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| At least someone is working hard while I'm taking pictures... |
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| Double letters let you know you're in the "Back Forty" |
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| Cool accessories are how we vehicle owners roll here in Cali! |
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| And who says china marker isn't fun? |
Showing posts with label only in LA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label only in LA. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
99 In The Shade
Auto insurance is a crazy business, so you have to find ways to have fun, even at a salvage yard in the middle of summer.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Film and Madness in LA
When you mention Southern CA to most people (and Los Angeles specifically), the first image that comes to their mind usually involves Hollywood in some way. Personally, I always think of the scene from "Pretty Woman," where Julia Roberts is hooking on Hollywood Boulevard and walks by this dude who belts out to anyone who will listen, "Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream?" Given their choice, I think most people would love to be part of a movie.
So when a friend asked if I wanted to attend a poolside chat about Twitter as part of the LA Film Festival, I couldn't resist. It's a Wednesday night (boring), it's two days before the draft and the event is located at the JW Marriott, where portions of the draft events are located (always a hockey connection).
And then, there were the TwiHards.
That's right...I was right at the center of the camping madness the night before the "Twilight: Eclipse" premiere.
The streets next to the Nokia Theatre were a mini-tent city of teenagers, their parents, and curious onlookers sweating in the heat, waiting for a glimpse of R-Patz and K-Stew as they walked the red carpet.
Is it just me, or does she look a little OLD for this?
Granted, none of these people would actually be seeing the movie, and no one was going to be walking the red carpet until the next day. But if you're a real TwiHard, that's hardly the point, now is it? You support your favorite vampire no matter what the cost! (This coming from the only person on Earth who has not read any of the Twilight books or seen the previous movies).
Watching all the madness in this little tent city, I had an epiphany. If someone could find a way to harness the energy of obsessive teenage girls, we could end world hunger, poverty, and probably achieve world peace. Until then, smart folks took advantage of the opportunity to serve drinks to thirsty people and raise money for a good cause. I think Bella would be proud.
After we'd had enough of the TwiHards, we headed over the Marriott pool for the main event of our evening. Entitled "Poolside Chat: The Power of the Tweet," it was a panel discussion with a group of directors who are active on Twitter talking about how they use it. The list of panelists was interesting, although I was struck by the fact that there were no women.
Jon Chu (Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up 3-D)
Richard Kelly (Donnie Darko, The Box)
Eli Roth (writer/director, Hostel; actor Inglourious Basterds)
Adam Shankman (director, Hairspray; judge on So You Think You Can Dance)
If you're familiar with Twitter at all, they didn't offer a lot that was groundbreaking in terms of strategy. Interacting with the audience, offering teasers on content, release dates, and such, polling them for input on set design ideas, etc. What was interesting was the impact they thought social media in general, and Twitter specifically would continue to have on the health of the Hollywood system.
As Eli Roth put it, if the audience thinks your movie is crap, you'll find out 15 minutes into the first showing when the Tweets start to hit. Before Twitter, if the movie opened on Friday, you'd find out what people thought on Monday. In the new world, if your film sucks you won't survive the weekend.
In Roth's view, directors will have to continue to step up their game and create quality films that will engage audiences to survive. The days of sliding by on uninspired studio-system driven garbage are ending. As a long time fan of independent film, I like the sound of that.
Adam Shankman, Eli Roth, and Richard Kelly
All the panelists are on Twitter, so check them out! Eli Roth in particular is very entertaining. Who knew a horror director could be so funny!
I wonder what he thinks of the TwiHards?
So when a friend asked if I wanted to attend a poolside chat about Twitter as part of the LA Film Festival, I couldn't resist. It's a Wednesday night (boring), it's two days before the draft and the event is located at the JW Marriott, where portions of the draft events are located (always a hockey connection).
And then, there were the TwiHards.
That's right...I was right at the center of the camping madness the night before the "Twilight: Eclipse" premiere.
The streets next to the Nokia Theatre were a mini-tent city of teenagers, their parents, and curious onlookers sweating in the heat, waiting for a glimpse of R-Patz and K-Stew as they walked the red carpet.
Is it just me, or does she look a little OLD for this?
Granted, none of these people would actually be seeing the movie, and no one was going to be walking the red carpet until the next day. But if you're a real TwiHard, that's hardly the point, now is it? You support your favorite vampire no matter what the cost! (This coming from the only person on Earth who has not read any of the Twilight books or seen the previous movies).
Watching all the madness in this little tent city, I had an epiphany. If someone could find a way to harness the energy of obsessive teenage girls, we could end world hunger, poverty, and probably achieve world peace. Until then, smart folks took advantage of the opportunity to serve drinks to thirsty people and raise money for a good cause. I think Bella would be proud.
After we'd had enough of the TwiHards, we headed over the Marriott pool for the main event of our evening. Entitled "Poolside Chat: The Power of the Tweet," it was a panel discussion with a group of directors who are active on Twitter talking about how they use it. The list of panelists was interesting, although I was struck by the fact that there were no women.
Jon Chu (Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up 3-D)
Richard Kelly (Donnie Darko, The Box)
Eli Roth (writer/director, Hostel; actor Inglourious Basterds)
Adam Shankman (director, Hairspray; judge on So You Think You Can Dance)
If you're familiar with Twitter at all, they didn't offer a lot that was groundbreaking in terms of strategy. Interacting with the audience, offering teasers on content, release dates, and such, polling them for input on set design ideas, etc. What was interesting was the impact they thought social media in general, and Twitter specifically would continue to have on the health of the Hollywood system.
As Eli Roth put it, if the audience thinks your movie is crap, you'll find out 15 minutes into the first showing when the Tweets start to hit. Before Twitter, if the movie opened on Friday, you'd find out what people thought on Monday. In the new world, if your film sucks you won't survive the weekend.
In Roth's view, directors will have to continue to step up their game and create quality films that will engage audiences to survive. The days of sliding by on uninspired studio-system driven garbage are ending. As a long time fan of independent film, I like the sound of that.
Adam Shankman, Eli Roth, and Richard Kelly
All the panelists are on Twitter, so check them out! Eli Roth in particular is very entertaining. Who knew a horror director could be so funny!
I wonder what he thinks of the TwiHards?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Laughing It Up with Jay Flats and the Gang
Last week, I got an invite from my pal Jay Flats to check out another one of his comedy sets, and for a moment, I was a little torn about whether to go. I finally have a small break from the Kings busy home schedule with the start of the Olympics, and the time at home to knock out parts of my lengthy to-do list would be welcome. And it's a Tuesday. And I have a meeting with my boss tomorrow morning. And....and....and.....
But I decided to go in spite of all the reasons not to attend. For one, I believe in supporting my friends even if it's not convenient, because that's what friendship is about. And two, I firmly believe in supporting artists. I get so much added to my life by musicians, actors, and entertainers of all sorts, it's the right thing to give them something back. I think most non-performers just see the fun of being in front of an audience and miss the hard work that goes into the performance. Plus it's such a difficult thing to make a living as an entertainer, and living in LA has taught me there are so many talented folks out there that deserve more attention than they get.
So I left work and headed out to the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal City Walk. The club is located on the site of the old B.B. King's club, so it was designed more for music, but is still intimate enough to work for comedy. The 3rd level seating is really high, but close to the stage so you've got a good view no matter where you sit.
The current decor is a beach bar theme, and while the background music was nice, I could deal without the piped in wave noise. But overall, when I think Jon Lovitz I think Lower East side NYC, and I would love to see this place redone in that vein. And the menu totally makes me want to grab some street cart food. Check this out....
Hot dogs by the fat guy on Borat - nice! The only bad news about the menu is...this is ALL of it. Hot dogs and pastrami. That's it. So if you're a vegetarian, don't see comedy here, or at least don't come hungry. The good news is the prices are right, and I can recommend the pastrami. As tempted as I was by the Fried Twinkie Dog and chili cheese Fritos, I didn't' want to go to bed with heartburn.
I was a total bonus to see the man himself hanging out in the back! I love it when actors are actually hands-on with their business.
OK, I already know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Meg, you're nuts. You want me to come out on a work night, sit in traffic getting to Universal Studio, PAY to park, then pay a cover charge to see some comedy, and all I get to eat are hot dogs?" You have a point, but stay with me for a second, and you'll see what potential this has to be an amazing deal.
General parking IS $10 at Universal, but you can valet for only $3 - a very well kept secret. The door charge tonight was $5, and you get 5 comedians! That's a buck a comedian, and you're probably coming in around a nickel a joke! Domestic beer bottles are $5, and the simplest dog is $4, so there's a great date night marketing scheme in here. Two dogs, two beers, and some jokes for $25. Better than a Dodger family pack! Mr Lovitz, if you're reading, I'm available for a small consulting fee... I really think I can help you market your business!
And the comedians, with the exception of one I won't mention, we're VERY GOOD. Jay did hosting duties as well as his own show, and was predictably clutch.
Travis Cohen here was hilarious as well! His shtick is Jewish mixed with politics ("We need a Jewish president that won't spend ANY money on anything"). Apparently he also "puts the lickin' in Republican." I met him before the show and he is extremely nice as well as funny. Plus I loved his Abe Lincoln lapel pin.
But my favorite discovery of the night was Carlie & Doni. Their comedy is incredibly original - the conversations of best friends riffing on each other turned into song. I asked after the show if they sell recordings of their stuff, and they're working on it. In the meantime, check out some videos of them performing at:
http://www.myspace.com/willsingforyourmom
You'll be glad you did. And if you see these girls on the marquee at a comedy club near you, don't be an idiot. Get in there and check them out. I don't care what night of the week it is!
But I decided to go in spite of all the reasons not to attend. For one, I believe in supporting my friends even if it's not convenient, because that's what friendship is about. And two, I firmly believe in supporting artists. I get so much added to my life by musicians, actors, and entertainers of all sorts, it's the right thing to give them something back. I think most non-performers just see the fun of being in front of an audience and miss the hard work that goes into the performance. Plus it's such a difficult thing to make a living as an entertainer, and living in LA has taught me there are so many talented folks out there that deserve more attention than they get.
So I left work and headed out to the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal City Walk. The club is located on the site of the old B.B. King's club, so it was designed more for music, but is still intimate enough to work for comedy. The 3rd level seating is really high, but close to the stage so you've got a good view no matter where you sit.
The current decor is a beach bar theme, and while the background music was nice, I could deal without the piped in wave noise. But overall, when I think Jon Lovitz I think Lower East side NYC, and I would love to see this place redone in that vein. And the menu totally makes me want to grab some street cart food. Check this out....
Hot dogs by the fat guy on Borat - nice! The only bad news about the menu is...this is ALL of it. Hot dogs and pastrami. That's it. So if you're a vegetarian, don't see comedy here, or at least don't come hungry. The good news is the prices are right, and I can recommend the pastrami. As tempted as I was by the Fried Twinkie Dog and chili cheese Fritos, I didn't' want to go to bed with heartburn.
I was a total bonus to see the man himself hanging out in the back! I love it when actors are actually hands-on with their business.
OK, I already know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Meg, you're nuts. You want me to come out on a work night, sit in traffic getting to Universal Studio, PAY to park, then pay a cover charge to see some comedy, and all I get to eat are hot dogs?" You have a point, but stay with me for a second, and you'll see what potential this has to be an amazing deal.
General parking IS $10 at Universal, but you can valet for only $3 - a very well kept secret. The door charge tonight was $5, and you get 5 comedians! That's a buck a comedian, and you're probably coming in around a nickel a joke! Domestic beer bottles are $5, and the simplest dog is $4, so there's a great date night marketing scheme in here. Two dogs, two beers, and some jokes for $25. Better than a Dodger family pack! Mr Lovitz, if you're reading, I'm available for a small consulting fee... I really think I can help you market your business!
And the comedians, with the exception of one I won't mention, we're VERY GOOD. Jay did hosting duties as well as his own show, and was predictably clutch.
Travis Cohen here was hilarious as well! His shtick is Jewish mixed with politics ("We need a Jewish president that won't spend ANY money on anything"). Apparently he also "puts the lickin' in Republican." I met him before the show and he is extremely nice as well as funny. Plus I loved his Abe Lincoln lapel pin.
But my favorite discovery of the night was Carlie & Doni. Their comedy is incredibly original - the conversations of best friends riffing on each other turned into song. I asked after the show if they sell recordings of their stuff, and they're working on it. In the meantime, check out some videos of them performing at:
http://www.myspace.com/willsingforyourmom
You'll be glad you did. And if you see these girls on the marquee at a comedy club near you, don't be an idiot. Get in there and check them out. I don't care what night of the week it is!
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Years Eve 2009: The "What Not To Wear" Blog
So the best thing about celebrating New Year's Eve at Sharkeez last night (besides the excellent company of my girls Chelsea, Jen and Bri) was people watching. We saw quite a few people who should make resolutions to do one of the following in 2010:
Let's start with the employees. This is the hostess....
Now, I totally GET that this is your typical college hook-up club-wear bar, but I'm worried you're gonna get your walkie-talkie all tangled up in those fabric strips, and what a hot mess that would be.
Speaking of hot mess....
The last time I checked, there is only ONE Lady Gaga. YOU are not her. Please find the rest of your clothes and quit offending everyone in a 50 mile radius.
And these are just...just....indefensible!
No, no no.....NOT the shoes. I gotta admit, I'm having a little moment of shoe envy right now. I'm referring to the sequined explosion you're calling pants. If your goal with this outfit was getting your date to stare at your ass all night, CONGRATS! Mission accomplished. But I gotta say, even if I had your ass, this is the last thing I would put on it.
And FYI...HE doesn't seem to understand those pants either.
You, my spiky haired friend, are a reject from Jersey Shore.
Please refrain from buying anything with Ed Hardy on it until further notice, and you may look a LITTLE less like a complete douche.
Oh, honey! You're clearly gay, so you MUST have something better in your closet. Please put it on....NOW.
And finally, if this EVER happens to me, I beg someone to take me into the woods, but a gun to my head and end it.
Have a FASHIONABLE New Year!
- Buy a mirror
- Take a buddy shopping (preferably one with better taste)
- Audition for "What Not to Wear" and get Clinton and Stacey's help
Let's start with the employees. This is the hostess....
Now, I totally GET that this is your typical college hook-up club-wear bar, but I'm worried you're gonna get your walkie-talkie all tangled up in those fabric strips, and what a hot mess that would be.
Speaking of hot mess....
The last time I checked, there is only ONE Lady Gaga. YOU are not her. Please find the rest of your clothes and quit offending everyone in a 50 mile radius.
And these are just...just....indefensible!
No, no no.....NOT the shoes. I gotta admit, I'm having a little moment of shoe envy right now. I'm referring to the sequined explosion you're calling pants. If your goal with this outfit was getting your date to stare at your ass all night, CONGRATS! Mission accomplished. But I gotta say, even if I had your ass, this is the last thing I would put on it.
And FYI...HE doesn't seem to understand those pants either.
You, my spiky haired friend, are a reject from Jersey Shore.
Please refrain from buying anything with Ed Hardy on it until further notice, and you may look a LITTLE less like a complete douche.
Oh, honey! You're clearly gay, so you MUST have something better in your closet. Please put it on....NOW.
And finally, if this EVER happens to me, I beg someone to take me into the woods, but a gun to my head and end it.
Have a FASHIONABLE New Year!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Behind the Scenes
After I got back from Yurika's birthday party, I was feeling a little full from dinner and felt the urge to work it off. I didn't want to go to they gym. I tried that Thursday night after dinner out with a friend, and discovered late night work outs do not sit well with my stomach. So I thought I would take a walk around the complex just to move a little and get some fresh air. Plus I love how the city looks on a clear night, and I wanted to try some pictures.
The complex has this system of elevated walkways so you can get to buildings on adjacent blocks without dealing the street traffic. It's also a nice way to walk around at night.
This is the pool. Hard to believe I haven't had time to check it out yet, but it sure looks tempting.
As I walked towards the back of the pool patio area, I thought I spotted a camera crew. And sure enough, upon closer inspection, they had shut down the street behind the building, as well as two lanes on 3rd Street, for some kind of filming. Not clear whether it's TV or a movie, but you may be seeing my apartment complex on a screen near you one of these days!
All of these stopped cars were part of the shoot. The grey building in the top right quadrant of the photo is the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
I'm just glad I don't live in the South Tower. Those poor folks are gonna have a tough time sleeping tonight with this shining through the windows...
The complex has this system of elevated walkways so you can get to buildings on adjacent blocks without dealing the street traffic. It's also a nice way to walk around at night.
This is the pool. Hard to believe I haven't had time to check it out yet, but it sure looks tempting.
As I walked towards the back of the pool patio area, I thought I spotted a camera crew. And sure enough, upon closer inspection, they had shut down the street behind the building, as well as two lanes on 3rd Street, for some kind of filming. Not clear whether it's TV or a movie, but you may be seeing my apartment complex on a screen near you one of these days!
All of these stopped cars were part of the shoot. The grey building in the top right quadrant of the photo is the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
I'm just glad I don't live in the South Tower. Those poor folks are gonna have a tough time sleeping tonight with this shining through the windows...
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