24 November 2009

LISTS

The following is an exercise inspired by Umberto Eco's guest curation at the Louvre, on view in Paris through December 13, 2009. In a fascinating interview with SPIEGEL, Eco attests to the "irresistible magic" of lists and explains the paradoxical manner in which the list is both a liberating and limiting tool, used to express the infinite in a finite way. Here's a cool video featuring Eco and his interesting take on lists.


A List of Lists: Men Describing Qualities of Women

1. Cake, "Short Skirt, Long Jacket"
I want a girl
with a mind like a diamond
who knows what's best
who gets up early
who stays up late
with fingernails that shine like justice
who's fast and thorough and sharp as a tack
with a short skirt and a long jacket
    2. Kings of Leon, "Milk"
    She saw my comb-over
    Her hourglass body
    She had problems with drinking milk and being school-tardy
    She'll loan you her toothbrush
    She'll bartend your party

    3. Bob Dylan, "Just Like a Woman"
    She takes just like a woman, yes, she does

    She makes love just like a woman, yes, she does

    And she aches just like a woman

    But she breaks just like a little girl.

    4. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, "Home"
    Well, hot and heavy, pumpkin pie,
    Chocolate candy, Jesus Christ,
    Ain't nothing please me more than you

    5. Tom Jones, "She's a Lady"
    Well she knows what I'm about,
    She can take what I dish out and that's not easy
    Well she knows me through and through,
    She knows just what to do, and how to please me
    She's a lady. Whoa, whoa, whoa, she's a lady

    6. Elton John, "Tiny Dancer"
    Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
    Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
    Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
    And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand

    7. The Rolling Stones, "You Got the Silver"
    You got my heart, you my soul
    You got the silver, you the gold
    You got the diamonds from the mine,
    That's alright, it'll buy some time

    Perhaps a list is the best way to approximate je ne se quois ...?

    04 July 2009

    PC Greens - Healthy Outpost on the Coast

    I LOVE Pacific Coast Greens. They sell all the healthy food that I can't find at Ralph's or Pavillions. I picked up some raw/vegan goodies yesterday and the whole shopping experience made me so happy! Everything smells so good and fresh in there!

    Here's what I got:
    • four different flavors or Larabars (to taste test)
    • 24 oz of Evolution's Pink Grapefruit juice (I am addicted)
    • Sunshine Burger patties in the Garden Herb flavor
    • Kombucha in the Raspberry flavor
    • ready-made raw kale salad

    22601 Pacific Coast Highway
    Malibu, CA 90265-5856
    (310) 456-0353

    01 July 2009

    "World's Most Stylist Cities" according to Forbes

    Here's a piece of an article written in Forbes detailing the world's most stylist cities. (Los Angeles was deemed #6.)


    "Why the rush of talent flowing out of Los Angeles? The same could be said of all the other cities on the list, actually. Style-conscious cities, in general, benefit from the disruptive innovation a financial downturn often conjures. While the recession has undoubtedly hurt all of these cities' economies, it's also allowed creative types to take chances and chase their dreams simply because there's less to lose.
    What's bad for the economy, it seems, is good for style. And every city on the list--whether it's geared more toward architecture, fashion, or product design--has something the Parisians understand better than anyone: je ne sais quoi."

    This falls in line with the idea behind 'creative as savior' that I mention in "Detroit, the new Brooklyn?". Creative-type/Creator creates Something where there once was nothing. Artist conceives design that attracts attention, attention begets buzz, buzz generates revenue, revenue attracts other artists, and the process continues and evolves, constantly filling vacuums.

    If a void (absence of money, restrictions, occupation) paradoxically creates space for Creation, this is good news for our economy. If artists are the creators who renew society and generate intellectual and economic momentum, then there is all the more reason to fund the Arts.


    Here's the complete list:

    10. Barcelona
    9. San Francisco
    8. Madrid
    7. Tokyo
    6. Los Angeles
    5. Rome
    4. London
    3. New York
    2. Milan
    1. Paris

    Do You Need An Ass-Kicking?

    For those of you who don't know about Jenna Phillips or her amazing program "Mission Possible", check her out immediately. I've been attending her outdoor workout sessions on and off for about a year, but keep myself in line by reading her blog on new foods she's trying, health tips and other motivational tidbits. She is the most positive, bubbly, insightful trainer who really walks the walk. I can't wait to do a whole week with her!



    Update: She now has an exclusively dedicated Twitter feed for Mission: Possible called @YouArePossible.

    Detroit, the new Brooklyn?

    Now, some people compare downtown Los Angeles and even Venice Beach to various cities in Brooklyn, and I dislike the patronizing insinuation that L.A. is only a lesser version of New York. However, I can appreciate the notion that somewhat dodgy towns can re-invent themselves with the arrival of avant garde (or, perhaps more accurately - struggling artist) inhabitants. Both Downtown and Venice have been re-born in this manner, and both boast an increasinly rich variety of culinary and cultural offerings. (Of the two, I prefer Downtown).


    The latest broken-down city to herald the emergence of broke, young artists is none other than Detroit, Michigan. What a tremendous boon for the city who has seen nothing but turmoil, unraveling hopes and bankruptcy the last few years. With the Kresge Foundation's grant of $450,000 to 18 visual artists, it appears a similar renaissance could be on the horizon for Motor City, as well. See Flavorwire for more info.

    On a selfish level, I like to think of the young, poor and creative as the saviors of society. With little in the way of responsibility, and few materials to tinker with, these are the ones who dare to think outside the established order. Few distractions and even fewer restrictions in the presence of a burning desire to survive spark some of the world's best ideas. Desperation can also be debilitating, so keep it coming, Patrons of the Arts.

    (Note to L.A.'s resident billionaires - Grab a clue from Eli Broad (the man knows a thing or two about smart investments) and support your city's art scene! MOCA, LACMA & others are more than storehouses of pretty crap - they fuel dreams and inspire revolutions. Duh.)

    Photograph by Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre

    Continuuing the Conversation about CORKBAR

    Corkbar now has a special night called "Test Kitchen Tuesdays". The chef (Albert Aviles) prepares taster-sized portions of "new, market-driven" dishes that aren't yet featured in the regular menu. Each item is $2. Been meaning to go back to check this out! (FYI, this goes on every Tuesday, starting at 5pm, until the food runs out).


    I've also been meaning to check out Gjelina in Venice. Carlo Mondavi (of Mondavi winery) recommends the food. I'll also have to check out Continuum!

    403 W. 12th Street (South Park section of DTLA)
    Los Angeles, CA 90015
    213-746-0050

    UPDATES:
    Corkbar now features jazz on Sundays from 5-9pm with great wine & beer deals AND delivers locally!

    Profane Oversight!

    Tony's is my new favorite bar.

    While The Varnish is still my favorite place to weave glamour and subterfuge into my life, and reigning home of the best hand-crafted cocktail, I love the masculinity of Tony's and how I feel being amidst it.

    It's in the Arts District downtown, though at night the surrounding area is pretty deserted. The decor, ambience, menu, music and manager are all perfect and lovely and just right. Tony's has been reclaimed by Cedd Moses and the 213 group, and I'm sure that it will be reaping the rewards of foresight sooner than later. I don't know if a downtown neighborhood saloon could get any more neighborhood-y or saloon-y.

    30 June 2009

    Ode to Cheese

    Went to Andrew's Cheese Shop on Montana yesterday for the first time, and fell in love. Both Andrew and his many cheeses are so delightful, and I'll be going back soon!

    I got some cheese to go with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon I had and those chocolate caramels with the salt on top. I think they are made in Seattle. Anyway, the cheese is of the Langres variety and here's what the little notecard Andrew gave me reads:

    "Very rare washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Champagne, France. Pretty flavors of fried eggs and butter. Dump some Champagne into the concave top before you eat this cheese if you want to freak out."

    Ah, who doesn't want to 'freak out' over cheese?! Andrew is a doll - he even makes his own mozzarella. I'll be going back for some of that...


    Today I was running errands for work around Cedars and stopped into Petrossian for lunch. I've been meaning to go there for a while now, and knew the minute I took a look at the menu that I was in heaven - I ordered the 321 Salad with smoked salmon, avocados and burrata. Splendid!! Savored every bite. Kind of pricey, but so worth it. It felt so decadent for lunch, especially when a chocolate truffle preceded the bill.

    Los Angeles, I love you.

    20 May 2009

    Musings After An Evening Around Town

    1. Sooo many young people live in that area where Santa Monica, L.A. and Brentwood come together... and so many of them are good-looking young guys! Whereas many young guys also live in Santa Monica, they aren't as easy to spot out and about.

    2. Shockingly little traffic on the way to downtown AFTER the Laker game.... and surprisingly, not everyone downtown is even aware there is a game going on.... I predict this phenomenon won't last much longer... people are going to want to hang out in downtown after the games, and I'm sure smart restaurant and bar owners will take advantage of the opportunity.

    3. Bottega Louie is GORGEOUS. It's got so much open space (above your head) and the interior is so pristinely white and gold that is just gives off a gleaming, regal quality... and the victuals! So many goodies to choose from... hand-bottled pasta sauces, premium hot chocolate powder, Irish butter, pastries..... I had a gin gimlet with cucumber and the spaghetti Bolognese..... both very good! Friendly wait-staff, as well.



    4. To be continued...

    19 May 2009

    L.A.= l'epicenter

    SO MUCH is happening in L.A. today.... election day, another earthquake, American Idol Finale (Day 1), Dancing with the Stars finals... LAKERS in the playoffs!


    Going to check out Cedd Moses' new bar and watching the LAKESHOW!!!!!!!!!


    I hope nothing implodes!

    18 May 2009

    Bring on the Euphoria

    So, thanks to my handy-dandy ads to the right of my blog, I am the newest holder of concert tickets to see Kings of Leon in San Diego and L.A. in August!!!


    I have purchased in the past from Ticketmaster and then realized the good seats are all on Stub Hub, but then I realized (thanks to a helpful ad on my own page) that Ticket Tango is the same deal as Stub Hub, but since it's seemingly less well known, the "cheap" tickets don't go as fast.

    So - check there first for your concert needs.

    Anyway, I'm excited about seeing KOL back to back.... first in SD then LA. They are FANTASTIC live.

    For any KOL fans out there, here's a video from their concert at MSG on January 28th. It was so cool to be there for what felt like a homecoming of sorts. Until this latest album came out, they didn't have much of an American fan base, though certainly they had pockets of devoted followers. MSG seemed like the first time they felt some recognition on their home turf, and it was touching to hear Caleb (who is the only one who really talks during concerts, and really, doesn't say much at all) express his appreciation. I was in the pit up close, so I could tell from his expression that he was deeply moved, seeing the sold out Garden. He always seems so open and honest, and it's refreshing to hear him speak.

    Anyway, they finished up with some of their big rockers, and "Trani" is one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy! Check them out if they tour near you.


    17 May 2009

    Regent Theater

    I keep falling even more in love with Downtown!

    Went to MOCA Thursday to help with a special young alumni group initiative they're starting (ask me about special discount membership to MOCA) which began with a tour of Dan Graham's Beyond, and then the DT Art Walk.

    Happy to see soo many people out and about for the walk! Only really stopped into Deborah Martin's gallery, which was packed! Even had a band playing and a bar set up. Jammed with people - it was so hot. Couple cool leather and jewelry vendors set up, too. Bumped into a guy who agrees that the Crocker Club would be amazing if only the owner would go back to West Hollywood. Then ran into the bohemian parents of one of my middle school friends... who were checking out our high school photography teacher's show at the Museum of Neon Art.

    Met up with my friend at Little Radio (after managing to slip into the Regent Theater for a quick listen to some crazy dancing/drum beats). We headed over to Varnish (you're surprised?) to see our favorite bartender and have some Eastsides.... and he introduced us to the Angel Face. Though I don't remember leaving, I do know we went back to Regent to catch Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. What a fun troupe!! My friend went to school with the accordion player, but if I hadn't known that, I could have totally believed they were a gypsy circus of players from the early 70s transported in space and time.... such a fun show! I counted I think 11 players on stage. And the Regent! How lovely it's become - gone are the concrete floors and how welcome are the red carpet draperies and the newly carpeted floor. It's by no means gorgeous, but I like that they've spruced it up. It is such a great little venue!


    Ended the night with my first overnight at The Standard.... and the decision that I need to start saving for a personal chauffeur. Ha! My cab from the hotel to where my car was parked at Disney Concert Hall was $5.... if that was half a mile... what would it have cost the whole way home? Lord.

    25 April 2009

    Food-Related Thoughts

    Picked up a short stack of peanut butter cookies at Malibu Kitchen today... almost $6! They were good, but for some reason, I always leave MK a little unsettled. Not the best customer experience... Everything in there is overpriced. It has the potential to be a nice spot, but for whatever reason, the management doesn't really work to promote an atmosphere conducive for hanging out... I always just want to get in and out and not linger on the patio area.

    Before this, I had a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich at Coogies (having abandoned my plan to attend the Grilled Cheese Invitational). It was good, but reinforced my position on sourdough bread - Somehow or other, sourdough deviates from the typical bread experience... it's not yummy and I would never eat it in a bread basket. My waitress was nice, though, and I read "Still Life With Woodpecker" while I waited. It's windy and a little chilly today, though, so I didn't linger long there, either.


    Thursday I had "Sunny Toast" at Banquette Cafe on Main St. downtown before going to the Nokia Theater. It was cozy and surprisingly bustling. And, they serve breakfast food all day!

    400 South Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90013-1314 - (213) 626-2768

    I did end up going to CorkBar, and while my wine was good (I got something red from Justin) and the mac n cheese was terrific, I didn't really like the neighborhood. It's in the generic part of downtown right by Staples and it's mostly surrounded with faceless newer buildings and men overzealously directing you to their $7 parking lot. I prefer the areas from Spring to Main and 5th to 7th.

    Little Radio is planning to have regular programming in the theater on Main and talk of opening a cafe is in the works. I think that would be really cool! Hope it goes through.


    19 April 2009

    Great Remix to an Already Fantastic KOL Song


    09 April 2009

    I'm Putting A Cork In It

    Corkbar is the really AWESOME looking wine bar that just opened up Downtown. It features all California wines and their menu (which is very reasonably priced) looks fantastic!


    I can't wait to get down there!! They have a happy hour during the week that is from 4-7 Monday through Friday. $4 pints (oh yeah, they also have artisanal beer) and half-off appetizers!

    08 April 2009

    From Paris With Shoulder Pads

    Love these!!! Not quite local fashion, but I like to be cosmopolitan. I think the first one is totally wearable...

    Check out the whole Balmain collection here.

    Take This Pink Ribbon...


    No Doubt's new song has been leaked! Check out their cover of Adam Ant's "Stand And Deliver."

    Yay! So glad SoCal's favorite band is back!

    I may even have to check out Gossip Girl for ND's guest appearance. The band will perform on the May 11th episode.

    07 April 2009

    Cool For School

    Someone going by the name 'sparkle' has proposed a new class for The Public School called "A Space For Fashion" that I think sounds like an interesting concept to explore...

    Sparkle describes it thus:
    Fashion and style, the solidification of both mundane and extraordinary social performances. A handshake, a hug, the kiss on the the cheek, the kiss on the lips and the cheek. Punk rock attitude and the clothes to match. This class looks at theory and examples of the way in which our cultures create specific relational aesthetics based on the ways we dress. 1 class, maybe two. Reading, intelligent discussion.

    How The Public School works is, someone proposes an idea for a class, people browse through proposed classes and mark which ones they are interested in, then when a certain quota is met, a teacher is found and the class is scheduled! Sort of like a create-your-own/community forum think space that results in a group of interested individuals meeting to explore/discuss/create. Any topic you can think of can be proposed... neat idea, huh?

    Fashionably Late


    I love wearing hats, I love this pretty pink color and I totally dig the notion of a house coat! Right on!

    I don't follow fashion, except, of course, to notice the spreads in the various fashion magazines I occasionally peruse. I love fashion, but I don't keep up with trends, and I try not to follow them. I am more of an appreciator of creativity and proportion and flattering colors. (I'm sure on some very real level I'm influenced by trends, but I don't pay attention to "rules"... I do what makes me happy.)

    Apparently I am pretty out of the loop, though, because I saw photos of Jason Wu's spring and fall 09 collections and really, really adored some of his pieces! Little did I know he is the designer du jour, what with his frocking ladies of the moment - Michelle Obama and Freida Pinto.

    So, damn.

    These are my favorite pieces. To be honest, I don't really like any of the others much because I think some of the hemlines and waistlines obscure the figure too much and look a little frumpy. These, though, are spectacular!



    Killer shoes all around. (Plus, these models don't look ill, which is always a good thing.)

    06 April 2009

    Glossy! Glossy! Easter: The Remix

    So! Silver Lake's own GhettoGloss gallery is hosting LIVE AT LA CITA on Wednesday starting at 9. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros will be there, along with Project Runway's Santino.

    Cocktails and chocolate bunnies? How can you go wrong??

    Shout Out to the Swedish Chanteuse


    3 Reasons I Want to be Friends with Lykke Li

    1. She did a cover/duet of Kings of Leon's "Knocked Up" off their album Because of the Times that I love... it's sort of ethereal and spacey, and adds a whole layer of sonic melancholy that works well with Caleb's vocals.

    2. She has a refreshing sense of style that's messy and unpolished, but manages to look chic and feminine without being fussy.

    3. She's lived in so many neat places I would love to call home! Sweden, Morocco, Portugal, Nepal, India, New York... as the daughter of a painter and musician... ah, what a dream life!

    Bonus Point: She also covered Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side."

    Emerging Artist: Farnaz Farmand



    This past weekend I helped out at JK Gallery in Culver City for the opening reception for Farnaz Farmand's Plunge Into Liquid (not to be confused with the surf documentary Step Into Liquid), her first solo exhibition.

    First of all, Farnaz is so sweet and beautiful! She's only a year older than me, I think, and she is so incredibly talented. She works mainly in oil paint, but many of her pieces were super sculptural and some even water color-like.


    Hearing her explain her motivations and techniques and inspirations was really fascinating. She explores of lot of themes relating to the beauty of the natural world and its decay; attraction and repulsion; micro and macro views of the world; and influences from all the places she's lived: Iran, Sweden, Alabama, California, and I think somewhere in the Far East? She has quite the life story.
    A lot of the pieces are named after plant diseases, with colorful names like "Blueberry Scorch" and "Hollow Heart" and "Canker Boils." "Canker Boils" is the only all-black piece in the collection, and it really does look like a diseased mass of pustules. Surprisingly, when I asked Farnaz about it, she said that there are several layers of beautiful colors hidden underneath....

    Farnaz's boyfriend even wrote poems to accomany each piece and together the duo put together a book that sold out the night of the opening party.


    Her girlfriends all baked probably a hundred mini cupcakes and decorated them with frosting dyed to match her paintings. (Which made for the best reception EVER, by the way!)

    Best of luck to Farnaz in her future ventures!

    Cheap Eats; or, My New Favorite Restaurant/Bars That I Would Still Go To No Matter The Cost

    Santa Monica
    • Anisette - great food, wine, cocktails, but I love it for the decor and the nice feeling of sipping a glass of wine at the bar. Cute waiters, too.
    • Bodega - $20 bottle of wine Tuesdays, and they just added a beet salad to the menu that I LOVE. Relaxed, unpretentious.
    Downtown
    • Cole's - even though it's a little far from Malibu, my friend and I are now regulars at Varnish, the speakeasy in the back. Cole's, though, should not be overlooked as a bar in its own right. Yes, everyone knows about the French Dip, but did you know about their extensive collection of gins and lagers? Further, there is nothing better anywhere than the baked mac and cheese and it's super cheap... like $3. Usually good music playing, too. And none of that West Hollywood riff raff. (Except maybe on Saturday's... but I don't go out then anyway anymore)
    Silver Lake
    • Malo - $1 tacos on Mondays, fantastic margaritas (not so cheap), and the CHEWY CHIPS!!!! ahhhhhh! More of a hipster crowd, I guess, but nobody's keeping track.

    A Violin To Melt Your Face

    Tonight I attended ORGANICA X, the 10th annual organ (read: church music, not kidney) concert performed by Christoph Bull at Royce Hall, UCLA.

    WOW! From hymns to "A Day In The Life" to the sexy side of the Bible to choir boys and an opera singer, this was a pretty spectacular show... especially considering I paid under 20 bucks and I bought my ticket this morning.

    Christoph is a German organist with a quirky sense of humor and a love of rock n roll. While his performance alongside the light show and the improv painter on stage was pretty zany and fun - and no doubt a must-see for any organ enthusiast - I was most excited by Lili Haydn's violin/vocal performance with Bull during their take on Led Zepplin's "Kashmir."

    I'd actually already been a fan of Lili's when I first heard her cover of "Maggot Brain" (if you know the song, you'll just FREAK OUT hearing her violin version) on her album Place Between Places so when I saw she was performing in L.A. today, I immediately bought my ticket online.

    She is a total freak in real life, and I mean that as a compliment! She had on a really funky black dress and her hair was down. When she sang she was kind of breathy and she waved her bow and violin in the air, but man, when she played, she was INTENSE! More than once I've heard her called "the Jimi Hendrix of violin"and I couldn't agree more.


    04 March 2009

    Eastern Revelry

    So Tuesday night I went to the opening party at Barbarella Bar in Silver Lake. The vibe was sort of industrial glam... a giant crystal chandelier hanging next to exposed ventilation ducts. Good food, interesting scene.

    Later, a short drive to Cole's to experience the wonder of The Varnish... shh! This new speakeasy from Cedd Moses's 213 Group boasts a cocktail list prepared by some of the country's best mixologists.

    03 March 2009

    "This place certainly reeks of hospitality and good cheer, or maybe it's this cheese."

    (Quote in honor of Jean Harlow's birthday today)

    Tonight I'll be checking out some new places in Silver Lake and downtown, so my reviews will be forthcoming!

    Also, I'm a bum and missed LACMA's "Vanity Fair" exhibit, so to make up for it I'm planning to check out "Art of Two Germanys" soon!
    [This post was kind of lame, but I liked the quote and the picture so I went with it anyway. Tscha! -I.M.]

    Bee Yourself, You False Indigo


    So, lately I've been hearing a lot about the tremendous benefits of incorporating BEE POLLEN into one's diet. This microscopically small substance, picked up and delivered from flower to plant by our friends the bees, is apparently good for boosting energy levels, muscle growth, smoothing skin, etc. etc.

    I'm all for that, and it sounds like a great idea. Just dump a teaspoon into my morning smoothie.

    But, what about the bees? They are under a lot of strain, and in many areas, are beeing wiped out. (Sorry, couldn't resist. This is no laughing matter.) We couldn't live in a world without bees.

    So what can you and I do to help out the little guys?

    I found a great website that lists some pretty doable options. The easiest way to help bees is to buy organic! 

    And while you're in the mood to save the world, why not make it a bit more beautiful - plant a native flower in your window box! :)

    Here's a great list of recommended plant species native to the Santa Monica mountains. The above photo is of False Indigo, a gorgeous flowering bush native to Malibu that I hadn't even HEARD of before checking out this list. 

    p.s. Don't have bee pollen if you know you are allergic to pollen. 

    02 March 2009

    Rainy Day Blonde, Hollywood-Style; Or, Pick Yourself Up, Malibu-style (no, dunce, not "Promises")



    Don't let all this rain get you down. (The Man, the economy and the fact that Greed is only a fake perfume are doing a good enough job of that.)

    So, ditch your blues, and dye your hair blonde. Apparently a simple change in the color of your tresses can immediately (and cheaply) boost your fun-factor. (It's science. Check out Sassy Bella, if you don't believe me.)

    Once you've successfully performed a DIY home job on your bob, get out and catch some flicks. Check out all the great film festivals coming up this month in Los Angeles and support new talent in the process!

    Friday, March 6
    6-7:30 Cocktail hour at A+D Museum (love them!)
    7:30-10:30 Program & Q/A at LACMA's Bing Theater
    10:30-12 Reception & Award Presenation at A+D

    Thursday, March 19
    Stanley Kramer Theater
    1438 N. Gower St. | Hollywood | 90028
    5:45 Documentary Program
    7:30 Short Program
    8:45 Feature Presentation
    Reception following screening

    Still got the blues?
    Okay, drama queen. Here's what you need to do:
    Get yourself over to apowerfulnoise.org and purchase tickets for you and all your girlfriends to see "A Powerful Noise." This documentary film will be screened in over 450 theaters across the country and is happening in conjunction with International Women's Day. Following the documentary, a live panel of awesome women will discuss the problems (and solutions) facing women and girls in struggling countries. Not only will you get to hear Natalie Portman, Madeleine Albright and Christy Turlington talk about important issues (and see what they're wearing), but hopefully focusing on broader topics beyond yourself will help put a few rainy days in perspective for you.

    In fact, I think this is such a great idea, everyone should go!
    Step Up Women's Network is hosting a screening with Sarah Michelle Gellar at the Century City 15. For more information and to see listings in a city near you, click here.

    For all you LA people, here are the deets:
    A Powerful Noise
    Thursday, March 5 | 8PM | Century City 15 | $18/ticket
    It is strongly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance.

    :::Souring Economy Tip of the Day:::
    Sign up for Netflix through B of A's "Add It Up" program, and get $28 back! That's almost 2 months of free DVDs, right to your door!


    There, I've given you 4 rad ideas on how to get through this rough time. You love me, I know.

    01 March 2009

    New Order

    So, contrary to what you learned in arithmetic... 97.1 > 102.7

    FM, that is.

    I am, of course, talking about the state of the terrestrial radio waves in Los Angeles.

    In the wake of Indie 103.1's tragic demise and somewhat comforting online reincarnation, there's been a great deal of flux in the programming of the remaining stations.

    Star 98.7 now plays bands signed by labels out of Silver Lake. It has also incorporated an hour-long session of new music from 9-10PM on Sunday nights. It may be that I have just never noticed this before, but from what I can tell from the last 3 minutes of this hour ("Broken Connection" from Eulogies), they've indied it up a bit. And I like it!

    89.9 KCRW (of "Morning Becomes Eclectic" fame; or, Everyone's Favorite Event Sponsor) seems to still be going strong. Today I was totally amused and absolutely LOVING Peter Gabriel's cover of Vampire Weekend's "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa." "This feels so unnatural....to sing your own name."

    -->Newsflash: OMG ..... Peter Gabriel with HOT CHIP?! That explains it! :)

    To continue the state of the air waves, big news on the pop front - new Amp 97.1 (you may recall these are the same call numbers as Howard Stern's show back before Sirius) is blatanly challenging Ryan Seacrest and uber-pop station KIIS FM. Good old 102.7 has long pummeled listeners with relentless poppage and is pretty much the radio version of TMZ. But now new kid on the block Amp ups the ante by promising some unfathomable number of songs in a row without commercials. Not only that, but its advertising has a soundbite of a caller dis-ing Seacrest. Wow. Ballsy.

    Join me in The Living Room


    Today I had the Traditional Tea at the Beverly Hills Peninsula with my mom, sister, grandma and aunt. We sat in the yellow damask sofas in front of the fireplace. 

    I believe I've been to the hotel before, but what a beautiful, cheery space the "Living Room" is! The service was great - we had at least 4 people helping us, and our waiter was very accommodating! (He had the chef make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and turkey sanwiches for my little sister... though funnily enough, she got PBJ, and PBT!) The tea service was delightful - hand-painted tea cups and plates with whimsical floral designs... in various colors: pink, yellow, lavender, blue. 

    We passed on the champagne and the caviar, but did decide to keep the strawberries and freshly whipped cream! What a difference between real cream and Reddi-Whip! None of the fumes of the spray can. Delicious and scrumptious scones, sandwiches and spreads... my favorite is always the clotted cream! Our sandwiches were a grilled veggie, chicken salad with almonds, smoked salmon and egg salad. Nice selections of sweets, as well: shortbread cookie, cream puff, madeleine, tiramisu.

    Great ambience, wonderful service, and even a harpist!

    Nice treat for a Sunday afternoon. :)

    27 February 2009

    Downtown? Check this out



    MOCA's Dan Graham: Beyond is a great show worth checking out. It's Graham's first American retrospective and really quite expansive.

    I attended the opening on Valentine's Day and it was a great turnout! Lots of people came out to see the art, see Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore perfom with Mirror/Dash and mingle with the beauties who came out to celebrate a break in the rain!

    It was so packed that my friend and I want to go back to actually see more of the show. Graham's art placements in magazines were hilarious and I loved his translucent mirror pieces.

    While you're downtown, snag a seat at Cole's for their famous French dip or else slide into a red leather booth at HMS Bounty - if only to play Lionel Ritchie's "All Night Long" on the jukebox.

    -MOCA Grand Avenue-

    Swing high, swing low

    But don't let your blood sugar dip!

    I have been crazy-busy at work recently and haven't really been making enough time to plan/prepare/eat meals.

    So in an effort to curb by bouts of temporary starvation, I picked up a couple snacks in bar form.
    I really looooooooooove KIND bars - they are like healthy candy bars! My favorites are the coconut almond and the cranberry almond. I get them at Mrs. Winston's, but they are probably sold at most health food stores and online.

    As for protein bars, I don't really like the chalky taste of most of them, but someone turned me on to thinkThin bars and so far I like them. The dark chocolate one isn't too bad, and it's a nice balance of protein, fiber, sugar and fat.

    Why make the trek out to Indio? Not for the sights....

    For the tunes! 48 days til the greatest 3-day music festival in California kicks off!

    Can't wait to see:
    Click the links to hear some cool remixes/covers!

    Food/Freshie places I want to check out

    So far my list of places to check out includes:

    1. Ice Pan, West Hollywood | www.icepanusa.com
    Review: Amazing! You get to pick the type of "milk" it's made from... whether it's whole, 2%, non-fat or soy. Then you get to pick the flavor and what toppings/add-ins you want. On my first visit, which was very pleasant (1st hour free parking in the lot off of SM Blvd. in Weho), I had banana flavored soy milk with almond slivers and chocolate chips. As they were making it, the nice girl at the counter offered to add fresh strawberries (I accepted) and even chocolate or carmel syrup on top (I passed) for free! Not only was it soooo tasty, it's actually good for you, too! I wish there was a location on the Westside... though it is definitely worth the drive. :) Thanks to Jenna Phillips for recommending!


    2. Funnel Mill, Santa Monica | www.funnelmill.com
    Haven't been yet, but I looove tea and I always like to try new kinds. Thanks to GreenLAgirl for recommending!


    3. Bubalus Bubalis Mozzarella, Gardena | www.realmozzarella.com
    Have been meaning to check this place out! It's the only factory that makes Buffalo Mozzarella in the United States! I believe it's sold at various stores and restaurants, but I kind of want to check out the factory... I wonder if it's open to tours. Rather inconveniently though, I have given up dairy for Lent.... partially for Lent and partially to see whether I have a food allergy (I'm a bad Catholic). But - I wonder if buffalo milk counts as dairy? Does goat milk? What's the concensus here?


    4. Huckleberry Cafe & Bakery, Santa Monica | www.huckleberrycafe.com
    This place JUST opened and it sounds wonderfully fabulous! Can't wait to try all their delicious pastries. Thanks to Tiffany Stone for reminding me to check it out... and Daily Candy!
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