Guy Blakeslee at Pehrspace

Guy Blakeslee has a fan base. A good crowd showed up early at Pehrspace to cheer on their musician. The night was associated with The New LA Folk Fest. What was so intriguing about the night is how much care was put into decorating Pehrspace.  Mats on the floor that indicated that folks should sit for the set.  Bird cages, birds (fake), dolls, and skulls decorated the front of the stage.  Fabric draped the ceiling.  It made for an enjoyable experience.

A view of San Francisco: Chinatown

A view of San Francisco: Chinatown

A view of San Francisco: Financial District

A view of San Francisco: Financial District

A view of San Francisco: Financial District

Microsoft Surface

So I bought a Microsoft Surface tablet as I was going to be spending a lot of time in San Francisco and wanted something that was light weight.

What do I think?

Well, I don't have much to compare to, but I would give the Surface only an okay score.

My big disappointment is the keyboard.  The mouse pad can go a little haywire at times.  In fact, as I'm typing this blog post the pad is driving me crazy.  Also, at times, while using the keyboard the curser disappears and you are forced to use the touchscreen.

Also, at times, a random key stroke can cause the strangest results on what you see on the screen. 

What is good:  I do like the fact that it connects well to WiFi.  Also, I love the fact that it has Excel and Powerpoint.  I've used these two software a number of times.

A View of San Francisco: Mission District

A View of San Francisco: Mission District

A View of San Francisco: Mission District

Dante vs Zombies at The Smell

I'm rather sure that the last time I saw Dante vs. Zombies was way back at a Silver Lake Jubilee.  That was just way too long ago.  With band mates from Raw Geronimo and Jail Weddings -- and perhaps others -- there are wonderful mixes of energy in this band.

Persona at The Smell

Persona rocked the stage at The Smell.  Charisma.  On stage antics.  A rocking sound and an adoring audience.  That's Persona.

A Neutra house on Silver Lake

I got a chance to head over to the Neutra VDL house.

Since I'm no architect, I'll let the website explain the house:

Looking across Silver Lake reservoir to the opposite eastern shore one could see, by the end of 1933, a recently completed radically “modern” two-story house: a markedly horizontal composition with a repetition of identical casement windows running from edge to edge of its box-like form; a simple volume defined by a skin like enclosure and capped by a thin flat roof plane; a façade without the distractions of color or ornament. This house was the embodiment of then current European avant-garde design scarcely known to the people of Los Angeles.

Some of my thoughts:  I loved the two kitchens (one on each level).  I loved the rooftop.  I didn't exactly like the size of the bedrooms.  In one bedroom, there were a long row of buttons -- I couldn't help but wonder what they controlled.

A view of Silver Lake

A View of San Francisco: Mission Street

Stripper Pussy at The Smell

Stripper Pussy is the type of band I'm used to seeing at The Smell.  Playing off the stage.  Slamming into the crowd.  Playing with the lights down.  Screeching.

 

Pure Shit at The Smell

Pure Shit is a guy with a bass who does some political poetry followed by some rifts. 

Suzi Star at The Smell

If you only occasionally go to The Smell (me), you never know what you'll find. The night started with Suzi Star.  The Smell's link to her site is a long forgotten myspace page.  She ha an esoteric sound that sends one into an electronic trace.  She sat on the floor with two keyboards at her disposal.  On at least one occasion she played one with her hands while using her feet on another.     

Winter/Spring 2013 Movie rankings

I didn't got to the movies as often as I usually do these past few months.  I got hit with a bit of unfortunate news on the employment front that had me pre-occupied with other issues.  I did go out to catch a handful of movies.  Below are my rankings.

Fun

Side Effects
Oz The Great and Powerful

OK

Warm Bodies

Lost

Stoker
Spring Breakers

A Movie Review: Spring Breakers

Spring Breakers. Hmm. Hot young starlets. Some wannabe gangsters going at it. Hey, doesn't that sound like an interesting movie.  Well, add in some over-the-top film directing and you're actually left with eye candy junk.

A Movie Review: Stoker

Stoker. If you like a movie about demented people with not a shred of a moral compass, this movie is for you.  For the rest of us, I think you leave the movie feeling sick.

A Movie Review: Oz the Great and Powerful

Oz the Great and Powerful. A well acted movie with a wonderful imagination.

A Movie Review: Side Effects

Side Effects. This is an intriguing movie about possible side effects of drugs that we take.  I will admit that the ending was easy to see after a bit, but it was still well worth a watch.

The Mots Nouveaux at Hotel Cafe

It was way too long since I last saw The Mots Nouveaux.  The wonder of the 1920s.

Totsy at Hotel Cafe

Sometimes you run into the most amazing bands by accident and so it was with Totsy. I was going to Hotel Cafe to catch The Mots Nouveaux. I got there a little early and was expecting that the stage would be in transition between The Mots Nouveaux and the previous band.  Instead, I got to catch at least half of Totsy's set. I'm happy I got the opportunity.  This band has a burlesque pop sound with songs that range from high energy to sweet melodies.

Comment of the set:  We get you all excited, then we put you to sleep.  I'm going to be a great mom.

Abbot Kinney at Silverlake Lounge

Abbot Kinney hit the stage after The Moth and The Flame.  Passionate lead.  Bassist that moves where ever the inspiration leads.  

The Moth and The Flame at Silverlake Lounge

The Moth and The Flame was just starting their set when I walked into the Silverlake Lounge.  First off, the place was packed.  I haven't seen it that packed in a very long time.  Second, I understood immediately why as their set was a musical wonder.

A Movie Review: Warm Bodies

Warm Bodies. Can zombies find love?  In this sweet teen love story, the answer is yes.  This is a zombie movie, but you won't find yourself scared at every turn.  Instead, you get a sweet love story.  Is it a classic zombie spoof?  No, but it is good enough that it is worth a viewing.