Angela's Massacre

Music Video commentary from a 2 1/2 year old:

2012-01-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

My 2 1/2 year old niece Ruby totally cracks me up. She wakes me up in the morning with little pats of her hands on the couch, stands over me and says something like "wanna paint?"...it's usually 7am, on the dot.

A new fun thing she likes to do with me is watch music videos on my laptop, as I put a Lady Gaga lightning bolt on her face (sometimes, she'll try to do mine too). Her video commentary kills me...

- "Why can't she get in any of the doors?" (jail cells)
- (squeals!) "Everyone's dancing in their bathing suits!" (basically naked girls)
- "Everyone's so sleepy" (Beyonce killing everyone)

- "It's a party!"
- "What's she drinking?" (singing into the microphone)
- "She's making a big big mess" (spraying champagne everywhere)
- "She's got her own pool!" (humping a blowup whale in a kiddie pool)

For some reason, this video has become her favorite one? She originally hated it, but now asks for it all the time saying "I want the pie in the face video!" - and laughs her head off when they're dressed as nerds at the beginning.

She is ridiculous.

DARK WAVE! (new zine)

2012-01-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

Dark Wave is a new 70-page zine by Jay Howell, that I've been so stoked for, for months now. I like to tell Jay that Dark Wave is my cartoon boyfriend. He's kind of the coolest cartoon dude ever!

This new little promo for the release party was animated by Jim Dirschberger (Eighty Four Films), with doomsday music by Scott McPhearson. I seriously cannot wait for this to be released/the party. I'm scared.

Also, super proud of my friends! Yeah buddies!

Refused Are Fucking Dead (sorry)

2012-01-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

As much as I was excited when the official announcement that Refused were in fact reuniting for Coachella was released, after a few days of thinking about it, I'm actually kinda bummed...

Reuniting for Coachella is everything that Refused ~~are~~ were? against. If anyone remembers, when they called it quits, there was an essay-like press release written as to why they broke up. The very last paragraph is amazing and super powerful - it encompasses everything Refused stood for:

"So what now??? We will continue to, at every attempt, overthrow the class system, burn museums and to strangle the great lie that we call culture. We will continue with new projects and forces to do everything that is in our power to overthrow the capitalist structure that alienates us from every aspect of life and living, smash the reification that forces us to dress in outdated identities and rules: we will continue to demand revolution here and now, and not in some vague future that all reactionary leftist fundamentalists and reformists are talking about. We want every day and every action to be a manifestation of love, joy, confusion and revolt.This is the last that we have to say about it, WE WILL NOT GIVE INTERVIEWS TO STUPID REPORTERS who still haven¥t got anything of what we are all about, we will never play together again and we will never try to glorify or celebrate what was. All that we have to say has been said here or in our music/manifestos/lyrics and if that is not enough you are not likely to get it anyway. WE THEREFORE DEMAND THAT EVERY NEWSPAPER BURN ALL THEIR PHOTOS OF REFUSED so that we will no longer be tortured with memories of a time gone by and the mythmaking that single-minded and incompetent journalism offers us. Instead we need to look forward. We got everything to win and nothing but our boredom to lose."

(Read the entire press release HERE)

No doubt it would be amazing to see them - "The Shape Of Punk To Come" is one of my top 10 favorite albums of all time. I remember having tickets to see them in 1998, at the Kathedral (!!!), but they disbanded and cancelled the tour before the show even happened. I think I paid like $13 for my ticket.

Their very last show was in a basement of a house somewhere in America, but was shut down by police...It's sort of ridiculous, and goes against everything they preached forever, that their very first show in 14 years is going to be at a 3 day music festival, with 500,000 people, at $300 per ticket (closer to $400, after service fees. Uugh...)

100% their playing this show for piles and piles of money.

I'll be honest - If they do add more tour dates, and end up playing proper shows, I will most likely go see them. Until then, I feel a little disappointed that they're rehashing their career at Coachella - which is essentially like New Years Eve. All the time. For three days. And no party hats, just drunk girls screaming, overzealous squares taking too many hits and more sloppy hornballs than should be legally permitted to lustfully congregate in the same space. [miaminewstimes]

Sorry.

MYOLJ 4.0 - 1 Year Anniversary, tonight!

2012-01-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hey dudes! Tonight is Met You On Livejournal, 4.0. We are celebrating our 1 year anniversary - just like last year, the weather is super gloomy, with a looming snowstorm. We packed the place last year during an outrageous snowstorm, so surely we can do it again tonight!

As usual, it's a night of emo, screamo, and pop punk music, played by:

killing_girls (Antonella)
hardcoresnaps (me)
timmcready (Tim)

+ live set by emo cover band DEAR DIARY!

JAWBREAKER, THE PROMISE RING. SAVES THE DAY, FURTHER SEEMS FOREVER, JIMMY EAT WORLD, ALKALINE TRIO, SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE, BRAND NEW, TAKING BACK SUNDAY, GRADE, AMERICAN FOOTBALL, MOVIELIFE, PIEBALD, NEW FOUND GLORY, WEEZER, THE WEAKERTHANS, FALL OUT BOY, REFUSED, DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL, DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, MINERAL, THE BLOOD BROTHERS, THURSDAY ETC., ETC...

...we promise not to play anything after 2006.

In light of Refused and At The Drive-In announcing their reunions this week, we're taking that as a good omen for our party tonight. Super stoked!

10pm-2am
no cover.
no crybabies.

The Shop under Parts & Labour
1566 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON M6R 1A6

Facebook RSVP & info HERE

Trash Talk x Creature Skateboards (new video)

2012-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

My best buddy Jay Howell and radical dude Jim Dirschberger just released the animated video they did together for hardcore band Trash Talk, in conjunction with Creature Skateboards.

It's super fun! Those guys are the jammmmmmm!

Watch the video here:

Bowling & bowling tattoos?

2012-01-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the train to Oakville to hangout with Tim. For some reason I've really, really wanted to go bowling over the last 2 weeks. I brought up the idea to Tim and he was all for it too! He's also been talking about wanting to tattoo something on me for a couple of months now - so being goofy, we agreed to do matching bowling tattoos.

There ended up being 5 of us who went bowling. We played 5 or 6 rounds of regular bowling, then it turned into glow-in-the-dark bowling, which greatly increased our game playing.

Totally a fun night!

Friday night:

2012-01-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

Jayme and I are mental. Friday night we went to our friend's synth night at The Beaver, drank a million beers and had tons of fun.

(Photobooth) Vacations

2012-01-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Ruby and I took a few vacations last night...they all went pretty well, except for Yosimite?

Why are photobooth effects so crappy looking?

New Years Eve 2011/2012

2012-01-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve was spent with my good friends Stephanie, Julie and Dan. Although I had a bad head-cold, I got dressed up and forced myself through it. I also thought about wrapping my hand up for the night, which now I sort of wish I had, 'cause it's been soooo achy since.

We started the night out with a pizza party and champagne toasts at Stephanie's house, then headed to The Garrison for Chronologic - a DJ party where they play music ranging from 1890-present, played in order. Kind of cool. We celebrated New Years there, sipping drinks and having a dance party.

Afterwards, Stephanie and I went to 751...I woke up with 1 mysterious black leather glove in my purse, majorly congested and my hand screaming at me. I spent all day yesterday watching Metal Evolution on Much More Music, and in and out of sleep.

Although I was sick, I had a really fun time, with good people. I hope you all had a fun, safe New Years Eve. Happy 2012!

2011 in review:

2012-01-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

2011 was a weird year. It seems like that's the general consensus for a lot of people I've talked to. That doesn't mean it was a bad year - it's just been an off one. There's been a ton of good to go alone with the weird though:

WORK:
In February, I started to work at Project One Gallery full-time. I did a lot of different things, until finally settling into the Assistant Gallery Director position I was offered. Doing artshows are one of my favorite things - I pour my entire self into them, executing really awesome layouts, installations and transforming the gallery into something totally new every month. It rules!

Lords vs. CoBraS was one of my favorite projects of 2011. I coordinated 2 graffiti crews, for the first time, to paint a massive mural inside the gallery. With 4 industrial sized fans blowing for 3 days, we managed to get the paint smell out in time, for possibly our biggest opening of the year!

---

Monster Show was another show that I'm so proud of doing this year. It was a short 2 week exhibit, that was up specially for Halloween. All the pieces were horror movie, monster movie, urban legend and sci-fi/cult film inspired.

For the opening party, all the staff were done up in Día de Muertos paint, which looked awesome!

TRAVEL:
I've been lucky enough to travel a bunch of different times throughout this year --

In April, Jayme, Niall and I went to Detroit for Jayme's birthday. We explored abandoned buildings, saw The Black Lips play and had a pizza party in our hotel bed while watching Roseanne.

In May, I went to LA to spend a few days with my darling friend Stacy, and my now friend Emil. They were there shooting a music video, and since they live in London, I had to take the chance to see them during their stay in California. We had a ridiculous time, went on the biggest rollercoasters imaginable, rode mechanical bulls, and had 'destiny drinks' with British comedian, Fone Jacker.

June I went to New York to see friends, and go to Jeremy's art opening. I got to hangout with Christina for the first time in a couple of years, roamed the streets with Drea all week, hungout with a bunch of Toronto friends who happened to be in NY too, and saw Mos Def play in a park in Brooklyn. It was also 10000 degrees outside.

I had tons of fun, but I still don't really like New York.

In September/October I finally got to travel to Europe. I was in London for 10 days, and loved every single moment of it! Amy and I had gothy adventures to cemeteries, told ghost stories and went to a birthday party in the middle of a field where we shot off fireworks and played with sparklers

Stacy and I had the best time as well! We went out for good pizza, saw The Get Up Kids, then metup with Emil and recreated our party trio from LA. It ruled. So much so, I nearly missed my flight home!

Before London I made a surprise stopover in Toronto for 4 days. My dad was in on the secret and picked me up from the airport, and took me to my sister's house. I rang the bell and when she answered the door she was so shocked!

In addition to traveling, my friends and I would have Epic Sundays where we drive to another city and find adventures, like going cherry picking, to waterparks, fake beach pools, etc. I also drove down to LA a couple of times throughout the year too.

FAMILY & FRIENDS:

In January, my sister gave birth to Greydon, one of the happiest little babies, with the most gigantic blue eyes. His first birthday is in a couple of weeks, and I'm happy I get to be home to celebrate it!

My middle sister Janine got engaged! She's getting married this September. I'm so happy for her! My dad and Alex also got engaged, after 8 years. They're getting married in August on the party deck at my dad's house.

In September my dear friend Matthew died. I've never felt pain in my heart so bad, since my mom died, 10 years ago. I'll miss you forever, MJR. xo.

To my friends who have always been there, and all the ones I've become closer with over the past year - you constantly inspire me, and make me proud. Surrounding myself with such hardworking, creative, successful people, pushes me to be that way too, and I love it. I feel lucky to have you all in my life/to be a part of yours.

I have some really amazing friends, who mean the world to me. Thank you, everyone!

OTHER THINGS

- Got tattooed by one of my favorite tattoo artists, Todd Noble Holloway.
- I was robbed at knifepoint.
- Bleached my hair blonde (worst idea I've ever had!)
- Saw Alkaline Trio 4 times.
- Stole a backpack full of beer from Tommy Lee at Outside Lands.

- Hungout with Pete Wentz.
- Volunteered at 826 Valencia, tutoring kids after school.
- Hung an artshow at City Hall in San Francisco.
- Saw sealions moon-bathing on a beach (it was incredible)
- Went to a Star Trek convention?

- Did a spontaneous photoshoot with Ruthie with 2L of fake blood.

2012:
There's lots of projects already on the go for 2012, and I can't wait.

The soonest one being our February show at P1, which is an exhibit based on symbols. The entire show/gallery in itself is going to be a puzzle to unfold - like our own little Da Vinci code.

Featuring work by:
Dom Smith
Michael Maes
Ryan De La Hoz
Scott Move
Louis Reith
Victor Wild
Jet Martinez
Robert Ogden

More details soon, however show opens on Wednesday, February 29th!

____

2011 ended with me having a really terrible head cold and a possible fractured hand. I'm pretty happy to be starting a new year. Bring it on 2012.
Happy New Year, everyone!

My Top 5s of 2011

2011-12-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

***all lists are in no particular order***

TOP FIVE ALBUMS:

1. The Weeknd "House Of Balloons"
2. Ryan Adams "Ashes & Fire"
3. Male Bonding "Endless Now"
4. Yuck "Yuck"
5. Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room "Hurricane Season"

TOP FIVE ALBUMS I NEVER KNEW BEFORE, BUT NOW LOVE:

1. Pictureplane "Dark Rift"(released 2009)
2. The Mountain Goats "Heretic Pride" (released 2008)
3. Sea Wolf "Leaves In The River"(released 2007)
4. Boduf Songs "Boduf Songs" (released 2005)
5. Le Loup "Family" (released 2009)

TOP FIVE CONCERTS:

1. Sleigh Bells @ The Independent (San Francisco, CA.)
2. Aesop Rocks @ Great American Music Hall (San Francisco, CA.)
3. Girl Talk @ Outside Lands - Golden Gate Park (San Francisco, CA.)
4. Alkaline Trio @ Bottom Of The Hill (San Francisco, CA.)
5. Salem @ 103 Harriet (San Francisco, CA.)

TOP FIVE MOVIES:

1. The Muppets
2. Hesher
3. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn
4. 30 Minutes Or Less
5. Scream 4

TOP FIVE MUSIC VIDEOS:

1. Beastie Boys "Make Some Noise" - directed by: MCA
2. Kanye West – “Monster” (Feat. Bon Iver, Rick Ross, Jay-Z & Nicki Minaj) - directed by: Jake Nava
3. Cults “Go Outside” - directed by: Isaiah Seret
4. Foo Fighters "Walk" - directed by: Sam Jones
5. Black Lips "Raw Meat" - directed by: Phil Pinto

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

For the first time, Christmas was spent at The Beanhole's house. The past few days have been filled with lots of family time, playing games, eating a zillion snacks/drinking mimosas & beer, going to the market, doing our nails fancy, watching movies, and Ruby teaching me how to feed kitty statues at my grandma's house. It's been awesome:

I hope you all had fun Christmasy times with your loved ones.
5 more days left of 2011.
xoxo.

San Francisco - Toronto (live- blogging!)

2011-12-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

Hello.

I have been at the airport since 6:30pm hanging out, and waiting for my flight. In preparation of it being totally mental for Christmastime rush, I got to the airport way early. It was too much time early, so I went to the airport bar to kill time. Beers are a zillion dollars there, but thankfully the bartender was totally cool and gave me 2 beers free?.. It ruled. In the meantime, I've been listening to Sam Cooke and been thinking of a dear friend.

Miss you, MJR. Happy birthday.
Be home tomorrow morning, Toronto.
xoxox.

Decent Exposure (holiday edition!)

2011-12-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight Sam and I are hosting Decent Exposure - this time with a little holiday cheer.

Come celebrate the holidays at Project One Gallery, with our holiday edition of Decent Exposure: Art trading and selling night. Pickup great/affordable one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists, enjoy some drinks at our newly renovated bar, listen to good music, and feel festive. Sam is also going to have a batch of his tasty mulled wine - it's like liquid cinnamon buns!

HOW IT WORKS:
Everyone is welcomed to take part! Meet new artists, buy their work, or offer to trade yours with theirs/vice versa. Tables are first-come-first-serve, so if you're planning to setup, please arrive early. We also have flat boards to hang prints and works on paper for sale.

+ We will be hosting a food drive. Bring 4 cans of non-perishable food, and receive 1 free tallcan or glass of wine, as a thank you!

**also, a good time to checkout Rene Garcia Jr.'s "Satisfaction Guaranteed" exhibit, currently on display in the gallery.

5pm-10pm
21+

PROJECT ONE GALLERY
251 Rhode Island Street (between 15th & 16th)
San Francisco, CA. 94103

Oh no!!!

2011-12-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

Not only did I trip and fall really hard on a sidewalk last night, I just discovered I chipped one of my teeth :(

December in California:

2011-12-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

I spent most of yesterday here. I am not mad about this at all.

Shit Girls Say / Graydon Sheppard

2011-12-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

A couple days ago, a friend sent me a youtube link over ichat titled "Shit Girls Say". When I opened it I first read Graydon Sheppard and Kyle Humphrey directed it in the description. After a few seconds of watching it, realized that it also is Graydon starring in the clip, dressed as a girl, rhyming off lines that typically, every girl says. I started screaming and laughing my head off at the same time over how completely ridiculous it is. Then Juliette Lewis comes in! What!

It is blowing my mind at how quickly this caught fire though.. when I first watched it, it was at 300 hits. This morning 1,400,000...and just checking now, 2,553,230 (and climbing). WHAT!!!?

Shit Girls Say started as a joke Twitter account (which I already followed), but had no clue Graydon was behind it. Every line is funny, because they're so typical and normal. I'm not going to lie, I basically say all of them.

My predictions for SGS: SNL spoofs, Ellen Degeneres and so many celebrities wanting to be in other episodes.

Graydon is an insanely talented friend of mine. Him and I worked together at Revolver Film Company for close to 6 years. He's got such a artistically weird, creative and hilarious brain, that always comes up with really cool/really strange ideas. He produces amazing music videos, photographs, beautiful design work (ex: recently did the cover for the new Feist album), and thinks up really funny costumes (Friend Record from "Size Small Island" is the best costume any of my friends has had, ever!)

When not dressed as a lady, he's also a handsome babe.
Love you Graydo! I'm so proud of you!

P1 Christmas Party!

2011-12-12T14:19:00.001-08:00

Last night the entire Project One crew celebrated the holidays together, with dinner at The Slanted Door, then popped so many bottles of champagne, danced and had such a fun time at Otis Lounge.

I'm truly lucky to work with such amazing, kind, cool, fun people. Brooke & Steve are immensely generous for treating all of us to such a nice Christmasy evening. THANK YOU!! xo.

HOLIDAY MIX 2011!

2011-12-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

Keeping with tradition, here is my Holiday Mix for 2011. I usually make actual copies on a disc, and mail them out to you, but my computer disc drive just died. Uploading it also makes it very easy to share, and for you to share with other people as well. I wish you all the happiest of holidays, wherever you happen to be. I hope this year's mix makes you feel super festive!

Much love,
angela.

HOLIDAY MIX 2011
(click to download)

1. Sufjan Stevens "Put Lights On The Tree"
2. Ash Reiter "Christmas In California"
3. Eux Autres "Teenage Christmas"
4. She & Him "Christmas Wish"
5. Bright Eyes "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
6. Ingo Star Cruiser "Just Like Christmas"
7. The Smithereens "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Raindeer"
8. The Mynabirds "All I Want Is Truth (For Christmas)"
9. Starflyer 59 "Christmas Time Is Here"
10. Summer Camp "Christmas Wrapping"
11. Janelle Monáe "Winter Wonderland"
12. The Futurheads "Christmas Was Better In The 80's"
13. The Wombats "Is This Christmas?"
14. The Ravonettes "Come On Santa"
15. The Boy Least Likely To "Christmas Isn't Christmas"
16. The Decemberists "Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)"
17. Lady Gaga "White Christmas"
18. The Killers "Great Big Sled"
19. Greg Parkins "What Child Is This?"
20. Florence And The Machine "Last Christmas"

+ as a bonus, I've made 2 mixes this year, on account of my sister really wanting me to use the newest version of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber. If you're into fun pop hits, here is an additional Holiday Mix for you to download as well. xo.

HOLIDAY POP MIX!
(click to download)

1. Britney Spears "My Only Wish (This Year)"
2. TLC "Sleigh Ride"
3. Christina Aguilera "Angels We Have Heard On High"
4. R. Kelly "A Love Letter Christmas"
5. The Lonely Island feat. Justin Timberlake "Dick In A Box"
6. Kylie Minogue "Let It Snow"
7. Mariah Carey & Justin Bieber "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
8. Katy Perry "White Christmas"
9. Steps "Merry X-Mas Everybody"
10. Jackson 5 "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"
11. Spice Girls "Christmas Wrapping"
12. No Doubt "Oi To The World"
13. Kylie Minogue "Santa Baby"
14. Backstreet Boys "Christmas Time"
15. Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
16. Hilary Duff "Santa Claus Lane"

Home Alone

2011-12-10T19:30:00.000-08:00

Last night a group of us went to see "Home Alone" at the Castro Theatre. It's hands-down my favorite movie of all time. I've probably seen it 200 times, know every single part by-heart, still laugh at the jokes and will never get sick of it. It was a Midnites Maniacs night, doing a John Hughes holiday triple-feature. We only stayed for Home Alone though, which was playing first.

It's crazy to think that movie came out 21 years ago! I remember it took my parents 3 weekends in a row for us to actually get tickets to see it, 'cause every show was sold out. I was 8, and Macaulay Culkin became my first huge crush. Whoa.

The original trailer for the movie is kind of funny, because it's there are some line changes, as well as the man in the store was deleted, and it's just the woman clerk talking to him. It also makes the movie look sooooo old:

Last night:

2011-12-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

Last night Monti and I homemade pizzas for everyone, wore weird french masks that blend into your face and turn you into the strangest looking cartoon characters, and had intense laughing fits during rounds of Balderdash. I love my friends!

David Cook is a good pen-pal too!

2011-12-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was like Christmas in my mailbox! I not only got 3 packages delivered (Christmas gifts bought online), but I got an envelope filled with original drawings and stickers by my friend/sick artist David Cook, in New York.

David M. Cook, Louisville born and now living in Brooklyn, NY. His art, made in markers on paper, is strongly inspired by traditional americana, with some pop influences and a heavy base of pattern work, solid geometry and all things macabre [Juxtapoz]. Click on his name above to checkout more of his artwork. His drawings are really rad!

Thanks so much, buds!!

I won custom Vans!

2011-12-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago I filled out the customer survey on my Vans store receipt.. I completely forgot I had, until I got an email this morning from Vans, saying I won a pair of custom shoes, that I get to design myself! So rad!

I've been making the most hideous combos, just for fun. Most likely I'm going to make black/white/red shoes (typical), but really, imagine if I actually made these???

In any case, I'm super stoked!
Thanks Vans!

Wheat-pasting / "Satisfaction Guaranteed"

2011-12-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

René Garcia Jr. and I spent last night wheat-pasting a massive wall in the gallery, with vintage-style ads, that you'd have found in the back of men's magazines in the 50's. It was a big job, but looks so awesome! Overtop of the ads are 2 huge pieces, in René's signature glitter-art style.

The whole show feels like a nostalgic carnival midway, mashed with a flirty adult peepshow, and funny novelties. Strap on your X-ray glasses, collect your proofs-of-purchase, and sneak a peek behind the beaded curtain as we delve into a world of mail order fantasy, groovy gimmicks and candy coated novelties with René Garcia, Jr. Inspired by vintage classifieds and flagrantly sexual marketing tricks, “Satisfaction Guaranteed” explores oft empty promises of fantasy fulfillment and other guilty pleasures. We are all suckers for fantasy and knowing it’s a fallacy doesn’t lessen its appeal.

Opens TONIGHT! See you here, San Francisco.

PROJECT ONE GALLERY
251 Rhode Island Street (between 15th & 16th)
San Francisco, CA.
94103

I love this so much:

2011-12-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Classic...auto-tuned

2011-12-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

I just rediscovered mine and my sister Janine's auto-tuned version of "The 12 Days Of Christmas" we recorded last year. I was laughing out loud so hard, I started crying. Some of the lyrics are written wrong on the app. which made us confused/bicker over what is actually sung in the song. We are idiots.

(TO LISTEN CLICK HERE)

*Holiday Mix 2011 will be posted this week for you to download and share. Lucky for you, this song is not on it. Ha!

Evil & weird photos that I love...has moved!

2011-12-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

Usually once a month I post 15-20 weird, evil and cool black & white photos that I collect. I have 1000+ of these photos saved in a file on my computer, that I'm constantly adding to. I started a tumblr so that I can keep them all together and organized on one page.

If interested, follow me here: angelasmassacre (tumblr)

Because I'll have them all contained on tumblr, I will no longer be posting them here...ok fine, maybe every so often they'll still creep onto this blog too. Hah.

Home Alone Pizza Party!

2011-12-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

Every December 1st I do the same thing:

Watch "Home Alone"*, eat cheese pizza, sip beers and do Christmas decorating around the house. I'm also almost finished my annual Holiday Mix (which will be posted for all to download & share soon!), and about to start drawing my cards to send out. I am so perfectly happy right now!

*Actually, tonight I'm watching "Home Alone 2: Lost In New York" - I have no idea where my dvd of the 1st one is? Janine?

Fun Fact:
I learned the other night that "Home Alone" in Italy is called "Mom, I Just Missed The Plane 1" and "Mom, I Just Missed The Plane 2". What in the world...?

Michael Hsiung is a good pen-pal.

2011-11-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

I've been running around since 7am, cleaning my house and doing a zillion loads of laundry. On my last trip back from the laundromat, I came home to a package smooshed under the welcome matt at my front door.

I got so many goodies sent to me, from radical dude, Michael Hsiung! All of this just made my whole day. Thanks so much, buddy. I'm currently putting together a return for you!

If you are unfamiliar with Michael's work, click on his name above to be linked to his website. His drawings are all black and white, with sometimes a little hint of red. They're super quirky, and often of overweight mermen, fancily clad gentlemen, and animals, inspired by mythology.

He also writes for the Vans art blog. Basically, he's an all around solid dude.

The Muppets movie + SoCal Thanksgivings

2011-11-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

I've been a little behind in blog posts over the past week, due to being all around Southern California, without my computer (which was totally nice, for a change!). Allie and I drove to LA on Tuesday night to hangout with Jay and Ruthie - we had hilarious Blink 182 sing alongs, ate In-n-Out and got caught in the worst traffic ever, going through Valencia.

The next morning, Jay came for breakfast with us at Bright Spot, then Allie and I drove to Hollywood to shop around and go see The Muppets movie. It was opening day, so the lines were crazy. While waiting to get into the El Capitan Theater, they gave us jingle bell bracelets and told us to 'ring your bells when you see Miss Piggy'. Little did we know, the whole movie takes place in the El Capitain theater..

I guess they were making things really special for opening day or something, because before the movie, Miss Piggy and Kermit The Frog came out on stage and sang Christmas carols with the audience. The next thing we knew, it started snowing inside the theater!! SO AWESOME!

Had we seen the movie anywhere else, it still would have been good - but because all the extra touches we got, it made it really, really great. I am still psyched on it!

The rest of the week was spent hanging out at Allie's parents house in Long Beach, helping her mom with Thanksgiving dinner, baking pies, and watching movies. We went on a nature walk and collected things to make her mom a centerpiece for the table - she was stoked!

I like how Thanksgiving in America feels just like Christmas - after dinner we watched Elf and Christmas Vacation, and drank hot chocolate in our jammies.

Friday, Taylor's family hosted a massive Thanksgiving dinner in Newport Beach. There were 30 people there, a ridiculous amount of food, and really great times were had. Afterwards, all the kids went out and drank too many beers. Ruh Roh..

I flew back to San Francisco Saturday afternoon. Being sick for over a week now, my flight sucked due to my lungs drowning in fluid and having a ruthless cough. That aside, this week was the jam!

Be Thankful: November 2011 playlist

2011-11-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hello. It's nearing the end of the month, which means it's due time for this month's playlist. These are all songs that I listened to over the last month, while spending time with friends, taking drives, or discovered on my own, and made me smile. Since it's Thanksgiving week here in America, I've titled November's playlist 'Be Thankful'.

I'm thankful for my family who always support me, even though I'm a huge weirdo and am all over the place sometimes with my life. I'm thankful for my friends, who are all wickedly incredible, talented and kind. I'm thankful for my job, who are amazing to me, and continuously give me great opportunities and freedom to be as creative as I like on projects. Basically, I'm pretty happy with everyone and everything around me, at the moment.

"I wouldn't trade my hand for all the aces in the deck"

- Alkaline Trio

I hope you have things that make you happy, and plenty to be thankful for.

Be Thankful: November 2011 playlist

(click to download)

1. Here We Go Magic "Only Pieces"

2. Rogue Wave "California"

3. Imperial Mammoth "Requiem of Water"

4. Le Loup "Morning Song"

5. Echo & The Bunnymen "The Killing Moon"

6. Laura Veirs "July Flame"

7. The Smiths "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now"

8. Aloha "Between The Walls"

9. The Searchers "Where Have All The Flowers Gone"

10. The Snake The Cross The Crown "Cotton Teeth"

11. Gotye feat. Kimbra "Somebody That I Used To Know"

12. Modest Mouse "Missed The Boat"

13. White Rose Movement "Love Is A Number"

14. Farmer Dave Scher "You Pick Me Up"

15. Shelby Pollard "Running"

16. The Weather "Built To Spill"

17. Beirut "Mimizan"

18. Ritualz feat. How I Quit Crack "Eye"

Friendsgiving

2011-11-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend about 20 of us drove to Santa Cruz to share Friendsgiving together. It wasn't very warm, but it was super sunny, and the beach was only a couple minutes walk from the house we rented. It was super cute, and a really fun time, with good people.

4 of us spent the day cooking dinner for everyone - none of us having ever made a turkey ourselves before - we figured it out, and everything tasted amazing! Sarah introduced us to a trick of squishing butter, sage and lemon slices underneath the skin. It's the jam, and I highly recommend you do this on a future turkey.

There was a hottub that we took advantage of, although it wasn't a very hot hottub. There was some kind of lock on the temperature, 'cause it wouldn't raise higher than 104. But, it did have a built in disco water light show, and mini-waterfall. For some reason the temperature started dropping?, which then just felt like we were all taking a bath together. It also started to rain, so we headed back inside.

Oh yeah, and Monti iced me with a 1L bottle. Wtf?

HAPPY FRIENDSGIVING!!

---

Allie and I are driving to Long Beach tomorrow night, to celebrate actual Thanksgiving on Thursday night with her family, then on Friday I'm going to Orange County to celebrate with Taylor's. I'm super psyched for this whole week!

To everyone having Thanksgiving this week, have a nice time with your family and friends <3

Hi, Pete Wentz!

2011-11-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

The club we were at last night was totally whack, but Marie and I made the best out of it. Pete Wentz DJed and did a remix of 'New Noise' by The Refused, which made my whole night!

Somehow we ended up at his VIP area, and jammed for a bit until he had to leave. When he was on his way out, he offered his whole bottle service to us. It was awkward, 'cause it was just the 2 of us left there, but also so ruling at the same time. Thanks dude!

Breaking Dawn part 1

2011-11-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

Last night Allie Zee and I turned into giddy 15 year olds, and went to a special double-feature at AMC of Eclipse and Breaking Dawn part 1. The theater put some money into the event, and gave everyone laminated passes that read "I was a guest at the wedding of this eternity", and even had a 'wedding guestbook' to write Bella & Edward well wishes...of course we signed it. It was totally nerdy/stupid, but also so much fun.

I don't care what anyone thinks, I totally love these movies, and was sooo psyched last night. Also, no gonna lie, I bawled my eyes out during the wedding scene. Aw snap.

Things shaped like food are funny

2011-11-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

I have quite the collection so far, of usable pouches, cases and pillows that look like real food. Thanks everyone who keep gifting me amazing food printed things. They make me laugh, constantly.

angelasmassacre vs. Megan Massacre

2011-11-13T12:53:00.000-08:00

On my Google analytics there always seem to be people who click their way to my blog, by searching for 'Megan Massacre'. I obviously had to look into who this is..

She's a 26 year old, tattoo artist on NY Ink. I guess she's like the new Kat Von D or something?

As most people know, I've been using 'angelasmassacre' as a handle since I was 18 (since she was 15). I hate that her name is 'massacre'. It's cooler than Woznicki (her real name), but come on. Says one of her favorite bands is Alkaline Trio, loves vampires, and she's now got bright red hair (seen above). Really....COME ON!

I'm not saying I'm entitled or anything, but the similarities are annoying. Who knows.. maybe we'd be friends in real life? Probably not though.

She looks like an ex-Suicide Girls or Model Mayhem slut, who's made it to TV. Good for you! I will give her this though - her portrait tattoo work is really nice.

Whomp whomp.

Pouring Kindness - new tattoo

2011-11-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Monti and I went to Goldfield's Tattoo and hungout with our friend Greg as he tattooed my leg. It's a new Jay Howell drawing called "Pouring Kindness" - it's like, remembering to be a good person, treat others as you want to be treated, and always be kind. I love it so much!

One dude is so stoked to give so much goodness to the other, and the guy receiving it is like "This is so awesome!!"

Jay's amazing, and one of my best buddies, so even more, this rules.
Greg is super rad too for banging this out. Thank you!

I'm excited for it to be all healed. All the colours will fadeout a lot lighter than they are now. It's going to look so cool!

Things I Google

2011-11-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

I read an article this morning called "Don't Judge Me By My Google", posted to Thought Catalogue. It made me laugh, and totally relate -

Everyone's guilty of searching weird things, asking google questions, bizarre things you wouldn't ever think existed, song lyrics, fun facts, how to do things, etc. When I open a new search window on my iPhone, I always laugh at myself when I see the last thing looked up, 'cause I don't use it there very often. Besides the funny factor of searches, I'm also really, really good at Google and can find even the most obscure image references for things.

Apparently at the Google offices, there's a live-feed of Google searches happening all around the world, on a massive screen in the lunch room. Someone can totally see how many times I've looked up Pete Wentz and photos of cats eating things.

Recent list of things I've Googled:

Hexadecimal from Reboot
Skinny Jonah Hill
Who is Heavy D?
Chalk illusionist
Smashing ice cream cone at drive-thru window
Domo Genesis mediafire
Cat eating hamburger
'medium write error' on macs
What is naproxen sodium?
Late night pizza delivery London
Frisbee inventor dies at 90
Alternative Press Expo
Tamagotchis

Hahaha @ myself.

Time to chillout

2011-11-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

*I don't remember the name of the artist who did this, but I love it so much. I'm pretty sure I got it from FecalFace.com - please forgive me for not being able to source you, whoever you are.

It's been a really long, work heavy week. Yesterday was extreme, but totally paid off. The show looks unlike anything we've done (black gallery), opening was amazing, we sold a ton of artwork, and Sonie and I were treated to manicures before the reception. It was great!

Doing 2 full tear downs/installations of a 2500 sq. ft. gallery, in 2 weeks, is really quite demanding. I'm proud of my self though! However, my body is tired, and I'm stoked to have a couple of days to hangout and do whatever.

It's 10:30am and I am currently still in bed (unusual for me, in general), listening to music and deciding where to take myself for breakfast. After going into work for a quick minute to take care of a couple of things, I plan on spending the day doing laundry/cleaning my room, and buying a new pair of Vans (finally!).

Tonight Drea and I are seeing Four Year Strong/Gallows and probably getting into trouble. I am psyched!

"Gold" (opening tomorrow)

2011-11-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to everyone who were involved in "Monster Show" - all the artists, friends and people who attended the opening. I'm super proud of that show, and all of you! It was a quick 2 week punch show, that was an awesome thing.

Onto the next one...

Tomorrow night we celebrate 3 years of Project One Gallery, with our "Gold" exhibit. It's a tribute to all the dreamers and thinkers, dating back to the California Gold Rush - the common thread throughout all the artwork is some form of gold. We've painted the gallery black to switch things up, with is going to make all the gold pop.

Thanks for all your love and support for us, San Francisco! Please join us tomorrow night.. I'll be in gold glitter tights for the occasion!

Project One Gallery
251 Rhode Island Street (between 15th & 16th)
San Francisco, CA.
94103

Halloween, 2011

2011-11-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

From Friday-Monday, my friends and I found fun everywhere, dressed in costume the whole time. Friday we ended up at a massive house party in a mansion, that looked like Beauty and the Beast should live there.

Our friend Scott lives there - he's a mental-case for having a party that big, but I'm glad he did. There were no less than 250 people inside and out, which was bonkers! A little overwhelming, but when people cleared out a little, it was so much fun!

Saturday night Sonie and I went to Deadmau5 - which is by far the biggest Halloween party I've ever been to. A 10,000 person stadium, and every single person was in costume. If you showed up and weren't, you'd have felt dumb. It was basically a gigantic rave, that was so much fun, simply because it was Halloween.

Afterwards we went to Project One for a double birthday party, where a live band were playing covers of songs from the '50s and '80s. We drank champagne and had a ridiculous time. Dexter and I then adventured over to Michelle's annual Halloween Birthday jam...at 3am. Better late than never!

Sunday I thought I was going to die...
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
†‡†△▲..................

Monday night was super mellow, but since it was for real Halloween, I couldn't not go out. I ditched my Donnie Darko skeleton suit, and dressed as an adorable doll. As I was waiting to go out, I also painted Satanic nails.

It was really good energy in the air last night. I loved seeing so many people out roaming, dressed up. Kids were trick-or-treating, and so many people were dressed up as bananas, which made me laugh. I went and had a drink with Courtney (dressed as Wednesday Adams), then rode my bike home.

All in all, Halloween 2011 was pretty radical.

Frank & Donnie Darko

2011-10-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

I've been dressed as Donnie Darko since Thursday night. Sort of a girlier version though, with skeleton tights and short black shorts, rather than the full suit, and the time the world is going to end on my arm. People who know the movie got me right away. If they didn't, they just assumed I was a skeleton. I needed someone to be Frank all weekend. My sister sent me a link that Pete Wentz went as Frank this year.

Where were you all weekend, dude?! You were my missing link!

More on Halloween soon...
Have fun tonight, little ghouls.

"Haunted Air" by Ossian Brown

2011-10-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ossian Brown was a member of the dark, magical electronic music group Coil. He just released a hardcover book, that's a collection of found photographs, from Halloweens past. He compiled his favorites from his personal collection, all dating between 1875 and 1955, into his book titled 'Haunted Air'. David Lynch wrote the introduction and Geoff Cox the afterword.

If you follow my blog, you're well aware I am fascinated with and collect old images of creepy and weird things, so this book is like a dream (Christmas is coming! *hint hint!) Here's a few excerpts from the book:

"I like to experience each photograph as a magical event, frozen in front of me. I'm drawn to pictures with a mood that 'oozes' into the normality of the moment, and changes it. It's important to me that there's nothing to disturb this, no detail in the composition or in the models posture that could interfere with that magic."

"I was somewhere else. I thought I was someplace but now I didn't know what place. I seemed to be inside foreign worlds where there was some kind of troubling camaraderie -- as if a haunting joke was known to everyone but me and yet faintly I knew it too."

"I'm excited by pictures where I can see a natural mutation has occurred, not just in the condition of the photograph, with mould spots and tears creating new and unimagined landscapes, but also from the passing down and inheritance of a costume, perhaps over many years."

"Wolf-Man, child-wraith, witch-wife, ghoul. Playful monsters. Familiar familiars, all strangely innocent, they caper, amuse, reassure. But as the eye is drawn closer, as the eye is set to wander - thorns in the cloth; ticks in the fur; weevils in the flour. A child's frantic distress."

Thanks to Greg for sending me this and making my whole morning!

More evil & weird photos that I love...

2011-10-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Halloween weekend! Yes!

2011-10-27T13:59:00.001-07:00

Last year was the best Halloween I can remember! I am super psyched for this year, too. Although actual Halloween falls on a Monday, that just means there's Friday-Monday of dressing-up fun! As always, there's a million things happening, so best thing to do is just ride bike around with your gang and stop everywhere. Luckily San Francisco is small, and unusually warm over Halloween, so it's perfect.

I've got to deinstall/start installation for the next artshow super late in the night on actual Halloween...I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep things going, and stay dressed up all next week. Just saying..

October 2011 playlist

2011-10-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

October has been super busy - normally I get the monthly playlist posted around the 15th, but I've had no time. Being busy rules though. Always working hard, and having fun on top of it all.

This month's playlist is a mash of songs that I collected through my travels - new bands I discovered that were playing in different stores in London, songs I really liked hearing on airplanes (I've taken 6 flights in 1 month!), as well as 1 track I fell in love with while eating fish & chips by the Camden locks. Since it's almost Halloween, I also threw in a Misfits cover + a song about transforming into a werewolf.

October 2011 playlist
(click to download)

1. Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room "Me and Denver"
2. Say Hi "Devils"
3. The Postelles "123 Stop"
4. Grouplove "Colours"
5. Delta Spirit "People, Turn Around"
6. The Fratellis "Whistle For The Choir"
7. The Chills "Frantic Drift"
8. Cat Stevens "Wild World"
9. The Beta Band "Brokenupadingdong"
10. Paddingtons "Kill A Fashion Killer"
11. The Misfits "Monster Mash"
12. ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead
"Stand In Silence"
13. The Replacements "Little Mascara"
14. Middle Brother "Someday"
15. Sea Wolf "The Cold, The Dark & The Silent"
16. Vetiver "Won't Be Me"
17. Blitzen Trapper "Furr"
18. Stornoway "Watching Birds"
19. Califone "3 Legged Animals"

Scary thigh tattoo!

2011-10-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting over a year to get my thigh tattooed by Todd Noble Holloway. He's one of my favorite tattoo artists in the world (from Salisbury, MD.), and I'm so happy he was finally able to make some time for me.

Yesterday, Jaren and I adventured out towards the airport for the State Of Grace Tattoo Convention - where weirdly enough, in the same hotel, there was a Toddlers In Tiaras convention happening too. Um...

He got his hand tattooed by Chad Koeplinger, while I hungout with Todd and he tattooed my thigh. It looks so evil and awesome! I love how it looks like spells are being casted. He's one of the best, and I am psyched! Throughout the day I also ran into a bunch of friends, saw some tattoo royalty, and limped happily home.

I tried to hangout for a bit last night on my stoop with everyone, 'cause it was super warm out, but was sooo completely drained --

Sorry Toronto dudes staying at my house. There was no way possible I could have been awake longer, let alone gone out. I hope last night ruled.

Highgate Cemetery

2011-10-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

Highgate Cemetery is one of the top 5 places I have ever visited before. It's one of the oldest cemeteries in the UK / biggest cemeteries in the world. It's super beautiful, and if I lived in London, I'd visit there all the time.

It's located in North London, in the borough of Camden/Islington. It is divided into two parts, named the East and West cemetery - East side is public to walk through, and West side is by guided tour only. The cemetery in its original form – the northwestern wooded area – opened in 1839, as part of a plan to provide seven large, modern cemeteries (known as the "Magnificent Seven") around the outside of London.

The inner-city cemeteries, mostly the graveyards attached to individual churches, had long been unable to cope with the number of burials and were seen as a hazard to health and an undignified way to treat the dead - as we were walking through the cemetery, we came across several headstones and plots that had yellow cation tape all around them, due to biohazard (zombie leaks!).

The Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon (topped by a huge Cedar of Lebanon) feature tombs, vaults and winding paths dug into hillsides. For its protection, the oldest section, which holds an impressive collection of Victorian mausoleums and gravestones, plus elaborately carved tombs, allows admission only in tour groups.

Common constituents of London weren't aware of the powers that were present in Highgate. Actually, the only people who were aware of it was the group of occult elitists who secretly funded and devised the construction of the cemetery.

Because the cult knew that the portal thrived on the energy of the dead, they handcrafted a cemetery right over top of the energy field that already made it possible for inter-realm travels. The result is a supercharged cell of energy that will allow anybody to travel to the underworld, as long as they know how to manipulate said energy. The energy, which is most present in what is known as the Egyptian Avenue part of the cemetery. This is the real reason why the area is only accessible by tour guides.

As I've said before, I am a skeptic as much as I am a believer of ghosts, supernatural things, etc.. When Amy and I were at Egyptian Avenue, we both had really strange feelings - through the 75+ photos I took in the cemetery, these few were the only ones that had anything weird about them. I'm not sure what it is, and I'm not a photographer to be able to dissect the photos, but whatever. They are beautiful and super creepy:

After the tour, we went over the the East side and spent so much time weaving through all the little paths. There were so many interesting epitaphs, and different ways of politely saying the person has died or moved on. My favorite one was a very clean looking headstone that simply read Be Still.

If you're in London, please make time to visit Highgate. It's incredible!

London pt. 3

2011-10-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

My last few days spent in London were really awesome.

I got up and went to visit Buckingham Palace. I learnt that if the flag is flying, the Queen is home. I spent some time walking around the gardens and wondering how many rooms the Queen actually hangs out in. That place is massive, and I bet one of those homes where you're afraid to touch anything, for fear of breaking things.

On my way back to the Tube I got a Dutch brownie, and was caught in the rain. Rats!

Stacy and I got together when she was done work to go to a '50s style hamburger place to eat dinner, then head to the Camden Underworld to see The Get Up Kids play. I've seen them probably 12 times in my life, and though this definitely was not the best I've heard them play, it was still really awesome because I was seeing them in London.

After the show, we befriended these 22 year old dudes who really wanted to hangout with us. We went to the pub upstairs from the venue and had a couple of drinks with them. Everything closes so early there! It was before midnight, and we were finding a taxi home. Stacy and I got snacks, and watched bad tv at home.

I spent the next day wandering around Camden Locks - getting totally lost in the maze of shops and stands throughout the market. I bought a new pair of the same sunglasses I've now lost like 4 times this year (all at airports!), ate fish & chips by the river and successfully navigated my way around London on The Tube.

I then went to Picadilly Circus and got really amazing ice cream and watched a street performer for nearly an hour. I was sucked into him immediately, 'cause he was doing contact juggling!! I've never seen it done in person, and let me tell you - it's soooo cool looking!

That night I hungout with my old friend Ben from Toronto, who's been touring around the UK with his band. Super random to have run into him there! We went to a couple of art openings, and went to Rough Trade for David Shrigley/Thee Oh Sees new 7" release party. Afterwards we ended up at a cafe where there were so many babes, food, beer and playing rave music. It ruled!

On My last full day there I went to Soho and found a really cool comic/zine store on Berwick Street. I spent quite a while there, and bought a handful of local zines and art magazines from London. There's a ton of record stores there too, so I weaved in and out of those. I also made friends with a tiny British kid, dressed like Tiny Tim, in a fabric store, who told me all about foxes and polar bears coming out at night to eat your face off? He made my day!

That night I made dinner for Stacy and I at her house, got ready and headed to Shoreditch--- to meetup with Emil and his friends. The combo of me, Stacy and Emil in LA a few months ago was bonkers, and this night was no different. He was in full party mode, and everyone was all on incredible levels of fun. There was even some dude who kept jumping up and dancing on the tables?

When the pub closed, we went back to Emil's with everyone to eat snacks, sip beers and listen to music - then around 3am, Stacy and I found our way home. We woke up late the next morning, and I nearly missed my flight.

I flew from London, Heathrow to New York - along my flight I experienced really horrible motion sickness, and threw up 3 times on the plane. It suuuuucked! Thankfully I had a 4 hour layover in New York, so I was able to eat something proper and settle my stomach, before another 6 hour flight to San Francisco.

All in all, my trip was amazing!
London is the best, and I'm so happy to have spent so much time with my friends out there. See you again soon, hopefully!

Installing an artshow (live blogging!)

2011-10-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Hello! I've been working non-stop for the last 2 days deinstalling our last show / installing our new show that opens tomorrow night, at Project One Gallery. I'm taking a break for a few minutes to eat a sandwich, and tell you guys about the show..

"Monster Show" is a big group show that pays tribute to classic monsters, ghouls, villains and horror movie characters, as well as sci-fi and cult films, and urban legends. It's also a perfect kickoff to Halloween!

We spent last night painting lurking shadows around the gallery (thank you Bo & Allie for wicked help!), and laying the show out. Today has been final hangings, and after this sandwich, I'm going to start on hand-painting the artists names on the wall.

Artists include:
Aiyana Udesen
Matt Furie
Robert Bowen
Jay Howell
Ryan De La Hoz
Justin Lovato
Nate Van Dyke
David Cook
Bo Heimlich
Audrey Erickson
Daryll Peirce
Erin McCarty
Sam Snowden
Allie Felton
Helen Bayly
Ben Walker
Matt Ritchie (Matt136)
Jesse Balmer
Isaac Bidwell
Daniel Fleres
Albert Reyes

Artist and guests are invited to dress up for the occasion. We're going to have horror movies screening all night, 2 radical DJs playing videogame/horror movie inspired music, plus a ton of surprises from the P1 crew.

If you're in San Francisco, tomorrow night is going to be the jam!
Hopefully see you here!

PROJECT ONE GALLERY
251 Rhode Island Street (between 15th & 16th)
San Francisco, CA. 94103

London pt. 2

2011-10-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

On our walk to Abby Road it was super dismal out. We got coffee and wandered around the streets, coming across a bridge with this endearing mural on it, which has been there since 1978. I love it, and think it's awesome that it's remained in tact for so long. After walking the wrong way for sort of a long time, we finally made it to Abby Road. Poor drivers who live there...hahaha.

I was so happy to finally be there in person. I spent a lot of time reading zillions of people's little notes to their favorite Beatle, or to the band as a whole. It reminded me of the Elliott Smith mural in LA, but way more gigantic. It's nice that so many people will forever care and leave their marks there. Of course, I had to too.

My mom was the biggest Beatle fan, so I found an empty brick and wrote her name with the date on it. She can hangout with those dudes whenever she wants now :). It was also Sonie's birthday that day, so I wrote Pizza Cat & Tiny Beer (our superhero names) on the gates of Apple Records. All of this made me so happy!

Afterwards, we ate pizza, then went to London Bridge --
*I have always thought that London Bridge was the bridge pictured above. That is actually The Tower of London - which i did not end up visiting (sorry dad!).

We were on our way to the Tate Modern Museum, but got distracted and ended up going to the Clink (I did go to the Tate the next day, by myself...another post for this).

The Clink was a notorious prison in Southwark, England which functioned from the 12th century until 1780. It is currently located on the original site in Clink Street, in the basement of a former warehouse. The museum tries to recreate the conditions of the original prison, including crying children, and really insane medieval torture devices, and humiliating cages and contraptions to show you off to the town as a criminal. It was weird.

After walking through the museum, you can pretend to have your head decapitated.

Fun fact: The name 'clink' has come into use in British slang as a generic term for prison or a jail cell.

Afterwards, we visited The Old Operating Theater, which was equally as weird, and sooo cool! It's a museum of surgical history and one of the oldest surviving operating theaters in the world, and was used in the days before anaesthetics and antiseptic surgery. They have a huge collection of artefacts revealing the horrors of medicine before the age of science. Includes instruments for cupping, bleeding, trepanning, and childbirth - that are completely inhumane, and is a possible answer to why so many woman used to die during childbirth. Yikes!

*Part 3 later...time for work!

London pt. 1

2011-10-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Since being back in San Francisco, I've been so busy with work/felt so jetlagged, I didn't have time or patience to upload photos. I finally have a little bit of time right now...I'm going to breakup the updates though, otherwise things will be so photo-heavy.

OKAY!
London is incredible!

The first day I got there, Amy and I walked all around Westminster, looking at amazing architecture, going in cathedrals, seeing the parliament buildings, Big Ben, etc. The buildings are so old, and gorgeous! We tried to go on the London Eye, however it was peak time in the afternoon, and the wait was an hour long. We passed by a haunted house, where you could get zombie makeovers for £5 - which was sooo tempting to get done, then wander into churches. We backed out though, 'cause the fake blood would have stained our skin orange.

Throughout the day, I started feeling so bonkers. Having flown over night and not being able to sleep on the plane + going ahead time, I was super drained. We decided to get some snacks, and coconuts and go to Soho park to take a break...where I full on fell asleep for a half hour.

That night we went on an adventure to find any shows going on (not seeing anyone, afterall), went to a couple of pubs, had a completely wasted Irish man telling us he was hanging out with a "Massive Canadian Soap star!" (it was like, the janitor from Degrassi The Next Generation), then ending the night eating salted meat - which is London's equivalent to getting a hot dog from a vendor.

The next day we got up early and went to Highgate Cemetery (which I'll talk about in a separate post). After a few hours there, we went around Camden, where I fell in love 400 times, bought some of the most insane tights I've ever seen, ate cake, ice cream and coffee by the locks, and sat beside some hooligan looking kids, playing dubstep from a ghetto blaster and drinking beers. It ruled.

I also had my fantasy brain on walking around, picturing how Camden Market was in the late '80s/early '90s. The energy there is amazing, and it's for sure my favorite area in London.

The night, Ian brought us to his friend's surprise birthday party, that was in the middle of a field by the river. We had a journey to get there, having to follow white duct tape arrows around windy paths. When we found the party, it was a candlelit picnic table, with tons of food, drinks and people, waiting to surprise the birthday boy. When we got word he was walking up the path towards us, we shot off fireworks to greet him (I'd be so stoked if friends did that for me!). We ate, drank beers, had cake, then did sparklers. When we were leaving, people were on piggy-back looking like they were going to joust one another, or something...?

On the way home, I slipped and nearly fell in the river (typical), and we drank beers on the top of a double-decker bus (which is legal to do there!)

*more soon...!

London is crushing it!

2011-10-04T02:06:00.000-07:00

*Charles De Gaulle Airport in Pairs. Sunday, 7:45am. On a layover.

I will do a bunch of real updates later (I've been really bad lately with just using my iphone as a camera, instead of my actual camera - so I've been making a point to only take proper pictures on this trip)..

For now though, it's my 3rd day in London, and it's such an incredible city so far. Camden Locks feels like it's my home I just met yesterday, but have known forever. I bought some of the most incredible tights I've ever seen in my life, ate cake and coffee in a park, and was told "you're so heavy-duty, you have no idea", by a British dude, trying to pay me a compliment.

The Highgate Cemetery is one of the coolest places I've ever been in my life. I can't even point form this one, so, way more on this later..

It rules here so much!

Yesterday ruled!

2011-09-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got to spend the day with my old friend Tim. We met 15 years ago, while waiting overnight in line to meet Korn (seriously). Unfortunate circumstances have brought us back in the foreground of friends, and we've been talking every day. Though we haven't actually hungout in years, it felt like no time has passed. I love when that happens!

We spent the day wandering around downtown, visited my sister, then went to get Tim tattooed.

For as long as I remember, Timmy's always referred to me as his little sister and Matthew as his little brother. So cute. He told me he wanted to get a tattoo of me, as if a little kid drew it - so randomly yesterday, he was like "I'm getting this done right now!". It rules so much! Totally adorable, and solidifies how awesome of a friend he is.

Afterwards, we went to Sneaky Dee's to get nachos and drink beers with Jayme and Claudia, then headed over to Crawford, where Tim McCready and I DJed our Met You On Livejournal 3.0 party. Though it was in a different venue than usual, we still had a total blast. I drank about 57 beers, and was super psyched to see so many friends! Thanks everyone for coming out. I had a level 9 hangover today, which screamed of how much fun yesterday was.

So happy!

Hi Toronto!

2011-09-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

I made a surprise visit to Toronto yesterday. My dad was in on it, and picked me up from the airport, and brought me over Michelle & Darren's house. I rang the bell, and when my sister opened the door, I jumped out and said "Surprise!" - she was shocked, and it was awesome. I then called my brother and sister Janine and they were both like "Whaaaat!". I'm so happy to see everyone!

Right now Ruby and I are hanging out, I'm doing some remote work for the gallery, and we are eating oranges. Pretty good day so far.

*Ruby said she wanted to help me:

67jughefi8edf4ykudc3fggeeeei.iu9:"o;/iq2eroogfmvnnb LOPP-WOWOOSODID8D78SUI99ZUAUISURY8EYUIU bhg,bfjktrhhyykggggskasoooooooooooii2/III55555Y43XHI23EY4ROOOOBBBBBB OY6LK JBB....MMKIFHVFHG

Good blogging, kid.

We were sitting here earlier watching tv, and she so matter of factly looks at me and says "Want some wine?". What?!

Jayme's DJing tonight at Sweaty Betty's. I'll be there. Come hangout, dudes!

Installing an artshow

2011-09-20T23:46:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things about installing artshows is that you get to take a totally clean, empty room, and transform it into whatever you want. Sometimes it's as simple as pieces on the wall, and others are heavy duty installations. Either way, it's super fun for me to do. I'm a major workhorse, and go as long as I need to to get things done, and done proper. Then when the show's over, you tear it down, paint the walls over white, and do it again.

I've been jamming for the past 2 days straight on Sergio Navarro-Duran's solo show, that opens tomorrow at Project One Gallery. Since around 4pm, I've been painting wall details, to tie all his pieces together. It's 2 big walls that are threads that wrap around one wall to transform into a million stingrays swimming in a stream. It's pretty cool! Super tedious and took forever, but it looks really great.

It's actually hilarious how many times I came close to sipping out of my paint cup. I am tired.

*Thanks to IndiePop Rocks, Eminem and Jurassic 5 for keeping me company all day. You guys are nice buddies to my ears and good at keeping me focused.

----------

Sergio Navarro-Duran "Mystified"
Opening reception: Wednesday, September 21st 7pm

251 Rhode Island Street (between 15th & 16th)
San Francisco, CA.

"Nothing Stays The Same" (September playlist)

2011-09-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

The last month has been a challenging one. A lot of unexpected things have happened, which has had me reevaluating what's important, and what's a waste of time and energy to worry about. The recent loss of a friend has crushed my heart, but made me also think about everyone else in my life. To my family, best friends, friends I don't talk to as often as I'd like, far away friends, pals, acquaintances...we're all in one another's lives for a reason. Thank you for being in mine.

As much as we sometimes want, most of the time, nothing stays the same. With that in mind, appreciate what you have. Appreciate the people around you, and tell them you care about them. Life is a weird thing, and can change without notice. September's playlist goes out to all of you. xo.

"Nothing Stays The Same" - September 2011 playlist
(click to download)

1. Fleet Foxes "White Winter Hymnal"
2. Electric Sunset "Future Dream"
3. M. Ward "Chinese Translation
4. Old Canes "Face It"
5. Male Bonding "Dig You Out"
6. Anne "Punk Bike"
7. Bonnie "Prince" Billy "Missing One"
8. State Radio "Keepsake"
9. Noah And The Whale "5 Years Time"
10. Vampire Weekend "Diplomat's Son"
11. Sondre Lerche "The Tape" (Daytrotter session)
12. Conspiracy of Owls "The Lesson"
13. Lykke Li "Youth Knows No Pain"
14. Port O'Brian "I Woke Up Today"
15. Sam Cooke "Sugar Dumpling"
16. Bowerbirds "Ghost Life"
17. The Velvet Underground "Stephanie Says"
18. Young Hunting "Into Yr Mind"
19. Ben Gibbard & Andrew Kenny "Carolina"

OH NO! Toronto, help!

2011-09-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

LOST!

Toodee the Cat Dragon was lost somewhere between Mountjoy Avenue and Lamb Avenue on Tuesday, September 13th, at approximately 5:15pm.

Name: Toodee the Cat Dragon

Colour: Blue

Eyes: Black and white, with virtually no irises remaining (due to spending a good amount of time in the washing machine!)

Height: 12" tall

If found, please bring her to 25 Mountjoy Avenue
You will be a hero to my 2 year old niece!

Russian River

2011-09-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we continued Epic Sundays, with 20 of us going on an adventure to the Russian River. We piled into Punch's tour van, which felt like we were kids going on a class trip. After getting lost, and trying to go to 2 different closed-for-season beaches, a kind family we ran into let us use their private beach for the afternoon.

It wasn't sunny, and it wasn't warm, but we had such a stellar group of people, so none of that mattered. We made the most of it, and had a jumbo picnic, boys had a bamboo jousting match, and a few were risky and actually went swimming (I did not).

Thanks:
Monti, Kimi, Rob, Mandy, Sarah, Meghan, Abby S., Abby O., Anthony, Chris, Pete, Scott, Natalie, Gabby, John, Matt, Nikki, Jory, and Jen.

So much fun!

RIP Matthew Robak

2011-09-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up yesterday to the most unexpected, terrible news. My longtime friend Matthew has passed away. In complete disbelief, talked with Tim throughout the day. I was flying back to San Francisco, from Orange County - which was the weirdest flight I've ever taken. Numb, I started remembering so many things about him. He was a really good friend, and I'm so glad to have known him for as long as I did.

Matthew Joel Robak
December 20th, 1983 - September 4th, 2011

Dear Matthew,

I'll never forget the first time I ever saw you. We were 18, at Taken's last show in Hamilton. I thought right then, and still think to this day, that you're the most gorgeous human being I have ever seen before. We quickly became good friends, who traded music, went to shows and talked in Simpsons quotes.

You were an epic dude, with a kind heart and incredible sincerity. You made me laugh with your goofiness, and always had ridiculous stories to tell. You also let me carry your tiny dog around in my hoodie pockets, which was adorable.

Forever you would tell me about the sailor tattoo you wanted - a long list of names all crossed out, except one...but always said it was 'hitting rock bottom of tattoos'. After convincing you for probably 3 years to get it done, you one day sent me phototext that read "I did it." - My name was the only one not crossed out.

I'm so happy to have had you in my life.
My heart is broken. I love you, Matthew.

Rest In Peace
xoxoxoxoxo

"I once was I, once was whole. Peacemaker, tell myself that this is time to say goodbye. Goodbye." - Converge

SF Zine Fest

2011-09-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

I love zines so much. I've been collecting them, since the days of Tower Records in Toronto, where in the basement with the books stood one small shelf in the corner, filled with zines from all over the place - I would pick a handful of different ones randomly, buy them, and read them on the GO Bus back to my parent's house in Aurora. I discovered some incredible artists and writers through them, including Alex Pardee and Al Burian

My favorite zine, still to this day, is "Psycho-Babble" by Ty Fitzgerald. He wrote all about his real-life job, working five nights a week at an in-patient psychiatric unit. He tells some pretty horrifying situations, including one about a cannibal patient who was acting super weird one night, and lunged at him.*

*Sadly, I do not own this anymore...I highschool I used to lend zines out to people, 'cause I wanted to share how awesome some of my finds were. Someone else must have thought this one was rad, 'cause I never got it back :(

Today I rode bike out to Golden Gate Park, where the SF Zine Fest was happening. I spent a couple of hours there leafing through tons and tons of handmade books, looking at artwork, and talking to different artists. It was a totally fun afternoon, where I nerded out alone, ran into a few friends, and bought a bunch of different zines and cute handmade cards.

If you're in San Francisco, it's happening tomorrow too:
11am - 6pm
County Fair BLDG
1199 9th Ave and Lincoln Way in Golden Gate Park

I got a pizza in the mail!

2011-09-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

I came home the other night to a pizza box leaning against my bedroom door. It was mailed to me by my awesome friend Maija, in Toronto. I was stoked, 'cause 1. I love getting mail 2. Maija is hilarious, and 3. Pizzaiolo is my favorite pizza in Toronto.

She told me to expect something from her, and that we needed to Skype when I opened it. I would have been dying laughing anyway, but because I was 1/2 drunk at the time, it made opening this even more funny to me. As soon as I opened the side of the box, I was like 'What....the......?" - and screamed laughing when I realized what it was. It's an insanely realistic looking pizza shaped pillow. Even the underside of it looks like crust, with little holes poked all through it for cooking. It rules so much.

I was talking to her over the internet, and basically rolling around my bed ontop of pizza pillow, laughing my head off.

Nom Nom Nom Nom...
Thanks Mjo! This is the best gift I've been given since my hog dog pencil case!
xoxoxox.

P.S.:

Robert Bowen "Candy Coated"

2011-08-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

My friend Robert Bowen has a solo show at Lopo Gallery right now. I missed the opening due to horrendous bike lines at Outside Lands, so I promised him I'd make a trip to see it while it's still up. It's a super colourful, pop-surrealism show - complete with his renditions of Princess Leia, Hamburger Helper, different Disney characters, etc. It looks radical, and I'm proud of that dude. His stuff keeps getting better and better.

*These photos aren't perfect, due to my camera being totally glitchy and acting weird right now, so they're just taken with my iphone. What happened to you, camera?

If you get a chance, go check it out, before September 3rd:

Lopo Gallery
1141 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

Afterwards, we went to checkout the tattoo show happening next door at Space Gallery. I think we actually crashed someone's birthday party, by accident. Sorry!

Last night I went to a rave

2011-08-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

What the...?

HMV 333 Yonge

2011-08-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

I just read a really great article on TheGridTO.com, about the history of HMV 333 Yonge Street, and it made me feel super nostalgic. I worked at that location from 1998-2002, on the 2nd floor. Something felt really special about working there at that time - we (until 2001) didn't had to wear store uniforms, hadn't gone totally corporate, and were allowed to be goofy and creative.

Pamela and I would 'mail' each other letters from the cash desk to the listening booths, we'd call the VJ booth and make requests throughout the day, and could get away with paging ridiculous things through the store phones and speakers. It was a lot of fun!

*Pamela and I (note: my dreadlocks) working on 2nd floor, Rock.

I always say, "Had I never seen Empire Records, my life would be different.", which I still think. That movie made me want to work in a record store, and I was lucky enough to get to work at the store, which emulated Empire Records pretty well.

It's a shame that 333's been stripped of all it's personality and fun, but I'm glad to have been part of it when it was incredible.

Read "HMV at 333 Young: An Oral History" by clicking HERE

More evil & weird photos that I love...

2011-08-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

Ryan Adams "Lucky Now"

2011-08-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ryan Adams is one of my Top 10 favorite artists/musicians, ever.
He just released his new track titled "Lucky Now", and I've probably listened to it 15 times already, today. He's back. And killing it! I cannot wait for the full length album, October 11th. He's playing on October 14th at The Herbst Theater in San Francisco...tickets sold out way too fast though. Gah!

Listen to it here:
Lucky Now by ryanadams

Instagram is cool...

2011-08-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Amoeba Records - San Francisco, CA.

So many dips! - San Francisco, CA.

Installing an artshow, day 1.

Installing an artshow, day 2.

Installing an artshow, day 3.

Kevin McAllister - my bedroom

Curly hair - San Francisco, CA.

Backstage, watching Deadmau5 - Outside Lands, San Francisco, CA.

Dessert for dayzzzzz - San Francisco, CA.

Zeitgeist babes - San Francisco, CA.

Making cornbread - San Francisco, CA.

When I was 18

2011-08-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here's another old photo I just came across, yesterday while cleaning my room. It's of my sister Janine and I. I had no idea when it was taken, until I texted a picture of the picture to her - apparently this was the night of her 21st birthday - which means I would have been 18.

When I was 18, I had multiple face piercings (lip, scrumper, 2 barbells in my tongue), black hair with the underside dyed bright red, always wore a bandana, and looooooved Pop Punk. Like, would go on roadtrips to see New Found Glory and Fenix TX play. I also dressed like a skater, and wore puffy skate shoes that looked like marshmellows. I lived with my oldest sister Michelle, and worked at HMV (Janine worked at HMV then also).

It seems as though when Janine was 21, she really liked to wear tons of blush and blue eyeshadow. Hahaha.. I love you! :)

Wow.

If you suddenly disappeared tomorrow would anybody notice it?

2011-08-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Outside Lands 2011

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Outside Lands was this past weekend, and pretty much all of San Francisco went. I didn't care about going on Friday, seeing as Phish were playing a 4 hour long set (wtf?) - so we just went on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we didn't have tickets, but rode bikes out there anyway, and spent the afternoon on a hill in Golden Gate Park listening to bands, which was actually pretty nice. We heard Arctic Monkeys, Vetiver and The Black Keys. After a few hours, Manny's friend who was running the Heinekin rave party tent, and came out and picked us up in a golf cart, and snuck us into the show. We got in in time to see Muse (who were amazing!) and Girl Talk - which transformed Golden Gate Park into the biggest dance party I've ever seen!

Sunday we were legit into the festival, thanks to my friend Joel (aka Deadmau5). Monti, Sonie and I rode bikes to the park, metup with a group of friends inside. We went to watch Grouplove play, then got separated when looking for where !!! were playing (never did find them). At one point in the day I lost everyone - Sonie snuck backstage, as I was waiting for my wristband to get back there myself. I hungout by myself for a while, watching Major Lazer - I have never heard them before, and they were one of the best people I saw all weekend. They are a super fun dj group (Diplo and Switch), who had everyone so pumped!

Sonie got tired of being back there by herself, so she scammed a stranger into slipping off their wristband to come out to give to me, and snuck me backstage too. However, as soon as I finally got back there, I ran into Joel's manager who was like "I've been looking for you!! Here!" and gave me mine.

I only got to hangout with Joel for a few minutes - since the last time he played here last summer, he's exploded even more. It's actually sort of insane. I'm proud of him though! It was nice seeing his girlfriend Lindsey again too.

We watched him for a bit, but it was still light out, and his stage looks incredible in the dark. Arcade Fire were on at the same time, so we ran over to see them until the sun went down, and explored that backstage area, which had a mini carnival, photobooths, and games.

Arcade Fire were fantastic! Since they were playing for 2 hours, we had time to go back to see more of Deadmau5 (steal beer from Tommy Lee and eat some of his snacks...Motley Snax), then make it back for the ending of Arcade Fire.

Exhausted, we rode bikes home - however, got lost again! Sonie and I got split up on the ride (no clue of how?!), and it took me double the time to figure out where I even was. I finally made it back to her house, and we went to sip a beer together, then I went home and slept foreverrrrrrrrrrrr.

Sun + biking a zillion miles + beers + walking around all day, 2 days in a row is super draining. It was a rad time though!

This happened..

2011-08-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

Last night was my boss' birthday party. Everyone was dressed up in fancy party outfits, and sipping cocktails. There was even a circus type performance, with contortionists and acrobats. It ruled! The party was a ton of fun, except for when my entire lip was split opened...

I was in the back room, and one of the caterers was packing their things up for the night. He stood up fast, and my mouth bashed against his head. My lip immediately split, and I hit so hard that I blacked out...and didn't remember what actually happened until a few hours ago. I went back into the party with blood all over my face, feeling very confused. Everyone thought I had been punched in the face, and the boys were ready to fight whoever it was. Thanks to everyone who helped me/gave me ice/told me people pay good money for lips that plump and sexy.

I'm fine, just wicked sore/swollen.
Fun night!

"Sleepless Summer" - August 2011 playlist

2011-08-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

"I dreamt that I was perched atop a throne of human skulls
On a cliff above the ocean, howling wind and shrieking seagulls
And the dream went on forever, one single static frame
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name"

I miss my family. I miss Toronto. I miss my friends from home.
Sometimes it's hard for me to be so far away...I wish the continent could be like a Mad Magazine fold-in page, so the coasts could be squished together. San Francisco, you're still the love of my life...I just think of home, often.

I've once again been having really strange sleeping patterns, and a lot of nightmares recently. It's not awesome. I'm tired. August's playlist doesn't really have a theme - Since sleep's been minimal, I've been spending a lot of time during late hours of the night, nerding out on music. Here's some of what I've been listening to when I can't sleep...which are all songs I've been really stoked on.

Maybe I'll be home soon. I hope before then though I get some sleep.
Here's hoping for both..

"Sleepless Summer" - August 2011 playlist
(click to download)

1. Summer Camp "Ghost Train"
2. Zola Jesus "Night"
3. Tunng "Bullets"
4. Small Black "Search Party"
5. Chad VanGaalen "Dead Ends"
6. Kelley Stoltz "Pinecone"
7. The Bird and the Bee "Again & Again"
8. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
"Lower the Gas Prices, Howard Johnson"
9. Magic Kids "Hey Boy"
10. Johnny Nash "Love Ain't Nothing"
11. Smith Westerns "The Glam Goddess"
12. The Mountain Goats "Autoclave"
13. Laura Veirs "Wide-Eyed, Legless"
14. Ed Hardcourt "Do As I Say Not As I Do"
15. Of Montreal "Requiem For O.M.M.2"
16. Sara Schiralli "Don't Miss What You Never Had"
17. Ben Kweller "Hear Me Out"
18. Feist & Little Wings "Look At What The Light Did Now"

Art installation & renovations

2011-08-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

Hey dudes!

The last few days have been non-stop jamming at Project One. Our 2 month long summer show has finally come down, and we're putting things together for our August exhibit - a fashion inspired artshow, with heavy installations, and beautifully executed couture fashion pieces. It's really unconventional, and a sure challenge, since this is such a different style of show I've ever installed. I've been having fun, and taking in whatever I can in the meanwhile.

Today was really, really awesome. Everyone was helping everyone, with everything. It was a full-on community feel, which was really nice. P1 Family in full force today. It ruled!

I spent the afternoon laying out and painting a 14ft. black strip, which is being used as part of a beautifully creepy tribute to Alexander McQueen.
hint: it will include a gold gilded noose and a custom leather hood...

We've also been doing some renovations throughout the space, including demolition of the lounge area - where tomorrow, we're getting new killer banquets - and an additional opening into the gallery space.

Good vibes, hard work, and amazing people.
The show is going to look beautiful, and Project One as a whole, better than ever!

Opening reception/unveiling of our new looking space is this Wednesday (August 10th), at 7pm. Hopefully, see you then!

PROJECT ONE GALLERY
251 Rhode Island Street (between 15th & 16th)
San Francisco, CA.
94103

In other news, I've listened to this song about 20 times today.
Love love love love...

2003

2011-08-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

This photo fell out of a book I own the other day. It was taken in 2003 at the Outside Music Christmas party - where hilarity happened, hair-metal mix cds were made, and I fell off a chair. 2003 was one of the worse years of my life - however, it was when Jayme and I first became friends. It sort of saved me, and since then we've been a team.

Awww...I love you, bff. We're little babies in this photo.

please note: my Baby-G watch?, little mod haircut, and your Avril Lavigne makeup and black hair. Cooooooool...haha.

More evil & weird photos that I love...

2011-08-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

A/S/L?

2011-08-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh shiiiit! And we're back at it, again!

Age/Sex/Location?

More chat rooms, more You've got mail, Napster, TRL, WinAmp skins, JnCo jeans, Mandy Moore and more Mystikal...

Expect more late 90's/early 2000's jamz and Top 40 hits.

Come through P1 and buy yourself a beer, buy your friends some beers, buy your crush a beer. Come party and dance.

$2 beers all night!
No Cover!

Project One
251 Rhode Island Street
San Francisco, CA.
94103

Instagram is cool...

2011-08-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Mark Mulroney at Guerrero Gallery - San Francisco, CA.

Pizza Party - my house

Oprah - San Francisco, CA.

Makeout Room - San Francisco, CA.

Spooky Fur Ghost - Berkeley, CA.

New hair!

SF PR Summit - St. Regis Hotel

Sushi and Sake - San Francisco, CA.

Inquisitive skeleton - Berkeley, CA.

Cassanova - San Francisco, CA.

Miranda - San Francisco, CA.

Drea surprise visit to SF - Intercontinental Hotel

Mission Street - San Francisco, CA.

I was just robbed at knifepoint.

2011-07-30T05:08:00.001-07:00

it's 5am. tonight was really awesome. Except for this:

I was just walking home from a friend's place, who only lives 4 blocks away. Some idiot Mexican kid pushed me against the wall, put a knife in my chest and demanded all my things, yelling "Give me all your shit, nigger" (that doesn't even make sense, dude?!?!!) Luckily all he got was my ipod, pack of gum and $45. How I managed to hide my expensive camera and iphone, I have no clue.

I handed him my makeup bag shaped like a sandwich and he was like "what the fuck is this?" and I said "are you really going to take my makeup? Really?" and he lost his tough guy act for a second and was like "No. No, you can keep your makeup." and handed it back.

At least I wasn't stabbed!
People are so fucked up.

Matthew Brandt

2011-07-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

I found Matthew Brandt a few weeks ago while lost deep in art blogs around the internet. Since then, I've bookmarked his website, and look at these photographs every single day - in particular, his Lakes and Reservoirs series.

What he does is makes a c-print of his photos, and soaks them in samples of the water he's collected from where he shot. It's an interesting process, which then corrodes the prints in different ways, depending on what's in the water (pollution, bacteria, chemicals, etc.) Here are a few examples. I think they are beautiful:

"Shasta Lake CA 4"
C-print soaked in Shasta Lake water
30" x 40"

"Veil Lake CA 5"
C-print soaked in Veil Lake water
30" x 40"

"Big Lagoon CA 1"
C-print soaked in Big Lagoon water
30" x 40"

"Loveland Reservoir CA 2"
C-print soaked in Loveland Reservoir water
30" x 40"

I'm not usually big on photographers, but I'm really into this guy. Check out the entire series by clicking HERE.

Meet Streetdog:

2011-07-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Streetdog is the tiniest little creature I've ever seen. Jay & Ruthie found this poor little dude on the sidewalk in LA, and took him home. He's now their weird looking miniature dog, who is ridiculously adorable. I can't wait to meet him in person, and carry him around in my hoodie pocket. Move over designer dogs in purses - mini-dogs in pockets are the newest trend!

Immortalized (as super heroes)

2011-07-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

In addition to my sinking both feet deep in a freshly laid sidewalk yesterday (so sorry, sir!) and ruining that guy's work day - after he relaid it, Sonie and I ran out front of Project One and put our (super hero) names into the concrete. We wrecked his work twice (sorry again).

:)

Burnt Ones & Wax Idols (tonight!)

2011-07-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hey! My really good friend Rob is throwing a show tonight in San Francisco. 3 fun bands are playing at The Knockout, starting at 10pm. If you don't know them yet, check them out by clicking on their names:

BURNT ONES
Indianapolis started, now living in San Francisco band. A sleazy, crunchy, heavily distorted assault dipped in sunshine. I really, really like these guys.

WAX IDOLS
Oakland-based Wax Idols - 4 piece group, jamming post-punk gems. Quickly proving to be one of the rawest, rough and ready bands in San Francisco/Bay Area right now.

POW!
**unfortunately, I can't seem to find anything on them. In fact, I don't know this band yet, but am really looking forward to seeing them tonight. Rob and I have very similar taste in music, so I trust that he has booked a good band.

Also, before the show at the Knockout tonight, they are having Thursday night BINGO. I will be there hanging out and trying to win. See you!

The Knockout
3223 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA.
10pm

True story:

2011-07-19T19:09:00.001-07:00

Today I went to Berkeley and made friends with a dinosaur.

100 random things about me (pt. 2, #51-100)

2011-07-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

51. My two front teeth are fake.
52. I like watching cartoons before falling asleep.
53. I don't know how to dive.
54. I'm scared of trampolines.
55. I can speak french.
56. When I was little I collected bells.
57. I also collected elephant sculptures.
58. My bellybutton is still pierced.
59. Alex Pardee has been my art hero since high school.
60. I had dreadlocks for 4 years.
61. I once asked Ben Johnson to race me (true story).
62. My sister and I pretend we are Jewish.
63. If I never saw Empire Records, my life would be different.
64. I really like Ke$ha.
65. I hold my breath when I cross cemeteries.
66. 'The Ring' had me scared for over a month.
67. I love ice skating, 'cause everyone looks stupid doing it.
68. I hate funky jazz music.
69. My dad was a radio dj.
70. My mom was a body builder.
71. The pier at Pacific Beach in San Diego is my favorite beach spot.
72. I broke my elbow while doubling on a bike with my brother.
73. Had backstage passes to Dolly Parton.
74. I have tiny feet for how tall I am.
75. First concert without my parents: Salt-N-Peppa
76. Most expensive concert I've paid for: Spice Girls ($130)
77. I love champagne.
78. I don't understand the hype over LCD Soundsystem.
79. I wish I could be a flight attendant, but I have bad ears.
80. The Marionettes I have from Prague are my favorite things I own.
81. Macaulay Culkin was my first celebrity crush.
82. I wrote a will when I was 14...it is irrelevant now.
83. I was on tour with The Used for 5 days.
84. I want "Feather In Your Cap" by Beck to be my funeral song.
85. I get carsick if in the backseat for too long.
86. I was a raver.
87. I waited 2 days on a sidewalk to meet Korn.
88. My oldest sister took care of me when I was a teenager.
89. I have seen Britney Spears perform live 3 times.
90. Bridges baffle me of how they're built.
91. I once threw up on an airplane. It was horrible.
92. I don't like sports, but watching basketball games live is fun.
93. "Meet Me In St. Louis" is one of my favorite movies, ever.
94. I burn very easily.
95. Listening to Green Day always reminds me of my brother.
96. My first screen-name was riotgirl_8 (I was 16).
97. I don't like rice in burritos.
98. I want a dog named Barnaby.
99. The sound of a skateboard cracking is my favorite.
100. I'm wearing white hightop converse right now.

100 random things about me, pt. 2, #51-100.
pt. 1 can be view by clicking here.

Mark Mulroney

2011-07-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

I love Mark Mulroney. He's a radical artist from Rochester, NY, who's stuff is funny/gory/gross/awesome. Some of it reminds me of old Ren & Stimpy cartoons, mashed with Archie comics. Pretty great!

Yesterday was his afternoon opening reception/bbq at Guerrero Gallery, complete with beer, a goat on a spit, and a kiddie pool (I just learned that watermelons float!) Monti and I looked at art, then hungout on the sidewalk eating snacks and sitting in the sun. It was totally a cute idea for an art opening. His show is really, really good. If you're in San Francisco, go check it out:

Guerrero Gallery
2700 19th Street (at Bryant)
San Francisco, CA
94110

Yesterday was fun

2011-07-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, Allie, Monti and I went to the Potrero skatepark for the Phono Del Sol festival. It was a super mellow afternoon of hanging with friends, drinking beers and sitting in the grass watching performances. Aesop Rock played, and as usual, he slayed. He even did a couple Hail Mary Mallon songs, which was cool, and Jeremy got up on stage to do his kazoo solo in "Pigs". Pretty fun!

Afterwards, Allie and I went home to make dinner, then went over to Blind Cat/Pops for emo night. Emo night turned into emo fights, and a friend was punched in the face by some jockey drunk dudes. Yikes!

Today is Mark Mulroney's afternoon art opening/bbq at Guerrero Gallery, then tonight I'm going to see Alkaline Trio at Bottom of the Hill. Obviously, I am beyond stoked!

More evil & weird photos that I love...

2011-07-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

100 random things about me (pt. 1, #1-50)

2011-07-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

1. My middle name is Rachelle.
2. I believe everything happens for a reason.
3. I would survive on only pizza...but I'd be so fat.
4. I saw Titanic in the theaters 5 times (cried every time).
5. San Francisco is the best city I've ever been to.
6. I write a lot in journals, in case I ever lose my memory.
7. I don't sleep that much.
8. I love funny photos of cats doing things...
9. ...but I don't really love cats, in real life.
10. Catcher In The Rye is the only book I've ever reread.
11. I've had some blood transfusions.
12. I'm terrified of ghosts...but also totally love them.
13. My sisters are my heroes.
14. Pineapples are most hated food.
15. 2nd most hated food: cottage cheese.
16. I love going on roadtrips.
17. 90120 is my favorite tv show of all time.
18. I have 2 hamburger tattoos.
19. I keep all my concert stubs organized.
20. Could easily win a Simpson's trivia contest.
21. I've cried every time I've seen Jimmy Eat World play live.
22. I own 31 Beck cds.
23. The inside of my lip is tattooed.
24. I was once head-butted in the chest by a ram (seriously).
25. Glitter tights are my jam.
26. I love roller coasters so much!
27. I've broken my right wrist 3 times.
28. Pete Wentz = dream dude.
29. I think Banksy is very overrated.
30. Find Anne Frank completely fascinating.
31. I do not have my license.
32. 90's Alternative music is my favorite era in music.
33. I'm really good at baking.
34. I love flying.
35. However, I think I'm going to die in a plane crash.
36. I don't shorten people's names.
37. I've watched Home Alone at least 100 times...maybe 150.
38. I love sending people things in the mail.
39. Avocados hurt my stomach.
40. I hate Vancouver, BC.
41. Had not 1, but 2 eyebrow rings (ew!)
42. My favorite music video director is Marc Webb.
43. I don't like pancakes.
44. I always order sourdough bread, if it's offered.
45. Making playlists/mix cds is my favorite hobby.
46. I'm not a fan of any Wes Anderson movies.
47. I collect playing cards I find on the street.
48. I like riding the Greyhound bus.
49. I remember my dreams almost every night.
50. My last meal on earth would be pizza and beer.

100 random things about me, pt. 1, #1-50.
pt. 2, #51-100: coming....sometime? (this took forever)

Instagram is cool...

2011-07-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Decent Exposure (Jesse Balmer) - Project One Gallery

Sam - San Francisco, CA.

Best buddies - San Francisco, CA.

Baby Blue's BBQ - San Francisco, CA.

Pacific Ocean - Santa Cruz, CA.

Bathroom mirrors - The Attic

Sad American. 4th of July - San Francisco, CA.

Alameda County Fair - Pleasanton, CA.

Birthday brunch - St. Francis

Friends share bike poles - Project One Gallery

Allie's birthday - San Francisco, CA.

Cool helmet - Daly City, CA.

Water World gang of babes - Concord, CA.

Forte Greene Park - Brooklyn, NY.

Summertime, 2011 (a playlist)

2011-07-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

1. I can't believe it's been a month already since the last playlist I made/posted.
2. I can't believe it's July! Where has 2011 been going?

I've been working a lot and having tons of fun, so I guess time's been zooming by. It's been a good mix though of working hard and playing hard -- However, I've decided to take this week off of playing, due to still having a bad cough that won't seem to let up (for almost 3 weeks now?). Taking it easy, focusing on work, and taking care of myself.

July's playlist is filled with songs that make me think of going on nighttime bike rides, roadtrips, beach picnics, swimming, eating ice cream, laying in the park, etc. I'm grateful for being able to do all of these things, in the company of really awesome people. Feel good and be happy with what you're doing with your time. Work hard, and reward yourself with summer adventures.

Summertime, 2011
(click to download)

1. Kimya Dawson "I Miss You"
2. Adam Green "Friends Of Mine"
3. Sleigh Bells "Ring Ring"
4. Alkaline Trio "Mercy Me" (acoustic version)
5. Matt Mays & El Torpedo "Digital Eyes"
6. Sissy Wish "Beauty Never Dies"
7. The Dodos "Fools"
8. The Replacements "Swingin' Party"
9. The New Pornographers "Failsafe"
10. Great Lake Swimmers "Your Rocky Spine"
11. Kissed Her Little Sister "Cocaine"
12. Weezer "Keep Fishin'"
13. Buzzcocks "Ever Fallen In Love"
14. Immaculate Machine "You Destroyer"
15. Rogue Wave "Salesman At The Day Of The Parade"
16. Dignan Porch "I'm Certain I'll Die"
17. Ryan Adams "English Girls Approximately"

WATER WORLD!

2011-07-11T10:19:00.001-07:00

San Francisco is in a fun place - because it's so small, it's surrounded by a ton of cities, that are close enough to drive or take BART out to, and have mini vacations (aka, Bay-cations). This is our summer theme of planning Epic Sundays, and picking a new adventure for all of us to go on, as often as we can. It's sort of the best.

Yesterday, 20 of us took our bikes on the BART out to Concord, CA., then rode from the station to Water World - a small, but awesome waterpark, complete with slides, games, a wave pool, lazy river a snack shack and a bar that lets you walk around the park with tall cans. Pretty awesome.

(Monti, Kimi and I on the funnel slide - for sure, the best ride there!)

After Water World, we rode bikes to the train, took naps on the BART home, and went back to Mandy's to have dinner, eat ice cream and watch tv. Everyone was totally tuckered out.

What a ruling day!

Thanks buddies!

2011-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Mine and Allie's birthday party was a ridiculous time, with so many good friends. Thanks to everyone for coming and making it the best! I woke up this morning with pizza and lemons all over my kitchen floor, a bunch of texts I didn't read until now, and feeling really stoked...and possibly still drunk? We know how to have fun. I love you guys. THANKS!

Virtual hangouts

2011-07-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

My sister and I skyped for like 2 hours this morning. We virtual shopped for one another's birthday presents, and Greydon was a little homeboy and just hungout preciously for most of the time. Nice way to spend a Friday morning.

I miss you guys!
Have a fun birthday this weekend, Hermano Darren.

___________________

*pictured above: angela & allie. 2011.

Hey San Francisco friends - mine and Allie's birthday party is tonight.
Come take photobooth photos with us, and sip some beers. Apparently it's oldies and soul music at Benders tonight. I hope it's awesome. See you around 10pm.

A/S/L?

2011-07-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Age/Sex/Location?

Remember the days of You've got mail, Napster, TRL, chatrooms, WinAmp skins, JnCo jeans, Mandy Moore and of course, chatrooms?

Expect plenty of late 90's/early 2000's jamz and top 40 hits.

Buy yourself a beer, buy your friends some beers, buy your crush a beer...$2 High Lifes all night long!

Come party and dance.

No Cover.
10pm-2am

PROJECT ONE
251 Rhode Island Street (between 15th & 16th)
San Francisco, CA.
94103

Alameda County Fair

2011-07-07T00:35:00.000-07:00

This afternoon for Allie Felton's birthday, we took a drive to the Alameda County Fair. On Wednesday's it's only $0.99 to get into the fair (regularly $10 admission). It was about 100 degrees (37c) out - it felt like someone was following us around with a hairdryer. We immediately got iced lemonade, ice cream and ride tickets.

We rode the Music Express, which went around about 20 times too many, and made us super nauseous. We also went on the Michael Jackson Moonwalker 'ride'. It was brutal. Like, really, really bad...we had fun though...kinda.

After rides, we played games. Allie won a stoner banana, and Allie Zee won Allie a goldfish for her birthday.

All in all, it was an adorable day, spent with good ladies.

Happy Birthday, Powder!
You are a really great friend, who deserves the best! More birthday fun for us tomorrow night and Friday!
xo.

My 29th Birthday

2011-07-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday was my 29th birthday. I'm usually pretty excited when it comes around, but I kept forgetting about it this year. I was feeling a little down, like I get for a minute every year, having the curse of a holiday birthday. Everyone always leaves for the long weekend, which sucks. However, Jay Howell came up from LA on Saturday night, and he basically counts as 10 people! He took me to Baby Blues BBQ for dinner, and we ran around to different bars, and attempted to watch Titanic II - I fell asleep within 2 minutes. It was a really great night. In the morning, Jay and I met up with both Allies at St. Francis for birthday breakfast.

Later in the day I met up with Sonie, Alvaro, Roxy and Irene - we piled in the car, and drove (forever!) to the Snowden's farm in Santa Cruz. Sam's mom is a chef, so there was tons of amazing food, a keg (keg stands ensued), lots of people and lots of cute dogs. One of my most hated things in the world to do is camp. We were camping in the field that night. I wasn't stoked, but didn't have a bad time. Our tent was as big as an actual room, so it was fine.

When it turned into night, things got weird, and we went big til 5:30am. Huge dance party, then guitar sing-alongs to Ryan Adams, Neutral Milk Hotel, Weezer, etc.. I also got in the front seat of a convertible, loaded it with passengers, and pretended to take us on a roadtrip (not moving - like a little kid pretending to drive). Ridiculous.

We packed up in the morning, and went for breakfast to Cowboy Corner Cafe, then drove along the coast home.

Thanks everyone! You turned my sort of a downer day into a really fun time :)
The only bummer was that sleeping outside did not help this brutal cough I have, at all. Also, I somehow hurt my elbow really bad. I don't think I fell, but very well could have bashed it into something. Uuugh..
__________________________________

This week should also be fun. Allie Felton's birthday is on July 6th, so we have a few days planned of birthday adventuring and activities, including: going to the county fair, dinner in the park, seeing a psychic, and a shared birthday party on Friday night at Bender's. If you're in San Francisco, consider this your invitation to our party!

Work field trip!

2011-06-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

This morning Brooke & Steve took the P1 staff on a surprise field trip, to thank everyone for all the good work we've been doing lately. It was a mystery where we would be going, with our only instructions being:

- be at Project One for 11:15am/limo would pick us up at 11:30.
- bring drinks for the ride (45 minute drive)
- bring a light jacket.

We drank champagne, and drove to Bar Bocce - a really great pizza and wine bar in Sausalito - where we were greeted by Brooke & Steve, and a ton of appetizers. We then ordered drinks and food, and had a really nice lunch together, sitting by the water. Afterwards we played a few rounds of bocce (Sonie slaying everyone), and ate dessert. Had more champagne in the limo home, and I went home and fell asleep at 6pm.

Dear Project One,

You are the best family to be a part of in San Francisco, and I'm so happy to have you. Thank you immensely for everything. I feel lucky, and glad to work for such a great place.

xo.

Instagram is cool...

2011-06-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

Rummy 500 with Monti - San Francisco, CA.

Wiener dog fashion show - Project One Gallery

Sonie - Dolores Park

Pizza party floor picnic - Project One Gallery

Hand specimens - Project One Gallery

Miscommunications

Pool party - Antioch, CA.

Tourists - San Francisco, CA.

Somewhere over America

Rooster - Brooklyn, NY.

Angie Houses & Tina Beers - Manhattan, NY.

Gotham City

Listen & Learn - Chelsea, NY.

Flea Market - Brooklyn, NY.

This is not coffee - Fort Greene Park, NY.

Drea - Brooklyn, NY.

Oprah - San Francisco, CA.

Decent Exposure: art trading & selling night (tomorrow!)

2011-06-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

DECENT EXPOSURE: a night of selling/trading art.
Prints, zines, pins, stickers, etc..

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
7pm-11pm 21+

+ A Special Wine tasting Hosted by Green Barrel, focusing on local sustainable boutique wines.

HOW IT WORKS:
Everyone is welcomed to take part! Meet new artists, buy their work, or offer to trade yours with theirs/vice versa. Artists are also welcome to draw/paint/make crafts live, and sell them also. Anything goes!

ARTISTS PARTICIPATING (but not limited to):
- Allie Felton
- Allie Zee
- Vanesa Gingold
- Sam Snowden
- Katy Atchison
- Daryll Peirce
- Josh Ellingson
- Jesse Balmer
- Ben Walker
- Angela Simione
- Taylor Wessling
- Audrey Erickson
- Paul Solis
- Michael Kershnar
- Ben Minter
- Justin Lovato
- Melanie Clarke
...and more

**also, a good time to checkout our new exhibit "The ArtOFFICIAL Truth", on display at Project One, June 17th-August 6th.

Hosted by: Sam Snowden & Angela Holmes

PROJECT ONE GALLERY
251 Rhode Island Street (between 15th & 16th)
San Francisco, CA. 94103