earlier, on 'gina watch:
no time for 'gina
weekend 'gina watch
'gina watch (and kajima!)
it's not dolores but it rhymes with another female body part
Thursday, June 14, 2007
still no 'gina
Last night I asked Jim if he wanted 'gina for dinner. He said, "I could go for some 'gina." We were headed to the airport to pick up my visiting aunties afterward, so instead of walking to Little Tokyo, we took the Prius (which I haven't Hello Kittified, yet). Sadly, there was still no 'gina to be had in Little Tokyo. Is anybody else besides me and Borat jonesing for some 'gina?
earlier, on 'gina watch:
no time for 'gina
weekend 'gina watch
'gina watch (and kajima!)
it's not dolores but it rhymes with another female body part
earlier, on 'gina watch:
no time for 'gina
weekend 'gina watch
'gina watch (and kajima!)
it's not dolores but it rhymes with another female body part
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
catching up
This screenplay rewrite is taking forever. The second screenplay I've been working on is taking shape, but so far I hate it. It's just not very funny yet. For ScriptFrenzy, I wanted to work on something contemporary and completely different from the other project, so I'm writing a broad, raucous comedy, set in the present day at a fictional southern California university, based on my college and sorority experiences. The other one? A period drama, set along the Underground Railroad in the six years since the end of the Civil War. Yeah, that one's a real party.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, my June calendar is pretty full. There's been a lot going on, not just career-wise and not just downtown. We actually went west of La Brea - to the Fox lot for a reception and screening of Al Pacino's documentary, Babbleonia at the Little Theater. There was a Q&A afterwards with Mr. Pacino, and he answered damn near every awkward, eye-roll-inducing, gushing, brown-nosing, suck-up question thrown out that night. We were told that the attendees were a combination of press and student filmmakers, but it seemed like the majority of questions were lobbed by aspiring actors. He does tell a good yarn, though. He told the story of how "Attica!" wound up in that famous scene from DOG DAY AFTERNOON (the AD suggested he yell it), what it was like to work with Francis Ford Coppola and Sidney Lumet, and how he came up with "Whoo-ah!" for SCENT OF A WOMAN, and how to stay relevant (he came straight from the OCEAN'S THIRTEEN premiere, which we saw last night). We rounded out that evening by going to this wonderful Indian restaurant behind the Writer's Guild Theater on Doheny - Chakra. I ate there once before with my Development Exec, but it was the first time for Jim. I had the lamb vindaloo and he had chicken tikka masala. The food was even better than I remembered. Every time we venture out to the westside, I plan to eat there. It's that yummy. I wish we had an Indian restaurant downtown that's open late and beautiful, serving yummy food like Chakra.
I missed a lot of events last week. We went to Disneyland last Wednesday to preview the new Finding Nemo submarine ride, but it broke down. They tried to fix it and we waited, hoping they'd get it together in time, but no such luck. They invited us to come back the next day and preview it, but they had no guarantees it would be up and running, or that it wouldn't break down again. Oh well. The ride opened yesterday, but I think we'll wait out the crowds before going back.
Instead of going to the Hope for Firefighters thing last week, Jim and I picked up a brand-new, shiny, red Prius. Driving it is a little odd for me, being so used to my old Jeep (my third one!), but I like it a lot. I especially like that we used one gallon to drive to Pechanga on Saturday. One gallon! Woo hoo! What I didn't like was no notification about Sixth Street being closed due to a Neutrogena commercial. That made it difficult to exit our parking garage, but nothing was stopping me from attending the Lemon Butter Club meeting. Thankfully, they were gone by the time we came home several hours later and we didn't have any problems entering our parking garage. There were other FilmLA developments - their contract was up for renewal June 30, 2007 and the City didn't have an RFP handy, so FilmLA asked for a one-year extension of their contract, but Jan Perry countered with six months, which doesn't matter because City Council can cancel the extension with a 30-day notice - oh just read about it here.
What else is new? Oh yeah, I went back to the gym and found a new trainer that I really like. This past week, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck, but in a good way. I just might hit the gym after posting this.
We did manage to hit Grand Performances' block party yesterday, and just in time to catch Ozomatli. I saw them the last time they played Grand Performances, which was incredible. I spent most of the weekend writing and rewriting, but neighbor Dave pinged us to head over with him. I had to finish writing, so we caught up with him later. I took some video of the event and I'll post that in a day or so. It was packed, so we didn't see any other downtown bloggers covering the event (other than Dave, that is), but of course they were there.
This week looks like it's going to be just as busy, if not more so. My brother-in-law James is coming home from NYC tonight, so we'll probably have dinner with him and Angel tonight. Tomorrow night is the Bloggers & Beer event at the Library Bar, anyone going to that? Thursday is Downtown Artwalk, but with the new, free Artwalk DASH buses running from 7-10pm, I'll probably do more riding than walking.
I know there's lots more going on that I haven't blogged about, but I have to get back to the screenplays.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, my June calendar is pretty full. There's been a lot going on, not just career-wise and not just downtown. We actually went west of La Brea - to the Fox lot for a reception and screening of Al Pacino's documentary, Babbleonia at the Little Theater. There was a Q&A afterwards with Mr. Pacino, and he answered damn near every awkward, eye-roll-inducing, gushing, brown-nosing, suck-up question thrown out that night. We were told that the attendees were a combination of press and student filmmakers, but it seemed like the majority of questions were lobbed by aspiring actors. He does tell a good yarn, though. He told the story of how "Attica!" wound up in that famous scene from DOG DAY AFTERNOON (the AD suggested he yell it), what it was like to work with Francis Ford Coppola and Sidney Lumet, and how he came up with "Whoo-ah!" for SCENT OF A WOMAN, and how to stay relevant (he came straight from the OCEAN'S THIRTEEN premiere, which we saw last night). We rounded out that evening by going to this wonderful Indian restaurant behind the Writer's Guild Theater on Doheny - Chakra. I ate there once before with my Development Exec, but it was the first time for Jim. I had the lamb vindaloo and he had chicken tikka masala. The food was even better than I remembered. Every time we venture out to the westside, I plan to eat there. It's that yummy. I wish we had an Indian restaurant downtown that's open late and beautiful, serving yummy food like Chakra.
I missed a lot of events last week. We went to Disneyland last Wednesday to preview the new Finding Nemo submarine ride, but it broke down. They tried to fix it and we waited, hoping they'd get it together in time, but no such luck. They invited us to come back the next day and preview it, but they had no guarantees it would be up and running, or that it wouldn't break down again. Oh well. The ride opened yesterday, but I think we'll wait out the crowds before going back.
Instead of going to the Hope for Firefighters thing last week, Jim and I picked up a brand-new, shiny, red Prius. Driving it is a little odd for me, being so used to my old Jeep (my third one!), but I like it a lot. I especially like that we used one gallon to drive to Pechanga on Saturday. One gallon! Woo hoo! What I didn't like was no notification about Sixth Street being closed due to a Neutrogena commercial. That made it difficult to exit our parking garage, but nothing was stopping me from attending the Lemon Butter Club meeting. Thankfully, they were gone by the time we came home several hours later and we didn't have any problems entering our parking garage. There were other FilmLA developments - their contract was up for renewal June 30, 2007 and the City didn't have an RFP handy, so FilmLA asked for a one-year extension of their contract, but Jan Perry countered with six months, which doesn't matter because City Council can cancel the extension with a 30-day notice - oh just read about it here.
What else is new? Oh yeah, I went back to the gym and found a new trainer that I really like. This past week, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck, but in a good way. I just might hit the gym after posting this.
We did manage to hit Grand Performances' block party yesterday, and just in time to catch Ozomatli. I saw them the last time they played Grand Performances, which was incredible. I spent most of the weekend writing and rewriting, but neighbor Dave pinged us to head over with him. I had to finish writing, so we caught up with him later. I took some video of the event and I'll post that in a day or so. It was packed, so we didn't see any other downtown bloggers covering the event (other than Dave, that is), but of course they were there.
This week looks like it's going to be just as busy, if not more so. My brother-in-law James is coming home from NYC tonight, so we'll probably have dinner with him and Angel tonight. Tomorrow night is the Bloggers & Beer event at the Library Bar, anyone going to that? Thursday is Downtown Artwalk, but with the new, free Artwalk DASH buses running from 7-10pm, I'll probably do more riding than walking.
I know there's lots more going on that I haven't blogged about, but I have to get back to the screenplays.
do not want
It might be hard for people who know me to believe this, but I really do not want this Hello Kitty laptop. I truly do not want it.
This, however, I do want.
Friday, June 08, 2007
free tix for student academy awards
I have four tickets to the 34th Annual Student Academy Awards ceremony and screenings tomorrow night - anybody want them? I went two years ago, and was so glad I did. The show is at 6pm at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Wilshire in Beverly Hills. Email me at celia (at) 5thandspring.com.
I wish I could go, but I'm going to Pechanga again.
I wish I could go, but I'm going to Pechanga again.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
can't talk, gotta run
I really want to tell you about my weekend. About the late night donut run on Friday that had to be completed by the end of National Donut Day. About the Los Angeles Pizza Company's grand opening party, about how much writing I accomplished over the weekend. Then on Sunday, how Jim gave me a look that just sent me into gigglefits whenever I asked him if we were going to the neighbor thing on Sunday (I asked him every half-hour or so, he'd say, "Oh yeah. Do you really want to go to that? It was so lame last year." Then I'd reply, "No, not really." Every half-hour.) Or about Dave and Penelope's amazing dessert that they brought over to share on Sunday night, and that Dave considered entering the Miss Downtown Los Angeles pageant (email him if you think he should do it).
But I also want to tell you about the pictures that Eric and I took of the USPS office re-opening at 5th and Spring since I can't show you (Jim hasn't downloaded that off my cellphone yet.) And last night, we went to a reception and screening of Al Pacino's documentary Babbleonia and afterwards, a Q&A with Mr. Pacino. Then there's Chakra, the yummy Indian restaurant we hit afterwards.
That will all have to wait for another post because I have to hurry up and get to Disneyland. We get to preview the Finding Nemo submarine ride! Woo hoo! I promise I'll blog about it in more detail. Hopefully, I'll get to it before the Hope for Firefighters event tomorrow.
But I also want to tell you about the pictures that Eric and I took of the USPS office re-opening at 5th and Spring since I can't show you (Jim hasn't downloaded that off my cellphone yet.) And last night, we went to a reception and screening of Al Pacino's documentary Babbleonia and afterwards, a Q&A with Mr. Pacino. Then there's Chakra, the yummy Indian restaurant we hit afterwards.
That will all have to wait for another post because I have to hurry up and get to Disneyland. We get to preview the Finding Nemo submarine ride! Woo hoo! I promise I'll blog about it in more detail. Hopefully, I'll get to it before the Hope for Firefighters event tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
no time for 'gina
I've been so busy I haven't had time to see if 'gina had opened. Has anyone had an open 'gina sighting in Little Tokyo?
While doing "research" on a screenplay, I found this list of words that could enrich my vocabulary. Maybe I could pair some with more new restaurants opening downtown.
While doing "research" on a screenplay, I found this list of words that could enrich my vocabulary. Maybe I could pair some with more new restaurants opening downtown.
Friday, June 01, 2007
in a frenzy this month
I'm participating in ScriptFrenzy this month. So in addition to rewriting the screenplay I've been working on, the one my producers have been waiting on for a couple months now, I'm going to write a first draft of my next project. It'll be horrible, but it'll be a start and hopefully it will make me use my time more wisely.
It'll be a challenge - the social calendar is filling up quickly for the month of June. I've got something going on every weekend and the weeknights are filling in as well. Did I mention that I recently renewed my gym membership?
I haven't been going to the gym for the past year, but I managed to score a really good renewal rate and I have over a dozen sessions with a trainer that I never used. So I made the appointment and start with a new trainer on Monday as well as Pilates Reformer classes next week. I'm barely going to have enough time to goof off.
It'll be a challenge - the social calendar is filling up quickly for the month of June. I've got something going on every weekend and the weeknights are filling in as well. Did I mention that I recently renewed my gym membership?
I haven't been going to the gym for the past year, but I managed to score a really good renewal rate and I have over a dozen sessions with a trainer that I never used. So I made the appointment and start with a new trainer on Monday as well as Pilates Reformer classes next week. I'm barely going to have enough time to goof off.
all a-twitter
In case you haven't noticed, I added something to the sidebar - a twitter badge. Thanks to Dave, I'm on to my next silly thing - Twitter. I call it silly because I haven't really found a good reason for doing it, just another way to read about all the silly things I do (or me and my friends) that I don't always blog about.
I guess it could come in handy for things like, hm, I just noticed that Dave just posted that he's home from work. Angel just called, asking how we're going to commemorate National Donut Day, so I twittered "contemplating making a run to glendora to see jim the donut man" Now, if Dave, or Helena, or Gabrielle, or any of my friends on Twitter see that and want in, then they could contact me using their preferred method of communication and we'd have more participants in a donut run.
That's all I got. Any other ways this could be useful?
I guess it could come in handy for things like, hm, I just noticed that Dave just posted that he's home from work. Angel just called, asking how we're going to commemorate National Donut Day, so I twittered "contemplating making a run to glendora to see jim the donut man" Now, if Dave, or Helena, or Gabrielle, or any of my friends on Twitter see that and want in, then they could contact me using their preferred method of communication and we'd have more participants in a donut run.
That's all I got. Any other ways this could be useful?
i would wish for world peace
Sweet. Looks like June is going to be a fun month downtown. The inaugural Miss Downtown LA pageant. I kind of want to enter the pageant as a joke. But I'll need a very enthusiastic, very loud cheering section. I wonder if my friends and readers of this blog would come out for that. Oh no, hold up. Bikini competition in the final round. Screw that. Aw, that would've been fun otherwise.
bloggers & beer
Got an evite for Bloggers & Beer, a beer tasting social at the Library Bar on June 12th:
Anybody else going? If you didn't get your invite and want to go, email the Library Bar and we'll see you there!
Bloggers & Beer
June 12, 2007 @ 8pm
Library Bar
630 W. Sixth St. (entrance on Hope St.)
Los Angeles, CA
Bar: 213.614.0053
Event Questions: 323.876.6500
Join fellow food, drink, and lifestyle bloggers for a an evening of beer and blog enlightenment at downtown's novel Library Bar.
Christina Perozzi (aka "The Beer Chick") will share her beer brilliance with an inspired tasting of Library Bar's stellar Beer "Stacks".
Space is limited so please RSVP ASAP to reserve your glass!
Anybody else going? If you didn't get your invite and want to go, email the Library Bar and we'll see you there!
national donut day
Today is National Donut Day! Does anybody want to go to the Donut Man in Glendora for strawberry donuts? What's that? You want to go someplace I haven't been to, someplace "new"? Okay, how about the Donut Hole in La Puente? Let's drive through that big brown gaping hole, that 26-foot brown double-dunker portal. Anybody? Ok, where do you get your donuts?
Photo courtesy of losanjealous
Donut Man
915 E. Route 66, Glendora
626-335-9111
Hours: Open 24/7
Favorites: Cream-cheese/strawberry donuts, strawberry donuts, tiger tails, Bavarian cream.
Donut Hole:
15300 E. Amar Road (@ Hacienda Blvd), La Puente, CA
626-968-2912
Hours: 4 am - Midnight., Closed major holidays.
Photo courtesy of losanjealous
Donut Man
915 E. Route 66, Glendora
626-335-9111
Hours: Open 24/7
Favorites: Cream-cheese/strawberry donuts, strawberry donuts, tiger tails, Bavarian cream.
Donut Hole:
15300 E. Amar Road (@ Hacienda Blvd), La Puente, CA
626-968-2912
Hours: 4 am - Midnight., Closed major holidays.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
five golden rules and how to blog
I got an email from a company that provides software to PR companies - they were pushing a white paper that has their "Five Golden Rules for Blogger Relations: Tips and Tools of the Trade from Today's Blogging Experts". Yeah, they sent a paper on how to deal with bloggers to one of the crankiest, most curmudgeonly, contrarian bloggers in downtown Los Angeles. Anybody want a copy of their white paper?
I actually thought that what they had to say was very not bad, once you get past the cheesy PR-speak. But what do I know? After watching this video, I see now that I really don't know the first thing about blogging.
I actually thought that what they had to say was very not bad, once you get past the cheesy PR-speak. But what do I know? After watching this video, I see now that I really don't know the first thing about blogging.
where can we meet our neighbors?
William Frederickson Jr., Robert Howe and William T. Wright examining model of planned redesign of Pershing Square, Calif., 1964.
As blogdowntown mentioned previously, Pershing Square is hosting the second annual "Meet Your Neighbors" event this Sunday, June 3rd, from noon to 4pm. Here's the flyer. Jim and I went last year. It was wicked hot and we stayed for about a minute. The only one there was Russell Brown, and he was manning a booth. Maybe this year will be better and hopefully the APT will be operational again (haven't checked lately).
BTW, the photo above is from the UCLA Digital Collections Library, now available online. Click here for the large size.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
weekend 'gina watch
“Ready for 'gina are you? What know you of ready? Hmph. 'Gina. Heh. A Jedi craves not these things."
Sorry for the blurry pictures, but he wouldn't stop fidgeting.
yet another barbecue
After running around attending other people's weekend festivities, Jim and I had one more event to hit on Sunday night - the barbecue we hosted at our loft for friends, family, and a visiting dignitary from the Philippines, my cousin Dr. Bert.
I didn't take any pictures because I was running around getting everyone fed and full of drinks, but thankfully, Angel blogged it and posted some pics. Ed and Davefrom blogdowntown 2.0 were both in attendance and wielding some impressive camera lenses, so hopefully they'll post some pics soon, in which case I'll link to it.
There were a few teenagers at the barbecue and they were snapping up a storm as well. I'm expanding my reach - I'll be on a few MySpace pages soon! Okay, that's scaring me a little bit now that I think about it.
Anyway, thanks to all who helped out, brought some food and/or drink, and those who came out and helped make it such a fun gathering. Jim and I slept through most of yesterday, recovering from all the weekend activity, but we had a blast and hope everyone had a great holiday weekend as well.
I didn't take any pictures because I was running around getting everyone fed and full of drinks, but thankfully, Angel blogged it and posted some pics. Ed and Davefrom blogdowntown 2.0 were both in attendance and wielding some impressive camera lenses, so hopefully they'll post some pics soon, in which case I'll link to it.
There were a few teenagers at the barbecue and they were snapping up a storm as well. I'm expanding my reach - I'll be on a few MySpace pages soon! Okay, that's scaring me a little bit now that I think about it.
Anyway, thanks to all who helped out, brought some food and/or drink, and those who came out and helped make it such a fun gathering. Jim and I slept through most of yesterday, recovering from all the weekend activity, but we had a blast and hope everyone had a great holiday weekend as well.
blogdowntown picnic
Jim and I went to Elysian Park on Sunday for the blogdowntown picnic. It was smoggy, and the sun was brutal.
You couldn't swing a dead cat over your head without hitting a downtown blogger.
Jim of trainedmonkey.com
Shannon of Sha in LA.
Don Garza of Central City East.
Dave Bullock, Eric Richardson and Ed Fuentes - blogdowntown 2.0
We left before the City officials showed up - we had a barbecue to get ready for. But we were there long enough to meet some new people and for Jim's neck and forehead and my lips to get sunburned, despite my parasol. Good times.
geeking out at celebration iv
After sleeping off the big cafeteria meal we had Saturday morning, Jim and I met up with Angel and Tastypants and hit Star Wars Celebration IV at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Saturday.
This Darth Vader uses the Force to bring him more cheeseburgers.
Yeah, it didn't take long for me to piss someone off. I'll never learn.
Someone should tell Spock he was at the wrong convention.
Jim was disappointed that no one had enough commitment to come as Jabba the Hut, but there was plenty to gawk at. There was this guy challenging all comers to a saber duel in front of South Hall and he was so lame. Members of the 501st Legion walked past us on the way to their group photo and we overheard someone say, "His swordfighting skills have improved since New York..." Jeez, that was an improvement? He must've really sucked then. One guy dressed as C3PO, but he looked more like the tin man from Wizard of Oz. Overall, the costumes and commitment to character were impressive.
The 501st Legion storms past Angel to get inside South Hall for their group photo.
Me and Chewbacca. I'm the one on the left.
Angel took some great shots, but I want to know - how did I miss seeing this guy and this guy?
saturday at clifton's
Jim and I had a very full holiday weekend. On Saturday, we hit the Southern California Restaurant Historical Society thing on the third floor of Clifton's Cafeteria.
The LA Times wrote it up, saying there were about 70 people in attendance, which sounds about right but I'm still waiting for Brady to point out the inaccuracies in that article. I thought that with so many blog posts about this event (here, here, here, here, and here)that it would be lousy with bloggers, but not so much. We ran into fellow downtown blogger Don Garza, recognized a few faces from around the Historic Core, and met some really nice people (Hi Susan! I really am glad you came up and introduced yourself!).
After the illuminating talks from D.J. Waldie (Author: Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir) on postwar dining in Lakewood, Charles Perry (LA Times Food Writer and president, Culinary Historians of Southern California) on the first cafeterias in Los Angeles, Chris Nichols (Los Angeles magazine editor, author of "The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister") on architect McAllister and his midcentury restaurants, and special guest Robert Clinton, third generation owner of Clifton's, we were HUNGRY! So we went downstairs to enjoy some cafeteria food and to take in the scenery.
It was a good start to the weekend.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
movie nights
Jim and I went to the 21st Annual Last Remaining Seats screening of North by Northwest at the Orpheum last night. We really enjoyed it - Jim had never seen it before, and I've never seen it on a big screen.
Before the screening, there was a reception next door with some yummy food and drinks. I'd post more pics, but they came out lousy.
So much to say about last night, but I have to get going, I'm running late again. I'm headed over to a POC thing at the Writer's Guild Theater with Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
sb lofts
I looked out my kitchen window this morning and noticed a crane lifting stuff onto the SB Lofts' rooftop.
During the Internet boom-years, I met with Cheryl, the building manager, to lease office space. She took me on a tour of the building, including the 13000 sq ft penthouse. She asked where I lived, and I told her that I lived in the penthouse of the Alexandria Hotel down the street. She said, "I have a funny story about Marty Sr. (then-owner of the hotel). I had asked him about managing the hotel for him and he pulled pulled a gun on me." Yeah, that sounds like Marty Sr.
Downtown sure is changing.
During the Internet boom-years, I met with Cheryl, the building manager, to lease office space. She took me on a tour of the building, including the 13000 sq ft penthouse. She asked where I lived, and I told her that I lived in the penthouse of the Alexandria Hotel down the street. She said, "I have a funny story about Marty Sr. (then-owner of the hotel). I had asked him about managing the hotel for him and he pulled pulled a gun on me." Yeah, that sounds like Marty Sr.
Downtown sure is changing.
who left the lid up?
It's Wednesday, so Jim and I walked to the Central Library Farmer's Market to get our tamale fix, pick up some fruits, some flowers, and maybe some snacks.
There's a new crosswalk at 5th and Main Streets:
Nice pattern.
I read on blogdowntown that the new automated pay toilet near Pershing Square was finally operational, but it didn't look like I'd be able to use it.
I approached the guys repairing it to ask how much longer, but they were so engrossed they didn't pay me any mind. So I eavesdropped.
Guy in green shirt on the left says, "I don't know which one needs repair."
The guy pointing, "I think it's this one."
"Why that one?"
"Because when I touched it, that's when it all went, you know."
Someone really needed to go, but it didn't look like that was going to happen at this APT. It looks like the seat retracts for cleaning and when it isn't operational.
There's a new crosswalk at 5th and Main Streets:
Nice pattern.
I read on blogdowntown that the new automated pay toilet near Pershing Square was finally operational, but it didn't look like I'd be able to use it.
I approached the guys repairing it to ask how much longer, but they were so engrossed they didn't pay me any mind. So I eavesdropped.
Guy in green shirt on the left says, "I don't know which one needs repair."
The guy pointing, "I think it's this one."
"Why that one?"
"Because when I touched it, that's when it all went, you know."
Someone really needed to go, but it didn't look like that was going to happen at this APT. It looks like the seat retracts for cleaning and when it isn't operational.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
what to do wednesday night
My friends Eli and Mary, otherwise known as The Monolators, are premiering their video and corraling other Los Angeles indie bands this Wednesday at the Echo. I hear it's going to be quite the scene. You should go.
I wish I could, but Jim and I are going to one of our favorite downtown pastimes, the Los Angeles Conservancy's 21st Annual Last Remaining Seats. The opening film is North by Northwest at the Orpheum (sold out, sorry) and there's a VIP reception and everything. Anybody else going?
I wish I could, but Jim and I are going to one of our favorite downtown pastimes, the Los Angeles Conservancy's 21st Annual Last Remaining Seats. The opening film is North by Northwest at the Orpheum (sold out, sorry) and there's a VIP reception and everything. Anybody else going?
'gina watch
Jim and I were in Little Tokyo for lunch today and to check on Pastagina's progress. I'm really looking forward to the day when I ask Jim what he wants for dinner, and when he says, "I want 'gina," I can say, "Hell yeah you can have 'gina for dinner!" Unfortunately, from the looks of things, the new Pinkberry on 2nd will probably open before Pastagina does.
The poster in the window says the store was scheduled to open in March 2007, their website says May 2007. Okay, they still have a little time before they blow that deadline.
What rhymes with Pastagina? Kajima!
What other downtown buildings rhyme with Pastagina?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
if you barbecue, they will come
Last night as Jim and I were walking out of the DLANC Residents Ad-Hoc Filming Issues Committe Meeting (say that five times fast) at the Little Tokyo Library, we heard honking. I thought it was Ben and Dave, as they were at the meeting and had just hopped in Dave's car. Maybe they forget to tell us something at the meeting. We turned to see more downtown bloggers - Ed and Don were in a car, parking on Los Angeles Street, and honking for us to stop.
Don hopped out of the car and talked to Ben and Dave while Ed chatted with me and Jim. I was glad to see Ed, my emails to him have been bouncing back and I had more tasteless jokes to share re Pastagina. Turns out Ed hadn't rested on that downtown blogger meetup and was working with Eric on planning a barbecue. He asked what days we were available and noted our preference for a venue we could walk to. Is there a park somewhere downtown where we can barbecue? Didn't think so. Anyway, stay tuned, we will have a downtown bloggers barbecue soon!
Don hopped out of the car and talked to Ben and Dave while Ed chatted with me and Jim. I was glad to see Ed, my emails to him have been bouncing back and I had more tasteless jokes to share re Pastagina. Turns out Ed hadn't rested on that downtown blogger meetup and was working with Eric on planning a barbecue. He asked what days we were available and noted our preference for a venue we could walk to. Is there a park somewhere downtown where we can barbecue? Didn't think so. Anyway, stay tuned, we will have a downtown bloggers barbecue soon!
ray's 'n shit
After hours of hanging out with my mom and other guests (Angel blogged about it and has cute pics of Jim playing) on Mother's Day, Jim and I cleaned up the loft and realized we had a lot of ice left over. Knowing it wouldn't fit in our already-overflowing freezer, we decided to mix up some daquiris and get roaring drunk. We were missing a few ingredients, so we headed over to see Ray at the Old Bank Market & Deli.
While I was sick last week, Jim picked up some orange juice and blogged about Ray's expanding into the space next door, but I hadn't seen the new space yet. I also hadn't seen Ray in a long while, so we hugged and caught up. He was so excited about the expansion and told us that in a month, he'll have everything a grocery store should have - fresh meat, vegetables, a liquor section (we found what we needed for our daquiris), etc.
Then Ray dropped the best news about downtown development that I'd heard in a long time, "You know, I also got the place across the street and the parking lot. I'm going to open a casual, full-service restaurant and turn part of the parking lot into an open-air patio." We looked across the street at the old Burgers 'N Shit, (which was also sushi 'n shit for a nanosecond). Ray was beaming as he told us of his plans, and he continued, "We're going to serve breakfast and we'll be open until midnight."
Photo courtesy of Jim Winstead
Ray was smiling from ear to ear, as he usually is, but he was so excited about his expansion into the new space and his new restaurant venture that it was contagious. I was practically jumping up and down with joy when I hugged him in congratulations. I feel safe in predicting that the patio of Ray's restaurant will be the place to dine and hang out when it opens (this summer?). I know Jim and I will be there. I can hardly wait!
While I was sick last week, Jim picked up some orange juice and blogged about Ray's expanding into the space next door, but I hadn't seen the new space yet. I also hadn't seen Ray in a long while, so we hugged and caught up. He was so excited about the expansion and told us that in a month, he'll have everything a grocery store should have - fresh meat, vegetables, a liquor section (we found what we needed for our daquiris), etc.
Then Ray dropped the best news about downtown development that I'd heard in a long time, "You know, I also got the place across the street and the parking lot. I'm going to open a casual, full-service restaurant and turn part of the parking lot into an open-air patio." We looked across the street at the old Burgers 'N Shit, (which was also sushi 'n shit for a nanosecond). Ray was beaming as he told us of his plans, and he continued, "We're going to serve breakfast and we'll be open until midnight."
Photo courtesy of Jim Winstead
Ray was smiling from ear to ear, as he usually is, but he was so excited about his expansion into the new space and his new restaurant venture that it was contagious. I was practically jumping up and down with joy when I hugged him in congratulations. I feel safe in predicting that the patio of Ray's restaurant will be the place to dine and hang out when it opens (this summer?). I know Jim and I will be there. I can hardly wait!
more downtown filming bullshit
On Thursday, May 10th, Jim and I walked out of our building to attend the closing night ceremony of the VC Asian Pacific Film Festival (Jim blogged about it). There was a filming notification on our door for a production shooting in front of our building, in the alley behind us, and in the parking lot next door. We were going to be surrounded, and it was going to start at 6am the next morning. Less than twelve hours notice and although it said, "pending community survey", no one in our building was surveyed (I asked around).
All day Friday, May 11th, we were surrounded by a lot of noise, and although it was annoying and made it difficult for me to work all day, it got really noisy and bothersome in the afternoon. That's when they started using their smoke machines and the smoke started to come in through our windows facing the parking lot and Main Street.
I walked through the throng of extras and the off-duty LAPD officer blocking the sidewalks on Main Street and into the lot. At 5:34pm I asked the security guard if I could talk to the location manager, Bruce Boehner, 213-925-5379, and/or the FilmLA rep. The security guard said that the FilmLA rep left earlier that day at 12:30pm. I asked to see the location manager, verifying on my notification that it was Bruce Boehner, and for a copy of their film permit. He then said, "Can I take that back about the FilmLA rep leaving?"
I walked over to a guy on a walkie-talkie and asked to see the location manager. He asked me what the problem was, so I identified myself as a resident and a member of the DLANC Residents' ad-hoc Filming Issues Committee. He said he'd find the location manager or the FilmLA rep, who was supposed to be on the radio. Yeah, he just happened to not be responding. Even though two security guards verified that the FilmLA rep left about five hours earlier.
Then they started wrapping their location. Oh good, they were leaving. Except that they were leaving their cars there. Which meant that I could look forward to cars honking as they left the lot sometime around 1 or 2am. Great. There I was, standing around for a half-hour instead of working, while they pretended to care, pretended to try to locate a film permit (which is a matter of public record and a document they're supposed to have on-hand at each location), and the location manager refused to talk to me. The guy on the walkie who was supposed to locate Bruce Boehner then asked me to step out of the parking lot and onto the sidewalk so that I wouldn't get in their way. Yeah, never mind how the film crew was inconveniencing the whole fucking neighborhood all day starting at 6am, and with less than twelve hours notice, I needed to stand three feet away on the other side of a fence. So I stood there and waited.
Then, at 6:11pm the guy gets in his car and drives out of the lot. Without finding the location manager or FilmLA rep. Without furnishing me with a copy of their film permit. I ask the security guard what's going on. He just shrugged. I called Jim, who I could see in our window, and asked if he had called FilmLA's office or the 24-hour emergency number. He had, but there was no answer. It didn't even go to voicemail, it just kept ringing.
Finally, a full hour after I asked, Derek the FilmLA rep walks up to me with a copy of their film permit, permit # F-205458. I asked him for the copy of the special conditions, which the permit said was "attached". He said there weren't any. I pointed out that it was supposed to be attached. I asked him, "Do you know that there are special conditions for filming in downtown?" He said, "No."
I looked through the permit and asked for a copy. He said no, that was his copy and I could just call FilmLA and ask for a copy. I told him they weren't anwering the phones at the office. He said it was after hours. I told him that we also tried calling the emergency, after-hours number and no one was responding. I told him that there were special conditions for filming downtown and that they were on his company's website and he said that he never heard of it, no one ever told him about it.
I pointed out that all the buildings surrounding this "location" were residential. He shrugged and asked what my problem was. "Besides the smoke going in my windows? And the noise? And the caterer setting up the open-air barbecue underneath our windows? How about this 6am start time on the permit? How about less than twelve hours notice?"
Derek said, "Oh, they didn't start at 6am."
I countered, "How do you know that? You didn't get to the set until after the previous FilmLA rep left at 12:30pm today. And it says right on this permit, this permit and this notification that it was a 6am start time. I didn't hear you guys setting up, but I'm on the 7th floor. The guys on the 2nd floor heard you guys set up, though." I admit I was guessing about Derek's start time, but Derek confirmed it.
I copied all the pertinent information off his film permit and then he asked for my contact info. I resisted telling him my name was Heywood Jablowme (Jim's suggestion) and gave him my real name and contact info.
Was that the end of it? No. As I predicted, when the cast/crew was done shooting at their other downtown location, they left the lot past midnight, honking and dropping metal pipes on the ground and making all sorts of noise. Never mind the other shoot on Spring Street that got Jim all riled up Friday night. But that's not the end of it.
At 2:40am, the eighth trailer pulled into the parking lot for yet another shoot. Yes, 2:40AM. I didn't walk over and ask for a copy of their film permit, so I don't know which production it was. But they're still there so I might go over later today. But I ask again, what's the point of FilmLA? Why issue film permits if they don't mean anything? What's the point of having rules for downtown area filming if their own employees don't know they exist and don't care? Why have an on-site monitor if they don't do anything when the permit is violated or when residents complain?
UPDATE: Dave blogged about the production that has bright lights shining onto Main Street and his issues with them. That's the producton that had their trailers noisily move in at 2:00am this past Saturday morning, (5/14/2007). Here's their film permit, the location manager is France Myung Fagin, (310) 447-4441, their permit number is F-205179-2, and, according to their film notification (which I never received) they plan on filming until 4am on 5/18/07, (Friday/Saturday morning). Since they didn't bother with a community survey, if anybody has a problem with that, just call them and let them know what you think.
All day Friday, May 11th, we were surrounded by a lot of noise, and although it was annoying and made it difficult for me to work all day, it got really noisy and bothersome in the afternoon. That's when they started using their smoke machines and the smoke started to come in through our windows facing the parking lot and Main Street.
I walked through the throng of extras and the off-duty LAPD officer blocking the sidewalks on Main Street and into the lot. At 5:34pm I asked the security guard if I could talk to the location manager, Bruce Boehner, 213-925-5379, and/or the FilmLA rep. The security guard said that the FilmLA rep left earlier that day at 12:30pm. I asked to see the location manager, verifying on my notification that it was Bruce Boehner, and for a copy of their film permit. He then said, "Can I take that back about the FilmLA rep leaving?"
I walked over to a guy on a walkie-talkie and asked to see the location manager. He asked me what the problem was, so I identified myself as a resident and a member of the DLANC Residents' ad-hoc Filming Issues Committee. He said he'd find the location manager or the FilmLA rep, who was supposed to be on the radio. Yeah, he just happened to not be responding. Even though two security guards verified that the FilmLA rep left about five hours earlier.
Then they started wrapping their location. Oh good, they were leaving. Except that they were leaving their cars there. Which meant that I could look forward to cars honking as they left the lot sometime around 1 or 2am. Great. There I was, standing around for a half-hour instead of working, while they pretended to care, pretended to try to locate a film permit (which is a matter of public record and a document they're supposed to have on-hand at each location), and the location manager refused to talk to me. The guy on the walkie who was supposed to locate Bruce Boehner then asked me to step out of the parking lot and onto the sidewalk so that I wouldn't get in their way. Yeah, never mind how the film crew was inconveniencing the whole fucking neighborhood all day starting at 6am, and with less than twelve hours notice, I needed to stand three feet away on the other side of a fence. So I stood there and waited.
Then, at 6:11pm the guy gets in his car and drives out of the lot. Without finding the location manager or FilmLA rep. Without furnishing me with a copy of their film permit. I ask the security guard what's going on. He just shrugged. I called Jim, who I could see in our window, and asked if he had called FilmLA's office or the 24-hour emergency number. He had, but there was no answer. It didn't even go to voicemail, it just kept ringing.
Finally, a full hour after I asked, Derek the FilmLA rep walks up to me with a copy of their film permit, permit # F-205458. I asked him for the copy of the special conditions, which the permit said was "attached". He said there weren't any. I pointed out that it was supposed to be attached. I asked him, "Do you know that there are special conditions for filming in downtown?" He said, "No."
I looked through the permit and asked for a copy. He said no, that was his copy and I could just call FilmLA and ask for a copy. I told him they weren't anwering the phones at the office. He said it was after hours. I told him that we also tried calling the emergency, after-hours number and no one was responding. I told him that there were special conditions for filming downtown and that they were on his company's website and he said that he never heard of it, no one ever told him about it.
I pointed out that all the buildings surrounding this "location" were residential. He shrugged and asked what my problem was. "Besides the smoke going in my windows? And the noise? And the caterer setting up the open-air barbecue underneath our windows? How about this 6am start time on the permit? How about less than twelve hours notice?"
Derek said, "Oh, they didn't start at 6am."
I countered, "How do you know that? You didn't get to the set until after the previous FilmLA rep left at 12:30pm today. And it says right on this permit, this permit and this notification that it was a 6am start time. I didn't hear you guys setting up, but I'm on the 7th floor. The guys on the 2nd floor heard you guys set up, though." I admit I was guessing about Derek's start time, but Derek confirmed it.
I copied all the pertinent information off his film permit and then he asked for my contact info. I resisted telling him my name was Heywood Jablowme (Jim's suggestion) and gave him my real name and contact info.
Was that the end of it? No. As I predicted, when the cast/crew was done shooting at their other downtown location, they left the lot past midnight, honking and dropping metal pipes on the ground and making all sorts of noise. Never mind the other shoot on Spring Street that got Jim all riled up Friday night. But that's not the end of it.
At 2:40am, the eighth trailer pulled into the parking lot for yet another shoot. Yes, 2:40AM. I didn't walk over and ask for a copy of their film permit, so I don't know which production it was. But they're still there so I might go over later today. But I ask again, what's the point of FilmLA? Why issue film permits if they don't mean anything? What's the point of having rules for downtown area filming if their own employees don't know they exist and don't care? Why have an on-site monitor if they don't do anything when the permit is violated or when residents complain?
UPDATE: Dave blogged about the production that has bright lights shining onto Main Street and his issues with them. That's the producton that had their trailers noisily move in at 2:00am this past Saturday morning, (5/14/2007). Here's their film permit, the location manager is France Myung Fagin, (310) 447-4441, their permit number is F-205179-2, and, according to their film notification (which I never received) they plan on filming until 4am on 5/18/07, (Friday/Saturday morning). Since they didn't bother with a community survey, if anybody has a problem with that, just call them and let them know what you think.
Friday, May 11, 2007
attention downtown literati
If you don't already have your copy of Los Angeles Noir, then this is your lucky weekend. As Ed has already noted on his blog, a few of the contributing authors will be signing the well-reviewed book this Saturday at Metropolis Books. The website doesn't say which of the 17 authors will be in attendance, but a reliable source tells me that a Jim Pascoe reading is in the cards, "especially if enough of you show up and demand it!" I'll be there to get my copy signed and to demand a reading - I strongly urge readers of this blog to do the same. Maybe we can all get a drink somewhere afterwards.
Also on the same day and just around the corner from Metropolis, Crewest Gallery will be hosting a book signing for Yo! What Happened to Peace? in conjunction with their five-year anniversary festivities. This book sounds amazing - 144 full-color pages of handcrafted anti-war and pro-peace posters with more than 200 prints by 125 artists, with an introduction by punk art legend Winston Smith and a street-ready stencil cover. Prints will also be available for sale.
In addition to the signing, there will be a Unification Theory performance/event featuring the artwork of fellow Yo! artists Man One, Gustavo Garcia Vaca and Overton Loyd. Although the book signing will be from 5-7pm, there will be DJs spinning music until 10pm.
I've said it before, but I'll say it again - I love my neighborhood.
Los Angeles Noir Book Signing
Metropolis Books
440 S. Main Street (between 4th and 5th streets)
Los Angeles 90013
ph: 213.612.0174
Yo! What Happened To Peace Signing
Crewest
110 Winston St. (between Main and Los Angeles Streets)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
tel (213) 627-8272
Also on the same day and just around the corner from Metropolis, Crewest Gallery will be hosting a book signing for Yo! What Happened to Peace? in conjunction with their five-year anniversary festivities. This book sounds amazing - 144 full-color pages of handcrafted anti-war and pro-peace posters with more than 200 prints by 125 artists, with an introduction by punk art legend Winston Smith and a street-ready stencil cover. Prints will also be available for sale.
In addition to the signing, there will be a Unification Theory performance/event featuring the artwork of fellow Yo! artists Man One, Gustavo Garcia Vaca and Overton Loyd. Although the book signing will be from 5-7pm, there will be DJs spinning music until 10pm.
I've said it before, but I'll say it again - I love my neighborhood.
Los Angeles Noir Book Signing
Metropolis Books
440 S. Main Street (between 4th and 5th streets)
Los Angeles 90013
ph: 213.612.0174
Yo! What Happened To Peace Signing
Crewest
110 Winston St. (between Main and Los Angeles Streets)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
tel (213) 627-8272
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
free beer in little tokyo
Official VC Asian Pacific Film Festival after-party at the Far Bar tonight:
Damn, my cheongsam is at the cleaners.
HK 1960 is a night celebrating the style, fashion & romance of an era that now only exists on the silver screen.
The Far Bar
347 E 1st Street
Little Tokyo, 90012
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007
Doors open 9 P.M.
Free Heineken until 10:30 P.M.
Mahjong | 60'S Pop | Vintage Polaroids
Period attire is strongly encourage. Dazzle us all.
Damn, my cheongsam is at the cleaners.
search terms that brought you here
his name was julio
Clouseau massage
how to dance techno
recipe for venezuelan brownies
pitchers of hot monkey sex
sedated bride
up and coming neighborhoods in los angeles
best lasagna
sex while wearing shoes pictures
finger my ass
yourLA
bad girls club
who wants to be a superhero
throwdown fireworks
amerland group jeremy turner
holly bottle warhol clips
free beer
adam's tree "toy"
spiderman pics
33 club
club fantasy 4th street
curt gibbs
lebowski cell phone ring
hello kitty hotel
colin farrell ice bar
nikon f2 case
morphine induced
to make a phone holder
charlie o's spring
being a responsible adult
ass shaking
vegetarian tamales
first fuck
neighborhood clothing
silversun pickups
5thandspring amateur barbarian
spring hair event in uk
sex during bachelorette parties
bikini a go-go
blogdowntown douglas building
so long farewell auf wiedersiehn goodbye song
foot model contest
handmade wedding invitations
nikon 12 for sale
house md screen shot
hello kitty vibrator
asspig
and my personal favorite:
the whore peed on me
Clouseau massage
how to dance techno
recipe for venezuelan brownies
pitchers of hot monkey sex
sedated bride
up and coming neighborhoods in los angeles
best lasagna
sex while wearing shoes pictures
finger my ass
yourLA
bad girls club
who wants to be a superhero
throwdown fireworks
amerland group jeremy turner
holly bottle warhol clips
free beer
adam's tree "toy"
spiderman pics
33 club
club fantasy 4th street
curt gibbs
lebowski cell phone ring
hello kitty hotel
colin farrell ice bar
nikon f2 case
morphine induced
to make a phone holder
charlie o's spring
being a responsible adult
ass shaking
vegetarian tamales
first fuck
neighborhood clothing
silversun pickups
5thandspring amateur barbarian
spring hair event in uk
sex during bachelorette parties
bikini a go-go
blogdowntown douglas building
so long farewell auf wiedersiehn goodbye song
foot model contest
handmade wedding invitations
nikon 12 for sale
house md screen shot
hello kitty vibrator
asspig
and my personal favorite:
the whore peed on me
"in the year 2000"
Much like like CurbedLA, I dig video. Especially video that shows downtown in the future.
I used to live in South Park, which is the residential area of downtown closest to the LA Live project. When Jim and I had dinner at The Pantry the other night, I was blown away by how different my old neighborhood looked, how much construction rendered the place unrecognizable to me. I say, bring it on.
I used to live in South Park, which is the residential area of downtown closest to the LA Live project. When Jim and I had dinner at The Pantry the other night, I was blown away by how different my old neighborhood looked, how much construction rendered the place unrecognizable to me. I say, bring it on.
some film crews just don't change
Despite what FilmLA has posted on their website about filming downtown, it seems like some things just don't change - like commercial film crews filming wherever they want, residents and businesses be damned. I've mentioned before that we still hadn't received any notifications for recent shoots where we heard extremely loud and disturbing simulated gunfire, but here's another instance where the crew continued shooting, even after the FilmLA reps on location were notified. But of course, they were ready to hand out a few benjamins after they got their shot. The following is from Julie Rico, posted on the DLANC Residents mailing list:
Looks like FilmLA shouldn't congratulate themselves just yet on being such good guys just because they posted conditions for filming downtown (as if it were their idea and not because of community pressure). It doesn't seem like FilmLA's word counts for much. Why am I not surprised? These guys lost their credibility with me a long time ago. Did I mention that their contract to issue film permits for the City of Los Angeles is up in June? I wonder how many complaints have to be lodged against them for someone to realize they shouldn't be awarded another contract.
Tue May 8, 2007 9:08 pm (PST)
"Today a group called Gearhead decided to shoot just outside the Red Dot Gallery Window. There is a permit called a block permit. The officer (Carr) showed it too me that allowed him to shoot wherever they want except for the arts district, chinatown and one other area. Our area was not on the exempt list. According to Carr they have not been formally told about the change in policy. Part of our agreement is now on the front page of Film LA and I brought out the paperwork so that Officer Carr could see it. He called some women over at Film LA and of course they finished their shoot, we are not on the documents anymore. I have a feeling these documents will be coming up here and there. Not cool.
I staged a protest but to no avail. Waay after the shoot some guy named Jeff came over and gave me $300. It was a Chevy commercial."
Looks like FilmLA shouldn't congratulate themselves just yet on being such good guys just because they posted conditions for filming downtown (as if it were their idea and not because of community pressure). It doesn't seem like FilmLA's word counts for much. Why am I not surprised? These guys lost their credibility with me a long time ago. Did I mention that their contract to issue film permits for the City of Los Angeles is up in June? I wonder how many complaints have to be lodged against them for someone to realize they shouldn't be awarded another contract.
Monday, May 07, 2007
has it really been that long?
Two years ago today, my sister Laura married my ex-loftmate James in what is now the loft that Jim and I live in. After the ceremony and a dessert reception on the patio, we all took a candlelit walk down the street to Cole's for the real reception.
Their wedding was so beautiful and one of the brighter moments during her 14-month battle with cancer. I look at this and other pictures, re-read what I wrote about it, and while I love seeing her so happy, I can't help but cry. I miss her so much.
Their wedding was so beautiful and one of the brighter moments during her 14-month battle with cancer. I look at this and other pictures, re-read what I wrote about it, and while I love seeing her so happy, I can't help but cry. I miss her so much.
Friday, May 04, 2007
"you offend me, you offend my family"
Thanks to my friends Hank and Berda, Angel and I attended a really fun VIP reception and the opening night festivities at the VC Asian Pacific Film Festival last night. Poor Jim caught some bug and stayed home. I forged ahead, but stupidly decided not to bring my camera, thinking I wouldn't need it. Luckily Berda brought hers and took the pics below (thanks Berda!).
I have mixed feelings about FINISHING THE GAME. It's a mockumentary about the search for the new Bruce Lee and while it had its moments, I don't know that I can get behind it. It's like the cool indie film your friend made, not necessarily something you'd see because it was playing near you. There were some cool cameos, some very good acting, and really great use of some of my favorite character actors. In any case, opening night was fun and you couldn't swing a dead cat over your head without hitting an actor you recognized but couldn't place. There were, of course, some exceptions.
James Kyson Lee, from HEROES and emcee of the opening night ceremonies, graciously poses with me and Berda.
Ron Jeremy, who made an appearance in FINISHING THE GAME, poses with me at the post-screening reception.
Did I mention that it was open bar?
Or that Hank was jacked up on sweets (there was a post-screening dessert reception)?
I was feeling a little under the weather, so I didn't "work the room" or anything. But minutes after we sat down in the theatre, a well-known actor/comedian (who I promised not to name) sat down in front of me. Berda and Hank sat behind us, engrossed in conversation with some programming director from another film festival. I think I was telling Angel about Pastagina when this actor/comedian turned around to see who was making all the 'gina jokes. We started talking - he was bummed because his movie just came out and "tanked horribly." I told him I didn't see his film - that I was invited to the premiere party, but not to the screening of the actual film. Who the hell does that?
Of course once people around us realized that the actor/comedian was talking to people and not being all Greta Garbo, everyone tried to jump into the fray. We both sat on the aisle, so people would come up to him and interrupt our conversation so they could suck up. In between interruptions, he'd say things like, "This is so depressing," or, "They're just trying to get something out of me, like for me to wear their shirts or shoes so they can get free advertising," and "The blogs hate me, they're the worst. They just tear me apart, saying how much I suck."
I then promised (because he was so depressed), "I won't say bad things about you on my blog."
He then asked, "Please don't write about this on your blog, or don't say it was me! I'm going to get so much shit, saying how depressed I am because the movie tanked!"
Then this white chick comes up and awkwardly tells him how she loves him and then said nothing else, but stood there staring at him intently. So I whispered in his ear, "Dude, I think she wants to fuck you." He looked at Angel, then at me, hesitating to reply. Finally the girl leaves and he says, "Maybe I should date an Asian girl."
You know, before I married Jim, I was the beneficiary of that kind of thinking. I replied, "Yeah, I used to date an Asian chick. But Asian guys never asked me out."
He replied, "Yeah, Asian chicks and Asian guys never ask me out either."
I have mixed feelings about FINISHING THE GAME. It's a mockumentary about the search for the new Bruce Lee and while it had its moments, I don't know that I can get behind it. It's like the cool indie film your friend made, not necessarily something you'd see because it was playing near you. There were some cool cameos, some very good acting, and really great use of some of my favorite character actors. In any case, opening night was fun and you couldn't swing a dead cat over your head without hitting an actor you recognized but couldn't place. There were, of course, some exceptions.
James Kyson Lee, from HEROES and emcee of the opening night ceremonies, graciously poses with me and Berda.
Ron Jeremy, who made an appearance in FINISHING THE GAME, poses with me at the post-screening reception.
Did I mention that it was open bar?
Or that Hank was jacked up on sweets (there was a post-screening dessert reception)?
I was feeling a little under the weather, so I didn't "work the room" or anything. But minutes after we sat down in the theatre, a well-known actor/comedian (who I promised not to name) sat down in front of me. Berda and Hank sat behind us, engrossed in conversation with some programming director from another film festival. I think I was telling Angel about Pastagina when this actor/comedian turned around to see who was making all the 'gina jokes. We started talking - he was bummed because his movie just came out and "tanked horribly." I told him I didn't see his film - that I was invited to the premiere party, but not to the screening of the actual film. Who the hell does that?
Of course once people around us realized that the actor/comedian was talking to people and not being all Greta Garbo, everyone tried to jump into the fray. We both sat on the aisle, so people would come up to him and interrupt our conversation so they could suck up. In between interruptions, he'd say things like, "This is so depressing," or, "They're just trying to get something out of me, like for me to wear their shirts or shoes so they can get free advertising," and "The blogs hate me, they're the worst. They just tear me apart, saying how much I suck."
I then promised (because he was so depressed), "I won't say bad things about you on my blog."
He then asked, "Please don't write about this on your blog, or don't say it was me! I'm going to get so much shit, saying how depressed I am because the movie tanked!"
Then this white chick comes up and awkwardly tells him how she loves him and then said nothing else, but stood there staring at him intently. So I whispered in his ear, "Dude, I think she wants to fuck you." He looked at Angel, then at me, hesitating to reply. Finally the girl leaves and he says, "Maybe I should date an Asian girl."
You know, before I married Jim, I was the beneficiary of that kind of thinking. I replied, "Yeah, I used to date an Asian chick. But Asian guys never asked me out."
He replied, "Yeah, Asian chicks and Asian guys never ask me out either."
Thursday, May 03, 2007
come for the booze, stay for the movie
Tonight is opening night for the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, is anybody else going to see the opening night film or attending the party? Open bar, baby.
Things actually got underway last night with a party at the Far Bar in Little Tokyo, but I punked out and stayed home instead. I'm not sure what other films I'll be screening, but if you don't have plans, I strongly suggest you check out the festival - I've yet to be disappointed by any of the features or docs I've screened here in all the years I've attended. The shorts, however, are another story.
Things actually got underway last night with a party at the Far Bar in Little Tokyo, but I punked out and stayed home instead. I'm not sure what other films I'll be screening, but if you don't have plans, I strongly suggest you check out the festival - I've yet to be disappointed by any of the features or docs I've screened here in all the years I've attended. The shorts, however, are another story.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
