Q: When did the word "provocative" begin to mean "gut-wrenching offensive in your face obnoxious self-glorifying smut"?

A: Right around the time that American Apparel billboard went up above the Echo Park store on Sunset & Alvarado.


For months people are talking about how from the right angle it actually looks like a nearby telephone pole is violating the faceless lady. Yes, it's yet another in Dov Charney's campaign to promote naked hipsters as provocative selling tools. Some people in New York had enough. Someone defaced the same billboard at the Houston Street store to read "Gee, I wonder why women get raped?" Good thing Jezebel shot a picture before American Apparel replaced it with another less provocative ad.


Read American Apparel's retort from a couple months back here. I especially like how they eat up the outrage with a big spoon and call it compliments. That's like calling a Tecate and a cigarette dinner. They belittle the outpsoken complaints from New York by explaining that LA is bored with their ads due to this post from Curbed LA. Exploring the American Apparel Daily Update today I gather sarcasm is not really a part of their "thing".

This is your call Los Angeles. Get up on that billboard and have some fun.

Labels: local, newsworthy, shopping

Congrats to the Silver Lake Conservatory of Music for its impressive fundraiser this past Saturday. A star-studded concert lead by Conservatory founder, Flea and the rest of The Chili Peppers headlining, raised a boatload of cash and showcased two student bands. Full story on LAist today.

Labels: local, music, newsworthy

Oh LA Times. What was news five weeks ago on the internet is now news in your Calendar section. Or is it news because it was news on the internet? Is it really revolutionary to know the blogosphere still gets the word out faster than you can upload a comment on MySpace? I do know the writers of the Calendar section would not be referencing YouTube videos as major pop culture groundbreaking material without the blogs out there turning the pop culture dial. Patrick Goldstein's article today gives a big applause to the people out there producing pop-culture commentary without an album or new perfume line to promote. He singles out one outspoken lady, Alanis Morissette and her straight-to-web video cover/parody of The Black eyed Peas "My Humps". It's been been tearing up the YouTube charts, Goldstein notes, beating out Otters Holding Hands with number of views. I am guilty of posting both the Otters video and the Morissette video on friends' myspace pages. I also take blame for passing on another video not mentioned in Goldstein's article: shock & awe princess Peaches' homage to Morisette's "My Humps" but re-written as "My Dumps". Goldstein praises Morisette for producing her video for $2,000 but Peaches looks even more low-budget. And Peaches' video has, well, more dumps - read: poo-poo. I love that Goldstein gives props to the new culture makers out to critique the superficial even sexist bumpin' and grindin' trends. But stating "the era of video activism is here to stay" is about twenty years too late. You didn't need a blog to tell you that.




What really got me thinking in the article was that Goldstein praises Morissette for making this video on her own accord. She's not promoting a new album or tour or even subvertly advertising a new website service. But he still admits it won't hurt her career. In fact, according to Goldstein's sources the average dude thinks Morissette's gained her credibility back from the days she would go down on you in a theater. I'm still under the impression that if you go public with even the smallest of pet projects you're still promoting something - mainly, yourself. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Labels: editorial, newsworthy, videos, www.internet.com

Yes. Those are musical instruments. A modge-podge of electronic gadgets and unashamed childlike experimentation took over pockets of LA last night as The Circuit Bending Festival commenced at Il Coral. Tonight hosts an evening of performances and mingling at the historic Velaslavasay Panorama Theater. Tomorrow there's a day of workshops so you too can learn to create some of the most interesting noise out there. Dig out your See & Spells, your Casios, or even jack your roommate's cellphone and you can be in a (so geeky it's wonderful) band this weekend.

Link to a great story of NPR this morning with circuit musician Lewis Keller.

Still not sure exactly what Circuit Bending is? This lil' instructional video should do the trick:



LA Circuit Bending Festival
with artists: Christiaan Cruz, Loud Objects, Lewis Keller, Pixel Form, univac, Mystery Palace
Friday, Apr. 13 8:00pm
Velaslavasay Panorama
1122 West 24th Street
West Adams LA
(213) 746-2166
$10

Labels: events, music, newsworthy, videos

I didn't pick up the March issue of Los Angeles Magazine because Christina Ricci was on the cover. I had to have it because of the 25 easy tips they detail on how to live more environmentally aware. I agree, living green should be more than a trend. We all need to examine and make changes in our daily routine in order to conserve the precious resources we have. Mainly that just means treating resources preciously. The drought scare and rolling blackouts got Angelenos off their complacent couches but really it's all in the prevention and setting an example can sometimes be the most effective. The office nags getting everyone to recycle was just the start. I'd like to share and elaborate on some of LA magazine's 25 Ways to Go Green Without Going Insane.

#1. Tune Out, Turn Off
Your electrical devices are still on even when they're in standby - in fact, that's the definition of standby. So until you unplug it from the wall, your microwave, computer, TV set, are all sucking off the power grid. Get in the habit of using power surge protectors with the on/off switch. Every time you're going to be away from your house for a while you can just turn off the switch. Your power bill will thank you - especially crucial to you penny pinchers since LA DWP just raised all their rates.

#2. Clean Kindly
Traditional dry cleaning methods are heinous. The chemicals used to treat your delicate suits and treasured blouses are carcinogenic. That means poison in the air, on your clothes/skin and on the hands of the people who treat it for you. California has already pledged to phase out those chemicals by 2023 but there are alternative methods all around town. The South Coast Air Quality Management District lists a bunch of cleaners who have already adopted nontoxic liquids. I've also gotten into the habit of searching advice websites like About.com on alternative cleaning methods. I found out washing silk by hand in a little bit of water and biodegradable soap is actually better for the material. This goes the same for natural fabrics that require delicate care like wools and cottons. Consult the fabric's labels before tossing everything off at your dry cleaners.

Ask.com and websites of the like also feature alternative uses for all kinds of nasty household cleaning products. Baking soda and vinegar top the list of a natural non-toxic clean all solution. A good rule of thumb is that if the odor of the cleaning product is too strong, or the label has a long list of warnings and side effects, you don't want it in your house and your air. Find something gentle.

#3. Plant a Tree.
Simple. If every American family planted a single tree the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by a billion pounds a year. We'd also save $234 billion in environmental and health care costs. Thanks to Tree People and LA's Plant A Million Trees program, you can request a free tree from the city. Just email milliontrees@hbteam.com.
Also be aware when someone wants to remove trees. We can even out the carbon footprint by keeping the ones we already have. Tree People can help you with advocacy plans when new building developments pop up and tress come down.

#4. Bypass the Trash.
More free stuff from the city? No way. But it's true. Most communities offer free classes and resources for composting. The City of LA Bureau of Sanitation gives composting workshops and discounted compost bins to take home with you. The next class is April 28 at Griffith Park.

Anyone with a garden would be foolish not to compost. In less than a year you'll have all the nutrient rich soil you'll need not to mention you can reuse the seeds from your own crops. You'll never be wasting a trip to Home Depot ever again.

#5. Save Water
LA is a semiarid desert. Do not let the coastline fool you. The biggest way to save water in your house (besides turning off the faucet and fixing all leaks) is flushing your toilet. Or not flushing. The editor of treehugger.com employs the if it's yellow let it mellow method. That's the cheapest habit to pick up - or invest in a low-flow toilet. Low-flow means 1.6 gallons or less a flush. A standard top-loader can use up to 9 gallons per cubic foot per flush. That's like the equivalent to letting the hose run wild on the sidewalk for 15 minutes. Low-flow toilets are a standard choice now in most hardware stores and showrooms.

Skipping ahead...

#10 Waste Not.
Filling your recycling bins with plastic bottles is just plain silly. You may think, but I'm recycling, when in actuality your water bottle habit takes up valuable sorting time at the recycling plant and often ends up in landfills anyway. Re-fill as often as possible. Plastic breaks down after a while escpeically when in the sun or in the fridge so you may want to purchase a glass or aluminum bottle. Get a couple from a local camping store. You can keep one in your car, one at your office, and one in your kitchen if you're concerned you'll lose it or not use it.

Another recycle bin clogger is paper, paper, and more paper. Make a resolution right now to make less trash. Buying pre-packages food is a waste. Look for food that doesn't need a bag, a tray or a box to keep it fresh. Trader Joe's cloth bags are great for carrying your groceries if you don't already re-use their paper ones. Their plastic wrapped vegetables are not so great.

If Junk mail seems to take up the bulk of your bin you can request to be removed from mailing lists by contacting the Direct Marketers Association. They have a simple online form but do require a $1 processing fee. Removing yourself can cut back on those pesky telemarketing calls too.

#13. Return to The Natives
One of the best things about living in California is the abundance of native plants. They're as hearty as they are pretty. Planting non-native species just require more water, more time, so more precious resources. I've never met a SoCal landscaper who doesn't offer a low-maintenance native plant garden. Most garden blogs, like Domino Mag's Germanatrix, offer great tips.
FYI: most palm tress are not native to LA but a lot of succulents are. Go to the cactus section first in your garden store before looking at those non-drought resistant expensive flowers.

#17 Clean Your Wheels
Can't clean commute quite yet? I feel your pain. Maintaining your car, hopefully it's a lightweight low emissions/high gas mileage model already, is the next best thing. If your car is not running at its most efficient 'cuz you've got too much junk in the trunk or your tires are low, you're crippling yourself. Your air filter should always be clean too and regular tune ups must happen as often as your oil changes.

#20 Heat Less Water
Contrary to what your grandmother might have told you, hot water does not get you and your clothes cleaner. Detergents kill the germs. So washing your clothes on the cold cycle is not a bad thing. Ridiculously hot showers also do not provide the health benefits past generations preached. Hot water on cold skin actually dries you out faster. Get yourself a good loofah some eco-friendly lotion and learn to love the warm bath. Hot is not necessary and in fact the most wasteful aspect of your already wasteful home water heater. Concerned about your roommates or apartment sharers? Just turn down the water heater a notch at a time. In a while you (and your neighbors) will never know the difference until you get your next power bill.

LA Mag also suggests maximizing the water heater's efficiency with an insulating jacket. Or just toss the thing for a tankless system. The Gas Company will even give you a rebate if your water tank is more than 10 years old. If it is, you better toss it anyway. The old models are just energy suckers.

For all 25 tips pick up the Los Angeles Magazine before it leaves the newsstand (you can spot it 'cuz Christina Ricci is on the cover) or check out any of the environment friendly sites listed above. The green trend has been out there, now we have to be discerning and spot the best use of our resources.

Labels: environmental, newsworthy, shopping

Naco (rhymes with taco) is the new phase of cool in Mexico and, not to mention, a clothing company. Traditionally "Naco" was Spanish slang for "Tacky" but just like Mr. T gold chains and mullets, what was once hideous is now ridiculously hip. Ok. Maybe not mullets.

Like those lovable redneck lists I give you the tell-tale signs of those possessing a certain Naco (courtesy of today's LA Times article).

I. If you install neon lights around your license plate, you're naco.
II. If you install blacklights under your Acura, you're naco.
III. If you listen to Kiss while wearing a Kiss Army t-shirt, you're naco.
IV. If you wear more than once designer nameplate jewelry at once (Chanel earrings, Versace belt, Dior sunglasses, Voiuton necklace, etc.) you're naco.
V. If you wear sunglasses at night, you're naco.
VI. If you quote Quiet Riot lyrics or can be caught humming at any given moment a Def Leppard song, you're naco.
VII. If you think polyester is formal wear, you're naco.

I could go on all day. The point is, Naco clothing has been around in Mexico City since 1998 but still deserves the accolades for their celver sloganing and constant challenges to the dominant paradigm. Their website hosts some fun facts to get into the world of "Naco" and has choice music picks from the designers themsleves. Thanks to them you can proudly sport a t-shirt that says "Se Habla Espanol" or "Los Ricos Tambien Roban" (The Rich also Rob). As well as "N is for Naco" along with "W is for wetback" and "G is for greencard". Re-inventing a once derogatory word and now celebrating it in good-natured fun is what Naco's all about. Diego Luna, Juanes, and those tough kids in the San Fernando Valley are already fans. Why aren't you?

Naco clothing can be found at:
Aztlan Gallery (various SoCal locations)
Latin Lingo Clothing (Burbank and Northridge)
Bent (S. Pasadena)
Olverta's Village (Downtown)
*Myspace Sale*

Labels: fashion, newsworthy, shopping

Didn't think LA was the place for the most extravagantly modern art openings? Think again. MOCA has already proved itself a hot spot in town thanks to their DJ'd openings and summer parties. The Getty and the Gogosian prove themselves also to be less stuffy with some fabulous openings next week.

WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution
MOCA
152 N. Central Ave.
Downtown

The Museum of Contemporary Art claims this is the first show of its kind to comprehensively document and reflecting the Feminist movement from 1965-1980. Paintings, photographs, sculpture, video, film and performance art by an international scattering of artists will be on display. The list is too long to even get started, but rest assured you'll see some stuff from the big names and some lesser known voices of the "revolution". MOCA hosts a sort of kick off party all weekend long. The show itself will run 'til July 16.


Saturday Mar. 3
2:00-4:00pm Judy Chicago book signing

Revolutionary performance artist Judy Chicago will be at the MOCA store to sign copies of her biography and any other books she can get her hands on.


7:00-11:00pm Member's Night party with Le Tigre

of Le It won't be too late to sign up for a membership. A starting amount at $65 gets you access to all the future member events not to mention 2 for 1 admission for all museum shows plus an subscription to Dwell magazine. You can show up that night, sign up, then cut in line to the front. 'Cuz that's what members do. JD Samson and Johanna FatemanTigre will be the guest DJs for the night along with a giant outside cash bar just like the summer shows. Event organizer Vanessa Gonzalez promised to show up in a couple Feminist inspired outfits. I suggest you do the same, but burning bras will be looked down upon as passe.

Sunday Mar. 4
WACK! show officially opens. Guided walks will be going on 11:00am & 4:00pm hosted by the museum's lovely curators.

Don't miss Andrea Zittel's installation Critical Space. Zittel is one of my favorite new artists, hands down creating some of the most environmental and thought-provoking installations. It is a dream of mine to one day visit her desert compound in 29 Palms, CA where she felts her own clothes and creates building material out of sun dried paper. She's saving us the drive and bringing her unique aesthetic to the city where she'll once again explore the concepts of personal domesticity in contemporary space.

Labels: art, events, newsworthy

American Apparel founder Dov Charney is $350 million richer today thanks to the completion of his company's sale to Endeavor Acquisitions Corporation (a smallish investment firm). Charney will still be CEO of the friendly-sweat-shop, moustache-sleazin', panty-flauntin' company. But I guess the extra cash will leave him more time to flirt with barely legal employees and return to his first love: crotch photography.
According to NPR this morning, AA will still operate out of its one LA warehouse with no plans to expand and export labor. Right now they still pride themselves on paying their mainly immigrant staff twice the minimum wage. The staff can now also boast new Endeavor stock options.
Ho ho ho.


Buy an American Appalling 2007 calendar at Bingo's Craft Emporium, a lil' holiday boutique at 2201 Sunset Blvd. two doors down from Casbah Cafe.

Labels: newsworthy, shopping

Last week Universal Studios announced a $3 billion renovation plan. Along with the existing 158-hectare studio and theme park, Universal will add condos and more state of the art facilities to be completed in the next 25 years.

I’d like to take us all back to 1996 when Universal merged with Seagrams creating one of the richest corporate conglomerates of the time. Universal hired two funny unknowns, Matt Parker & Trey Stone, to shoot sketches for a Universal-Seagrams party celebrating the merger. They were given carte blanche with celebrities. (check out Steven Spielberg as the Jaws tour guide!) What better way to parody the Seagram’s merge than get Demi Moore, James Cameron and Sly Stallone in on the joke and re-create a 1950s instructional film? The star cameos are dated but the message remains the same: Everyone profits from corporate profit sharing! If it seems too gloomy, add a porcelain deer and drink a wine cooler!

"Your Studio And You" Part 1


"Your Studio And You" Part 2

Labels: newsworthy, videos

Gasp! Is it redundant or odd to critique a critique? Republish an article? This morning I read LA Weekly's cover story on the Silver Lake music scene, and while there isn't a lot of shocking information, it does a good job recognizing Silver Lake has always been a region, not a sound. The article deserves discussion. Plenty of artists have come out of here, defining themselves by their humble coffee shop/dive bar roots but there has never been one unifying movement or "sound" associated with it. Beck and Elliot Smith constantly defied expectations and genres unlike than say, the East Village scene in 1980s New York. And sure, you can always label the music, the people, even the brand of smokes they buy Hipster. But even that word has lost its meaning, gone the way of the Yippie it seems.
The Weekly gives props to local legends Autolux and Silversun Pickups as well as Hit Me Back, South Central teenagers with hardcore DIY know-how. The article outlines a history we all might not know. I was pleased to see attention paid to the Onyx Cafe, the coffee shop/performance space that used to be next to the Vista. How great would it be to see that reopen?

Labels: local, newsworthy, reviews

I can't believe 5 days have gone by with no updates in sight. I'm as disappointed in myself as you must be. It just means I have work to do and graduate school to contemplate.

Dear friends of Libby's Vintage Home & Garden, I heard some sad news today. Owner Libby Simon will be closing shop and moving out of her beyond adorable store to pursue her art and landscaping career. By the end of the month, no more succulent displays, no more vintage hankies, no more antique lawn ornaments in Silver Lake. A frequent stop on my weekend stroll around Sunset Blvd. I will miss Libby's. To cheer us up she's having a holiday sale till the end of the month before she vacates. Vintage Christmas postcards make the best snail mail holiday items. Ornaments and handmade goodies abound there too. Libby will throw a holiday party for her friends and faithful shoppers this Friday night.

Libby's Vintage Home & Garden
3821 W. Sunset Blvd.
Silver Lake
323.663.2600

Holiday Reception Friday, Dec. 9
6:00 - 10:00pm

Labels: local, newsworthy, shopping

Everyone I know who moved to LA in the last couple of years always asked, what's that big dome building at the top of Griffith Park? Since closing its doors for massive renovation in 2002, the Griffith Observatory & Planetarium has remained that mysterious landmark more known for a movie backdrop than housing the most looked through telescope in the world. Amazing, huh? Now hundreds more will get a chance to peek through the observatory's two world famous telescopes as well as experience the same attractions guests did at original opening almost 70 years ago, like Tesla spheres and scaled planet models. Ever wonder what you would weigh on Venus? They have special scales for every planet's unique gravity. The planetarium still hosts its live starshow, made famous in Rebel Without A Cause, but has modern-day visual effects thrown into the classic showcase of galaxies and constellations. The Observatory has a new theater too, thanks to Leonard "Spock" Nemoy. For now the Observatory will be the top of every tourist and Angeleno's list of things to do, and you'll have to book a reservation to ride one of the shuttles up the hill until parking opens up. Two stops are at the Zoo and Hollywood & Highland. On the bus your visit to the Observatory will begin with informational videos and guides on board. Parking is also available at the Greek Theater for those who want to hike or bike up the hill. You'll still need to make a reservation and can only do so 48 hours in advance. So the question is, is it worth it to go now? The hiking and planetarium show sound like a great weekend date but I'm waiting a little longer to enjoy the entire facility when special exhibits and other films start making their way in. Or join up the Volunteer Program in February 2007. Reservations and shuttles will still be necessary for probably quite some time and hopefully they don't plan on expanding the parking lot at the top. I don't ever want to look up into the Hollywood Hills and see traffic.

Griffith Observatory - Reservations
Open Tuesday - Friday Noon-10:00pm
Open Saturday-Sunday 10:00am - 10:00pm

Admission
Adults $8
Children & Seniors $4

Planetarium Shows (every hour)
Adults $7
Seniors $5
Children $3

Labels: events, newsworthy

The Silent Movie Theater has opened its doors once more as L.A.'s premiere spot to see classic silent films. The theater's long history started out in 1942 as a couple from Oklahoma's dream to have their own movie theater play the silents. Now in the hands of its fourth owners, Dan and Sammy Harkham are two brothers in their 20s who bought the theater this summer. I am excited to know there's more silent movie fans out there than just those who were alive when the movies first ran. I am disappointed there's no more trivia contest and vaudevillian song at the opening of each show, like the old manager used to do. But the seats remain small, the music live, and the line-up cycles classics for all tastes. The brothers will dedicate at least one night a week to silents only and hope to bring in "Talkies" for the rest of the week. Highlights from this month include some spooky flicks for Halloween like Nosferatu and The Phantom of The Opera as well as Felix the Cat cartoons where he battles some witches. But really, I'm going for the rare Buster Keaton pictures, like Haunted House (above).

Silent Movie Theater
611 N. Fairfax Ave.
323.655.2520

Silents always @ 8:00pm. Always $9. Metered and street parking available after 6:00pm as well as pay lots across the street by Fairfax High School for $6.

Labels: film, newsworthy

According to the L.A. Times today, birthday sweets in schools, such as cupcakes, are being banned. In efforts to curb child obesity parents can send their kiddies to school with carrot sticks to share on their big day. How you gonna blow out your candles on carrot sticks? Ants on a log maybe, I guess as long as the peanut butter is fat free. The Times notes other states have sprung similar campaigns in schools with backlashes. I love that there is even a Safe Cupcake amendment in Texas, which guarantees parents' right to deliver unhealthful treats to the classroom. The right to bear conversation hearts and candy corn will never be threatened in the lone star state again! We can't say the same for the calorie conscious south land where the ban is controversial and varies from school to school. But the Times comparison chart of the nutrional value in a carrot stick versus a cupcake is laughable. Obesity among children is a plight directly associated with kids' impressionable eating habits. But I think even Richard Simmons would agree a little sweettooth now and then is a healthy way to not binge. Parents who still want to send their kids to school with sweets can look for alternatives. I'm a big fan of baked goods versus the over-processed super market slop. How about carrot cake instead of tongue staining blue icing? The kiddies can still blow out their candles while their classmates sing "Feliz Cumpleanos". Then, here's a thought, let them run those calories off on the playground.

Raw carrots		Cupcake
8 baby carrots	Serving size	1 cupcake
26	Calories	190
0	Calories from fat	80
0	Total fat, in grams	8
0	Cholesterol, in milligrams	25
0	Sodium, in milligrams	160
6	Total carbohydrates, in grams	26
172%	Vitamin A, daily recommended value	0%
10%	Vitamin C, daily recommended value	0%
2%	Calcium, daily recommended value	4%
0%	Iron, daily recommended value	2%

Low fat, low sugar (almost healthy?) recipes:
Almond Meringues - so simple and light but candy-like texture an 8-year old could love.
Strawberry Pie - what's healthier than fresh fruit and sugar free jello? Kids love jello!
Angel Food Cake - Substitute the berries for some Hershey's syrup and you've got the fave birthday cake of many "angels".

Labels: food, newsworthy

According to a recent LA Weekly article, my favorite new gelato shop, not to mention Chango one of my favorite coffee shops, are cited as signs of Silver Lake/Echo Park gentrification. In fact, the LA weekly likens the movement of gentrified neighborhoods to a flood -- a little insensitive I think to our friends in New Orleans, but titillating none the less. While enjoying a delectable cup of frozen strawberry yogurt and mint limencello the other night I even said out loud "I love my neighborhood". A plethora of races and classes was packed in the little shop at 9pm on a weekday making quite the pretty sidewalk scene. Yes, the hipsters often outnumber the locals regularly at the east end of Sunset Blvd, but I would much rather deal with the sign of the times at hand and fight poorly crafted condos going up over historical landmarks instead of locally run businesses. In a nutshell, the article gives something for us all to ponder but provides little new information. Nor does the paper suggest solutions to ease the guilt. We can't take where we're living for granted. As the LA Weekly warns us, Echo Park could be bulldozed just as easily as McMansions replaced the bungalows in Manhattan Beach. Very scary indeed.

Labels: local, newsworthy