Minnesota Nice

You know that the only reason that Minnesota swung Republican for a few weeks is because they had their convention there and the Minnesotans didn't want them to feel about having it there and going democratic right away.

That is how us Minnesotans are.

Mourning a loss

I have a confession, I personify objects. This drives certain people in my life crazy. But I can't help it. I have been mourning a loss lately and although it may seems strange and capitalistic I lost a dear friend.

This little hunk of metal and black and gray screen has been through a lot with me. My desire for solitude in public places, break-ups, moves, indecision, a "job that slowly kills you", entertainment on boring plane rides across the country and sometimes a strange soundtrack to my life.

I guess nothing can last forever. I wish though that I could get some of the songs back though.

Where will you be

On this important and historic election, where will you be? I will be voting at a local McDonald's. In Minnesota I always voted at a community center, park or apartment complex. It seems strange the places available to vote in Los Angeles. I have heard many different answers from friends about where they are voting this year. Some of the strange ones are:

Beauty Salon
The garage of someone's house
f-ing McDonald's

In Los Angeles nothing is sacred I guess. Would you like fries with your vote?

No matter where you vote, I hope you at least take the time to vote this November 4th.

What are you doing this Saturday?

Tomorrow night is truly the last movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery this season. If you haven't been this year go tomorrow and see Carrie.

Check out their website www.cinespia.org.

Bring a friend, bring some wine, bring a "cigarette". All is excepted and encouraged in Los Angeles.

Anti-antibiotics

Any doctor that wants to treat an antibiotic related infection with an antibiotic can kiss my much skinnier ass, thank you very much. This wasn't the way I wanted to lose a couple pounds. Although when people ask me how I lost I say "take 2 antibiotics back to back." and ask your doctor to help you and laugh when they prescribe more antibiotics.

I have never hated western medicine so much in my life. Do you really care about people or is it the money?

With that out of the way, I will be writing more. I guess this is my excuse for not writing.

back from the dead almost

I would never wish a sinus infection on my worst enemy. That being said, that is why I haven't been around.

One thing that really bums me out about this unrelenting sickness is that I did miss seeing one of my favorite live bands at Sunset Junction, Antibalas. I know, I know after lamenting their LA hiatus, I was laying on the couch watching a movie, clutching a kleenex, praying for relief.

I am on the bright side of feeling less miserable and I hope that this brings more posts.

My fascination with procrastination

There are things that I know I should do. Like pay my college loan bill, but frankly I am disgruntled with my college education. When I do pay it though I feel like a burden has been lifted. I do not know why I procrastinate, but I work really hard at not doing the things I need to do.

Maybe you are like me. Maybe there is something that is nagging at you, like "I want to register to vote and I just do not know how to go about doing it."

Well, here I am to help you feel lighter and freer.

Voting is different from state to state here is a website that will spell everything out for you with out using words like Whereas and Henceforth and you do not have to be female to use it. Visit the lovely ladies at the League of Women Voters. You can find your state's oo info.

• Like in CA your last day to register is October 20th
• In Minnesota it is a procrastinators dream, you can register at the polling place right before you vote. Just make sure you bring a bill with your name and address with you or a paycheck will work.

Also another procrastinators dream is a great website/organization called "Rock the Vote." Where you just type in some simple information and they fill it out for you all you have to do is print it and send it and you are on your way to being a registered voter.

You better get cracking there is only 65 days until the election.

Procrastinators of the world get away from your computers and register to vote!!!!

What happened

To be honest I really do not know what happened to me and why I stopped blogging. I love blogging. I am trying to come up with a reason why it has been placed on the back burner.

Maybe it was adjusting to my new job, which people told me was stressful, but I do not feel stressful at all but very very happy.

Maybe because I feel for the first time in a very long time that my life is clicking along and I don't feel like I need to search for cyber-space validation.

Maybe it is because I have been recently plagued with some health problems.

Maybe it is all of those things.

So here is the justification for the 4 people who read this blog.

Day of Independence

Happy 4th.

Be safe and no drinking and driving.

If you notice...

I am up at 9 on a Saturday. This is sleeping in for me now that I have a new job and although I love me my new job, it is kind of sad.

Doesn't bother me none.

I don't like tomatoes anyway.

I guess that is what you get when you import food from countries that do not have the same strict guidelines that the US has. Mad Cow anyone?

Here is a list of local farmer's markets to help you get through the tomato scare. California tomatoes are safe, but you wont see me eating one, unless it is covered in cheese and black pepper.

Support your local farmers, eat healthy and reduce your carbon footprint.

I hear that the Santa Monica one is the best and that it is a one stop for local restaurants.

Props to my friend

A friend made it to the finals of the Watchmen commercial contest running on Youtube. The winner of this contest will have their commercial shown in the film, which is based off the graphic novel by the same name. I want your help in making my friend that winner.

I need you to give his commercial some love by reading the directions on his brand new blog in a post called "I need your thumbs".

Votes will be much appreciated and do it quickly because voting also doesn't last long.

Also, if someone could email me and tell me what the Watchmen is about that would be also appreciated, I don't know why all of the commercials have an 80's vibe.

I am a stranger here myself

Game 4 of the NBA finals is on tonight. If you are wondering who I am pulling for tonight you might find it strange that I am hoping that the Celtics win.

I love Los Angeles. You might know historically that the Lakers were actually a Minnesota team. One might draw the conclusion that I like the Lakers. I don't. ( I think Bryant is a cocky asshole who cannot keep his dick in his pants and anyone who thinks he is a better player than Michael Jordan can kiss my ass quite frankly)

The reason I am pulling for the Celtics is that I really want Kevin Garnett, a former Timberwolves player, to finally get his chance to win a NBA championship. He is a great player and has a great personal story and it would be a shame if he went the way of great players to never win the championship, like Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing and even "Sir" Charles Barkley.

If any of you here are from Boston or secret Celtics fans, I strongly recommend you head down to the Little Bar on La Brea. It is great and although they do not have a kitchen you are free to order food in from anywhere that will deliver it. This bar is all Boston all the time, you might get some jackasses who want to rub Lakers points in your face, but they are few and far between.

Have fun tonight!

Bus Blog -4

When your bus is ten minutes late and you are sweating everywhere, only Jorge Ben's Ponta de Lanca (umbabarauma) can make it right.

By the way I wish Listen would make girl sizes of their men shirts. I am a small girl and men's t-shirts swim on me.

If you haven't checked them out they a music lover's dream in clothing.

Finally!

After losing two jobs in a row due to the shit economy, I am so happy to have Barack Obama finally picked as the Democratic candidate for President.

In fact some of my first paycheck will go to his campaign.

I think it is great all of the action campaigns that we in the U.S. participate in globally. We have done great things in helping 3rd world countries, contributed to education and medical services abroad and educated our fellow citizens of the atrocities of the governments of Rawanda, Sudan and Myanmar. I am proud of us. To jump on my soapbox, a box I continue to jump on consistently throughout my blogs and my life, is that I think we need to act locally for a few months. Especially now.

If any of you have not seen the story on 60 minutes called "Lifeline" I invite you to watch it now. If you do not feel like watching it, It is about a group called RAM (Remote Area Medical)who are a group of volunteer doctors and nurses who go abroad to provide health care to the uninsured worldwide. What is very telling, is that RAM is doing more and more of its missions in the United States.

I know that Obama is not for Universal Health care, but his plan is much better than we have now, where millions of people are uninsured. Including myself.

It is sad the number of people in the United States who are lining up for food lines. If you have seen the news lately you will see that a gallon of milk is now as much as a gallon of gas. More and more Americans are deciding between milk and gas.


If you feel like giving support to the Obama campaign you should, even if it is $5. You know the Republicans have an bottomless pit o' money, so any little bit can help.

Go to www.barackobama.com

If you feel moved by the 60 minutes on RAM, like I was, please goto the website already highlighted to donate, they only run on donations and the small amount the people who benefit from their services can give.

If you do not want Americans to go hungry either please go to to America's Second Harvet and donate time, money or food.

As human beings we have the power to end suffering, it is up to you to choose how you do it.

Now digest that over your morning coffee.

Statcounter for the forces of good

I noticed that I have a lot of hits to my blog from a post I did about seeing the Murakami show at free Thursdays at the MOCA. I wanted to let you know that New Yorkers can catch that same show at the Brooklyn Museum until July 13th. Or for non-New Yorkers, and you are fans, New York is a great town to visit.

Milestones

This is my 100th post
Yesterday was my birthday
Yesterday I finally was offered a job!

Classic Film on the cheap

Who: Cinespia and the fine people of Los Angeles
What: Classic, rare and just plain good movies
When: Every Saturday until September-ish, look for some Sunday shows too
Where: Please check out www.cinespia.org for exact address
How much: $10 suggested donation, but it seems more mandatory than suggested

In all of my comings and goings I missed the first cemetery screening of 2008. It seems a couple weeks ago Cinespia started their annual event. Last summer I gave a bunch of information and tips, click here for last entry and tips. I don't feel like re-typing.

These screenings ended up being listed on Pop Candy last year.

Note after original posting: Marion Davies is buried in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and I just saw her castle a couple weeks ago.

What I love about California

What I love about living in California is that within its state lines you can visit the desert, you can drive to the snow capped mountains (For a Minnesotan that is rare that you actually have to drive to it if you want to see it,) the ocean, mountains, prairies, vineyards and I saw something I haven't seen in months. COWS! If you look closely, you will see them. Which I know seems very country of me, but if you are from the Midwest cows are everywhere and are a subject of study at the University of Minnesota. Not to mention provide the media for the famed Princess Kay of the Milky Way sculpture at the Minnesota State Fair.

California right now it looks like the whole state could go up in flames with one match. Speaking of which I was at Universal Studios a week to the day that the back lot went up in flames.

I am still officially unemployed, yesterday hit my 4 month mark.

Hello!

Did you miss me?

I took someone's advice and tried to enjoy my unemployment, instead of sitting around and feeling sorry for myself.

I will commence posting regularly soon, but I need to spend some time today to apply for jobs so that I can get my unemployment check.

I am into the 70's now my the way.

Rainbow families

I am proud to be in a state that allows same sex marriage. California lifted the ban this week. Although I am not attracted to the ladies, I don't oppose people who are. Why can't people just celebrate our differences.

I celebrate everyday that I am not Anne Coulter. As I prepare to celebrate my weekly "I am not Anne BBQ" bash, I want to leave you with this....

True love is hard enough to find, if you find it hold onto it.


If only Evite made those invitations.......

Paint my blog gold

In true Los Angeles fashion of tagging over history....

Exhibit A-1984 Summer Olympic Mural on the 10


Exhibit B- A tagged John Wehrle's "Galileo, Jupiter, Apollo" on the north retaining wall of the 101 at North Broadway



.... I invite you to tag my blog. Go to Atmosphere's new album website and click here and have at it.

As many of you know, Atmosphere is from mighty Minneapolis/st. paul (or "The Cities" as we call it). I was enjoying their shows long before the national notoriety (which I feel is well deserved) They are even better live.

My way back when moment:
When it wad the Atmosphere incarnation of Slug, Eyedea and Abilities, I once had a few minute freestyle about my bellybutton.

They just spent the last two days in LA. I didn't go to either show because I am broke as a joke.

So before you get to tagging my blog, give the album a listen and tag, tag away.

1, 2, 3, 14

Does anyone else think it is strange that Coldplay's new album called Viva la Vida, phrase in Spanish for "long live life", has a painting of Marianne , the national emblem of France, leading French soldiers to victory?

I know I just let my nerd flag fly.

I also think you know what I am getting at in the Coldplay U2 comparison. Being unemployed has given me the chance to pre-view some albums (see Scarlet Jo post) and I am not sure that I will be joining Coldplay on their new odyssey and not because they do not know their history.

Fun and free in LA-traveling the world in one day

I guess I have been on a Minneapolis better than Los Angeles kick lately. I think it is my unemployment talking, not that I am taking back the fact that Los Angeles needs to become better at recycling, I love Los Angeles just in case you were wondering. Here is another reason I love Los Angeles:

What: Botanical Gardens
Where: Huntington Gardens, San Marino, CA
When: Daily 10:30 -4:30 closed Tuesdays
Total cost to me: $15
($15-weekdays, $20 weekend, free day is every first Thursday with advance tickets)

It is amazing the legacy left behind in California left behind by the Daniel Plainview types (not that I am saying that these people are milkshake loving murderers)one of these being The Getty, which I have mentioned and another being Huntington Gardens

The Huntington was founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington when he signed away his San Marino estate for non-profit use. It is now home to gardens, a gallery and Library. My visit there was brief, but during that time I was able to travel to Japan, China and the middle of the desert. I unfortunately didn't have the chance to visit England for High Tea, but maybe next time.

Very much worth the trip and you do not need a passport.

Bus Blog entries

At a party last weekend, the topic of bus stories came up. It seems like everyone in Los Angeles has a bus story and many of them are funny, weird, sad and sometimes scary. Like the guy who removed all of his teeth because he thought the government was after him because he uncovered a government conspiracy while he was a limo driver in D.C.

I know that there are more stories out there, send them to me.

If you are a writer and do not feel like committing to an entire blog, this is a great chance to get your stories read by 3 people.

My email address is: fadeinmail@gmail.com

Earth Day Adendum

Sorry, this is a bit late, but I have had other stuff on my mind.

One of the first things I noticed when I moved here was how difficult it is to recycle here. I always thought of California as a green earth utopia (yes, I knew that it was smoggy, but other than cars I thought California had its shit together) I thought that one of the things that would translate when I left Minneapolis, a city that has its green shit together, was the ease of recycling. Yes, there are blue bins for recycling pick up every couple weeks with your garbage, but that is to think that people use all of the recycle-ables at home. What I miss is that if I got a bottled water when I was out and about in Minneapolis, I didn't have to worry, because in most stores, malls, etc, there are recycling bins inside. I chatted with some Minnesota folks a couple weeks ago and we commented on the same thing. They didn't know where to put their cans and bottles and felt bad about just throwing them away, because in Minnesota they make it so damn easy to recycle.

Americans are creatures of convenience, (how many of you hit a fast food joint of your choice today) how many of us do you think are going to carry around our water bottles, soda cans and empty iced coffee containers around in a bag while we are shopping, so we can take them home. I would say just about none. We should have an option to recycle at places of business.

I miss the option of putting my recycle-ables in a proper place. I miss the blue bins with holes that are aluminum can sized, sunday newspaper sized, etc.

I think that the only way all of the cans and bottles do not end up in garbage dumps is because of Los Angeles' 94,000 homeless citizens. Yes, all of those people with garbage bags full of cans and bottles strapped to shopping carts have gotten all of that because other people have thrown it away. And to imagine, there is a 1-800 to call to report them.

I think it should be easier for people to recycle in LA, especially because LA is all about fads and green is the new black, baby.

Song stuck in my head is Rock Lobster by the B-52's- I don't really like that song and I don't know how it got there.

Bus Blog -3

I haven't really been riding the bus all that often anymore, but I will share this story with you. It has been quite a few months and all of the details are a bit foggy.

Riding down Hollywood Boulevard is always an interesting experience, as any of you know who have ever visited this area as a tourist or native. This day in particular I was riding the 212 or the 217, I can't remember, from the heart of touristville on Hollywood and Highland. I was listening to my ipod but bookless this time. (I like to have both usually, because crazy people are attracted to me. I had someone come up to me once that was convinced that I was Dulcinea del Toboso ) When I am sans book, I like to watch the people who come and go, as I am sure most people do. Especially in this area because you never quite know which character (literally) will join the bus riders.

Somewhere on Sunset a young mother, with a baby bjorn strapped to her chest, got on the bus. What attracted me to this young mother out of all of the other hundreds of young mothers that ride the bus daily, was that she was dressed very much like Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez, even down to the pacifier on a string around her neck, now a functioning piece of jewelery for the wee one she was carrying. What kept me drawn to her was how loudly she was fussing over her baby, almost like she was showing off her new motherhood to everyone who was within listening distance. I noticed how the mother and daughter had the same hat, how cute. (perhaps myself in ticking mode) I was realizing that I was obviously staring and looked away, but thought about how throughout the entire coo-fest that the baby never made a sound, not a squeal, laugh or anything which is odd.

I turned back to look at the mother and child and saw that the baby had blond hair and as I looked closer she didn't even have the same skin color as her mother and as the mother rocked back and forth, I realized that the baby was in fact a doll.

This could be construed as a funny situation, but what I felt was a profound sadness. This woman obviously thinks that doll is her baby.

Speaking of Comedy in Los Angeles

If you will not be celebrating with your mom on Sunday, think about attending this event instead.

Rus Gutin may very well be the first gluten free comic in the world. Extremely funny and fast paced, he is a comedian that you really need to pay attention to. Laughs are fast paced and furious, but don't laugh too long, you might miss something that's even funnier. He is a very charismatic performer that makes you stand up and and think that you can take on the ills of the world.

If you are a prude, this really isn't your event. If you are easily offended and cannot make fun of how ridiculous people sometimes are, you should just stay home.

Also playing in the intermission will be a very dear friend of mines spoof of Transformers, which is already a big hit across the pond.

Not for moms.

Buy Tickets@ here

Unemployed girls of the U.S. unite!!

Month 3 of my unemployment and feeling lower than a snakes _________. That was until I spied this blog, Gopman's Gossip

There are many of us out there who are unemployed. Maybe we should all meet online and have a little group therapy. Topics can include:

• Self-esteem
• Television shows that I never would have watched before when I was employed, and now I do and I am embarrassing myself. (Why is Ant famous again?)
  
• Social awkwardness, now that you are alone a lot how do you talk to people in social situations.
• My teeth hurt and I don't have insurance.
• I have a blog and do people out there really care about what I have to say?/blogging as a way to reach people so that you are in social situations you know how to interact
• Compulsion: Can someone please take TMZ off the internet, I am not really interested, but I just can't stop myself?
• Beauty tips for people who just roll out of bed and submit resumes all day

Think on that, I know there are more of us out there. Check out Gopman's Gossip, if the posts are anything like the first you will laugh yourself into feeling better.

A couple albums listened to and then back to los angeles

As many of you know I have been excited for the Portishead album to drop (as the kids say) for about six years. I have to admit when I first heard it, I had a hard time getting into it, but now at its 3rd listen it is really growing on me (I just got that, the album is called Third)

I also out of curiosity I listened to a few of the songs off of the Scarlett Jo album. I am not a big fan of hers, but I am intrigued by all of the actress/models/singers crossover artists.

Listening to her album
1) I am shocked that David Bowie (one of my favs and a music icon) is singing back up vocals?!?!?!!
2) That with all people the more you diversify yourself with projects the harder it is to be good at all of them. My advice its to stick to one thing and be really good at it.

Let me know what you think. I have an email, use it.

Did.....

you pre-order your Portishead?

I did and you can listen to it now.

Another blog I heart

Another Los Angeles blog I like to read is Franklin Avenue blog, which is a little blog about everything Los Angeles. I am very thankful to this blog for revealing to me the secret of this:



For any of you who are still wondering what is up with the hanging birds of Los angeles check out their blog post here

I have noticed that a few of the blogs that I am recommending are on a hiatus. Sorry about that. Sometimes you have to live a little before you write it down.

Did...

anyone see My Blueberry Nights?

I am the blueberry pie.

Song stuck in my head "The Greatest" by Cat Power

Note on Obama in 30

Here is a link for a friend's commercial please give it 5 across the board.

Mil Gracias

Thank you Scholar for linking this blog onto your blogroll. I am such a huge fan of your blog.

Quick hurry

Moveon.org is having this great contest called "Obama in 30 Seconds" It is a grassroots driven project where actual people created their own 30 second commercial for Obama. I see a lot of Los Angeles people participating, I recognize a lot of L.A. scenery.

Practice your right to vote on a commercial that will ultimately be televised.

Hurry voting phase one ends on April 27th.

When you have forgotten Sunday:

The love story- Gwendolyn Brooks

- And when you have forgotten the bright bedclothes
on a Wednesday and a Saturday
And most of all when you have forgotten Sunday
When you have forgotten Sunday halves in bed,
or me sitting on the front room radiator in the limping
afternoon
looking off down the long street together
to nowhere
Hugged by my plain old wrapper of no-expectation
And Nothing-I-have-to-do-and I'm-happy-why?
And if- Monday-never-had-to-come-
when you have forgotten that, I say,
And how you swore, if somebody beeped the bell,
And how my heart played hopscotch if the telephone rang;
And how we finally went to Sunday dinner,
That is to say, we went across the front room floor
to the ink spotted table in the southwest corner
To Sunday dinner, which was always chicken and noodles
or chicken and rice
and salad and rye bread and tea
and chocolate chip cookies
I say, when you have forgotten my little presentiment
That the war would be over before they got you;
and how we finally undressed and whipped out the light and flowed into bed
And lay loose-limbed for a moment in the weekend
bright bed clothes
Then gently folded into each other
When you have, I say, forgotten all of that,
Then you may tell,
Then I may believe
You have forgotten me well.

Published w/o permission. I don't know how this works.

break in the action-"I'm the Mother Flippin"

I needed a mental break as of late. I am still jobless, but have had some strange interviews. Let's just say that although music often sets the tone of my life, listening to Chingy during an interview isn't helping my feeling of hopelessness.

On another note, you Filter Magazine readers may notice my post about their Tribe Called Quest article re-worked as a letter to the editor. It is a great magazine, and don't just pick it up because of this blog. I can't wait to read the Flight of the Concords article. Check out the perfect marriage of Hip Hop and funny . Tickets to their show in Los Angeles are sold out.

I know that I was going to share some poems with you for National Poetry Month, but if I can only leave this month with one, it will be the one in my next post.

Note added after original post: Tribe Called Quest is reuniting for this summer's Rock the Bells tour. I think there may be a date in SoCAl on 8/9, but if not San Fran on 8/16.

Happy Earth Day!!!

I hope that you are doing your part today to make a cleaner greener environment.

it is not too late...

.. to celebrate National Poetry Month. Which April is. I have been a lover of poetry for a long time. My first foray into writing was very cheesy rhyming lovelorn crap. I can call it that now, I have the self-esteem enough to say that.

So, in honor of this month that is about writing I hope to share two things with you that are very literary.

One an organization that helps children achieve literacy in Los Angeles. Wonder of Reading whose goal is to inspire children to read. They have made great steps in renovating elementary school libraries (where the love of reading begins) and have provided over $2M worth or new books for kids in the Los Angeles area. Check out their website to see how you can help them reach their goals. They have an event coming up at the Arclight, or you could volunteer to read to kids hint hint.

Also, I would like to share some poetry that I love with you this month. There is more out there than the Thy and Thou, Rhymy stuff. Get ready to have your mind blown. ( I am going to go laugh myself off my chair now)

All My New Yorkers

One of my favorite bands to see perform is Antibalas . (which means bulletproof in Spanish) To give you an idea to what they sound like the name I have often heard them use is Antibalas' Afrobeat Orchestra. If you love Femi or Fela Kuti, are politically aware and just like to dance your ass off (shake your Nyash yo)go see one of the two shows they have in New York this weekend. I strongly recommend going, you won't be disappointed.

If you do go, please email me so that I can live vicariously through you. You know my email.

To Antibalas: Please come to Los Angeles soon.

I scream you scream

I had the chance to be one of the people invited to try Ben and Jerry's new ice cream flavor for the ONE campaign yesterday. I would like to start off by saying that it is one of the best ice cream flavors I have tried not only does it have a great flavor combinations of cheesecake and brownie, you can feel good about doing your part to "make poverty history"

Here comes my critique of the event, which I hate doing, but this is pretty valid critique. I was sent an email invitation from ONE directly to show up at 2:30 for the event to hear an African Children's choir, hear Ben and Jerry and hear how this ice cream can help you support ONE. I showed up at 2:30 and the entire event was finished.

I left the event not knowing anymore about ONE than I already do. If I would have know n how this was going to go down, I would have asked Orlando Bloom about ONE when I saw him out and about.

The differences between L.A. and MPLS

There are a lot of differences between L.A. and Minneapolis. I have gone into some of them in previous posts. One of the most telling differences between them is in free reading material. When I lived in Minneapolis my social activity centered around the City Pages . A free weekly newspaper very similar to the LA Weekly and New York's Village Voice. The City Pages was always full of great things to do including seeing local bands (God, I miss the local music scene) art crawls and my favorite find Atari Party. (Every Atari game, kegs and local bands 10:PM until dawn)

I thought that I would have similar luck with the LA Weekly, but unfortunately the majority of what I can find there is where I can get breast augmentation, reduction, botox, chemical peels, rhinoplasty, tanned, buffed extensions, color contacts and other places to change the way I look.

Because how I look just isn't good enough right?

I know that fashion magazines do the same thing, but at least they are a little bit obtrusive about it.

I feel like here they are letting you know about the great things to do in this town but if you want to go, you better at least get a chemical peel before you go.

On another related note I was looking at a W magazine today and one of the recommendations for skin care in your 30's is botox to get rid of crow's feet. You know that Botox is Botulism right? I am 30 and would rather have crow's feet.

I much prefer the Minneapolis come as you are attitude.

I have an email address-use it

I was wondering if people could send me some Minneapolis dish.

What good Minneapolis Blogs are out there?
Are they ever going to fix the 35W Bridge?
What the hell happened with Uptown?
Is Mark Wheat still with the Current?
Is Cheapo still an expensive place to buy CDs?

I am feeling a bit nostalgic for Minneapolis lately and my family doesn't live in the city, they live in the suburbs, my friends are impossible to get in touch with and my best friend married a crazy woman. (after divorcing a crazy woman, maybe he is crazy)

Email me at fadeinmail@gmail.com

Next two posts promise

My blog has pretty much been about music and self loathing lately. So, I promise to lay off music, stop feeling sorry for myself and then talk about L.A. again.


I also know that I mentioned the Getty a lot so to also kill that bird, I strongly recommend going to see their California Video exhibit. I love video art and to see how innovative people are. I think many of these people were vloggers before the invention of vlogging.

You can catch some of what is available in the exhibit, plus find out how you can submit some of your videos to the Getty.

Enough already!!

Happy Birthday Yo!

Check out Yo! MTv Raps 20th birthday site. Check out some old school videos and MTv before it was all reality shows.

Happy birthday!!!!

Thank you Yo! for introducing a small town Minnesota girl to the world of Hip-Hop. My life would be strange w/o you.

Let me know what you think about the top 20 countdown email me at fade in mail at gmail dot com

A quote as relevant today as 40 years ago

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom."

Free with just a click of a button

I find myself listening to the same bands just new music of theirs. Like me being excited about the new Portishead. If ever you feel like you want to hear new music and you don't know where to go and you, like me, do not have a lot of money, go here and subscribe to their podcast.

I have heard so many new bands that I haven't heard of before.

It also has turned me on to my favorite album of 2008 so far the self titled Mono in VCF . It is like finding a present in a time capsule.

When I finally get a job, KEXP will be the first place I donate to.

Still not feeling it

The only bright part of my day was this.

portishead's new video from their upcoming album. April 29th will be one of the happiest days of my life.

a hard quiz that is sure to take up a moment of your time

I admittedly am in feel sorry for myself mode lately. Not a fun space to be in and I haven't been posting due to my woe is me attitude the past few days. I have now been unemployed for almost two months and try as I might, I am not feeling as optimistic as I once was. Last week showed so much promise, but I am back to playing phone tag with one place and my little birdie friend at another job said it looked good for me, but alas no word yet.

So the only thing I can offer you is this really hard music lyric quiz. (That I found on my favorite blog Pop Candy)

click here

All of the words are in alphabetical order so it is a bit hard to switch your mind to think of a song in this way. I got 18/50 and am so bummed that I missed a song by The Clash, after talking about them.

Drop me a line and let me know how you did.

Another opportunity to walk the walk

If you are against the war and missed L.A.s protest on Saturday, you do have another opportunity to participate. Please click the link below for vigils in your area. It looks like many still have room for you.

vigil locater . brought to you by moveon.org.

To see a great photo essay of Saturday's events go to LA ist

Tap Project-Organization of the week

As Americans we take a lot of the things we have for granted. One of those things being clean, drinkable water. As many of you may have heard this week is World Water Week. Organizations like the Tap Project are making it easy for you to participate in helping clean water a reality for millions.

Please visit their website www.tapproject.org for information on how you can participate.

Did you know that $1 can help give a child clean water for 40 days? That means that $9.50 can provided water for a whole year. That is less money than to see a movie at the Arclight.

Kudos to all of the restaurants that are participating. You will see many in the Los Angeles area.

As a note, I learned from some server friends of mine that if you are interested in participating, please let the server know when you are ordering. They ring up your donation as part of the bill and that it is hard to ring it up later and can be confused as a tip. We all want money to go to the project. So say:

"I would like a turkey burger, with a side of vegetables, an ice tea and I would like to make a $25 dollar donation to the Tap Project."

Some of the servers will make a point to let you know that their restaurant is participating and will ask if you are interested in participating, but some won't so if you want to participate, be proactive and ask.

As part of my former blog, Lemon Life, I featured local organizations that make a difference in the community they serve. I have some great organizations lined up and I am happy to start with World Water Week.

Recommendation to watch: Sundance's Iconoclasts w/ Isabella Rosellini and Dean Kamen

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It looks like we will not be seeing St. Patrick's a national holiday soon. Guinness fell over 700,000 signatures short of their goal.

oh well, luck o' the Irish.

Getty adendum

This Friday starts the Getty's Fridays Off the 405 series. Also free.

Click here for more information.

I have not had the pleasure of going yet, but plan to this Friday. I cannot wait!

If you have gone and have a review drop me a line at my email address.

Song stuck in my head

I haven't done this in a while but lately I have had "Radio Clash" stuck in my head. This stems from a Clash documentary I saw on PBS a couple weeks or so ago. Yes, it is in my head still.

Did anybody watch it? Was that Lee in the background graffiti writing?

Sometimes my posts are not in order

Sometimes I write a few at a time and they sneak in between other posts.

I am unemployed, bored, and tired of waiting for the phone to ring. Drop me a line at my email address.

Losing momentum

If you are interested in taking part in making St. Patrick's day into a holiday, join Guinness Brewery's petition. They seem to be losing momentum.

If you know the history of the irish impact on this country or just want a day off go to:

www.propostion317.com

I know that this is a promotional thing for St. Patrick's day, but if congress can vote in a bunch of crappy laws detrimental to its people, why not try for something fun like this. Who does it hurt anyway?

Still Laid off...still frustrated...still finding stuff to do on the cheap

One of the greatest free venues Los Angeles has to offer is by far The Getty Museum.

Where: 1200 Getty Drive (just off of Sepulveda)
When: Tuesdays-Sundays
What: Wide range of art including Van Gogh's Irises and my favorite current exhibit The Goat Dance a retrospective of the photographs of Graciela Iturbide. It also has an artfully designed garden/sculpture garden. (Just don't touch)
Total cost to you: $8 parking, tram ride free, admission to the museum free.

You may recognize the mural at the left "Nuestra Senora de las Iguanas" re-worked by Anne Sperling was originally a photo by Graciela Iturbide. (You can see the mural in Silver Lake just stand outside of Intellegencia and look up and to the left) I went expressly to see the Iturbide exhibit, not because of the mural but because I am a huge fan of the Mexican photographers. Manuel Alvarez Bravo and Tina Mondotti being among my favs. (You can see an Alvarez Bravo in the adjacent Nudes room) I am not the best at being an art critic, but what I love about Iturbide's work, as well as that of her mentors, is that as well as being very artfully done, there is also an element of social-political criticism to each and every photograph. (There it is again social political criticism) Catch he talking about her work in this short video Hay Tiempo/There is time on the Getty website.

Click here/haz clic aquí
I strongly recommend seeing this show, it runs until April 13th.

No matter how hard you try, you cannot enjoy all that the Getty has to offer in one day. Go often, it is so quiet and peaceful. It really feels like you are on a little retreat. Who knew that free could offer you piece of mind?

now that I ...

... put on an indistinguishable picture of myself on this blog, please do not write me nasty perverted notes. I will reach through this computer and smack you.

my favorite banned movie

After looking through Filmtracks I was reminded of my favorite banned movie written and directed by Todd Haynes, also one of my favorite film directors. (His "I'm Not There" was featured, but my favorite film is the "Citizen Kane"-esque "Velvet Goldmine") ((A girl who likes Hip-Hop and Glam Rock, No Way))

I digress.

My favorite banned film is a movie he did a couple years after he finished film school called "Superstar: the Karen Carpenter Story" which you will find by clicking here (It is best if you do not watch it full screen, very pixelated, obviously a copy of a copy)

I think this is a great film of the effects of fame on the psyche as well as a great film about eating disorders. I think it is a must see for young girls and might sway people away from that destructive disease.

What Barbie Dolls?!?!
I know you might be put off that it is "acted" out by Barbie Dolls, but if any of you are old enough to remember how she looked before she died, you would realize that it would be a human rights violation to ask anyone to widdle away to the weight she was before death. Not that the starlettes aren't trying.

So if you have about 40 minutes to spare check out my favorite banned film, how it ended up on the internet I will never know. When I saw it as a copy of a copy of a copy the Carpenter Family, especially Richard was taking legal action so that it would not be seen, he didn't want Karen remembered that way, and the doll thing didn't help.

Let me know what you think. It isn't bad to comment on a blog that you are reading or emailing the person to let them know that you are reading. In fact it is encouraged.

"Honest to Blog"-Diablo Cody

I mentioned recently that I wished that there were a category for best film soundtrack.
Strangely I just came across this blog called Filmtracks that is blog about nothing but soundtracks.

Basically it names a soundtrack, lists all of the songs and enables you to directly download or buy.

Yay! No more guessing. No more sitting 5 inches from your television with a magnifying glass trying to decipher black screen with white type, in hopes that you will figure out the song that you like.

Unfortunately this blog is on hiatus. I hope it comes back soon, but you will have plenty to keep you busy. Check out the redesigned cover art , re-worked by the blogger.

Filtering through nostalgia

This blog isn't as music heavy as the other blogs I have had. I kind of miss talking music w/ people.

This is good segue to....

One of my recent purchases has been the Filter Magazine winter '08. (with Q-tip on the cover.) Read the article "Q-tip and the Legacy of Hip Hop", I think it is one of the more eye opening articles I have read in a long time. I love the interview style to tell the story of an era. (See Yes Yes Ya'll by Jim Fricke and Charlie Ahern) Did you know that Low End Theory, which by the way is my greatest hip hop album of all time, influenced Dr. Dre to make "The Chronic."?

See all the people who were influenced by Tribe and what they say about them.

I remember running to a friend's house after school everyday to watch Yo! MTV Raps just to catch the Bonita Applebum video. Tribe was the first Hip Hop band I ever fell in love with. I love hip hop as poetry, I love hip hop as social political criticism, those are the reasons I love Tribe and continue to be a big fan. I regret only being able to see them twice before they stopped being a group.

By the way if you are wondering what music I listen to you can find me by my email address at www.jango.com. I have 4 stations to choose from.

Diary of a Laid off Girl-Frustration

I feel like I am stranded on a desert island and I am sending out messages in a bottle. Is anyone out there? Are you getting any of the things I am sending you? Will I ever get off unemployment island?

fadeinmail at gmail dot com

Looking for some reviews

Can anyone provide me with a review of the new Goldfrapp and/or Erykah Badu albums? Especially for the fans who loved Felt Mountain and Mama's Gun.

Either comment or email me at fadeinmail@gmail.com.

On the Cheap: Movie Theaters

Seeing a movie tonight at the Arclight probably isn't my best move as a laid off girl. At $14.00 a pop, it can be pretty steep. Tonight I am going to make an exception though. Living in Los Angeles makes you lucky enough to be in a town that gets movies that are "Limited Release". Something I was always envious of when I lived in Minneapolis. Tonight I have my seats reserved to see Michel Gondry's new film "Be Kind, Rewind" A little Mos Def can always make a laid off girl happy.

Check out Michel Gondry's version of his own movie HERE

There are plenty of theaters in Los Angeles that aren't $14 a ticket. Here is a rundown of theater's that are more reasonable and can fit into the budget of us who are financially challenged.

The Beverly Center 13- (Located at the Beverly Center, between 3rd and Beverly on La Cienega)
Matinee-$6.75
Evening-$9.50

Plays a random selection of movies, from the teen crowd hits to really obscure movies you have never heard of. It isn't the most pleasant movie theater to see a film in. They were closed a while for renovation and I really wonder what it is they did.

Los Feliz 3- (1822 N. Vermont, Los Feliz)

Matinee-$4.50

Evening-$7.50

Plays a wide selection of movies, but leans more towards indie films. Now 3 separate theaters, but it used to be one, so some of the spaces are more intimate than others.

The Vista-4473 Sunset

Matinee-$5.00

Evening- check theater, but I am pretty certain that it is similar to Los Feliz 3

Plays a wide range of big draw movies, whether it be a big draw indie, films like In Bruges (playing now) or a big draw hollywood film like Superman Returns.

Hope that gave you some great choices for movie theaters on the cheap.

You learn something new everyday, unless you stop yourself

Back in the day when I used to have time to read blogs, I really enjoyed tuning into this blog Souled On for my Hip Hop, Politics and random information I couldn't find anywhere else. Now that I am laid off, I have had the chance to pick it up again, thankfully.

I always learn something new, for example I learned that 50 Cent is endorsing Hillary Clinton. I guess she really embodies his values of clubbin', working out, vitamin water, steroids and gettin' shot.

If you are a politically aware hip hop loving, music historian, pop culture digger like I am you will love this blog just as much as I do.

Go now and give yourself some time. This blog has a soundtrack.

Do not fret

Worried you have not seen all of this year's best picture nominees? Although you can see all of the movies this Saturday at participating AMC theaters for $30, I urge you to take a look at this guy's take on the best picture nominees.

Atonement- click here
Juno- click here
There Will Be Blood- click here
No Country for Old Men - click here
Michael Clayton- click here

I also, don't know why so many people liked Michael Clayton.

A category I would like to see

A category I would like to see featured in a movie award show is:

Best Movie Soundtrack

I know that people think it is copping out, just sitting there and choosing songs that other people have written and recorded sometimes hundreds of years ago and putting them together.
I think that people really forget how a soundtrack really effects a movie. There are moments that people remember in movies just because of the song that is playing. (My most cheesy remembrance is in Say Anything, you know what I mean. everyone does) Making a good soundtrack isn't like making a mix tape of love songs for your boyfriend.

Who would get your vote for best soundtrack in a movie for 2007?
Would it be:
Juno
The Darjeeling Limited
Control
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

more...

If you could go back and nominate a category for best movie soundtrack in the past what would it be? Mine would be Crooklyn.

Email me here at fadeinmail@gmail.com

Maybe just a cup of coffee

Not that I need to remind you, but L.A. is home to a lot of celebrities. For the price of a cup of coffee or a wheat grass shot you can see them in there natural habitat, not just on TMZ.

Best place to spot a celebrity that also has a cafe are:
Larchmont Village
Robertson Blvd (especially Kitson, the Newsroom and the Ivy)
The Grove

Celebrities sighted since I have been here:
Members of No Doubt
Justin Chambers
James Spader
Kirstie Alley
Rachel Griffiths
Giovanni Ribisi
Dave Navarro
?uestlove
Paris Hilton- If you do not know who she is you have been in a coma for the past few years
James Beluishi
Michael Vartan -My Alias crush number 1
David Anders-My Alias crush number 2
Nora Zehetner
Tony Shaloub and his wife Brooke Adams
Nia Vardalos - Gorgeous in person
Lisa Marie Presley
Mary Lyn Rajskub

What could be more stress free

What:Yoga
Where: Liberation Yoga , 124 S. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles
When: Classes take place all the time
Total cost to me:$10

(Pictured is Christine Burke who along with her husband Gary founded Liberation, by the way she is probably one of the nicest people on Earth)

Liberation other than being a great Yoga studio that also has an art gallery and beautiful garden space is also one of the least expensive Yoga studios in town. They even give special discounts for SAG members, LACMA members, KCRW etc. (20% off every class, how cool is that!) They offer a bunch of classes in different yoga disciplines.

New to Yoga? They have a great introductory class that is FREE! Also your very first class is FREE!

Currently, they are on an abbreviated schedule due to an unfortunate pipe burst under their main studio. They are offering all classes in their garden which is a great oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Visit them and help them rebuild by taking a class.

Free and Flat

What: Free Thursdays
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art ( MOCA ) All Campuses
When: Every Thursday, 5-8p.m.
Total cost to me: $3-I split parking costs with my friend

Thursday, Feb. 7th I had the opportunity to be one of the last people to see the the Takashi Murakami exhibit for free. I have been a fan of his ever since seeing his work as part of the Superflat exhibit at the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis. His art is very complex, sexually charged, pop commentary.

You may have noticed a couple years ago that the classic Louis Vuitton brown and gold line of bags and travel accessories got a bit of a color pick me up, well that is thanks to their collaboration with Murakami. They were also selling his Louis Vuitton bags at the exhibit, needless to say I did not purchase one being laid off and all.

If Japanese anime manga superflat art isn't your idea of viewing pleasure there are plenty of other exhibits to choose from. Check their website linked above often.

Note: This photo is not part of the Murakmai exhibit it is a photo by Cindy Sherman whose work you can see as part of Moca's permanent collection. (Photo taken from internet, not sure how rights work if you want to hurt me for using it email me at fadeinmail@gmail.com)

What is free or cheap to do in L.A.

There are actually a lot of things to do in Los Angeles on the cheap. I have already done and am investigating things to do that cost little to no money. I know that this will be helpful to a lot of you who have just moved here, are out of work actors (The WGA strike can't end early enough) or like me, laid off.

I will be featuring some great, cheap things to do in L.A. that will occupy your time without you spending a lot of money so you can still afford to kick it up every once in a while, without you feeling bad about yourself.

Diary of a laid off girl

This begins my Diary of a Laid Off Girl. I was laid off a week ago from my first job in Los Angeles.

It is strange to be were I was exactly two years ago to the date. Looking for a job. Funny how life works.

Although, being laid off I am being paid to look for a job that I want. So, the days of taking a few hour job running around in tight lycra pants are behind me.

I have been truly horrible about keeping this blog up so, I hope that this also gives me the time to post more often. I think I am finally done adjusting the way this blog looks. If you have been reading this, it probably has looked different every time you have logged in to see just the same things.

Anyway check back more often. I promise it will be updated.