The High and Low

More Garden Gooooodness

2008-10-13T15:53:00.001-07:00

YES!

2008-10-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

Heaven.

2008-10-11T19:29:00.001-07:00

Yes Prease...

2008-10-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Japanese Gardens

2008-10-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

Okay people, bear with me here. I'm gonna post a bunch of similar pics so I can give myself an online reference guide until MY OWN Japanese Garden is complete!!!!!

My Top 10 Favorite South Park Episodes (thus far):

2008-08-13T13:03:00.001-07:00

10. Cartoon Wars (Part One)
9. Fat Butt and Pancake Head
8. Cartman Sucks
7. Tsst
6. Make Love, Not Warcraft
5. Canada On Strike
4. Ginger Kids
3. Up the Down Steroid
2. Night of the Living Homeless
1. Awesome-O

A Day Off...

2008-07-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Again, I'm perched on my porch swing with a beer and my laptop. No Comic Con for me this year (again) as I need to show some restraint in the buying of toys, collectibles, art or books. So before I start some garden work, I thought I'd share some pics.

Parker will save the day:

The Ice Cream Truck that trolls my neighborhood:

What I did to my office door (during one boring half an hour) at work yesterday:

THIS is in my kitchen right now....

2008-07-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

(please pardon the hazy iPhone photos)

It's perfect! Plays like a dream!

and Oslo too!

Housey is a Home.

2008-06-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post on the old blog as I sit here on the porch swing this fine evening (with my laptop, a burning citronella candle and a beer).

Here are a few more snaps of Casa Crist:

Here's the new 2nd bathroom (which used to be a tiny powder room-- now it's got a shower!):

D&D throughout the ages....

2008-06-19T09:53:00.001-07:00

CLICK HERE

Happy Father's Day to me!

2008-06-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

My dad took off for Phoenix yesterday afternoon from Burbank Airport to help my other sister Caitlin pack and make the drive back to Pennsylvania. Her and her husband, Corey finally sold their house and are opting for a nice change of scenery and a brand new house built by good ol' dad in the hills of north eastern PA.

Prior to his departure, my dad was able to finish up the fireplace at my house and my my my--- it is absolutely gorgeous and better than the original picture of what I was going for. Gaze!

After the last finishing nail was shot into the oak, we headed downtown to my dad's favorite restaurant on the planet, Roy's Hawaiian Fusion for a rad Father's Day dinner. Erin came up from San Diego for the event.

Dad's totally stoked at Roy's...

Dad and Erin...

And a night shot for posterity...

She is mine!

2008-06-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

I got the keys last Friday and my dad is already in town and tweaking things around the house! SOOOO busy but absolutely stoked out of my gourde. I own a California Craftsman Bungalow. It's insane.

First thing was first this weekend though--- had to assemble the porch swing and get it hung. Perfect. Thanks to my parents for getting it for me!!

Today was insane as I had to drive my dad all around as I dropped a ton of cash at Lowe's and Home Depot on everything from a tankless hot water heater to the wood for the fireplace mantel. Did i mention that i also had to work today? Eeeesh.

More updates with pictures to come. I officially move on Wednesday so most of my stuff is packed up.

House Numbers!

2008-05-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

I got my "Arts and Crafts" type-set house numbers today! They're absolutely gorgeous 5 inch high, 1/4" thick solid handmade copper pieces that will patina darker over time. This marks the very first purchase for the house! Here's the example pic:

I got the 6317!! The numeral 3 looks amazing up close. Coming next is the Craftsman green tile to restore the fireplace with:

and here's the wood model I'm going to use for the mantle (the tile will all be the smaller green tiles:

How fucking nerdy is this post???? Eeeesh.

I will, however be posting photos of the house in progress after I move in!

house and da fuuchaaa

2008-05-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

In the mele that is buying a house in Los Angeles, I've been thinking about (yet again) dropping the whole myspace thing. It doesn't seem like it will feel relevant after I get settled in my new home-- and after I buy that gun, of course. Hehe. Now, it only seems to suck time away from my day, not to mention the fact that I'm beyond exhausted with social hipsterisms and parties, etc. However, I definitely plan on keeping this blog as I've had it a long time before I ever signed up for any social networking site in the first place. What kills me are the people who meticulously maintain MORE THAN ONE social networking profile. Eh, whatever. I don't have anyone to impress. I figure that the people who need to reach me already have other (and better) means to do so. Still, I'm undecided on this whole thing and might just be a pussy about it and keep on keepin' on in myspace town. Moot? Maybe.

Pretty...

2008-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Jeez, do I love me some Chris Ware. Never really got too into "This American Life" but I think I am now...

Also found similar rugs to the ones I saw at Wacko a few years ago. Much to my delight, they're an actual TYPE of rug that exists in many forms-- the Afgan War Rug!! These depict guns, tanks, helicopters, grenades and every other bit and piece that encompasses the wars that plague their regions. These are SO going in the new house!

GO HERE FOR MORE

i think this pretty much sums it up...

2008-04-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

So as per usual, last night's LOST episode was nothing short of amazing. I should have posted this sooner but
http://mirrormattermoon.blogspot.com/

Thanks to everyone who came out to "Lost-Luck" last night. It was a packed house. Soooo much food. I don't think I'm going to be hungry for days!!

So I finally figured out how to fix my dog's death breath... an unnecessarily expensive vet dental procedure where they put him under and scrape the shit out of his teeth! Yay? His appointment draws near. Sorry little buddy (he's looking all worried at me from the couch).

The house stuff is moving along as planned and it's starting to hit me that I will finally be living in a home that I own. My dad keeps telling me that despite my impending huge mortgage payments, there's a certain peace you make with yourself when you own your home. He's right about things 99.999% of the time so I think I'm safe going with that. Have I ever mentioned how rad my parents are?

Tomorrow morning is my super-awesome-phun-time Burke Williams Spa appointment. Maybe my stresses will melt away with micro-dermabrasion and a deep tissue massage? I really hope so. Must go to bed now so Spa time can get here faster.

A Springtime Update

2008-04-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hello!! It's been a while and for that I apologize. Just been getting back into working the 2 jobs again as well as getting through escrow on the house here in LA. Things on that front have actually been going very well and I hope to hear about a final loan approval any day now. Looks like I get to move in right after my birthday at the end of May!!!

My dad and I have been talking non-stop about the minor improvements we're planning throughout the house. In addition to finishing off the garage as my home office/music studio, we plan on doing a more historical restoration to the living room/dining room area of the house as well. Here's some EXAMPLES I have found in some Bungalow books (all of which show the re-introduction of the absolute original details and woodwork to the space):

I cannot wait to bring it back to it's jaw dropping awesomeness!!!

On a random note, I found the absolute BEST recipe for a veggie fish chowder in the new Better Homes and Gardens and have made it twice since last Friday. It's got flippin' mashed potatoes in it!! CLICK HERE for the recipe

Wow. Holy self-aware! This post was very atypical of thehighandlow. Well, especially if you go back to about 2 years ago when all I used to do was go out and take pictures of hipsters getting wasted. Things are soooooooooo different now. Polaroid stopped making instant film and I have achieved quite a few goals and set a few more. Makes me think of a previous post I wrote a few months ago about finally having my shit together but not being able to equally share it with anyone. Bummer, sure, but the house will certainly keep me busy while (hopefully) other elements fall into place.

By the way, I have a new comic book character I might try out on thehighandlow. Let's see if I get a little time to put it together....

Whew!

2008-04-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Okay... so I'm officially in escrow and I can't be happier about it. The house on Elgin Street is one of those little gems in LA that I have the very fortunate opportunity to purchase. I've been working my tail off for this moment and soon I'll have a place I can truly call HOME. And hey, the timing couldn't be better-- BBQ season is nearly upon us! This will be my backyard:

That's all for now. No more Holga Polaroids because, A) All I ever do is work on freelance, and B) there's um, no more Polaroid film being made. Let's give a great big BOOOOOO to part B, eh?

My younger sister Caitlin got married last weekend at Mandalay Bay in Vegas and we had an amazing time. The water in that desert town is effin' awful though. Felt all sorts of bizarre whilst getting faded.
It's rare to get every single member of my immediate family together so I took copious digital pics. CLICK HERE.

GUHHHH

2008-03-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

I never thought that waiting for an offer response would be THIS excruciating!!!!!
Still waiting! Will update with what happens....

for the love of a bungalow...

2008-03-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

There's something big in the works for tomorrow. I'm so nervous I just may develop another ulcer! Overnight! Let's just say that it involves this:

LOST

2008-03-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

...is so damn good right now. I'm soooo glad there's a TV show that gets me stoked every week again!

I'm also bracing for some sweet sweet new South Park episodes. That's it-- tonight I'm going to hug my TV and make it feel appreciated.

next on list....

2008-02-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

I keep trying to remember what happened to my Mega Man games for the NES. No more excuses. This makes me want to eBay me some new (old) ones.

Guh! Finally!

2008-02-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

I won't need my KFC Lunchbowl anymore! America's fast food inventions just got pwned.

the best text message i have ever received...

2008-02-09T22:35:00.000-08:00

"Lauren it just hit me the ive
been watching tv for over 50
years and this is the first time i
personally know a name on
the credits. even better shes
my daughter!"

-- from my mom

oh yeah, and...

2008-02-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

Life's starting to get weird. I really don't care about Pitchforkmedia.com and/or any of the bands touted by the popluar indie music web-rag. That stuff used to consume my life. Going to shows, finding new bands, downloading rare tracks, etc etc etc. Now all I want to listen to is the Kinks on the way home from work. Tired. So tired.

Ack.

2008-02-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

It's rut time. Ugh. Somehow the thought of going to get coffee makes it seem like that could fix my weird mood. But probably it won't. I mean, I don't need a 3rd soy latte today. It's only 2:00. I'm not tired anyways. Kinda wish I could leave work early and go read comic books alone but I already ruined any possible chance of me leaving early from now 'til the rest of eternity. Ugh. I'm kinda scared of everything right now. Even found a damn nice house for sale in Eagle Rock but can't muster up the nuts to call the agent to see it let alone make an offer (which I know I should do-- there's nothing more that I want than to own a house in LA that I can live in). It's also weird cause I never have problems calling agents any other time. Maybe because this one's so good that I will be faced with the acute possibility that I would make a real offer? Maybe I don't want to deal with being on a lease whilst wanting to move into new digs? I dunno. (sound of balloon deflating) I normally don't like using this blog as a platform for bitching and moaning, so I apologize. Details are vague anyways. Thought maybe if I type it out then it can help me get back to work where I have this bitch of an episode to sync up. It's really giving me a hard time. Ack. Procrastinating, prooooocrastinating.

But hey, LOST was AMAZING last night. I love you, television.

May 6th, 2008

2008-02-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

...Is a date that I just realized I have been waiting for for quite some time. Universal FINALLY decided to re-release the Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie on DVD!!!! Pre-order yours here.

Breach hull, all die. Even had it underlined.

I am a homeowner!

2008-01-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

The house closed yesterday. I found out via fax. Who would have thought such news would be THIS anti-climactic?! Still, I cannot complain. Actually, I'm stoked!! Gonna go back to do some major work on my place this weekend. YAY!!

My favorite Honus is in town as of tonight! Soooo nice to hang for a while since I rarely ever see him.

i'm on board with Dr. Gupta...

2008-01-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

Take a minute to read this post about cancer and prevention... Er hell, maybe even follow some of the advice. This is the subject of my greatest medical fear so I never take this stuff lightly.

closing time.

2008-01-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

The escrow on my first new home closes on Tuesday! Yay! Up next will be shelling out the cash for the kitchen remodel and bathroom tweak. Been going through the towering stack of home and remodel magazines on the coffee table as though they were post apocalytic survival guides and I was studying for an upcoming test on the subject. Even gridded out my own homemade graph paper to mull over the new kitchen's layout and design the other night. That's right, who needs store bought graph paper? Eesh. It's nuts though how this is all something I've dreamed about for a long time and the only part that is not coming to fruition is the "living in the house" part. 'Suppose you can't always get what you want. Great. Now that's stuck in my head.

If you haven't already done so, please go and pick up both the latest copy of the Acme Novelty Library Vol 18 AND Chris Ware's new Acme Novelty Datebook 1995-2002. Damn, that man is a walking legend. Gorgeous melancholy like aching for a snowy day that we can't have here in LA! His sketches in the datebook are absolutely beautiful yet the self depricating comments he writes throughout make me want to kill myself. I mean, if THAT guy thinks he's shit, I'm just, well, whatever is far worse than shit. In other words, the Datebook is amazing and totally humbling to the reader/ viewer.

Thank You 2007

2007-12-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

... for being less of a bitch than 2006 was! I'm not gonna do any annoying "end of the year" lists either. One thing I will say though, is that I bought a house! Yeah! Wooooooooooo!! It's an adorable 3 bedroom Colonial style built in 1929. Unfortunately, I can't actually LIVE in it. It's in my hometown of Johnstown, PA. Someday, it will serve as a second home but for now, a rental property.

FIrst thing's first tho.... gotta rip out the old kitchen and start fresh. Same goes for the bathroom. I love this shit. And finally I get to do it for ME. Not for someone else's kitchen so my dad (and myself) can't gripe about it years later. Yay!

AD/BC: A Rock Opera has arrived

2007-12-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

...and I couldn't be happier. So stoked to see it (as well as Man to Man with Dean Learner) stuffed in my mailbox after a long day of work yesterday. A few weeks ago, I did a youtube search for my favorite British holiday musical comedy special (mouthful) only to find that it was yanked from the site. I panicked. This was the only way I was ever able to see this masterpiece as it wasn't released on any tangible form of media!!! Dear science, NO! Then my brain decided to kick in and directed me to do an amazon.co.uk search. Lo and behold, BBC released the damn thing on DVD--- FINALLY, hence the youtube yank. Sooo bloody happy. Now I can't get the damn songs out of my head! And it's not a shitty youtube upload! Yay! Please do yourself a favor, find it and watch the shit out of it. It's all the guys from the Mighty Boosh, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace and many other brilliant British TV shows. 28 minutes of fried gold. CLICKY THE PICTURE....

Precariously Balanced

2007-12-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

This is a heavy one. Stop reading now if you're adverse to life shit.
As many of you may already know, I've taken on a pretty hefty but insanely awesome freelance job IN ADDITION TO my current full time job at Disney. I work 60+ hours a week. It pretty much forced me to rearrange my whole life and put myself of a strict no-bullshit weekly schedule. Not that I have the energy, patience or even desire to go out much anymore anyway, this job makes it so it is virtually impossible to do so. It's the best excuse in the world when people bug me for not going out to a random bullshit hipster party or spend my money at a dumb bar. I guess my point is this-- I totally get it now. All of the things I've heard people (who were older and begrudgingly wiser) say over the years about how so little of the going out stuff really matters and how keeping yourself focused on the quality of your life now and your future is key (whether that be financially or in health)-- it's all crystal clear now. Despite the fact that people say I work too much, I gotta say that I've never been more happy in my career or more excited for personal future endeavors and investments in my entire life. I'm making things happen that I never realized could be a reality for me-- and so quickly at that.
BUT--
The only problem is the bizarre void I find myself among peers. I'm doing well career-wise and am taking the necessary steps to own a nice home in Los Angeles. Believe me, I love hanging out and drinking as much as the next gal but I really limit taking part in that in order to meet my goals which are obviously much more important than who sees me out in my new dress or who sees my "rony's photo booth pic" from a DJ party night on myspace. Those people feel alien to me anymore. Seems simple, but the type of people who have my goals and who are in this sort of life phase tend to be people who are gung-ho about family/marriage. Eesh. That part couldn't be farther from what I want. But if I try to talk house renovations with anyone around me now, I bore them to tears. It's kinda lonely. I'm really fucking excited about these properties I'm going to buy in Pennsylvania but I can't really share it with anyone who genuinely cares let alone knows what I'm talking about. And it's not just the house thing. Travel, cars, TV's-- it runs the gamut. Yes, my work and short term goals are consuming me pretty hard core but there's no other way to stay focused and follow through otherwise. Suck. Suck. Suck? No wait, it actually doesn't suck.

Staking My Claim on Planet Earth

2007-12-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hello!!!!!! I just got back from a quick solo weekend trip to Johnstown, PA where I was on a hunt for (investment?) property. I found the absolute cutest craftsman bungalow built in the 1920's that had been virtually untouched by any terrible 1970's "updates".

It totally has all of it's original detail and is ready for me to buy it, restore the kitchen and rent it out to a very deserving tenant. Also saw a stunning restored brick victorian with a price tag soooo bloody cheap that it makes me weep so hard out my eyeholes. It hurts. No matter how i try to make my haunted mansion dream seem like a reasonable purchase, i just couldn't bear to rent it out to a stranger... i mean, i'm not living there. RIght? RIght?????!!! Hehe. Oh dear, i need help.

Anyone out there wanna listen to me rattle off about inane old house details and kitchen fix jargon some more? ..... Yeah I thought so.

So uh yeah.... if yer at a loss for a gift for me.....

2007-11-20T23:55:00.000-08:00

Clicky clicky. The mini article (I linked to) doesn't see the point of it so that just means one less person buying it and one more for me. Well, er, for YOU to buy for me. What? You and that other person both got me one? Oh, no need to return it. I'll take two. Or more. Praise science, I love watches.

Happy 22nd Birthday Jonny!

2007-11-20T23:18:00.000-08:00

Wish I could hang out with my younger bro on his birthday.

Boo to 3000 miles.

I received some really kind words today regarding my freelance work. Sometimes the smallest acknowledgement makes the biggest impact. I really appreciate it. Now... I just gotta get back to it. (the ProTools window is looming behind my Safari window) The weekly deadlines don't give a shit about me feelin' all special.

But before I go, here is the annual and unusually sentimental "Things I Am Most Thankful For" list (in no particular order):

--Parker and Oslo
--Jonah
--The family
--Our new loft
--Jonny's 22nd birthday
--Having 2 jobs
--My health

yesssirreee

2007-11-18T23:24:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is swiftly appraoching and I'm still trying to figure out what kind of dish to make for the potluck we're going to. Any ideas? Any ideas that don't include meat or meat products? Been watching the Food Network religiously in hopes that something might jump out at me. Nothing yet. Becoming obsessed with Iron Chef though. Well, ummmmm.... maybe Pumpkin Soup?? Hmmmm. Seared ahi keeps pecking at my brain too. Mmmmmmm wasabi.

We rode the train to Hollywood today to see "No Country For Old Men" at the Arclight. I'm loving this whole "living in a real city" thing. Downtown has been absolutely amazing and definitely not pretentious (sadly the way other cool parts of town i've lived in tend to be-- it's a catch 22). As far as the movie goes, well, everyone seems to really like it. And I can certainly see why. For me though, I tend to prefer the Cohen Bros when they bring the funny. This was too straight a movie for me. The quirky was spread too thin. And to make matters worse, it has a great beginning, an amazing middle.... but zero end. I didn't get the payoff or anything close to it. Now, I totally understand that the point is that there's a big internal and subtle conflict going on throughout the story but I didn't want THAT to be the big part of the denoument. Erg. I'm too spoiled by Nihilists swinging swords and bloody woodchippers. I'm so gonna get spit on by all of my peers for writing this, I'm sure. Thank christ I saved the poncho from the "Point Break Live" stage show last weekend! Hehe.

New HEROES tomorrow! What are you bringing to the Hungry Hungry Heroes Potluck?? I'll be making nachos.

G'night!

edit sleep edit sleep

2007-11-14T00:06:00.000-08:00

good evening! i'm writing to you from the belly of my freelance beast. yes, for the next 26 weeks or so, i will be wholly consumed by both my day job at disney and my music editing job on nights and weekends. goodbye life, hellloooo debt-free-ness! this means that tokyo will be pushed back to a future date as well. we're planning on doing a big project while there anyways and there is quite a bit of planning to do in the meantime. i'm not too bent out of shape about it (still, thumbs down tho). i just hope i don't get eyeball cancer from staring at computer screens 99% of my waking hours. eeesh. rockstar-redbull-glug-glug-glug.

so in real people news, my younger sister gets hitched on march 28th at mandalay bay. after almost a year of over-thinking the whole thing, she decided to go the clean and simple vegas route. yay! i'm so stoked. now just gotta find a wedding present that will blow minds. might be hard to do considering she has a rock on her finger just about as big as the hope diamond (though not nearly as cursed but who believes in magic anyways?).

30 Days of Fucking Night

2007-10-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, people. What a beautiful and amazing gore and bloodbath fest! It exceeded my expectations and out-bloodied the recent remake Dawn of the Dead. I'm not a fantastic movie reviewer-type but I will say this: GO SEE THIS MOVIE. If not just for the fact that it is 100% all about the story device/element/characters (er, whatever you wanna call it) that makes ANY story fascinating--- sweet sweet vampires! Terrifying Aphex Twin looking vampires to be more precise.... love it love it love it love it!!!!!

image courtesy of toxicshock.tv

fiery california

2007-10-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

it's really sucking for all. people are losing their homes and are displaced like crazy. i feel especially bad for those who had to go as far as book rooms at the Four Seasons. eesh. and i got it the worst, man. i can't even wash my car bacuase of the soot laden air. i shake my fist at you, air! i shake my fist at you too, fires!

but seriously, it really DOES suck here right now for those in danger of losing their homes and i really hope the fires are contained soon. though i heard something about FEMA getting involved so i'm not holding my breath on that one.

my bros, Man Man are in town tonight and are playing the troubadour in west hollywood boystown usa. yay for friends i don't get to see that often!!! please come out (hehe) and enjoy an evening of booty shaking tunes.

And a very big resounding (extra special) yay for the fact that Jonah is back from tour!!!!!

i just realized something....

2007-10-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

How bad ass would it be to have a woman president? I mean, seriously? It totally hit me like a ton of bricks about how monumental it would be if Hill-dawg gets in, our political differences aside. Wow. And I never talk about politics on this blog because i can't articulate myself out of a paper bag when it comes to debating points and i get all frustrated and blahhhh... but whatever. So whatever. Yes, that's my argument. Whatever.

New South Park tonight, guys. Yeah!

no real news....

2007-10-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

....just the weather this "fall" has been amazing in LA so far.

i think it's going to happen again

2007-10-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Tokyo. Christmas 2007. Park Hyatt. Planning phase. Will update with info soon.

i'm not a big fan of the internet right now

2007-10-03T22:58:00.000-07:00

well, not the internet internet-- just the things you have to do to make the internet work for you. like my main website, thehighandlow.com. the goddamn thing won't tick. it hasn't worked in months, despite my efforts to save it. Soon, thehighandlow.com will point directly at this blog as opposed to an archaic "flash only" site. yarp. suck my ass barf. that's what cartman just said on the new south park. suck my ass barf.

speaking of sucking, the people that came out to the Aero Theater in Santa Monica who asked questions at the q&a at the screening of Wes Anderson's "The Darjeeling Limited" were quite a bunch of..... well... um..... choice people? i wish i was equipped with a bigger set of balls cause i really wanted to ask some q's. but didn't. wes is too cool for my school so i just listened to random folk try to buddy up with wes about opium experiences. eesh. a girl near us who came into the screening late (brace yourself for this one) brought her boyfriend and A SIGN to wave in the air for wes during the q&a. poor dude who was her boyfirend. i really WAS in the west side. double eesh. the film, however, was amazing. again, i was thoroughly entertained. was even lucky enough to see the "Hotel Chevalier" short film ON FILM (not just itunes) before the feature.

also AWESOME is the new loft downtown. jonah and i are the first people to live in this brand new unit within this brand new building above a goddamn RALPH'S. holy jeebus how convenient. i don't quite know how to describe how it feels to have brand new finished EVERYTHING (ie, kitchen and bathroom et al). fuck yes. and in other good news, little Parker has joined the ranks of potty trained dogs everywhere as she has finally fit into the groove of pooing and peeing outside while ON THE LEASH. this is a feat few have ever witnessed. our little rescue pup has come a long way and is finally in a better, happier spot--- and it shows. the "kids" make me so happy in this time of jonah being gone and touring the east coast in an effort to fight in the comedy wars. i sure do miss him. he hasn't even been able to live in his new place yet! damn comedy! damn it straight to-- aw, boo i don't want to moan anymore. time for beddies.

post number 461

2007-09-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hello. They moved our work offices over the weekend. My new one is super. I have a window and fancy new gear. Hoorayness. That's right, hooraynessssss.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

2007-09-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

AHhh ahhhh ahhhhhh!!! Shit I knew it!!!! Okay so maybe the robots might take over civilization first-- before the zombies, of course. Someone please stop this man. T-1000's will be coming from the future pretty soon if we don't. Not only that but all my zombie survival expertise will end up going to waste after I'm destroyed by something I am not prepared for-- ROBOTS. Click the pic to read on...

the new whip

2007-08-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

I've recently come to terms with the fact that the factory warranty was almost up on my beloved Land Rover Discovery (aptly named, Dances With Wolves) so I decided to find the best car to replace her with. Just last weekend I bought my new fuel efficient ride, [insert name here]. Gotta think of a new name! She's a 2007 red Audi A3 S-Line. I have wanted her for quite some time. She is insanely fast and not very thirsty. She is awesome. See below.

The King of All That Is KONG

2007-08-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last night I sat mouth agape for 2 solid hours behind the right shoulder of Donkey Kong Champion Steve Wiebe as he blazed through the game, attempting to recapture the title that is rightly his. Unfortunately, he came up just shy of 900K points but the opportunity to witness him on the machine from level 1 through 21 was more than enough for me. What a rad guy!! This all went down at the afterparty of the screening of the doc, THE KING OF KONG at the Arclight in Hollywood last night. Had to take photos in a dark bar with my iPhone since the Canon battery decided to die right as Wiebe walked in the door....

Fishy Tacos and a Quarter Century of Jonah Ray!

2007-08-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the double party proof!!

Also been on the hunt for a house to buy. Things have been insanely awesome but super scary at the same time-- I mean, how the hell did I get approved for a mortgage anyway??

My younger siser Erin will be moving to our fair city at the end of the month--- look out all you slightly ethnic boys! I can't flippin' wait to have family (not to mention my best friend) in the same zipcode as myself. The parentals are flying out here with her first for a few interviews she has lined up. She then proceeds to fly back to western PA and THEN make the cross country trek in the civic. Seems like flippin' yesterday that I... wait, ew. I'll stop.

Also awesome has been my job and its propect for the future. Let's just say I'll be steadily employed both at disney AND with freelance stuff for quite some time. Weeee! More time to save for house downpayment stuff!

If all that wasn't enough, this just might be mine this weekend. YEAH!!....

just some randos

2007-07-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here's some Polaroid love....

We're off to Arizona for a little comedy show called "Cops Brought Pizza" on Saturday night that features Jonah and Anthony Jeselnik. Also get to visit my marriage/Hawaii bound sister for a tick too!

Sweetness and Tenderness

2007-07-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Rentals rocked Spaceland on Saturday! They busted out all the hits and I busted out the iPhone to snap a few photos. Yeah! Also in this batch are a few from Sunday afternoon's Little Radio thingy which was also fun to the maxx.

The future.

2007-07-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

I own the future. Got it at the Apple store last weekend. No kiddin', 8 gigs of the future. Look, see!

Ooooooooo! Harry Potter midnighter at the Chinese Theater tonight! I'll definitely be taking some sweet nerd photos of the fans in line, ourselves included. Also to be posted are photos of the Fast Times at Ridgemont High Cemetery Screening as well as Jonah and Ben recording their first podcast on the back porch. So much awesomeness coming up that my brain might melt! Just finished a freelance jobby so now my evenings are free as OJ to start recording music, edit a music video, make tour posters, animate a short and even finish potty training a little pooch named Parker Pilot. Did I leave anything out? All of this will be done as a part of Artistic Endeavors Inc. (A subsidiary of Romantic Adventures in Debauchery Limited). Hehe.

The 4th'o'July at the 658

2007-07-06T13:11:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday America, you slut. I had several beers for you. See below for proof....

Diamond Rings 2007

2007-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last night was the final farewell instore performance at Sea Level Records and the last band to grace the back of the store (stage)? The amazingly bittersweet Deer Tick. See the photos below. I'm so glad Jonah summoned me from the depths of my freelance working chambers to check out the show. Otherwise, I would not have known about it at all. And yeah, I definitely love the "Diamond Rings 2006" version of the song better (which he played, much to our delight) but the title of this'a here post reflects the calandar year that is'a tha present! Nothing beats the present, let me tell ya. Nuh-thing.

And yes, if you're wondering though you probably aren't, I got a brand spanking new DIGITAL camera. I did it. Thought about sticking to film but the costs and the trouble for what it's worth scared me away. It's great though! I went all out. It's a beast. I'll probably be taking a hell of a lot more photos now that I have it and am through mourning the death of the Holga Polaroid. It might take me a little while to master this thing so bear with me and the few stinker photos that may come thru until that happens. Learning curve, dude. Wiiiiiiiii!!!!!!

again, back to the back back

2007-06-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Arrived back in LA last Sunday evening after spending a week in the sticks with the parental units and my kitty cat, Grendel. Wasn't exactly a relaxing time but was radd visiting them in their element as well as attending my 10 year high school reunion. Yep, you heard me right, the reunion. It was actually pretty chill. Seemed as though most everybody got married and had kiddies. I, on the other hand, can probably still be considered a kiddie. Tee hee hee. It was really nice to see an old friend of mine, Brianne since so many other attmepts at meeting up in the past had fallen victim to shite timing... Unfortunately the NES cartridges I was hoping to find did not show up anywhere. I got so bummed I cried a little bit. Shhhh. Also on the bummer list was the lack of BMX bikes. Boo. I did, however, score a bunch of vintage dresses to sell on eBay for some extra cash money. Woot.

Now I'm back at work watching the clock tick and thinking about designing my impending tattoo coverup. It's all gonna go down on Saturday.

The internet is finally back on at my house so the 658 posse can officially launch into the spaceage (this is only due to the combination of the Wii and the DirectTv into the equation). Things are a little odd and tranquilo right now though, I gotta say. It feels like a big transition into something but i have no idea what it is. The job's been great, Oslo's been great (and his new little buddy Parker Pilot Ray too!) and little things that go wrong don't stress me out NEARLY as much as they would say 4 years ago. The people around me have been wonderful unlike others in my past. And let me tell you, I give a salty salute to that bullshit. No one needs that kind of stress. I don't know though. About the transition thing, that is. Kinda like a calm before a storm. Gay analogy, I know. But I'm not sure if I have to be the one responsible for making shit happen or if it will just fall into place. This is such a bizarre and vague thing to be discussing in the first place, yeah? Ok, I'll stop. Let's talk more about robots and comic books and music....

We went to see The New Year last night at Spaceland and goddammit, was it a great show! This was my first time seeing them, as they're not apt to tour much. Hearing the radd 5/4 timed songs that I played along to on drums for the past 6 years was so nice. Their drummer kind of shaped the way I approach drums. I had to pick Jonah's jaw up off the floor after their set. I can't wait to write more music and collaborate with radd peoples............

Gonna start looking into a new bad ass digital camera. I can't deal with this no Holga Polaroid film bullshit anymore. Also on the "don't feel like dealing with bullshit anymore list" is solving the "how can lauren exercise without injuring herself" crisis. The answer? Swimming. In Burbank. During my lunch hour. I might get a little of that thing that I typically avoid called "sun" but it'll get me past this chronic ankle injury and into my usual good shape and sought after boyish figure. Hee haw. Fart.

Of course.

2007-06-11T00:18:00.000-07:00

It's almost 12:30 the night before I leave and I find myself awake as can be. This weekend was absolutely flippin' awesome and despite the fact that I could use some sweet R & R in the countryside of western PA, I'm a bit hesitant to leave things so good here. Oslo's acting all weird because I pulled the the suitcase out of the closet and he knows exactly what that means. Poor little guy... BUT... He's going to be staying at a new boarding place I found recently that boasts radical rave reviews. Fucking spoiled mutt who could have died back in 2001 before I rescued his tiny butt!!

So yeah, Harold and Maude played Saturday night at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It was the perfect thing to do (and ride bikes in, of course) after a day of playing Metal Slug on the new Wii with Jonah. Yayer! Mel and I even penned and structured an all new song today. I play drums and she's on guitar and vocals and it gives me CHILLS it's soooo rad.

And I guess overall, I've been doing pretty well. More so than past weeks. I'm in excellent company and it's making me feel all non-zombie and alive again. And now, on to Pittsburgh (Johnstown)...........................

Fart, cough.

Look Mom, no make up!!

wii're shipping off soon

2007-06-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Today is a big day. Not only will I be able to start using my own internet connection, but I will be the proud owner of a Nintendo Wii. The ankle is still a bit twitchy so this is yet another grand reason to not leave the house. That is, until I depart for the homeland on Monday morning. I absolutely cannot wait to do nothing all next week in dial-up internet land. I heard though, that they finally put a starbucks in the area. So if it's like every other starbucks on the planet, it'll have wifi. Fingers crossed. I hope to come back with copious amounts of thrift store booty, my NES games, an olde BMX bike and a whole new lease on life. Well, yeah. What?

And, uh muh gawd. Does this country really have THAT bad of a collective problem with sleeping? Since I've subscribed to DirectTv, I've seen more sleep aide and sleep number bed commercials than I care to mention. Fuck. The weight loss commercials I get, cause hello, America is fat. But not sleeping either? Could it be that's WHY they're overweight? I dunno. People are lazy but can't sleep a whole night's through. Tough gig. Jeez, makes me realize how effin' fortunate I am that I don't suffer from either problem and am smart enough to prevent it with diet and exercise-- well, the exercise part after my ankle heals but you get the point. Argh.

wow.

2007-06-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

wow. wow. wow. i haven't been able to sit still all day. got so much to do but cannot stay focused. tried to take oslo for a long walk but had to cut it short due to my injured ankle. i'm really upset about a bunch of things right now and don't know how to even begin dealing with them. boo hoo hoo. help me robot brain!

one for the other

2007-06-03T00:54:00.000-07:00

The Direct TV fellows came around 8:30 this morning to install their wonderful service into my home. Sounds great, right? Well, it should be except for the fact that they accidentally cut the phone line here while re-routing the new cable lines. After reconnecting it and making sure there was a dial tone, they went on their way. Unfortunately now (and mysteriously so) our DSL modem seems to be completely fried. No workies. Is that something that could happen from a sudden cut to the phone line? or am I simply retarded and they just didn't hook it back up properly? And how am I controlling the fantastic temperature on this ship? Well, I'm actually stealing the neighbor's weak as hell connection to make this blog post possible. Otherwise, there ain't no internet at casa 658.

Haha, the "Tasticles" episode of Futurama is on now...

Went to see "Knocked Up" earlier today in Burbank as well. Not only was it great to get out of the house for a few hours with a friend, the movie is absolutely amazing. Can't stress it enough but it was such a great afternoon amidst days of bummed-out-ness. Please go see this movie. I'm prolly gonna regret saying this but... (whisper) I actually shed a little tear at the end of the movie. Shit's all emotional and shit. Characters have you in the palm of their hands from the opening credits.

Took a break from the freelance drawings this evening to get some Pinkberry with Mel. She's amazing for listening to all my bullshit. We rock tomorrow as usual. By rock, I mean band practice on Sundays.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention-- I fucked up my ankle while running Thursday evening. Yes, ANOTHER running war scar. It really hurts. Like a lot. This time, however, I don't have health insurance (well at least not for another 3.5 months when the union stuff kicks in-- lame). So I'm hoping it's just a strained tendon and not a break like last time. Don't want to spend a fortune on an xray!

Ugh, I've had enough of awake time. It's draining. Going to bed now. Oh pillow, can you make it all better? Do you got my back? Would you fight for me? Always stay soft yet supportive! I promise to snuggle you every night!

back to the back back

2007-05-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hola. Returned to casa 658 Monday in the wee hours of the morning and spent the day parked on the couch cuddling Oslo, painting, im'ing and watching HGTV. Best way to decompress apres-flight. No Direct TV yet tho. Had to move the insallation appt to Saturday. My buddy TiVo will soon be back in my life and I couldn't be happier!

The weekend was rushed but great. I arrived in Philadelphia Friday evening whereupon my sister picked me up and took us to the Royal Tavern for some much needed grub and booze. After stopping at her place, we took to the streets on track bikes and jetted to this monthly party thing that old friends of mine throw. Erin bought me a ticket for my birthday because The Faint played! Despite the fact that the club was super smokey (cough cough) they were super radical. And so were the DJ sets! We shook our sweaty booties to some nicely remixed Arcade Fire trax amongst others.

The next morning we woke early and rolled over to my old place of employment, The Last Drop, for some iced coffees and to say hello to more old friends. From there, we made our way up the 476 Turnpike to the middle of nowhere Scranton area for my sister Caitlin's engagement party at her new fiance's parent's place. The food was amazing and I had a blast seeing everyone. Clean air did me some good. Caitlin's ring is so awesome and beyond earthly bling factor to the point I worry about her safety... You better believe there's an insurance policy on that gorgeous Tacori piece! Great job Corey! And congratulations! You're the first young peeps within the Crist fam to get hitched!

Erin and I stuck around until it got dark then took off for the city again. Even though I was stuffed to my throat with Italian food and sleepy from a day's worth of sun exposure (fuck yeah, I got an accidental tan!), we got to get a drink and have a small taste of Iron Chef Morimoto's new crazy ass sushi restaurant in Philly by the same name-- Morimoto. Best way to describe that place is the Disneyland of restaurants. Radical to the maxx.

The next day was my birthday so Erin and I started it off right by biking to the Last Drop again and meeting up with my buddy Eric to return a soccer tape I've had of his for too long. We jumped back on the bikes and headed into center city for some sweet H&M goodness then trekked all the way to Northern Liberties area to meet up with my brother at his place of employment for a drink... or 4. Was so damn hot and humid but wasn't fazed.

Got back to Erin's place in time to get ready for dinner plans at a tapas place in the Olde City area of town called Amada. Bloody fabulous dinner in a semi private dining area. Peach sangria and enough cheese to kill a lactose intolerant giant. Awesome-o! Can't thank the family enough for everything. My friend Joel made it down from NYC on the Chinatown bus (ride from hell apparetnly) where he was visiting friends to join us in time. I even got a rad thunderstorm on my bday. I couldn't ask for more. Was such a great day and far from the bummer I was expecting if I would have stayed in LA. Let's hear it for one year older! Yeah!

Now it's back to kicking it alone as well as work both at Disney and my freelance thingy. Also wrote a new song that I'm going to bust my ass to record this week. It's a sweet little ditty about a friend. See, I'm not an asshole all the time. Well, mostly. Oh yeah, AND been getting mentally prepared for yet another trip I have slated in less than 2 weeks to the real homeland for my high school reunion. Ooooo boy that's gonna be interesting. Honestly though, I'm more excited about the killer thrift shopping and the fact that I just might find the BMX bike I've been searching for (as well as all of my Nintendo games that have been MIA for soooo long). Boom shaka laka laka.

On the agenda for the weekend? Movie-marathon-catch-up-time! Pirates 3, 28 Weeks Later and Hopefully Knocked Up. Whew, this was a long one.

Fay Grim < Henry Fool

2007-05-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

"Centuries ago it had an "e" at the end of it".

Oh boy, I don't know what to say about this one since I've been such a huge fan of Henry Fool (1997) and Hal Hartley as a director for so many years. Fay Grim is a digitally shot (painfully so) sequel to the aforementioned Henry Fool and takes place 7 years after Henry was seen running down the tarmac (towards the plane?). Here, the story is taken to a place I never imagined the characters would or could go so it felt a bit forced. BUT BUT BUT, I've got to give it up for the incredibly rad performances by Parker Posey (Fay), Jeff Goldblum, James Urbaniak (Simon Grim), Liam Aiken (Ned) and Thomas Jay Ryan (Henry). Now, the movie does fare better after Fay makes it to Turkey and the ending was perfect. It's definitely worth a watch, especially for Hartley fans but don't get too weirded out by where the story goes. I actually came close to turning it off to watch Pirates 2. Glad I stuck it out though. Pirates will be for tonight before the season finale of LOST. Ooooooooooooooo!!! Can't wait for that!!

pencil sharpener

2007-05-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

I've tossed back into the drawing ring for a few rounds knock'em out. Started up with a freelance job again and am also in the process of designing a coverup tattoo for my left arm. Needle drops the first week of June with my friend Adrian so I'd best get it finished, eh?

I gotta to say though, this whole "being completely alone" thing I've adopted has been an extremely positive experience which in turn, has transformed me into quite the productive little monkey. I even finished writing and completely recorded a song over the past weekend. If you're curious, click here and be my buddy. I've summoned my inner Pants Yell! and penned a bitch slap. Woot!

Do you have any idea...

2007-05-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

...how excited I am and how excited YOU should be for all of the movies yet to come out this year???

Let's see, we have:

->Live Free or Die Hard
->Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
->Pirates of the Caribbean 3
->Knocked Up (Judd Apatow's new one-- already saw it but want more!!!)
->Superbad (Michael Cera from Arrested Development)
->Fay Grim (Hal Hartley's sequel to my favorite ever, Henry Fool!!!)
->The Darjeeling Limited (Wes Anderson/ Roman Coppola's new one- maybe this year?)
->Ocean's 13 (I love this franchise. Don't judge me. The characters are golden.)
->Fido (Canadian zombie flick)
->Eagle vs Shark (I missed this much buzzed about movie at SXSW)
->Transformers
->The Simpsons Movie
->The Bourne Ultimatum (Matt Damon can really fuck shit up! Go Matt!)
->The Ten (Saw this GEM at SXSW, features every member of the State)
->Stardust (FINALLY, a fantasy/adventure movie like the 80's used to do!)
->The Signal (sort of Zombie flick-- saw a screener-- GOLDEN!!)
->Balls Of Fury (Ben Garant of the State, Reno 911 directs)
->Mama's Boy (Jonah Ray is in this one!)
->I Am Legend (The most interesting story element EVER--- VAMPIRES!!!)
->Sweeney Todd (Tim Burton awesomeness)

Okay, so who's ready to join me in signing over their paycheck to the Arclight Cinemas? Don't let me do it alone!!!

UPDATE: where's yer god now, dude?

2007-05-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

The current cover story on cnn.com is about Rev. Jerry Falwell who has just passed away at the age of 73. Last time I checked, people with sound peace of mind ( or spirit-- but i don't believe in that word) who also have access to expensive whole foods, exercise equipment and a+ medical care typically don't keel over from heart problems at 73. Way to treat yer body as a temple the way your bible states you should! What a role model! Bullshit!
Now before you start feeling bad about this rich old white man, let's all take a trip over to PositiveAtheism.com's Big Scary List of Jerry Falwell Quotations. This man's skewed perspective and utter hatred for mankind is utterly laughable. I'm gonna take a stab at it (though it may be a long shot 'cause i done failed medicals skool) but I'd have to say that it's Dick Cheney's gay daughter that poisoned him. Er, what?

re-acquainting myself with the guitar

2007-05-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

Been so in love with my new nylon string acoustic. It's been keeping me happy on a regular (nightly) basis.

So I did it. I purchased a flight to Pittsburgh to attend my 10 year high school reunion. Not too sure how I feel about the whole thing but I do know that my friend Brianne will be holding my hand the whole time. The "social" in me is just about gone. Don't know what happened. Even here in LA, the thought of going out to some "super hipster DJ dancing night" or just drinking at the Cha Cha makes me shiver and get all clammy. I know, boo hoo hoo. Guess I'll just go back to watching live Morrissey DVD's by myself. Which by the way are AWESOME! (despite my grimace in the photo below)

My bros, Man Man are coming to town this Sunday with Modest Mouse but I'm not sure now if they'll actually be playing the Greek Theatre due to the fires. I'll post the info as soon as I get it.

Siblings: A Report

2007-05-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. Last weekend was pretty tiring but quite possibly the best time I've had this year so far. My siblings were all in town for both Coachella and for hanging out because we like to keep it real, yo. Erin and Jonathan flew in from Philadelphia to LAX Thursday night in order to make it out to Indio on Friday with my friend Joel to see Bjork perform. I stuck around LA that day to work and pick up my other sister Caitlin (who flew in from Phoenix) from the Burbank airport.

Rant about Coachella: (Yes, I would MUCH rather work than drive a few hours into the hot as fuck desert and stand around all day in the blazing sun, pay out the nose for water and beer and only see either mediocre bands or bands i've already seen before play on an outdoor stage with shitty sound from about a mile away. And who can forget the smelly hippies, lots of stupid people and port-o-potties. You couldn't PAY me to got to that thing even if they resurrected John and George and got the Beatles back together. Fuck sunlight, fuck heat, fuck people and fuck subjecting yourself to being uncomfortable-- arrrrgggghhhhhh!!! ...but I digress)

Here's the weekend--- in photos!

-- Friday Afternoon --
...One of Erin's Coachella pics. You can really see the Albanian in them. Notice the HOT AS FUCK lady in the background in a bikini top. Oh yeah, I'd bone her. Wouldn't you?

-- Friday Night --
... Caitlin, Carlos and I went out to a few bars only to find ev'rywhere was dead and empty (prolly due to Coachella).

-- Saturday Morning --
...Had a kick ass breakfast at Dusty's.

-- Saturday Afternoon --
...Stopped by the "I Am 8-Bit" art show at Gallery 1988.

...Walked across the street and introduced the fam to Pink Berry deliciousness.

...Headed down to Little Tokyo for a hot minute of shoppin'. Here's Caitlin & Jonny waiting while I was inside scoring a new calculator watch. I'm sooo bad.

-- Saturday Night --
...We had dinner reservations at Malo. So many chips. So many margaritas. I love my family more than i do breathing. We had such a blast...

It's so rare to have everyone in town at the same time!
I'm gonna miss the shit outta them!!

On the music tip, I've been writing some new songs for my own stuff. ..
Song titles include:
-combat combat
-the steps on cove mountain
-paper tiger

I'll record this junk soon. Yeah!

because today's a day of news posts to share...

2007-05-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

Here's something else that is pretty relevant to what i just did...

this made me cry today....

2007-05-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

GO HERE

more 8-bit stuff....

2007-04-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

Check this out--- here's another blog that covered the "I Am 8-Bit" art opening. They even have a photo of my piece!!!

CLICK HERE

Hot Fuzz

2007-04-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Go see this movie. It's nothing short of amazing. In celebration of its cinematic genius, Carlos and I went downtown to the LA Gun Club firing range this afternoon and manhandled some firearms. Sweet sweet guns. We chose a target that depicts a hostage situation. The hostage, to us, was a zombie. We blew its brains out with a 38 special revolver. Yeah, we're a really good shot, bitches. Fuck yeah.

Pixels + Polaroids = see below

2007-04-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the "I Am 8-Bit" art opening in polaroids. Enjoy!

Syd Barrett...

2007-04-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

...is posthumously to blame for my not having posted the polaroids from the gallery opening other night (sorry Elizabeth!). I played organ with Yes Me To Death downtown where Little Pedro's used to be (now the Bordello) as part of a Syd Barrett tribute night. I had no idea what to expect going into the whole ordeal but I'm stoked about the results! The place was packed all evening long as 20 or so LA bands took their turn on stage to perform a cover of the aforementioned early Pink Floyd man's work. Everyone seemed to be on top of their game and sounded great. We even felt pretty damn confident as we twanged out Barrett's "Love You". So so glad we got to take part in the evening...

And I promise, as soon as I get home from work, I will scan and post the polaroids from "I Am 8-Bit"!!

Matt & Trey are my heroes, fo rizzle.

2007-04-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how good tonight's South Park episode was. If you haven't seen it, please make it a point to. 'Cause you like zombies-- I mean the homeless-- right??? The quiet town of South Park finds itself with a homeless problem that turns into everyone's favorite zombie movie scenario, complete with Randy Marsh blowing the head off of a freshly infected "homeless" man. And who can forget fat ass Cartman jumping a line of comatose homeless on his skateboard (straight up pummelling the last one before he lands)?? It is a supremely crafted and thoroughly designed episode that nails the zombie apocalypse environment where the word "change" is adopted as the homeless' zombie groan. I mean, there has to be at least a hundred extra incidental homeless characters designed specifically for this show!! Oh hell yes. This past month has been a great one for zombies and comedy! And I say, fuck yeah to that!!

P.S.---> Cali-fornia... loves the homeless.

art fart

2007-04-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last night's "I Am 8-Bit" Gallery Opening was a blast. Free booze, good friends, killer art and video games makes for the perfect combo. Even got to talk to some people that I haven't seen in about 3 months. Awesome! Polaroids to come later this evening....

I Am 8-Bit V 2.007 Gallery Show

2007-04-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Here you go (see below). Needless to say, I got in touch with them in the nick of time to get my piece in. Please do yourself a favor and come to the awesome opening/party at Gallery 1988 this Tuesday and see work by me, Carlos Ramos, Elizabeth Ito and many many other radical artists!!!

Get there early cause this place gets crazy packed.

WE HEART VIDEO GAMES 4EVR!!!!

end of the road

2007-04-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Call me a sissy, call me a quitter, whatever. I'm ending the master cleanse today (for reals). Four days is long enough. However, I'm definately not switching to solid foods just yet. I'm in a solidarity pact with my buddy Katherine to not eat solids (hehe-- i just got that) until our fabulous power lunch tomorrow when we will feast on delicious soup from Pho Cafe. As for the rest of today, I'm only on orange juice, boring vegetable soup broth and TONS of water. Damn, I'm experiencing the absolute worst thigh pains ever these past few days. Not sure if that's an effect of the "cleansing" going on with my system or just severe lack of potassium and i'm slowly dying. I'm thinking the latter. Otherwise, I had no real problems with the fast and I'm proud of my little food lovin' self for lasting as long as I did. Yay!

forgot to mention....

2007-04-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

...that Grindhouse was pretty damn sweet. Rodriguez's "Planet Terror" segment is an all out zombie wet dream. Fuck yeah! I needed me a new zombie movie! Who would have thought that Josh Brolin was so damn radical? Haven't liked that guy since "Goonies". The Eli Roth, Rob Zombie and Edgar Wright trailers are sweet bits of candy cigarettes (mmmmm candy cigarettes) sprinkled in the middle of this 3 hour adventure. Tarantino's segment, "Death Proof" was a bit lengthy and way too talky talky talky for me but nothing beats watching Kurt Russell experience a breakdown on camera. Sweet jeebus. He totally pulled a bit of "Big Trouble..." on us. Now I wanna go watch "the Thing" AND "Captian Ron" again.

salt water flush

2007-04-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's exactly what it sounds like. For this cleanse, first thing every morning you gotta pound a quart's worth of salt water and hope it will "move" you within an hour. It worked yesterday but not today. Feels like my heart might palpitate right out of my chest. Too much sodium that stuck around too long? I think so. Oy vey. Did I do something wrong?

Or actually, why am I doing this in the first place? I'm not THAT unhealthy of a person to justify an internal spring cleaning. Right? Right???!! Aw, jeeze. Here we go. I'm starting the back and forth on why I should and shouldn't be doing this. See, the whole cleanse thing tends to make one a little loopy. I am no exception. Soon I'm gonna be referring to everyone else on the planet as "those fooood eaters" and try to convince myself that the soyrizo/tofu dish from the Bright Spot was actually causing cancer somewhere in my system....

Hehe. Anybody that knows me is aware of the fact that I am (my tapeworm is) always hungry. So far this hasn't been all that bad but I still so want to put real food in my mouth.

the secret to a long life is a healthy colon...

2007-04-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Bill Cosby was right. And I intend to clean out not only my colon but my kidneys and any other functioning systems within my person over the 10 days with the help of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water. And who could forget my morning salt water flush?? Yeah, it's pretty gross but so is how I've been feeling on the inside lately. Thank goodness I'm not in this one alone! My radical roomate Jared and I are on the same trip and will provide eachother with the necessary moral support to see it through. And hey, we'll be saving a LOT of money on food!

Here's to health and happiness...

A night/day of Man Man:

2007-04-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

The show on Thursday night was incredible! The guys will also be performing on the Jimmy Kimmel show sometime at the end of their tour with Modest Mouse. More details when they come. Until then, please enjoy some polaroids of the boyz & friends...

show me that smile again...

2007-04-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

yeah, the robot brain is getting better. definitely no more crying and certainly not slumping around so much in the times when i don't have a million things to do. yeah, when i wasn't distracted, i got bummed out. not saying i'm not upset though overall. it's just not ruining my doggone days.

ew, my teeth suck. i got to get those fixed.

speaking of a million things: work is steadily becoming more busy and i, for once, am not complaining. aw, who am i kidding? i love complaining! (i get it honest though. my dad is the king of all bitching and moaning.) here's a bit about the awful commissary we have here on the studio lot.... i had the worst $9 lunch ever today: a very weak grilled portabello sandwich with a disgustingly dry "crudite" cup. tasted like they put yellow mustard on it. i think i may go vomit.

whew. i am not a rotting human carcass.

2007-04-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

i effin' love realage.com! they have this free test that takes info from numerous areas of yer life (like health background, what you eat, stress factors, how you exercise, etc) and mashes them together to tell you whether you're a large piece of rotting human shit or a shiny happy "younger" snapper who can justifiably turn yer nose up to yer actual calendar age. i take this test every few years and found that my innards are still younger than the blistery old year of 27.9. in fact, they say i'm 2.7 years younger than that awful number. the only bullshit factor you have to get around in taking this type of test is all the new age vitamin crap they are trying to sell you from start to finish. go forth and discover thine actual age, mo fo!

animation show 3- UPDATE

2007-04-03T23:55:00.000-07:00

wow. don hertzfeldt is, once again, king of animation. just came back from the screening.

if you have a chance, definitely go see Mike Judge's Animation Show 3 and just stay until the end of hertzfeldt's new masterpiece, "everything will be ok"... the rest of the show doesn't mean anything after you've seen that, the beavis and butthead opening and another cool short called "rabbit".

week 2

2007-04-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

whatup. just got back from a sweet sushi lunch and an equally grrreat weekend. spent a ton of cash again but i'm not cryin'. picked up this radical book at a new-ish store called Family on Farifax next to Largo. The book's titled NINJA by Brian Chippendale. It's rediculously huge and doesn't fit on any shelf. Perfect. You either get it or you don't. Feast yo pupils and maybe buy it or somethin':

oh yeah--- ron rege jr. did the painted sign for the outside of the store. yummy.

i got carlos hooked on guitar hero II. poor monkey hands has his new crack but the crack pipe makes said hands hurt. my remedy? ....don't stop a rockin'! i have to pick up another guitar controller for some serious 2 player showdown time. also awesome is the metal slug anthology for the wii. that damn game series is endlessly entertaining but only because i love to blow shit up with a rocket launcher. i mean come on, look who's blog you're reading, internet stalker.

oh yeah, and today is the start of week 2 on the new job tip. we still haven't received any picture (animation) back from overseas and may not see anything until wednesday. that means more training time with supa. it's so great knowing that even if the shit totally hits the fan (and i'm sure it will), that i don't have to keep up after 10 other fires on 10 other productions at the same time. you know, the stuff i had to do on a daily basis with my old shit shoveling position. all i have to deal with is ONE goddamn show. yay for me (shade tipping with Avid in background):

also making me sing in retarded bliss is the new stereo system i had installed in my land rover last week. holy sweet radical mommy clue goo!! it allows me to hook my ipod up with the actual whatever-pin computer cable so all of my ipod info shows up and is controllable on the screen of the stereo interface. And if that wasn't enough, they rigged it so i can control all of this with my steering wheel controls! Finally, I don't have to deal with a stack of burned cd's larger than your mom's fat thigh. when things become streamlined, lauren gets super happy. if you ever empty yer trash bin on yer computer and notice that the system performs better, know that my brain functions on a similar principle.

gonna go for a run around the silver lake tonight and continue my new-found good fitness habits. seems like this and being settled back into my house has helped me sleep better and feel better overall. duh, you say? yeah, i know, smart ass mo fo. sometimes i lose sight of the important stuff. all this AND a new Kusai & Ben comic strip coming later!!!

party on wayne!

Modest Man!

2007-03-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Holy shit on a stick! My bros, Man Man will be opening up for Billboard's #1 Band, Modest Mouse on their tour later this Spring. This is huge!!! Pitchfork has the deets but they'll be playing the Greek Theater here in LA on May 13th. You must go to this AND Man Man's show at the Roxy next Thursday April 5th. I command thee.

certainly better than before but...

2007-03-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hey peoples. Sitting here pecking at the keys of my windows based breadmaker with a few minutes to spare as I import files into the avid. My health is on the up and up and so are my spirits.

So here's an update on the "I Am 8-Bit" gallery show that I am supposedly to be in: I can't get in contact with the dude who runs the thing so I may have done a video game painting for nothing. We'll see though. It may come down to the wire but I'm not holding my breath. I don't do that kind of thing anymore.

*(warning-- don't read any further if you do not want to read a rant)*
Speaking of not doing things anymore-- I am so over people in my life who get pissy about who I date or associate with when I have been nothing but supportive and accepting to them and their exploits. I just can't deal with that kind of bullshit anymore because I care too much and it eats away at me. Nobody is perfect (I certainly am NOT, duh) and I love my friends for that. Unfortunately in almost every situation, they don't feel the same and I can never do anything right in their eyes. It fucking hurts.

computers for retards

2007-03-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Monday morning, day 1 of my first new job in 5 years. I'm a little jittery but only because I'm not yet privvy to the general routine of my future days here. And also could be because I'm typing this on a PC. Yep, a PC. Let me say that again just so it sinks in.... Peeee Ceeeeee. Pretty weak. I had to give up my little G4 laptop that I've had here at the D-bomb for the past 3 years for a huge and pathetically outdated breadmaking machine. The poor IT Department dude literally had to pry the aforementioned laptop from my fingers. I suppose it could be worse. Bloody hell, everything could be worse. Blah blah. Welp enough chit chat. I'm going to go now and get acquainted with the other computer system in my office-- the Avid.

I hate Apple.

2007-03-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

...Which is to say, I LOVE Apple! They get all of my money. I just came home with 2 new iPods: A black video dealie and a little orange shuffle. Yay! My 2 year old iPod Photo died a few weeks ago, so it was time for a new addition to the family. One's for running and one is for the truck. But wait, what is that you ask? You're saying I can't listen to my iPod in my truck? Not after this week, silly! I'm getting an auxillary jack installed for a no-bullshit connection. The geniuses at Al & Ed's figured out how to run a line out of my CD changer port so I'm set. Man, I gotta tell ya-- spending money when you're feeling bad makes you feel GOOD. I love things!

sadness and beyond

2007-03-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

no point in hiding it. i'm really bummed out right now. all this despite the fact that my last day in the music department was today. i should be thrilled. not so. i start the new editing job on monday. i should be thrilled. not so. trying to shake this might involve writing some music. that's what ryan told me i should do. i'm looking at my piano right now. it sure is very pretty....

No ticky, no shirty

2007-03-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

Dances With Wolves, my beloved Discovery, died for a brief moment today. Praise valhalla we were able to revive her. Spent most of he afternoon trying to get a jump, then getting said jump to actually start my dead-o truck-o. Scary shit when it doesn't turn over after 20+ minutes of a charge. I totally gotta to give it up for the two firemen in Los Feliz who stopped everything they were doing to help me out with this. I want to buy them pretty ponies and take them to Disneyland. As I drove away, I noticed that some sort of warning bing that wouldn't stop. No service light came on though. Freaked me the fuck out. Because I don't like to fuck around with things of the automotive nature, I drove directly to the dealership in Encino. Had to wait forever BUT now I'm rolling in an ever-so-sweet brand new LR3 until "Dances" is outta the shoppe.

south bye

2007-03-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Please go here for the full report.

And now for some Polaroids...

polaroids finally have a home

2007-03-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

It took long enough but now all of my lovely little holga polaroids are sitting pretty in a couple of for reals photo albums. No more sad zip-loc bag. Let's just hope they all flatten out properly as they have been poorly stored and allowed to curl up for over a year. Whoopsees.

Starcade!

2007-03-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

Joel and I took a little trip to the "happiest place on earth" last night and it was yet another instance where I got to take a friend who hadn't been there since childhood. I love taking friends there. Ever since I have been issued my magic ticket or "Silver Pass", if you will, not only do I get free admission into either Disneyland or California Adventure, I get free parking and can take 3 other guests with me. Let's just say that this makes for a sweet option for something to do on evenings when there really is nothing else to do or if i just wanna get my Haunted Mansion fix. Yep. Cause I can do that. Go down to Anaheim, ride one attraction and then leave. Guilt free because it's free.

Anyhooo, I was pleasantly surprised to find that in the Starcade (arcade right outside of Space Mountain-- get with it, yo), there was a very very tiny Neo Geo machine with Bust A Move in it!!!! This is my ultimate crack. No tiny ass kiddie machine could keep us from playing for longer than the total time we waited in any line last night! You should see this thing, really. It's laughably tiny. And it was rediculous with me and Joel kneeling on the ground in front of it playing a 2 player knockout round! Yay video games!!

Speaking of pixels and such, I finished my "I Am 8-Bit" painting on Saturday. Can't believe I got it done with it so quickly AND am totally happy with it. Honestly though, I really wish it would've taken longer to complete as I spent most of this weekend bummed out cause Kent was away. If 3 days was this rough, I have no idea how I'm gonna deal when he goes and climbs Mt. Everest for 18 days. **shiver**

Note to self:

2007-03-01T18:06:00.001-08:00

Never read comics and eat an apple at the same time. Chances are you won't see the worm that's hiding behind the next bite.
Ew. I'm gonna go chug some water. I bit off half that bugger's head. Blech!!

Zelos-- One Mean Son Of A Gun

2007-02-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

The I Am 8-Bit; Version 2.007 gallery show is swiftly approaching and I have finally decided what theme I am going to run with--- Konami's "Life Force"! In Japan, this shooter game was known as "Salamander" and it remains in my top 5 favorite NES games ever (yep, I just played it last night too).

In last year's piece, I portayed a dorky boy who wanted nothing more than to be pals with all his Nintendo heroes. This time I'm going to take a step back from getting too dark with that "kid who LIVES to play Nintendo" thing and just make a whimsical version of it. Whimsical feels right. And somehow make it work with a shallow shadowbox frame. With lights? What? I'm trying new things. Dual layers, people. Dual layers.

darlin' don't you go and...

2007-02-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Kent decided to shave his head.
I was there, Holga in hand.

Finally got to pick up his V-day present too... Had to go directly to the artist's house!
I'm so glad I got to give this beautiful print as a gift:

manmanmanman

2007-02-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

What are you doing on Thrusday the 5th of April? Well, I'll tell you, silly. You'll be dancing around like a crazed child as Man Man plays a TBD venue somewhere in the lovely city of Los Angeles! Join us please! More info on the venue as soon as I get it!

And don't forget about Deerhunter! They'll be opening up for the Pony's on April 14th at the Echo. This will be a great show. Will I see you there?

Now for the gewwwd news...

2007-02-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

After 5 years in the music department of Disney's TV Animation, I am finally moving on to something else more fulfilling--- picture editing. I got the job!!!! *high pitch squeal* Yeah, it's for the same company but I'll be attached to ONE production (not 15 productions whilst juggling fiery dildos in a gorilla suit with the nipples cut out) as the asisstant editor and I'll finally be able to save money and my sanity-- but whatever on the latter.

"Alfalfa Brain Needs Love". What? Huh? That is the lovely name of my very first piano song that someone else might be writing lyrics for. Also figured out how to play Island's "Bucky Little Wing" on the pee-an-oh and might try to squeeze in a cover of it somewhere sometime at some show. The song actually hits a little close to home, what with all the shennanigans and goings on.

Heartbreaking

2007-02-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

This has me all distraught this morning. So much so that my brain can't help but go to some (inevitable, and you know it) Pet Cemetery scenarios. I feel equally as bad for the people who were trying to save them. I just want to go home now and hug my dog, Oslo. So what if he looks as though he may start fires with those eyes... He's part deer, you know.

Noel Disses Thom, I Am Going To SXSW, Unicorn Earrings Are Gone and Other Surprises

2007-02-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Wow, a lot's been going on. So much so that I must blog about some of it.

Let's get to the first part of this huge headline. Totally ganked from Stereogum, BTW. If you know anything about me, then you know of my disdain for the later Radiohead albums and more recently, their sold out shows at the Hollywood Bowl. I don't want to get into it this early in the morning (with a stomach ache, no less), so I'll leave you with the words of the biggest player hater around, Noel Gallagher. Not to say that I'm all that impressed with Oasis' music over the years either but at least he has the balls to call people on their shit.
From NME:

Thom Yorke sat a piano singing,
'This is fucked up' for half-an-hour.
We all know that Mr Yorke.
Who wants to sing the news?
No matter how much you sit there
twiddling, going, 'We're all doomed,'
at the end of the day people will
always want to hear you play 'Creep'.
Get over it.

I heart this drawering. Ruddy fucking genius. Totally like captures the unbearable pain of being successful amidst a music industry that's like shite.

Also on the agenda is a trip to Austin for the movie magic portion of SXSW. It'll be my first time in Austin, at the festival itself AND seeing the fabulous Kent Osborne grace the big screen. He's starring in both a feature (Hannah Takes the Stairs) and a short (The Pipe)... not to mention the trailers played at various times throughout the festival.

What a fucking rockstar.

Here's a sad story if you're into sad stories and I know you are, Senor/Senorita Pity Party. A couple weeks ago, we got the most radical and to the extreme Thai massages from a place that Kent has been telling me about for a while. Afterwards at dinner, my heart jumped into my throat when I noticed that the little gold stud unicorn earrings from my childhood I was wearing earlier that day were most definately not in my ears. Um, no biggie though. Yeah. I knew exactly where I left them at the massage place and it had only been about an hour since I walked out the door. Or so I thought. After calling the place and even going back there a few minutes later, the earrings seemed to have completely vanished. Everyone played dumb as I asked myself into a blackhole of unanswered questions. Argh. My head drooped and my previously relaxed upper back tensed up. I looked around the waiting area of the place as I dragged my defeated ass out the door. The staff looked at me with savory contempt. Or was it just plain savory blood lust? Wait! Holy shit! That's it! THEY ARE VAMPIRES!! Why else would they want the innocent and unwavering power of eternal youth that my unicorn earrings emit?? Now I must fight an unholy war to get them bacK!! What will happen if this power is harnessed by the wrong hands??!!

See, that was a great story. It had both UNICORNS AND VAMPIRES... I fucking deliver, yo. But it still doesn't bring back my earrings. :(

Okay, here comes the lame. I'm gonna gush for a sec cause fuck you, this is my blog. Remember when I said that 2007 is gonna be a great year and that there is so much to look forward to? Well, turns out I was right. And it's all gonna make for some great polaroid (while the film lasts, of course) pics and blogging fodder. Woo!

See you in Austin.