Disney Fun!!!

My brother and his wife are visiting this weekend and I'm taking them to Disneyland tomorrow (his wife has never been to a Disney park before). So, I thought I'd post a couple of ride photos from previous Disney adventures:

Splash Mountain, obviously...
Tower of Terror... I love these pics because it's fun to see other people's reactions. You can always tell who has ridden before and knows when to pose...

Easter, La Roux, and Denver

So, it's been a while since I've blogged. I've been preoccupied with my job situation. I found out today that I'm going to be laid off at the end of the month, which came as no surprise since the company's been downsizing over the past couple of months. Anyway, here are a couple of pics from my visit to Denver...

This first pic is from Estes Park (in the mountains). This is the Stanley Hotel, where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining

This elk slowed down traffic as we were leaving Estes Park. There were elk everywhere... even on the city streets!
This was a hotel bar in downtown Denver. I think it was called Lattitude, or something clever like that. With Tyler, and our friends Michael and James.

Here I am in the mountains. It was so beautiful and the weather was perfect for climbing on rocks.

Fast forward a couple of weeks to Easter... I've been obsessed with a new band called La Roux (the red-haired one). They're very 80's inspired electro-pop artists. Think Yaz, Eurythmics, Prince all rolled into one band. They haven't even released their first album yet, and have only released singles in the UK so far. I was able to get us tickets for a show last night at the Roxy, and it was fantastic. Tyler says her hair reminds him of how I used to wear mine. Although mine was more vertical and less in my face. But, I digress. Here's a photo, followed by her most recent video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ1Mi77nogQ

Spring Break!

Yay! Four day vacation! This weekend, Tyler and I are flying to Denver to visit some friends. Actually, they live in Boulder...actually, they live in Lafayette, which is between Boulder and Denver. Whatevs, I get 4 days off work and that's most important. It's supposed to be in the 70's this weekend, so I don't have to worry about snow. We're going to do some sight-seeing, bar hopping, hot tubbing, sleep... er... sleeping. Hope everyone else has as good of a weekend as I'm planning on having!

Last House on the Left

Last night, I was invited to a pre-screening of the new movie, Last House on the Left, which is actually a remake of one of Wes Craven's (A Nightmare On Elm Street, Scream) early films. Although I enjoyed the premise of the first movie, I wasn't crazy about it, so I had low expectations for the remake. However, I was surprised at how well it was done. There were a few changes to the plot, but the integrity of the original story was in tact. And, the last 20 minutes or so had the entire theater cheering and applauding! If you're unaware of the story, here it is in a nutshell. Family goes to lake house for summer, daughter goes off with friend and they are abducted. Girls come to harm, villains have a coincidental meeting with victims parents, parents realize what has happened, and an ending you won't want to miss. There are some extremely violent scenes, but the ending completely makes up for it. If you enjoy horror movies, you should go see it on this Friday the 13th!

Relax and have a Mental Margherita

This weekend, I received "Earth Girls Are Easy" via Netflix. I didn't have good expectations for this movie since the friend who recommended it to me told me it was a cheesey 80's flick. Oh, man! I loved it so much, I think I'm going to buy it! It's a campy, comedy/musical with a large cast of well-knowns (Gina Davis, Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans, and the incomparable Julie Brown). Here's a clip of my favorite song in the movie, "Cause I'm a Blond"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rNfZxgkH7k

Also, I actually didn't hate the Oscar's this weekend. I enjoyed the format for presentations, and most importantly, the red carpet! Since Mrs. Pam already posted the pics, I won't bother (thanks for saving me the trouble!)... I'm ready for Jack Black to go away. Ben Stiller wasn't that funny. Tina Fey looks amazing. Sophia Loren looks like Valentino. Brangelina, and Jen, need to disappear. Slumdog was excellent, but won more awards than it deserved. AND, I need to see that movie with Penelope Cruz.

Elvira made my face all blurry!

I said I was going to post these pics about a month ago, but my friend just emailed them to me. These are the pics from Elvira's anniversary show at the Vista theater. The first one... well, I blurred my face out, because I wasn't expecting three flashes and started to pull back after the first. Same with Elvira...not the most flattering pic of her either.


Here's a pic from inside the theater. It's a beautiful old theater, and the seats had TONS of leg room, which was really nice. The guy walking with her won the contest to be the next Elvira. Obviously, he's not in costume here. Apparently, the contest was filled with drag queens.

Chocolate Cakes and Nightmares

I posted last week about my anniversary. Here's a picture of the chocolate cake Tyler bought me. My stomach just about died when I saw this. It's the most beautiful thing to ever go into my stomach.



Sunday, I drove through West Hollywood with some friends. We went on a mission to find the "Nightmare On Elm Street" houses. Here is the house where it all started:

And here's the house where Johnny Depp's character lived. Yes, for those of you who don't know it, "Nightmare" was Johnny's first feature film.

Jason Takes Valentine's Day

I'm super excited about this weekend! Every Friday the 13th, I have my Friday-the-13th-a-thon... a-n-y-w-a-y ...and this year, there's a new Jason movie coming out! It's sure to disappoint, but I'm seeing it anyway. I have friends at Paramount Pictures and they've invited me to see the movie on the studio lot! For free!!! So, in honor of the holiday, I'm doing a quick little mini-bio on Jason:

Remember that time when Jason tried to go swimming. He always loved summer camp!

Maybe you remember when Jason hit puberty. He had to beat the girls off with a stick! ...or a machete!

And then this was this one time when Jason went on vacation to Manhattan. We stopped caring after he went to hell. Ugh! He even joined the space program and went into outer space one time.

Anniversary

Tomorrow is mine and Tyler's 4-year anniversary and since he decided to go to Las Vegas this weekend without me (long story) we're not getting a V-Day dinner. Actually, that's fine by me because it's kind of a silly holiday anyway (but I'm still going to make him feel bad). So, I made reservations at a restaurant called Cliff's Edge. It's not too far from my apt and it's supposed to be really great. They have an outdoor patio with a large tree growing in the center (see pic below) and lots of heat lamps during the cold weather. They serve Mediterranean/Italian/Greek food and have an extensive wine list. We don't eat out at really nice places very often, so this is a treat.

Griffith Park & Observatory.

About a mile up the street from my apartment sits the Griffith Observatory. Many films have been shot at the Observatory and the surrounding park - such as: Rebel Without A Cause, Back To The Future, The Rocketeer, and so on. When I first moved here, almost a year ago now, I often went up to the park and explored the trails.

The weather is nice today and I'm sitting in the office wishing I were outside.

These pics are from last year. Here you can see the trails winding around the hills.

This pic is from the back side of Griffith Park and shows The Valley (Glendale) and, I believe, the San Gabriel Mountains.

This one doesn't really need an explanation. Well, maybe a little. The Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park run together. They form a spine that seperates L.A. from The Valley.

Here is a pic looking down from the trails. The building is the Griffith Observatory.

This last pic is from one of the dead end trails and has some amazing views of L.A. (right side) and the Valley (left side)

Quiet weekend

This weekend was verrry quiet. Tyler's aunt passed away last week so he flew home to Tennessee. I didn't do too much... it was pretty rainy and cool at the start of the weekend, so I stayed in and watched movies. Fortunately, the sky cleared up and I went for a couple of walks up into the Franklin Hills (a very pretty neighborhood near my apt) and I also spent quite a bit of time on my Wii Fit. My hips and butt are very sore today from all of the exercising... I've been told this is a good thing. Exercise, other than early morning pushups, is relatively new to me and Wii Fit is a great way to do it! Saturday night was fun because some friends of mine had a viewing party for Lifetime's, "Prayers For Bobby", which was better than I expected. I've always been a HUGE fan of Sigourney Weaver, and she did an amazing job. It was sad, and some of the direction was a bit odd, but the story was excellent. It had a message without being heavy handed.

And now, I'm back at work.

MIDNIGHT MASS!

Guess where I'm going to be next Saturday evening (or Sunday morning, technically speaking)? One of my favorite icons is going to be hosting one of her own movies around the corner from my apartment at historic Vista theater at the Hollywood/Sunset junction. The movie starts at midnight and is followed by autograph session afterward. Any guesses who it may be? Here's a hint: she's THE Mistress of the Dark. Still don't know? Okay, I'll tell you... it's Elvira! She will be introduced by Peaches Christ, a local drag queen. Sounds like a recipe for campy fun! (I was going to upload a photo, but Blogger is being a turd right now)

ECHO!

Not that any of you will have interest in this...but I've been a HUGE Cyndi Lauper fan since I was 17. Unlike most crap on the radio, Cyndi has an amazing voice and a 4.5 octave vocal range. After last year's success on the dance charts (she had two #1 songs), Cyndi is releasing her third single, called "Echo". They are already playing it here on the west coast, even though the single hasn't had a physical/digital release yet.

I'm super thrilled that soon, the dj's will start playing this on the dance floors! I can't wait to dance to this song!!! Also, we should start getting new mixes of this song soon.

Top albums of 2008!

Since it's the last day of the year, I thought I'd post my favorite albums of the year. The list is much longer, but I'll spare you and only list 6. After leaving my friends in Savannah and moving to a new place, I've really been listening to a lot of fun/dance music and have temporarily ditched the more maudlin tunes of folk music. Since this list is only for albums, a few fave songs are Hot Chip "Ready For The Floor", Ssion "Heaven", Lady Gaga "Just Dance", Tilly & The Wall "Beat Control", Crystal Castles "Good Time", Beyonce "Radio", Brandy "1st & Love"

Janelle Monae "Metropolis Suite" though not an album release, this EP is strong from start to finish. Very reminiscent of Andre 3000's "The Love Below", but better, imo. Check out the video for "Many Moons"

Kate Miller Heidke "Curiouser" is so much fun! This aussie is in top form on tracks: "Can't Shake It" and "God's Gift"

She & Him "Volume One" featuring the vocal talents of the lovely Zooey Deschanel (actress "Elf", and "The Happening"). There's something very classic about her voice. This is actually more on the folksy side, but keeps from getting to heavy. Loves it!

Roisin Murphy "Overpowered" One of my absolute fave's from '08! She's sort of like Bjork, but a bit more for the masses. Lots of dancey tunes, but not shallow like most dance music.

Kylie Minogue "X" Lots of dancey tunes and not much of a message, but with tracks like "In My Arms", "Wow!", and "Speakerphone" this album has earned it's position in my top 5 faves of '08. I just love Kylie. What a great person, and still so beautiful. Check out some of her new vids on youtube.

Cyndi Lauper "Bring Ya To The Brink" is another dance album with (for the most part) a deeper message. From social responsibility to relationships, women's rights, and gay rights this album is one of Cyn's most lyrically creative. Collaborating with acts such as Basement Jaxx, Dragonette (amazing, check out their album "Galore"), and Peer & Astrom, Cyndi has some of the strongest dance songs of the year. The much overlooked DJ fave, "Into The Nightlife", is my #1 favorite song of the year. I dare you to sit down during that song! Other fave's are: "Echo", "Rain On Me", "Lay Me Down", "Rocking Chair".

Disney - Sparkling with Joy!

Well, I'm back in L.A. after spending Christmas week in Tulsa. I'm kinda sad, and am really missing friends and family. I don't have any photos from the trip (yet), so in the mean time, here are some photos from my last Disneyland adventure:
Sleeping Beauty's castle was lit up like a Christmas tree and it even snowed on Main Street!!! Only at Disney!

Cruela DeVille was sassy and made us pose like puppies! Then she skinned us and turned us into a coat.

After being shut down for refurbishments for ages, the Small World ride reopened just in time for Christmas. The whole ride was decorated for Christmas and it was pretty amazing.

Here's Small World after dark. Pretty cool!

Here we are on the tram. Kristin & Kim (yes, they're twins), and Tyler and me (we're not twins, we're just sleeping together). K&K are HUGE Disney fans and this was their first visit to DL, so they invited Tyler and I to join them. Of course, we couldn't turn down an invite to DL!

More old Photobucket pics...

Okay Casey, I'm giving you a break (for now). Here are some pics of my friend John. We did a photoshoot mocking our friend Leslie. Let me paint the picture for you.... It's winter, Leslie doesn't like to go out in the cold, and she always wears her Juicy Couture jogging suit while lounging on the sofa. So, while she was gone one night, John and I raided her wardrobe and recreated some of the scenes (and imagined some others). The last one may be slightly offensive.... I'm okay with that.

She was offended by these two...

Oddly, she thought this one was hilarious.

Casey teaches art!

Because I was going through my Photobucket, which I never use anymore, I was inspired to post a blast from my past. La Casey posing with paintbrushes in her hair during art class. The quality ain't so great... it looks like I had scanned the photo in. When she wasn't tormenting my brother, or the other boys for that matter, she let me take these scandalous photos of her (usually with props). Now, if I can only find the "butterfly picture"!

Don't hate me Casey. I had to do it! ;)

Holiday shopping!

Here are two more pics from a couple of weeks ago, when we went shopping in Pasadena. Here we are with a couple of big balls.

And, a big statue. It was cool, and windy, so I took the oppurtunity to wear my favorite jacket. Oh, and Casey, the bag by my feet has a gift in it... just for you (sort of)!

New Console and X-Mas Decorations!

So, I've had this big empty wall in my apt, that I've been dying to fill. When I worked at Arcanum in Savannah, I found a console that I wanted, but couldn't afford. Luckily, I have a job that pays well enough that I can charge this console and pay it off over the next couple of years ;)

It's an antiqued gold frame with a dark shell top. I finally have a place to put my lamps! They've been sitting on my bedroom floor since '87!
We also hung a couple of pictures in our bedroom. I just got so tired of having big empty walls!

I also have my "Winter Tree", I wanted a tree that reminded me of the cold weather, so I bought one without leaves! Not to mention, my fave holiday is Halloween, and this tree brings that feeling into the winter.

So, with uplights and creepy ornaments and birds, I have my Christmas decorations!

Cyndi nominated for a Grammy!!!

Cyndi Lauper's latest album "Bring Ya To The Brink" has been nominated for a Grammy in the Electronic/Dance album category! This is great news, although her song "Into The Nightlife" should have been nominated for best dance song. In her nomination category, she's up against Robyn (Swedish pop star), Kylie Minogue (for her amazing album "X"), Daft Punk (blah), Moby (blah), and the Brazilian Girls (they have some fun songs, but don't think they should win).