snoopy's brother is the best......

things worthy of mention

i drove past l.a. tiger again last night...intentionally

successfully finished my first semester of graduate school

became OBSESSED with mystery

finally watched juno

went to see milk at the arclight

read neil labute's play, "fat pig"

began reading "a wild sheep chase"

am going to upgrade my phone next week when i go home

anime can even make "taking a dump" a charming activity.....

LA TIGER

Wow. I think I died and awoke to some strange purgatory on the NE corner of LaBrea and Venice. The name of purgatory: LA TIGER. Not quite a bad place to be, but I hesitate to call it good. Some odd, awkward yet interesting middle ground.

Like the name implies, LA TIGER sells just that. Giant, stuffed tigers. Not quite as sophisticated as a taxidermy tiger, but a bit more refined than your average plush toy. It is a make shift store, mobile even. Similar to a taco truck. But the merchandise is so elegantly displayed...illuminated by the numerous headlights, street lamps and the changing colors of the stoplight overhead. I really wanted to get one. Horribly. If anyone wants to surprise me, I would welcome one into my home.........

does he enroll girls in his seminar?

man. how am i the last to hear about shit like this? and they were in az?!? i suppose i was never a big proponent of e4 anyway.

The Party.

So, last night when I came home, I was overwhelmed by the amazing spectacle otherwise known as Of Montreal. I blogged about it. Right below. You can read about if you so desire. What I DID NOT blog about was the nutty party that I went to after the fact. Not that I didn't want to....on the contrary: I needed a bit more time to process the night so that I could do this party justice on Modern Day Bullfight. So, let me begin....

Act 1: (Strolling up Argyle, foggy, noisy, excited patrons chatting about the show)

Allison: OMG OMG! That was SOOOOO amazing.
(bumping into strangers on the street)
Nicki: It was pretty good, dude.
Monica: I would have paid 35 dollars for that!
Allison: Oh Shit! I missed a call from Kathy! (dials her number and is informed of a party with free food and lots of beer)

So, yes, you get it. We were stoked. Unfortunately, since the show ended so late (12:45 AM), Monica decided to head home which meant just Nicki and I went to brave the streets of Eagle Rock. We bid our farewells and the two of us jumped into the car and headed out.

Act 2: (arrival. dark, winding streets with no light. even less parking)
Allison: Ummm, are we supposed to go up there? (points to pitch black steep incline)
Nicki: Whoa. (lights cigarette)

So the two of us head up the hill and then hear the noise that is the party. We saunter down a little path and immediately see Kathy. And lots of people. In festive attire. Big fur jackets, sultan clothing, Russian hats, 6 inch boots etc. Kathy proceeds to tell us that the party is part Burning Man, part regular folk and part Cult. Apt description although I must say that there was definitely a Ren Fair twist to it too. We are greeted by many colorful people, showered with drinks and led into the house in which there was a feast set up. Oh, and like 5,000 little Italian pastries in a box in the kitchen. Yes, totally delicious. I guess I can just rattle off other things that were there: a hot tub full of nude adults with a "clothing optional" sign, a professional photo set up with a remote control in which you could take "photobooth" pictures of your self (TOTALLY KILLER...although there are now some odd pix of me floating around on flicker), shamanistic drum circles, a goth dance party inside, more beer and liquor than humanly possible, more food and the ULTIMATE highlight: turkey legs. Yes. Ren fair style turkey legs appeared magically around 2:30 AM in a big renolyds foil pan...you know, the kind that you cook a holiday feast in. So the presentation of this meat led to throngs of people walking around in the fog and cold at 3:00 AM with a leg of meat. It was pretty fantastic. more than made up for a weird couple of days.

nb: get on the emailing list for more of these parties

*fin*

My Love Affair with Of Montreal

Wow. Shit. I don't even know where to begin. I can tell you where I am going to end and that is at the AMAZING show tonight at the Palladium. So, yes.....as suggested by the title of the entry, I went to see my favorites. I think I jumped on the Of Montreal bandwagon around 2005. They have been a staple in my music rotation since. They even uplifted my spirits on Valentine's Day 2006 when then current boyfriend was on a moral high horse about "not celebrating" v-day. That is another story altogether, but well, O.M. improved what was a pretty shitty day. Needless to say, I have an affinity with the band.

When I heard that the band was coming through L.A., I was stoked. I was a bit nervous though because I have had the luxury of seeing them twice in Tucson at the Rialto. Awesome venue, small, charming, the polar opposite of a venue here. I knew the Hollywood show was going to be packed. My hunch was confirmed when I saw the throngs of fans strolling down Sunset. We settled ourselves in the line and made our way inside. Once in, we settled on the balcony in a fairly good spot. Clung to it. Guarded it. Secured it. O.M. took the stage around 10:45 and played solidly til 12:30. It was KILLER. Guns that shoot feathers, animal heads, giant arms and legs, creepy dancers, giant fanny packs, roller skaters, beach volleyball, centaurs, fauns, you name it, it was on stage in some form of costume or another. The finale was a surprise. Two covers: Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand and Smells Like Teen Spirit. The show had been dubbed by local radio as being Los Angeles' ULTIMATE dance party and, well, it lived up to it. Yes it was packed. And crazy. And so full of fun and energy. From the top, we could see the entire crowd dancing below and a border of dancers upstairs. 2 hours. Non stop moving. Best show I could have anticipated.

sushi-riffic

www.hamasushi.com
This place is adorable and excellent. Even the bowl of tiny live crabs on top of the sushi bar took up some minor real estate in my heart.........

Go here and try it out.

So, after looking at the aesthetics of sushi last night I am determined to create the dessert sushi that has been popping up on cute sites eveywhere. While the components of the dessert sushi aren't the greatest of foods, it looks SO CUTE. I need to throw a party to celebrate the cuteness:

Satan.....the 13th sign.......

how does this man know me so well????

"i can givez a comix for you"

"Finding it and Keeping it"

So, when I was blessed with more time for artistic creation, I made a lot of playable games backdropped with some of my photographs. I am slowly beginning to upload all of my images and music onto my new mac. Well, not that new, but you know me.....a bit lazy when it comes to tasks. I am about 7 months late on this front ;)

i joined the ranks...

...of the many brilliant people who write and edit on uncyclopedia:

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/R._Kelly#Trapped_Era

just the "trapped era" part is mine......

Carl Gustav Jung (also known as iCarly)

Wow. So, my new internet fave of the moment is 'uncyclopedia.' A cesspool of sarcasm, debauchery and brilliance. My kind of site. Being the psychology geek that I have recently turned into, I just had to search Freud and Jung on the Uncyclopedia. For Jung, his entry was called "Carl Gustav Jung (also known as iCarly)" which, after reading uncyclopedia endlessly like I do, you will laugh at the increasing use of iPOD references. That sentence didn't flow so nice, but oh well. But you get the point. The point being that the site is HILARIOUS.

THE iPOD ADS YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO SEE:

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/IPod

stupidest things i have ever done

so, while in a recent quick trip to use the restroom here on the lmu campus, i was reminded of the stupidest things i have ever done. and they both involve my cel phone. so, reader, you are probably wondering why a lavatory trip is bringing up such feelings of deja vu.....well, let me explain.

INCIDENT 1: about 2 years ago, i was using the bathroom in my own home. i had my cel phone in my back pocket (you can probably see where this is going). a minor thought crossed my head along the lines of: "wow. you should probably take your cel phone out of the back pocket before you go to the restroom." I vehemently ignored thought. Proceeded to use facilities and phone fell in toilet as pants came down. I had a freak out because I didn't want to have to buy a new phone. That moment was immediately replaced by an "OH SHIT" when I realized....'screw the phone. i may have to buy a new toilet.' The phone was not able to be seen and had sunken into the abyss of the toilet hole. Thankfully, some various kitchen tools (which have since been discarded) aided me in the removal of the phone.

INCIDENT 2: about 1 year, 10 months ago. Yes, in the same window as destruction of phone in incident 1. In a stressful hurry, I put all belongings on top of my car as I fumbled for keys in a purse that was too big and too cluttered. Regathered belongings, hurried to gallery to install show. When my boyfriend at the time failed to show up at gallery on time, I went to call him. Wait, where did my phone go? Minor freakout. He shows up, missing phone is forgotten....until when pulling into my driveway, my headlights illuminated the smashed mess that was my phone. Yes. I drove over my cel phone with my car.

i sleep in a nest

so, i totally had this revelation this morning: i kind of shape my bed to be nestlike. you know, surrounded by pillows of all sizes. 6 to be exact. i woke up, surrounded by this circle of multisized pillows and a blanket on top. perhaps i was a bird in a previous life.

ode to google maps........

Science of not getting enough sleep.....

So, I have been on the go for the past 48 hours. I can account for my whereabouts and going-ons for the last two days down to the minutes. With the exception of the 12 hours combined sleep, the 48 hours were spent doing a variety of things like working, classes, going to a collage workshop, homework, computer labs, printing, more homework, more printing, reading, orientation night for my summer program and a 45 minute phone call to my beloved Nathaniel. So when the final class of the day ended today, I was so looking forward to some couching and sleep time. Imagine my surprise when my dear friend Nick called and expressed interest in going to the Michel Gondry meet and greet. Nick, another recent Phoenician transplant, lives in Long Beach so while we had talked about the possibility of going to see the man of film and video fame, I was kind of thinking that it may not happen.

We left Venice around 6:30 and made our way up to Family Bookstore. (2 plugs in one week, Family!!) When we arrived we were greeted with a long line down spewing out the door on down Fairfax. Some treats were picked up at Canter's and we staked our place. Stood. Took a few steps forward. Listened to a man play drums. Chatted. Etc. Around 8:36 or so, we were finally at the front and I had to ask:

me: "So, are you TOTALLY tired of people taking pictures with you?"
michel: (in beautiful accent) "no, but my eyes are a little bit.......(trailed off)
me: ok, we will be quick.

so, i get ready to take a picture of Nick and MIchel and 1, 2, 3...."CHEESE"

BATTERY DEAD

I look at both of them still, still smiling in anticipation of the flash, and report the news and laughed.

I didn't see a bigger smile from Mr. Gondry all evening!

Lucky for us, we had a back up camera and were able to take some do-overs. He signed our comics. Made small talk. All in all, the science of not sleeping equates to a fun filled meet and greet evening with Michel Gondry.

nb: look at camera when picture is being taken.

Most Excellent Bookstore

This evening brought me to the Family bookstore in Los Angeles for the Sublife graphic novel release/signing. The author, John Pham is a nice guy. If graphic novels are your niche, check it out:

So, this was the first time that I had ever been to Family, and I was super impressed. The first book I happened to set my hands on (literally, leaning on the table, my hand brushed on it mid-conversation) was Sophie Calle's "Appointment" book in which she does a series of photos and vignettes inspired by her trip to Siggy Freud's house. One of my favorite art books ever. With that, I had to do some serious investigating of stock.

Browsing around was easier said than done. The tiny shop, while cozy and perfect for an afternoon or evening book stroll, was super crowded with artist/musician/graphic novel enthusiasts occupying the narrow rows. Despite the crowd, I was able to gather they had an art section/photo/literature/graphic novels/magazines/dvds/some vinyl/zines/printed art (including some Miranda July text screenprints) and even a rack of traditional comics by the door. It was visual pleasure in there. An artist's delight. I left mid signing and headed over to Canter's to get a delicious pastry and to begin reading, "Exit Wounds", one of my purchases for the evening.

I think Family will be seeing me sooner rather than later as Michel Gondry is going to be there THIS Wednesday signing and discussing his new comic AND his new book. AWESOME! Check it out: www.familylosangeles.com/

save as "hot drummer"

so when i am talking about my boyfriends, it usually means well, my boyfriends in flight of the conchords.....umm, my boyfriend gael garcia bernal, jude law is another one and how could i forget my boyfriend crispin glover.

but another man has joined the ranks. the drummer from kings of leon. yes their show rocked, but what rocked even more was the jumbotron in which this beautiful drummer was showcased and all of his drumming glory. i pretty much had the WORST day of my life today (missed the stills and about 5 other things that i am too emotionally involved with at this point to write about). however, give me like 24 hours and i may be able to turn these catastrophes into chuckles. we shall see, we shall see. i will leave you with this reader, another image i saved as "hot drummer 2".

Organic Pop Tarts?

Let me preface this by stating that if you are a fan of the said toaster pastry mentioned above, then this may not be the blog for you. Also, let me clarify. The 'organic pop tarts' are not pop tarts. They are 'toaster pastries'. For me to call them pop tarts is blasphemous. They can not even play in the amateur leagues under the majors of sweetened and fortified breakfast foods.

FIrst and foremost, pop tarts have history. Just look to the above image. The pop tarts of yore are sans frosting. Let me nominate the genius who suggested the addition of extra sugar for a macarthur grant. The pop tart of today is sheer perfection. The frosted cherry? Heaven. To those who critique my eating selections? A pop tart and coffee: less than 250 calories. Pales in comparison to a grande latte with a blueberry muffin. However, my selection of a pop tart and coffee cant compare to the healthier choice of orange juice and oatmeal so we will go back to the point of this entry: the organi-sizing of a toaster pastry.

So, while perusing the aisles at Whole Foods, I take a turn down the cookie/granola lane. I see these familiar rectangular shaped boxes and am happy to see that the purveyor of healthy eating decided to welcome such a traditionally unhealthy food. I look at the flavors and settle for a "cherry/pomegranate" blend of fruit filling......frosting and sprinkles included. 3.49. Not bad. Just about .50 more than regular pop tarts. When I arrived home, I decided to open these bad boys up. Horrific discovery number 1: only three pouches. Normally pop tarts come in packs of 8. The healthy ones? 6. So I open up the silver pouch and am amazed at the frosting ratio deception. Not much on my tart. On the box he was much more covered in deliciousness. So the moment arrives and I bit into the tart. Can I just say that whole grains DO NOT belong in a pop tart. Dry, little filling and even less frosting.

While a majority of things are wonderful when organic (burgers, veggies, fruits) the lesson learned is that fortified sugar breakfast foods are not. Here on out, my breakfast pastry allegiance is with Kellogg's...........

VOTE for Michael Ian Black

After watching the presidential AND the vice presidential debates, I found it appalling that not ONE candidate brought up the pressing issue of motor scooters. How come Michael Ian Black is the only one ballsy enough to do so. Well, you all know who has my vote this November......

saturday night

the crew this past saturday night at la cita in downtown los angeles. while we didnt go to the roller derby match, we headed out for a celebratory drink with our favorite skater, judy gloom. megan, i PROMISE i will be in the audience next game. the night was fun despite the difficulty with parking. i must give myself some props on refining my parallel parking skills. while they are by no means at expert level, they have advanced somewhat from beginner.

slice not jones

i need to make an edit to the previous post in which i cited "kimbo jones" as being the most awesome man in the world when what i meant was to say that "kimbo slice" was the most awesome man in the world. how could i make a slip up like that? slice was crucial to the awesomeness.

current winner thus far

well, last year around the cusp of 2007/2008, i published a highly anticipated blog on my space about the top ten most amazing things of the year . for those of you who know me, you know that these top things are not things that would be seen in any sort of high regard. however, that is their charm. yes. i do like my fine art, but i like my pop culture too.

with all that said, there isn't much time left in the year. 4 months. the forerunner for the number one position is the hit new fox sensation, "hole in the wall." for those of you who have yet to witness the debacle, it is sheer madness/genius. to sum it up, contestant (in shiny jumpsuit) needs to shimmy through a silhouette hole of a person in the moving wall that is coming at or they risk falling in a pool of water. may i add that if they fall in the pool there is a sexy lifeguard to assist them out as drownings are very common in shallow pools.......especially when in front of a live studio audience.



the only competition for the first slot thus far is kimbo jones. for those who dont know him, he is pretty much the most amazing man in the world. the only man this year to make me laugh so hard that i spat out a swig of beer. cage fighting and drinking beer aren't activities that are conducive to being a lady at the bar.

well, there is another contender for the top....i just though back to the other times in which i laughed equally as hard and i am brought back to my favorite topic of early 2008, the cruzin' cooler. man, this is going to be tough year to decide.

"i'd like to say that i discovered 'em, but i feel like pogs discovered me....."

this video brings back the glory days. the glory days which were home to my golden beavis and butthead slammer. but i cant even compare to the athleticism that is shown in this video. while i had lots and lots of pogs in my blue pog case, i never competed competitively. the comparison to pogs being a fad like trolls is oh so accurate. it is a shame that pogs were not given the merit that they deserve. we can only thank the gods of pogs for bringing such sophistication and sportsmanship to a severely neglected sport.

Artists Speak

Wish me some luck. I am going to be working on rummaging up some new images that deal with religion and identity for an upcoming exhibition. However, a higher power calls and Law and Order: SVU be thy name. The brainstorming on a piece will be postponed til tomorrow.........

Seagull City

Thats right....thats where I am. My Seagull camera finally arrived. More specifically, I went to Gardena to pick it up. One has to love the dysfunctional relationship between package delivery and the working world. That aside, it is safe and sound and in my home. For those unfamiliar, my Seagull is a medium format camera that takes pictures on a larger size film. The 35mm cameras put a halt to their popularity as they are not as easy to use. However, the do yield a higher quality picture. That will most likely not be the case with my Seagull as it is a lower-end version. Check them out:

Well, I must say....it has been far too long since I have made a post. I can partially blame it on my old computer. I was very excited for this blogspot thing for the sheer fact that I could upload some images, title my blog...etc. Mundane things, really. Anyway, the whole thing went downhill when, while uploading images on my previous computer, they failed to show. So, in the past few months, I did purchase a new mac. However, in the interim, I forgot about this blog. I was only reminded about it because my good friend Cindy posted a link to her blogspot. I was like..."Hmmm. Blogspot.  I think I have one of those." I looked. I found. I posted. Due to the title of my blog, I found it appropriate to post an image from my most recent solo exhibition, "The Politics of I Love You". So I did. Here it is. And with this post, I bid you good night.........