Shopping: What I did today while pretending to work

Just Traveling Through
One of my favorite web-surfing hobbies while trying to act busy at the office is to make imaginary travel plans. Today I came across Contiki Vacations, a travel agency aimed at 18-35 year olds where you can book tours around the world with other groups of people.

Some may be turned off by the idea of being on a "tour", but I think it would be a relief to know that you are being taken to all the hot spots without having to do all the research-- at least for your first time at an unknown location. Plus, with Contiki the tour is rather open; you can choose to stay with the group for part of the day and then go off on your own for alloted periods of time. Also, I like the idea of traveling with a large group of people. When my husband and I go on vacation, we usually think to ourselves-- this would be so much fun if our friends were here!

The tour that I'm eyeing is called the Ultimate European. 17 countries in 48 days. I don't know about you, but I couldn't plan that itinerary on my own. And for my first time in Europe, I would cover a lot of ground! I think it would be a solid foundation for future travel.

Hurts So Good
I love love love shoes, especially the 4-inch heel variety. I've sacrificed comfort on countless occasions in the name of fashion and some much needed height. With Insolia gel inserts and Foot Petals, maybe now I won't have to! I'm thinking of giving both of these supposed high-heel solutions a try.

Foot petals seem like they would work best for those heels that only get uncomfortable when my foot starts to slip and slide. And they come in the cutest colors!

Insolia looks more like a solution for those heels in which my foot stays put, but at an incredibly painful angle. Perhaps I will finally be able to dust off my Manolo Blahnik mary jane knock-offs from Aldo!

But don't get me wrong, sometimes I'm all about the Audrey Hepburn simplicity of flats, which is why last week I bought this adorable pair of black pointy skimmers at Urban Outfitters.

Art: Graphic Novel: My Other Addiction

Night Fisher , the latest graphic novel from R. Kikuo Johnson is fantastic. I ordered it online last week from Amazon.com and I already finished it. It is a nice piece of graphic novel art. It is not as dark as Black Hole by Charles Burns but it doesn't mean Night Fisher is not captivating.

Art, Travel and Music: Windy Day but the Sun is Out

London is one of my most favorite cities on Earth. The city is full with art, culture, vibrant crowd, night life and scenery. It is over populated but the city is all right. Londoners are less media-crazed and they spend their time outside and walk around even on the weekdays. Pubs and restaurants are everywhere and they are packed by 5 pm. They love fashion and they spend big money on 500 pounds shoes without weeping. They hardly own TV sets (They actually have to pay a large fee for a permit/license to own a TV!!). Not a lot of them own a car and they travel by tube. Since they don’t have to worry about high speed internet bill, gas price, car payment, car insurance, cable bills, they can spurge on something more fun like eating out, new pair of shoes, pints of beer and the list goes on and on.

A couple of years ago I visited my best friend who was studying in London for two weeks. I did not have enough time to get everywhere I wanted to go and visit. I decided that I had to visit Scotland and Ireland, because of that Manchester did not fit in to my tight little schedule. I have to be honest and admit that I was kind of bummed out that I couldn't see Manchester. I was thankful and happy to be in London, but I hope one day I can go back there and visit parts of the country that I did not see.  

Manchester has a permanent home in the annals of musical history as the starting place of mega bands like The Smiths, New Order and Oasis. The Temple for starters or hear live music at The Roadhouse; maybe even catch a club night at the Mint Lounge. Manchester is a also shoppers' heaven offering up the infamously wonderful department store Topshop, as well as  indie boutiques like Oi Polloi (for menswear) and Affleck's Palace. Plus, if you're really lucky, you can catch a Manchester United soccer match in the Old Trafford stadium. Best learn the fight song now. "Glory, glory, Man United, And the reds go marching on, on, on." There is nothing, we repeat, nothing like a live soccer match.


Art: Lowbrow art




I was really excited to see Gen Art featured article today in my email inbox. They story is about Lowbrow art, Carmille Rose Garcia, Fafi and many more talented artists that I have been a big fan for many years now.

There's a movement spreading throughout the art world called Lowbrow, and despite it's trailer trash title, this style of art (though it's been around since the disco-70s) is suddenly all the rage. You don't need a Masters in Fine Art to appreciate the beauty of the style. Lowbrow is a discipline that speaks to anyone who has ever enjoyed a Tim Burton film or who pays attention to MTV's visuals. The foundations of low-brow come from all that pop culture stuff you ingest everyday: graffiti, cartoons, typography and comic books, which translates to a surreal and often colorful take on real life. For example, take Camille Rose Garcia whose work is stretching beyond itty-bitty galleries to those museums you always say you're going to go to... but then never do. Camille creates dark landscapes inhabited by eerie children made from layers of paint, ink, and varnishes that pioneering collectors are going ga-ga over. For other artists who fall under the umbrella of Lowbrow, check out the French artist Fafi's sexually charged paintings that are reminiscent of the naughtiest Japanese anime. Or, try Max Morresi's large scale works that are intense studies of the human condition. Or, see James Jean who makes more realisitc and surreal narrative stories.



The only question left is: will the stuffy grown-ups from the "art establishment" ever fully recognize this movement? Well, it did take the Post Modernists years to be acknowledged. If you're feeling a little flush, get on board and add a piece of Lowbrow to your fledgling art collection now. It might be the best investment you ever make.

Thanks to Genart for this lovely article.

Music: Please show me your bones...

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs new album Show Your Bones is out now. You can still take advantage and listen to all the tracks from the new cd here.

Whatever: Extreme Makeover, Hair Edition

I've been growing out my stringy-white-trash-Juliette-Lewis hair for three years now. It currently sits a few inches below my shoulders. The time has come for drastic measures. It won't hold a curl, the bleaching is starting to make it brittle, and it has about as much volume as a mime. Plus, what the hell is with all the broken frizzies at the top of my head? Seriously, nobody deserves hair this crappy.

It is with glee that I have scheduled a total hair makeover on Thursday afternoon! By the end of the week, I will be a new woman. As for the style, I'm leaning towards Gwyneth Paltrow's breakup do in Sliding Doors-- along with some toffee lowlights because my platinum blonde has begun to bore me. But who knows, I've still got a few days to decide.

Whatever: Designer bags for rent?

I live in Los Angeles, the city of glamour and flashy life style.   I am a tomboy from Thailand and I am a very simple person in every way. I remember growing up, I did not want or have designer purses. I think I could've afforded it if I wanted to, but why would I?! I love handmade bags made by my mom or my maid. I had to wear a uniform and wear certain shoes and bags to school, so I had no choice but follow the rules.

If you want to live like a movie star of rich and famous you might be interested in this story.

It doesn’t really catch me as a good idea or good deal, but then again I'm not a designer fanatic and I am not into fancy cars and properties (not just yet). I just want to have enough money to invest, own some properties and be able to shop and spurge from time to time. I don’t think these services that they are offering are really catchy-- but if they can survive and make so much profit, I could be wrong.

Movies: Natalie Portman gets naked--Enough Said.

My three weekend movies described in 20 words or less:

Thumbsucker
CUTE. Interesting cast playing very interesting characters. Refreshing originality. Keanu Reeves is surprisingly subtle.



Closer
Amazing dialogue. Intriguing relationships. Clive Owen & Natalie Portman are sexy. Jude Law is a whiny bitch. Worst casting: Julia Roberts.




Love Me If You Dare
Simultaneously romantic and frustrating. In love with the characters, but also hate them. Does eternal love necessitate death?!

Shopping: Heels on Wheels

Yesterday I bought a new bicycle! It's my first bike since the age of 14. I can't wait to take it for a spin. Had to be purple, of course. Isn't she adorable? Now I just have to learn how to use all those gears.

Art: Richard Colman

If you don't have any plans for this Saturday and you don't feel like spending any money, you should check out Richard Colman's latest exhibition in Los Angeles at Merry Karnowsky Gallery. The reception starts at 8pm and goes on until 11pm. The show is called Long Distance and includes all new works by this genius artist.

Shopping, Music, Movies, Whatever and Food!: Medley all over again

Sample Sales from Underground Denim

To all my girls who love to shop for good quality brands at awesome prices. Underground Denim has been bringing you this sample sales event in SoCal for years now. This weekend they are invading the OC. I am a fan of online shopping but I must say that this event is very tempting.

Feel free to make RSVP for this event here

Shopping for Audio book at Towerrecords.com

I am also looking to buy audio books so I can listen to them while driving to and from work. I just found out today that Tower records.com started to sell books online.

Silver Lake Film Festival

If you dont have any plan this weekend you should drive up to Silver Lake and check out Silver Lake Film Festival.
What: Nine days of new films, music, art, and parties in Silver Lake and beyond.
Why: Say you saw it when.
When: Mar. 23-31.
Where: See their official site for various events and locations.

Music: Abandoned Pools

I was listening to Yahoo radio while working the other day and I heard one song from an artist that I have never heard of. Abandoned Pools is from Los Angeles and it seems like the lead singer, Tommy Walter, is a one man show. His music is very emo but also very melodic. His sound is more complex than JamisonParker. The sound of a guitar is right up there with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Radiohead. Yes I am refering to Nick Zinner's sound and Radiohead's sound. It is sure going to be the next cd that I will be looking for at Ameoba.

Art: LACMA Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary...

The Los Angeles Museum is officially forty, and ready to celebrate how far they've come. In only four decades they've established the most comprehensive collection of art on the West Coast, connected millions of people to the museum for free, and cultivated incomparable music and film programs... and so much more.

Please joing LACMA for a four-day feast for the senses on the occasion of their fortieth. Along with free admission to LACMA for absolutely everyone, They are also offering live music to groove to, captivating films for all ages, enriching lectures and classes, and of course... a collection of art guaranteed to move you. (And they did mention birthday cupcakes?) RSVP today!

The celebration begins on Thursday, March 30th and doesn't stop until the weekend's over, so be sure to join them for one — or all four — days!

You can check the full schedule here

It will be awesome!

Get your hands off my banana

There is a new breed of predator roaming amongst us in the corporate world. They are known as the Fruit Nazis, or FN's if you prefer to be discreet. Every office has at least one. The term is flexible, depending on the types of freebies that one's office provides--from daily fruit deliveries, to occasional leftovers from catered meetings, to the ever-popular holiday gift baskets-- the [insert freebie] Nazis wait for these goodies to arrive and will stop at nothing pounce and pillage the offerings.

When I first started working for my current employer, I was delighted to find that a variety of fresh fruit was delivered on a daily basis to encourage healthy snacking. This was until I discovered the reality that my office was a jungle, full of predators who hide beneath their cubicle walls and wait for the sound of the fruit cart to roll by. Each day at 10:30am their ritual begins. They line up at the basket and proceed to TOUCH EACH PIECE, looking for the ripest of the bunch. Oranges, pears, bananas, grapes-- even the coveted strawberries-- none are safe from the Fruit Nazi's grip.

Their strategy varies. If they are feeling bold, they will simply pile up as much as they can carry, walking away with arms overflowing with fruit. Or, if they sense that the enemy is near by, they will make more than one trip for the goods, coming back up to four times to reap the bounty. Either way, within 5 minutes the fruit basket is EMPTY, lying naked and disheveled on the breakroom table with perhaps an apple or two strewn about.

And to our horror, it does not stop with the fruit. When the occasional announcement is made that leftovers are available in the kitchen, the FN's are ready to strike. They load up their plates with mounds of food to hoard at their desks, chuckling with glee at their victorious efforts. Good luck leaving your lunch items in the break room fridge; random lunches have been known to mysteriously disappear.

Do these people eat at home? Does anyone really need 8 pieces of fruit a day? Are they stocking up to prepare for nuclear war? More importantly, before they man-handle every single piece fruit, do they wash their hands after using the restroom??? These are questions that we can not answer. All we can do is hope to hear the basket before they do, so that at least once or twice a week we can have one goddamn banana.

Movies: A weekend with the Flu

While attempting to recuperate for the weekend I was able to catch up on quite a few 2005 releases. No duds here! I liked them all.


I had never heard Johnny Cash's music, other than the song "Ring of Fire," when I sat down to watch Walk the Line. I didn't know anything about the so-called Man in Black, so I couldn't really tell you how dead on Joaquin Phoenix's performance was, or whether or not Reese Witherspoon became June Carter, as one critic put it. What I can say is that Cash was an intriguing fellow and I very much enjoyed learning about his story. It's impossible to call the plot formulaic, because from what I've read it was a very accurate portrayal of Cash's life. Phoenix and Witherspoon did an amazing job with the vocals, and their performances were entirely believable, although like I said I can't vouch for the authenticity. Jon Stewart might have been partially right at the Oscars when he said it is Ray with white people, but in the end I think both Ray and Walk the Line effectively tell the story of two unique individuals with lives worth learning about.



What does A History of Violence have to offer? It's an action movie with a brain. I'll admit that I found some of the acts of violence gratifying to watch (For that I blame my brother and all those Schwarzenegger and Van Damme movies). And HELLO, the sex scenes in this movie were pretty damn hot. But ass-whoopings and animal sex aside, the film explores a concept that I find fascinating. Is violence a part of human nature? Is it ever justified? I've read some reviews that condemn the stupid American audience for cheering on the violent acts in this movie, but I would have to disagree with that point of view. Is it wrong to cheer on the nerd when he finally beats the high school bully to a bloody pulp? Is it wrong to cheer on the diner owner when he kills the man who was just pointing a gun in his face? I don't know if it's wrong, but I certainly cheered. I find that whole "Violence is never the answer" attitude to be very simplistic. The issue is too complex to be dealt with in absolutes. In other words, never say never.


Three... Extremes reminds me of the Scary Stories collections that I used to read by Alvin Schwartz (although this is definitely not one for the kids). It's divided into three separate tales of terror, each told by different directors--one from Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan. If you haven't seen an Asian horror film, get ready for a new experience. This one, like others I've seen, moves at a slow pace and manages to be beautiful and unimaginably creepy at the same time. They each might leave you a little confused at the end, but you'll definitely be entertained.


My dad was a Marine who served in Vietnam, and my brother was in the Army and served for the first year of the Iraq war--so I approached Jarhead with a pretty strong understanding and affection for military men. Sometimes they can be misogynistic and stupid, but underneath it all they are good men who are just trying to survive in circumstances that civilians can't even fathom. Even if you hate war movies, I would suggest that you check out Jarhead because it's not really a "war movie" in the traditional sense. It tells the story of Desert Storm, which lasted about 4 days. So the majority of the movie is about Marines waiting to go to war, and what that does to their psyche. Most of the men who served in Desert Storm never had to fire a gun; this movie explores how they deal with training for war and becoming veterans of the war that never really happened.

Whatever: Margaret you are dark-sided

Boy oh boy..I have been listening to the short clip on Kroq about this Margaret lady on Trading Spouses a couple of times now. I finally had a chance to see it on VDO. I love my life!

Whatever, Movie: Sleep-Eating and Wentworth Miller

I just read a little article about Sleep-Eating. The new nighttime horror is "sleep-eating." Some people do it naturally, but researchers and lawsuits suggest that the spread of sleeping pills such as Ambien may have driven cases of sleep-related eating disorders into the thousands. Examples: 1) A woman woke up and found debris from candy bars and popsicles on her floor. 2) Another woman devoured a package of hamburger buns "like a grizzly bear." 3) A woman went to sleep "in a full body cast" and was later found by her son "frying bacon and eggs." Scientists are debating whether to blame the pills or a pre-existing subset of susceptible victims.

So now I know where those food wrappers from Jacks in the box are from...creepy.

Prison Break new season is tonight at 8 pm on Fox 11. Please don't miss it. Check out the show. It is a freaking good show..if you like 24, you will like this show and Wentworth Miller is so dreamy.

Another show on Sci Fi channel that you should check it out if you have a cable is Dr. Who I just watch a couple of episodes over the weekend and I must admit, it is oddly good!

Shopping: Cruising for Bruising

Okay- so I'm not really a "car person," and I'm usually fiercely loyal to my little Corolla-- but I have to admit that the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser has stolen my heart. I want one in Voodoo Blue. The problem is, this would not be a practical choice. I don't like camping or hiking or driving around in the mud. But I guess it's comparable to Mary-Kate and Ashley driving around in Land Rovers. I doubt that they enjoy off-roading. Hell, I don't know how they have to strength in those bony arms to steer an SUV.

Movie,Music: The old lady is back

I have been feeling less than healthy lately. I feel bad that I have not posted anything in almost a week. I am back now. I will try my best to post something useful today. Forgive me if I failed you all.

Brick

It is one of the movies that I need to rent it and check it out as soon as the DVD comes out. When I read the plot of this movie on imdb.com, I was really surprised that this film got good reviews. Again I won't believe anybody until I watch it myself. I will be the judge, because I am so cool.

Editors



Editors. I head about them late last year and have been wanting to own the cd for a while now. Amazon.com has it for such a steep price so I decided to wait. This band is from Birmingham, UK and one of the band members loves Interpol. Yes! they are brits but they don't sound like Arctic Monkeys, The Subways, Franz Ferdinand or Radiohead. You will enjoy it though because brits always have different sound and style in music. I am not saying American rock bands sucks but I think we just take Emo to far now. Good luck getting their show tickets. I heard that they sold out their tour months before the real dates. Bastards!

They can run, but they can't hide

Up-to-the-minute celebrity sightings in New York with exact map location included? This is too good to be true! I love it. We need this in L.A. What's that? You feel sorry for the poor celebrities? Boo f*ing hoo.

Let me tell you why this Starbucks coffee break thing is a load of crap-- Last year around July they also promoted free scoops of Starbucks ice cream, and I walked all the way there with my fellow employees only to be turned away because we showed up 10 lousy minutes before the promotion started. FREE COFFEE MY ASS. And you know what, I don't even really like Starbuck's coffee. I mean, the sugary frappacinos are ok, but their regular coffee tastes like burnt asphalt. I am heartily enjoying my grande drip from Tullys, and it is quite yummy.

You may be wondering where my pissy mood came from at 8:00am. Well, for starters, spending two hours on the 405 because some power lines decided to fall over is not a fun way to begin the day. But frowning is bad for my complexion, so I'm officially over it.

Shopping: Origami or not?

I dont know if it was a good idea for Microsoft to come out with the new PC handheld Origami. Then again, considering it comes with many features comparable to a decent Laptop (but with a lighter and smaller body), I would not mind having one so I could put my laptop to rest at home for a while.

Shopping: Girls, we will never have enough bags

I was feeling less than ok yesterday so I decided to stay home and rest all day. It was nice to be able to sleep while the rest of the population was working.
Now I am back at work and trying to make a living. I started my morning with usual a cup o' Mocha and told myself that I won't be having it for another 4 days. I have to keep a healthy routine. Then I decided to checked out my email inbox and to my surprise, I found a bag for my beach day! Loop NYC is having a little sale. I found out that Andy Warhol bag is on sale..well now I have to decide between swearing off my biweekly mocha ritual or having Warhol bag for my upcoming beach day.

Oh la la..it is so nice to be a girl :D



Oh I would like to remind you that Capote DVD is out today! Run to the store and buy it today!!!

Movies: A Weekend of disturbing themes

My eyes have been traumatized this weekend by a barrage of graphic images, in both good and bad ways.

It started Friday night when I was persuaded by my horror-movie-obsessed husband to see The Hills Have Eyes. Now let me preface this review by stating that I love a good scary movie just as much as the next person. I lean more towards suspense/psychological thrillers, but sometimes gratuitous violence is all part of the experience. Saw, for example, was gross but had an engaging plot. What I do not enjoy are the recent wave of horror films intent on pushing the boundaries of graphic human torture and mutilation. It does not scare me; it just makes me want to puke and gouge out my eyes. The Hills Have Eyes falls into this category, along with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake and Hostel. These films contain images that I could have gone my whole life without seeing. It takes a lot to disgust me to the point of being offended, and The Hills accomplished that in the first hour. I understand that there is an audience for this type of movie, and they scare me more than the movies do.

I was able to exact revenge upon my husband by forcing him to sit through another somewhat disturbing movie, Mysterious Skin. With themes of child molestation and male prostitution, some scenes were difficult to watch. Even more so for my husband, but I told him it was payback time. (Evil laugh) But seriously, even though it covers harsh topics in a graphic way, it is a very powerful and thought-provoking story. In a world of cheesy television remakes and video game adaptations, I enjoyed watching something so ground-breaking and artistic.



On the other hand, sometimes when you watch a movie all you want to do is escape, which is why I took a break from themes of gore and sex and finally saw Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. It was cute and fun, but as a fan of Nightmare Before Christmas I guess I was expecting more...Maybe I just need to watch it again and it will grow on me. The first time around I wasn't all that taken by the characters, music, or plot. But I still love Danny Elfman and Tim Burton. Only Burton can make a maggot cute.

Music: SXSW

Now I wish I can go to SXSW and live in Texas. Maybe next year that will be my vacation destination! Oh yeah!

Art and Shopping: Rainy in Seal Beach

Artist Simone Shubuck is so sweet. After reading her little interview on Jane Magazine, I feel like putting aside my computer and start drawing again.



Another illustrator that I would like to see his exhibition is John Wesley.


I just finished a Mocha Latte from Coffee Bean’s. I did not know that they always use non fat milk. So does that mean it is healthier to grab a cup of coffee at Coffee Bean’s than Starbucks? This will be the topic that I will discuss with my buddy Daria on Monday.

The other day my friend ( a very special boy) told me about Penn & Teller Bullshit show on Showtime and how he has been watching the show every single day since he found out about it. I check it out myself and he is so right. The show is awesome and just straight out funny. I can totally relate to the topics of the show. Now I know where he gets "buns of steels" from :D. You should check it out on Winamp and watch it online.



I know this will be off topic but I am looking for a new pair of sneakers for my Summer vacation. This is the thing. I need to prepare for my trip. I have been packing up my IPOD with cool tunes and cd for the trip. I got my bag already, thanks to Fredflare. So I have been looking around and trying to find cool sneakers. Delias also have cool stuff with cool price so I will be checking it out.

Music, Movies, and Whatever : The YYYs are back along with JT Reloy and how can we all get along

Music
Review of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs that I missed. Damn and damn!

Movie
Adolescent Movies Reviews

Just talked about The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things the other day. Now you can read the whole review of the movie that based on this book at LA Weekly online. You can also find a full review of Duck Season at the same place.

Whatever

If these two groups can work along side by side and make our schools the better places, why can’t me live in peace…Bush?

Music, Shopping, Biz: The whole nine yards

Where to go?Downtown art work on the 2nd thrusday of every month. It is free and it is fab!

What is going on here? I dont understand why all these prep school bastards need more $$. Then two great business schools accept them for Bschool at the same time!! What's wrong with this picture?

What to buy? Now I wish I had tons of money because all these stuffs are just so efing fabulous. I want this dvd for my 29th birthday. :)

What to listen to? If you like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, you will love this post. You can check out their whole live show online here. Now you know why i love an internet and npr.org so much.


Where to go? I will be going to this meeting next week. Kind of random and will be full off older people but then again what else could happen to me?

What to buy? Damn! I really want this jacket for my Thailand trip in May!!

What what what? I have been off caffeine for 4 days now! Gasp! I mean no diet coke or diet pepsi, no iced or hot tea and no coffee. I broke the rules today and went to Starbucks on the way to work and got myself a healthy Grande Green Tea Frappucio without whipped cream of couse. I will see how long I will last. It will be an interesting journey since I am a fanatic mocha drinker. Then I had a chance to read the article about how much coffee should you drink per day so you wont end up getting a heart attack. Greattt. And then I further read the post about Special K diet. Well I am on a better health diet and I think this cereal diet is full of crap! I can't take it. Either I eat real food and then excercise or just do lines of coke and be skinny.

Whatever: Yow either in, or Yow ouwt

Alas, my beloved Project Runway has ended for another season. It is quite possibly one of the best reality shows ever produced. Aside from Heidi Klum’s inability to pronounce her R’s, I love everything about this show—the drama, the fashion, the fabulous gay men.

For the most part I was very satisfied with how the finale went down. I knew that Santino would weasel his way into the final 3, but it was such a relief that he was the first to be cut. Yes, he’s creative and passionate. But he hadn’t shown a decent design since the second episode, and his final collection lacked any hint of cohesiveness. Between Daniel V. and Chloe, I remain torn. It came down to Chloe’s professionalism and well-themed, but limited designs versus Daniel’s creativity and versatile, but unfocused collection. I think they both did well, but I would have leaned toward Daniel because he seems to have more potential in the fashion world. Chloe has practical business ambitions, but I just don’t see her becoming “America’s next big designer.” Her style is too commercial. Either way, I was happy with the result because Daniel got enough exposure to take him very far.

Casting for season three starts this month. I shiver with anticipation.

P.S. Kara's Kimono dress for sale on Bravo's website is so great!

Music, Movies: Dave Chappelle’s Block Party Soundtrack and The Cruise

Block Party

I have not seen it, but I've been hearing good things about this movie so I guess I'll make a visit to the theater and check it out.

Check out the soundtrack from this movie here. I love it.

We all know that Philip Seymour Hoffman won an Oscar for his perfomance in last year Capote. What a talented actor. I have been following his works for so long now. I really like his work in Happiness. Check out this movie. If you have a weak heart, do not watch it!

Another person who I would like to talk about today is the director of Capote, Bennett Miller. I heard that he havn't done many movies at all before he directed Capote. His first work was a documentary about a tour guide for Manhattan's Gray Line Double Decker Buses. The movie called The Cruise. There is not enough information about this movie on imdb.com for me to talk about but I will sure check out the movie. Oh so little time, so many good movies!

Movies: Blimey!

A quick note regarding my movie posts: At $10 a pop I don't make it to the theater as often as I used to, which is why the films that I chose to discuss may seem random and outdated. So many films, so little time. I am eternally catching up with rentals and borrowed dvds from friends and family. My posts will not consists of full-fledged reviews by any means--I prefer to share my overall reactions, rantings, and recommendations. You know, the nitty-gritty that most people would want to know before they invest two hours of their life in watching what could potentially be a painful disappointment. Having said that, I love to read in-depth movies reviews in my spare time, and for that Pajiba kicks ass.



The Limey (1999)
This is an intriguing story of revenge shot with amazing style and flawless dialogue. No one has better slang than the Brits. I think my new favorite expression is going to be Oy! I loved how the flashbacks to a younger Wilson (Terence Stamp) were comprised of actual footage from one of Stamp's earlier films. One thing that bugged me--and this is purely superficial--Peter Fonda's character is icky. Seriously, they took the creepy-old-rich-guy-who-dates-young-girls thing way too far.

Music: Baby Dayliner

Baby Dayliner is here!

If you like David Bowie, Peaches, Syn pop, pretty boy with sexy voice and dance move, you will like Baby Dayliner. I have never heard of him before but I am glad I did. You can hear his songs at CD baby and his myspace page. Seriously! he rocks!

Whatever: Rock and Roll Sushi

Next time you're in North Hollywood and you have a sushi craving, check out Tokyo Delve's. It's not your average sushi bar. Get ready for strobe lights, cheesy pop music, festive decor, chefs that sing and dance, hosts that perform renditions of N'Sync, and manditory audience participation! Delve's is my favorite place to go for birthdays--or sometimes I just go on a Tuesday when my life feels boring. Recommended cocktails: the sake martinis come in several tasty flavors, and you can't leave without pounding a sake bomb! To do so would be sacrilegious. (I checked the spelling on that last word--it's correct)

Art: Joshua Gurrie

Joshua Gurrie

Salvador Dali is one of my favorite surrealist artists of all time. I had a chance to see his work at MOMA in New York last year. His works are very dark and gothic like.


Now another new wave surrealist is in town. An australia painter and illustrator Joshua Gurrie focuses more on clean art and easy to direct the meaning to his works. His work is also very surreslist and very simple which means lack of excessive unnessary elements. Check out more about his works at his website. After you visited his site you will agree with me that he is surely a simple man!

Movies: Duck Season

Duck Season

I just got the invitation to this free screening in West Hollywood in my mailbox today. Duck Season is a film about growing up and the movie produced by Alfonso Curon ( Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN ) and directed by Fernando Eimbcke. The film is a humorous and sweet look at the perils of adolescence. If you like Y Tu Mama Tambien, you should not miss this movie.

You can check out the trailer of the movie here and if you would like to find out more about cool independent movie and free screening around LA area, you should also check out Film Radar.

Dear Daria: Can we just be friends?

Dear Daria,
I have known this guy on and off for about one year. I have noticed that he only calls me at night and just wants to "hang out". I try to flirt with him and it seems like he flirts back, but it never goes beyond that. I would like to be more than friends, and the one time I tried to bring that up, he told me that since he doesn't have a full time job and still goes to school and just lost his car in and accident, he is not ready to have a girlfriend yet. I really have feelings for him and want things to go farther, but I also don't want to lose his friendship. I'm not sure what to do.

Sincerely, Hopelessly Devoted

Dear Hopelessly Devoted,
Girl, it's time to move on. First of all, I am willing to bet my life savings (which sadly isn't much) that this guy lives with his parents. That might not be a deal-breaker in itself, but it's a factor that definitely goes in the "cons" column. Your only option in this situation is to cut off communication. You may be thinking, but if I can't have him as a boyfriend, I can still keep him as a friend. Maybe eventually things will progress...he just needs time.

That is total BS, and let me tell you why. For lack of a better cliche, he's just not that into you. If he was at all attracted to you things would have progressed by now...you've been flirting for a year. The fact that he sometimes flirts back but never makes a move simply means that he likes the attention. You are his daily ego-shake. He knows that you want more, but gives you lame excuses that have nothing to do with having a relationship. Since when does being a student or not having a car preclude dating? These obstacles clearly don't keep him from "hanging out." If you're thinking what I'm thinking, he suddenly doesn't sound like such a great friend, does he? Certainly not one worth keeping. Besides, you can't just be friends with someone that you have strong feelings for unless you are a serious masochist. Each meeting with him will be a reminder of his rejection.

Art: Skills ? Nah you don't need it.

Check out this site if you like to take random pictures and post them online. Its pretty cool. I just joined it about a week ago. I have not uploaded any pitures though but I will do that a week from now. I promise :D

Visual Dictionary

Art: American comic arts at MOCA

If you like comic arts, you would really enjoy this exhibition at MOCA.

Master of American Comics and the exhibition will be on until March 12th so rush or run there before you miss it. Since you will be there, why don't you also check out another awesome exhibition there also. Painting in Tongues survey examines the work of seven international emerging artists who have embraced a novel and challenging approach to painting. if you go on Thursday, you will be able to check out the art for free untill 8 pm!

Art: Octavia Butler on Racism

On the way home from work last week, I was listening to NPR news program as usual. Most of the stories and reports were about Katrina Hurrican Victims and how they are working and trying to get their life back in order.

Right before I got off the freeway, Sharon Ball's story was on. The report was on Octavia Butlet, the first black woman to succeed in the science fiction genre. She died last week of age 58. The report was 15 minutes long so I found a parking spot and sat in the car until the report was over. After I listened to Sharon Ball's report on the radio, I rushed home, got online and checked out the reports and articles on Octavia Butler.


This is one small quote from her essay on racism. If you want to check out the whole essay and any other articles and news about her, please visit www.npr.org.

"Several years ago I wrote a novel called Dawn in which extra-solar aliens arrive, look us over, and inform us that we have a pair of characteristics that together constitute a fatal flaw. We are, they admit, intelligent, and that's fine. But we are also hierarchical, and our hierarchical tendencies are older and all too often, they drive our intelligence-that is, they drive us to use our intelligence to try to dominate one another. "

Shopping: Would you like to pimp your cubicle?

It is so hilarious how these day people are coming out with more products that are so hilarious these days. Then again we tend to spend money on them. Pimp my cubicle kit is one of the products that I would not even think about buying it if it was 30 years ago. Today after the booming of Pimp My Ride show on MTV and DIY shows on Home and Garden Network, this product is just a little tail of this phenomenon. The creator is trying to catch the wallet of small niche market.

So why dont you check out pimp my cubicle kit today and start making that dull working space and turn it around and make it a fun place to be.

Shopping: Fred Flare

First thing in the morning after I clocked in for work, I browsed for something to buy from Fred Flare. This site is so awesome that I had to share it with my baby girl Daria. Now we've ended up with cart full of goodies. It's so good to be women :D

Music: SnoCore 2006 - Flyleaf

Last month I saw Flyleaf at The Avalon. This tiny girl walked on stage with an otherwise all-male band, and from where I stood I swear she looked no more than 12 years old. Turns out, the girl can sing. Her voice is really unbelievable. After their set I gave her a hug and she must have been less than 5' tall. I was in awe!

Shinedown and Seether also performed, but for me Flyleaf really stole the show.

Movies: IFC Independent Spirit Awards

Since I mentioned in the last post that I am not a big fan of an Academy Award, I am going to skip the award ceremony all together. If you want to check out independent award show, you should check out IFC Independent Spirit Awards on March 4th. It is not an Academy Award show, but I am sure you will enjoy and appreciate it.

Art: Photograph Art show for BFA of CSULB

My friend has finally graduated from CSULB with her degree in photography art. She will have her final art show at M. Merlina Gallery in CSULB. It is nice to be back on campus that I love. The event is going down this Sunday and there will be free booze. Well that is not the reason why I am going there...seriously!!

Shopping: Damn it feels good to be a hamster

Delias has the greatest collection of T-shirts. They always make me laugh. Then again, I find the Naked Gun movies hilarious, so it's possible I'm just very easily amused.

Movies: Gael García Bernal is F-ing Hot

I just finished watching Dot the I. It combines the elements of a thriller, love triangle, and experimental concept--all with intensity and exciting plot twists. All three actors are gorgeous and talented. YES it's that good.

Music: Lookin Extra Fly

If you're just like me and sometimes all you wanna do is shake your booty, then you must watch the music video for Kanye West's Touch the Sky.

Granted, Kanye West is a complete ASS. But his songs still rock, and his videos are always fresh. This one features Pam Anderson and Nia Long.

Shopping: Retro Glasses

I thought about collecting retro shades for a minute but the thought of it went away after a quick glance at my bank account statement.
If you are interested in different style of retro shades and want to be an expert on retro shades? Check out Klasik.org and you will not be disappointed. Shades can be so fun!