Photo Series of Silver Lake Jubilee: XBXRX

I'm off on a short vacation so here's one of my favorite photos that I took at the Silver Lake Jubilee: XBXRX.

Up on Intraffik: Sue Scrofa, Soft White Sixties and Harriet

I'm up on Intraffik: Sue Scrofa, Soft White Sixties and Harriet.

Stab City at Down N Out

It was off to see Stab City at the Down N Out.  I haven't seen these guys in a bit.  It is nice to know they can still get the mosh pit going.  The security guard decided to shut it down and stood in the center of the floor.
 

The Child at Amoeba Records

Off to catch one of my favorite bands, The Child at Amoeba Records.  They were celebrating their EP release.   This was my first time at Amoeba Records to catch a concert.  This is driven mainly by the fact that work often conflicts with their in store concerts.  But hey, it was The Child and so I made sure I made it.

What can I say:  a lovely set.

Fun fact:  Holly had a microphone stand problem for their final song.  It kept on dropping, which meant she had  to do some body twisting.  I half wanted to help, but she looked so cool doing so.

Fun fact 2:  Lauren was dressed in goth to celebrate Happy Goth Day.


 

A Movie Review: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. An unconnected group of British decide to move to India to live out their golden years. It is expensive to retire in the UK. Though not the main reason why many of the retirees decided to head to India, it is a reason for a handful of them: a couple who didn't make enough money to retire properly, a grandmother who lives with her daughter's family and a widow whose husband left behind a significant amount of debt. They head to a falsely advertised hotel called The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. They are forced to adapt to a new culture. Most succeed though one is definitely unable to do so.

Though I did not feel any great connection to this movie, I still enjoyed it immensely.  

A Movie Review: The Avengers

The Avengers. I'm not sure there is a lot to say other than that this is the perfect movie to start off the popcorn summer season.

Up on Intraffik: Silverlake Jubilee Preview

I'm up on Intraffik with a preview of Jubilee. Go check it out!!!

Kate Crash at the Doll Factory

Kate Crash played a set at the Doll Factory during the recent Derby Dolls game.  I didn't get to see her whole set, but I did catch perhaps half her set.  Talk about a woman who mixes music with flexibility!

Derby Dolls Sirens vs. Tough Cookies: 237 vs 72

Ouch.  Sirens really hurt the Tough Cookies.  It started from the first quarter and didn't end.  The jammers for the Sirens are just too good (or the Tough Cookies don't play defense): Mourning Wood, The Jeneral, Revan Seaward.

It was nice seeing Laguna Beyatch, Touch Cookies, getting her James Harrison-on.  (Awhile back, I compared Laguna Beyatch to Pittsburgh Steelers' James Harrison.)

Though it was a blow-out, there were some crazy collisions.  


 

Grace Woodroofe at Harvard and Stone

It was off to Harvard and Stone to catch Grace Woodroofe. I saw her for the first time at Bootleg in April.  I was eager to see her again.  Yep, she's awesome.

Conversation with a fellow photographer:

Him:  I saw you in Burbank yesterday.
Me:  Sorry, that wasn't me.  I was at home yesterday.
Him:  No, the Bootleg.
Me:  No, I was home yesterday.
Him:  I saw you at the Bootleg when Lucy Schwartz was there.
Me:  Oh, yeah, I was there.

Can't hear anything . . .


 

Dear Left Brain and Irontom at Silverlake Lounge

A Monday night at Silverlake Lounge was spent catching Dear Left Brain and Irontom.  I first saw Dear Left Brain at Club Moscow.  In fact, if I had arrived earlier, I would have caught Sunfall, a band that played with Dear Left Brain at Club Moscow.  I love Club Moscow, but I have to say that Silverlake Lounge fits Dear Left Brain better.

I ended up having a brief conversation with the girlfriend of one of the Irontom members.  She spoke highly of Irontom, of course.  Her comments were appropriate.  The lead singer, as you can see below, is very animated.

Dear Left Brain




Irontom

Up on Intraffik: Coco Morier and Grace Woodroofe

I'm up on Intraffik: Coco Morier and Grace Woodroofe.

Daughter to father: it is only a game . . .

I'm not into soccor/futbol, but this is a cute video. I can't help but wonder what the daughter said.

My Ranking: Winter/Spring 2012 movies

Fun movies (but admittedly no Oscar level stuff here)

21 Jump Street
Chronicle
Underworld Awakening

Flawed

American Reunion
Safe House
Hunger Games

What Might have been

John Carter

Ouch

Wrath of the Titans
Haywire
The Grey
Jeff, Who Lives at Home

A Movie Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games. Is it possible that as time goes by that you end with less and less respect for a movie. Well, that’s my case with Hunger Games. Yes, I know, heresy. Problem one: the society. I approached this movie as representing the fall of the Roman Empire. I wanted immorality. I got stuck with folks in the Capital who wore really outrageous fashion and ate high calorie desserts. It looked like Paris. Problem two: 12 to 18 year olds? Highly unfair. Let’s say both had the same skill sets, isn’t it still unfair? An 18 year old can probably throw a knife farther, can throw a harder right hook. Problem three: was Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) going through the seven stages of grieve? Maybe not, but the character seemed to be all over the place. When his name was chosen, he looked dismayed. I would be. Then in the train he seemed to backstab Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) when he headed off to get some tips. Then he basically seemed to want to quit. What’s up with this kid? Problem four: District One takes this game seriously. None of the others do? I know it is a sick game, but the other Districts are essentially allowing some random individual to go up against a trained assassin from District One? Isn’t that sort of cruel to your own children? At least, give them a fighting chance. Problem five: I could probably write a 500 page essay on all the problems I had with the game itself: from what I call the “kill zone” to the genetically altered bees/wasps to the very last showdown.

Thumbs up:  the female actresses.

I should admit I found it watchable, just not a movie that can be highly praised.

A Movie Review: American Reunion

American Reunion. Sometimes it is nice to catch up with an old gang and that is what American Reunion is. It is déjà vu to a large extent (it probably helps to catch up on the previous trilogy – something I did not do). Even if you don’t remember half the shenanigans from the prior movies you do sort of feel like you’re still in on the jokes. If this was a standalone movie, you’d probably walk out thinking it stunk. But since it is a reunion movie, you can’t help but be happy to see familiar characters back on the screen.

Devo at the Hollywood Park

It was a birthday party and for the birthday part it was off to Hollywood Park to catch Devo. What was the best part of seeing Devo?  Honestly, I think it was seeing their fans.  Some of them spent the whole 90 minutes or so dancing the night away.  Talk about energy.


 

Hollywood Park: Friday night racing

It was off to Hollywood Park for a Friday night of horse racing.  I arrived rather late in the evening and only had the chance to bet on races 5 thru 8.  I did okay for the first two races, but then fell apart in the last two.  My problem in the last two races:  not realizing the degree to which Joel Rosario is stuck in a slump.

 

Out for a walk: two dog owners

I was out exercising recently and came across two dog owners who were training their dogs not to bark at those walking by (or in my case, speed walking by).  Thank you to these two dog owners!!!  I wish there were more like them.

Caught a Ghost and Gliss at The Satelitte

A Monday night, which meant it was time to catch a residency band. This night it was Caught a Ghost at The Satellite. First up for me on this night was a favorite band, Gliss. Sometimes way too much time passes before I get to see one of my favorite bands.  It was well over a year ago when I last caught Gliss at The Troubadour.  Oh how I missed them.

Comment of the night by Gliss:  You will be graded on your excitement at the end of the night.

For Caught a Ghost, I was looking at the band and was thinking, "I know these folks."  I just couldn't place them.  I did a search of my posts and realized I saw them at a fundraiser event about a year and a half ago.  They had the Satellite looking like a festive ghost house.  They had a magician open up for them.  I failed to catch his name, but I'm rather sure I caught his act before at The Echo awhile back.  The set itself:  a dress for success evening. 


Gliss



Magician



Caught a Ghost




If one of the bands happens to come across this post and likes the photo, I've got a few more.  Feel free to leave a comment and I'll get some photos to you.

Former Glendale Councilman John Drayman: indicted for stealing $ from a Farmers Market

I love Sunday mornings at the Hollywood Farmers market. I read this story about John Drayman and I say: toss the key toss the key!!!

The Mots Nouveaux and Christine Donaldson at Hotel Cafe

It was off to Hotel Cafe to catch The Mots Nouveaux. I got there a little early and was able to catch perhaps half of Christine Donaldson's set.  I enjoyed Christine Donaldson's set and I really loved her personality, she seems like a very friendly individual.  The Mots Nouveaux closed out the night.  I do love their music.  Emma's parents were in the audience.  Aaron and Emma are getting the playful duo banter down.

Comment of the night via The Mots Nouveaux:  That's the first time we've played that together . . . not even in rehearsals.

Christine Donaldson



The Mots Nouveaux

Youngblood Hawke and Duniven at The Satellite

Off to The Satellite to see Youngblood Hawke and Duniven.

Youngblood Hawke: For awhile there I was worried the lead singer was going to accidentally smack me in the face as he was singing at the edge of the stage and sometimes that left arm got a bit close for comfort.  Not really a complaint though as I love this band.

Duniven:  The residency band for April.  He lists his influences as Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and REM.  I'm not saying he's Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and REM, but I do see their influences in his music.

Youngblood Hawke














Duniven



Note:  I always take a few photos when I'm out.  If a band comes across this post and is interested in seeing more photos, leave a comment.

Sometimes a morning starts off with complaints (NOT)

In April I wrote a brief rant on a Sunday morning.

Well, here's the opposite.

I was greeted with my normal smile and hello by the juice guy that supplies me with my apple-pomegranate juice.

I was leaving Trader Joe's.  I was using both arms to carry my paper grocery bag (that is, I wasn't just holding onto the bag's handles, but was carrying it by supporting the bottom of the bag).  I was worried that the handles might not hold as it was a bit heavy.  A woman called out to me as I was leaving the store.  I wasn't sure what she said so I looked back into the store, "I didn't hear what you said." She replied, "Your bag is tilted.  Something might fall out."  An act of concern.

I was walking down a street, both arms still carrying the grocery bag (yes, I appreciated the woman's concern, but I was concerned about the handles holding up).  A guy entered an apartment complex and was holding the door open . . . for me.  Now I don't live in the apartment complex so I just waved him off.  (He probably assumed I lived in the apartment complex as it is the only residential complex in that block and actually for a couple blocks more.)  Yes, maybe what he did broke the rules of the complex, but it was an act of kindness.

Up on Intraffik: Lonely Trees

I'm up on Intraffik with a post on Lonely Trees.

One Tribe Nation and Snarky Puppy at The Mint

I got an e-mail from a friend. His band, One Tribe Nation, was playing at The Mint. First, I'd never seen his band. Second, as strange as this might sound, I'd never been to The Mint.

One Tribe Nation hit the stage for about 45 minutes. A funk/rock band that kept driving us at high speeds until the end (well, technically, they gave us a breath and slowed it down for their final song).

Snarky Puppy is a fusion jazz band from New York. Now I personally had never heard of Snarky Puppy, but I was in the distinct minority. The place was packed. And the music had everyone mesmerized (that includes me). They played for close to 1 1/2 hours. It didn't feel like it. Towards the back half of their set, they pulled out three Los Angeles musicians from the audience to play with them on selects songs: a New York/Los Angeles family affair.

One Tribe Nation

Snarky Puppy

Varsity Brawlers vs. Tough Cookies: 183-115

Tough game to be a Tough Cookies fan.  They unfortunately fell behind quick and couldn't really catch up.  They made a solid attempt in the third quarter, but just lost it in the fourth.

The Varsity Brawlers just had this amazing defense going where the Tough Cookie jammers couldn't break through.  It was actually somewhat upsetting with me thinking:  break through Laguna Beyatch and Gori Spelling.  I guess when you get upset, it indicates a degree of passion behind your team.  So yes, I guess it indicates that I am a true Tough Cookies fan.  Similar perhaps to how I slammed Duke's basketball defense this past season or scream when Big Ben for the Steelers throws an interception.  A form of flattery . . .  

I did notice rather quickly that one of the my favorites, Stefcon 1, was not with the Tough Cookies.  I looked through the website afterwards and noticed that she seems to be focused on the Ri-Ettes squad.

A Headline From the LA Times

I read this headline from the LA Times recently:  Blind Chinese dissident escapes from house arrest.

In my mind, I created this wonderful movie style escape, because how else could a blind man escape from house arrest?  Then I read the article:  I felt slightly deceived.

Then I remembered reading this blog post by my friend Jammie Karlman. It all made sense.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books: My thoughts

I got a book signed by Robert Kirkman, Walking Dead.  It shall be a prized possession.



At the panel discussion about science and finding the thread a question was asked about how many folks were first timers at the LA Times Festival of Books.  A handful of hands went up.  Who had gone to the festival for at least five years?  Most of the room -- me included, I think I'm around ten years.  Every single Festival, 17 years?  About as many hands went up as had gone up for this being their first year.

To me the most interesting panel discussion was on Los Angeles history.  There wasn't any deep dive, but there were interesting comments about the Hollywood sign and our police department's role in our history.

I did happen to capture this photo of Betty White -- slightly out of focus.


 

Assessment:  I was jumping from panel to panel so I didn't get a great feel for the Festival, but . . . I did get the sense that there were fewer people at the Festival versus when it was over at UCLA.  And maybe just maybe fewer exhibitors.  Sorry, I am bias towards UCLA.  On the other hand, the advantage of USC seems to be the room sizes for the panel discussions.  I just got this sense that the rooms are larger (obviously, UCLA has some big halls such as Royce), meaning it is easier to get into a panel -- of course, this could also be due to my sense that fewer folks were attending this year.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Final Choices: Extending Life or Prolonging Death?

The following bios are taken from the festival guide.

Judy Citko:  is the executive director of the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California.  Prior to joining the coalition she worked as a lobbyist, lawyer and computer programmer for hospitals, skilled-nursing facilities and manged-care providers.

Gene Dorio: is a geriatric physician in Santa Clarita specializing in the complicated issues of end-of-life care.  He believes that defining one's diminishing quality of life and beginning a discussion of palliative and hospice care are essential in the physician/patient conversation.

Susan Enguidanos: is assistant professor at the Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California.  She has more than 10 years' experience conducting research in aging, with a focus on geriatric health and end-of-life care issues.

Neil Wenger: is professor of medicine at UCLA and a consulting researcher at the RAND Corp.  He is director of the UCLA Healthcare Ethics Center and is chair of the ethics committee at the UCLA Medical Center.

The following is my interpretation of the panel discussion and no doubt contains errors.

Wenger:  We live in a great place, world class care, but we're about to enter a difficult phase.  The number of older people are growing.  In 2030, 5.4% will be 80 or order.  These people need medical care.  We over-use highly technical care.  We have 26 MRI machines per million.  Canada has about 5 or 6.  Incentives are aligned to do more.  We spend 16-18% of GDP on national health care.  We don't have adequate communicate on illnesses and how technology can be useful.  Example, we can get you a new liver or heart.  But if we can't, you can spend weeks in a hospital until you die.

We as individuals need to answer certain questions:  What treatments do we want?  Do we want to be on a ventilator?  Do we want to be with our kids?

Example of problems with medical care.  A patient has lung cancer and will die.  But we only give him medication a week at a time.  Someone has to go stand in line for four hours to get him his medication.  Someone can't always do this on a timely basis.  Sometimes he must suffer.

Dorio:  When he helps the elderly he sees his dad or himself.  Listens, discusses.  Final choices must be part of the decisions.

Some of his ideas to re-do health care in America:  force Congress to be on medicare, greater focus on the right to die, house calls, better run senior centers.

Doctors often don't talk to patients about death as they don't have time.

Enguidanos:  A hospice is meant to get the most out of your final days.  Hospice means you forgo attempts for a cure.  At Kaiser they pursue palliative care where you can still get services, but at home.  It has found to improve longevity at a lower cost -- 1/3 lower costs.

Citko:  Relationship with death is difficult.  We're living longer with cronic conditions.  We need to deal with this advance illness.  We all need advance care planning:  Advance Directive.  You need someone to speak for you if you can't do so.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books: Writing the Sports Biography

The following are bios taken from the Festival guide.

Madelyn Cain: has written for USA Today and the Utne Reader, as well as for stage and television.  Currently she teaches nonfiction in the Master of Professional Writing program at USC.  Cain also lectures on women's issues and conducts writing seminars.  She has been a guest on "Anderson Cooper 360," NPR and CNN.

Steven Travers: is a USC graduate and ex-professional baseball player.  He is the author of the best-selling book "Barry Bonds: Baseballs Superman." He is also the author of "The USC Trojans: College Football's All-Time Greatest Dynasty" and "One Night, Two Teams: Alabama vs. USC and the Game that Changed the Nation."

The following is my interpretation of the panel discussion and probably contains plenty of errors.

Cain:  Wrote a book about Laffit Pincay.  Ran into him at a party.  He has the most wins of all time.  He was forced to retire due to a broken neck.  He had a personal push, a passion for riding.  He is an athlete who pushes the human being.

He had a wife who committed suicide at home, with their two kids there.  She suffered from depression.

Personal triumph was winning the Kentucky Derby.  His mother couldn't watch the race.  Mother met him at the airport.

He had a very strict diet.  Coffee in the morning along with an egg.  Later he'd have a small steak and broccoli.  He raced on 600 calories a day.  Doctor said he'd kill himself so he worked with a nutricionist to vary his diet.

As he was coming close to breaking the all time win record, he was accused of throwing a race.  The FBI called him.  He took a lie detector test and failed.  His wife was the only other person who knew about this investigation. He was eventually cleared, but it still took away from a joyful event.

A great story.  Rags to riches story.

Travers:  Always enjoyed sports history.  A story about a person, but tries to marry subject matter with the city.  He wrote a book about Tom Seaver, who isn't particularly an exciting person, but has an exciting history.  He came out of high school without being considered a prospect.  He joined the marine corps.  He grew three inches.  He decided to try out for the baseball team at Fresno City College.

Seaver was a perfectionist even now as he builds wine cellars.  A very structured person in terms of dress, marriage, family.  Was faithful to his wife.  This structure gave him his mental edge.

His pitching style was meant to take stress off his arm and shoulder.

He had a sense of humor.  Was friendly with opponents, but come game day he dressed like a Wall Street Banker -- as if he was going to work.

A story about a kid who wasn't that great of a baseball player, but developed later into a great one.