 bagels.

http://www.wikihow.com/Serve-a-Bagel-Breakfast

8 different ways to serve your bagel!!! yummmmy!!!

sometimes you just need to dance

lately the shows i have been attending, all great, have been more melodic... sway back and forth type of music.


sunday night it was rather a treat to be attending a good old fashioned dance show.


it rekindled my love for dance bands. not dj's spinning music they could never imagine creating on their own. but good old fashioned percussion instruments galore and horns... OH, THE HORNS!!

if you are unfamiliar with friendly fires. get familiar.

Call of the Wild - SF

interesting show going on in SF right now... not sure how this piece relates but i dig it.



Gideon Boomer
This is where they put Lakers after basketball season.
watercolor on paper
16 x 12 inches
21 1/4 x 17 1/4 inches framed
$388.00


view more from the show here
http://g1988callofthewild.blogspot.com/

Morbid? or Good to Know?

costco is in the funeral business. i went on their website tonight to look something up and noticed a tab that read "Funeral."

Intrigued i clicked on it and found that they not only offer human caskets but animal urns as well.


kinda creepy

i found the above photo with this description:

{Display your favorite photo of your cat or dog in this cherry finished urn and memory box. Opening holds a 5-1/4" x 7-3/8" photo of your pet.

An elegant crushed velvet tray on the top stores those significant mementos including items such as, their collar, tags and special photos. Keep them safe in this elegant display and keep their memory alive. Top stays closed with a strong magnet closure.}


weeeeeird.

Burger & Babes? really? hasn't this been done?

i'm curious... i'll try it.

i'm not gonna lie. i like burgers.

SAKE FESTIVAL?! say whhhhaaaat?

siiiiiick.

will someone "loan" me $50 bucks?!!!

http://www.examiner.com/x-5200-LA-Cocktails-Examiner~y2009m8d14-Los-Angeles-Sake-Festival

Intimately Wilde.

I was able to catch a preview performance last night of Intimately Wilde written & directed by Long Beach, Cali native Terra Taylor Knudson. Having to admit before coming into this performance I was only aware of Mr. Wilde, knowing the simple basics of this man. Fortunately this did not hinder my enjoyment of the 2 hr play. Intimately Wilde is running for one month @ The Lyric Theatre in Los Angeles/Hancock Park area. Before or after you should skip across the street for some PINKS hot dogs (or veggie dog!) mmmmmm.

Intimately Wilde is an original look at the trials of love and the triumph of the human spirit under extreme public scrutiny. Oscar Wilde, famed poet and playwright, is the central figure in a turbulent love affair with the young and rebellious aristocrat Lord Alfred "Bosie" Douglas, and as a result is thrown into the center of three highly publicized trials during the height of the Victorian era in London.

In the final hours of his imprisonment for gross indecency, this play follows Wilde as he examines the choices he made for love, the destruction of his fragile egg-shell world, and the reality of what one will do when he becomes a "slave to love".

But Intimately Wilde is not a story of punishment or regret. Rather, it celebrates the force of Wilde's spirit and his determination to remain true to himself, his art, and the two people he cherishes above all else: his wife and his lover.

Location:
Lyric Theatre
520 North La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Box Office/Info:
(323) 939-9220

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays @ 8pm
Sundays @ 2pm

Aug 13 - Sept 13, 2009

Music Boxes for the Mini Cinema

is the current exhibit at the Billy Shire gallery



unfortunately this piece is sold. otherwise i definitely would have purchased it. i mean come on it was only selling for $5,400. that is chump change. chump i say.



http://billyshirefinearts.com/

MONSTERS OF POP

current exhibition @ gallery 1988 on melrose in LALA land.

my favorite?



titled "When Yoko Ate Ringo"

yesssss.



http://www.nineteeneightyeight.com/entry/home.html

this would be perfect for the hollywood bowl.

doesn't get much better; chair, cooler, utensil set and a radio on your ass.

http://www.picnic-basket.com/Cooladio-Chair-Cooler-Radio-Combo-Picnic-Plus-ID-PSR-151_p_33-1948.html

rub a dub dub

who wouldn't want to wash themselves with vegan cupcake(soap bars)?!! who?! WHO I TELL YOU WHO?!!!


http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5111675

when you're bored at work.

really no rhyme or reason for this. a website all about animals with casts? ok.

http://animalswithcasts.com/

Bugg Out!

"Scratch DJ Coffee Table" photo transfer on knotty pine clear pine construction, brushed aluminum legs poly-resin coating approx. 44" X 21" X 12" $895.00USD Email for purchase and shipping.!!!

http://www.bughouse.com/index.cfm?pID=66&n=1&p=2&all=1
Located in Eagle Rock.

more fine art in long beach.

Long Beach, CA, August 3, 2009 - DDR Projects welcomes twelve emerging American contemporary artists to the gallery for the group exhibit entitled "Fragments". Co-curated by Damion Silver, the exhibit will showcase some of our country's brightest and most creative artists that have yet to be tapped. Please join us for an evening of exciting art.

Fragments; to break or separate, or to reduce or become reduced to pieces or components. Residual matter? The exhibit can go either way depending on the individual viewer and how they ultimately define our newest exhibit and the body of work. Like aesthetic archaeologists, these twelve artists dig beneath the surface of their engaging and visually complex works to expose their emotional and thematic foundations. The modern world with all its beauty and grotesque seen threw the eyes of twelve American artists.


3403 East Broadway (at Redondo)
Long Beach, California 90803

562.434.8480

www.ddrprojects.com

Tuesday-Friday :: 3-9pm
Saturday :: 12-6pm
Closed Sunday-Monday

i'm ready for my close up.

EOE's an award-winning, mixed media UCLA art student who's home for the summer, sick of working construction, and ready to earn some extra scratch by painting affordable portraits of you, your girl, your dog, or whoever else in his raw, contemporary street art steez that'll be well out of your price range once Andy Warhol starts hitting on him. How it works: EOE paints from snapshots, so simply email him your high quality pic and he'll go to work; though you're free to include specifics re: sizing (30x30" is standard but he'll work in other dimensions), colors, and materials, your best bet's to let the man do his thing unfettered

portraits start @$150

link up here for more examples of his work:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33168034@N05/sets/72157621956387646/

or email him:

eelliott035@gmail.com

SF mayor is coming to town.

(is this the next leader of california? i kind of hope so. what? the current leader is so much better?!)

Love him or Leave him Gavin Newsom is coming to the LBC.

Share you views or just listen to the man speak:

What: Long Beach Conversation about California’s Future with Gavin Newsom

Where:Cesar Chavez Elementary School
730 W 3rd St
Long Beach, CA

When:Monday, August 10 at 6:00 pm

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106366319524&ref=nf

This Is Not Ikea. Duh.

TINI is the just-opened storefront for This Is Not Ikea, a formerly online-only business specializing in re-selling the best/coolest/most obscure stuff from hundreds of SoCal yard, garage, and estate sales at economical prices

places like this are dannnnngerrrous territory.




i want this please.

http://www.thisisnotikea.com/wordpress/

Crazy 4 Cult 3D

showing until aug. 8 (hurry and go see it!) this amazing exhibit re-imagines all your favorite cult classics!

you can check out all the pieces here (http://www.1988crazy4cult3.blogspot.com/) but we all know you gotta see it in person to really appreciate the work.

http://www.crazy4cult.com/