"People don't Notice Whether it's Winter or Summer when they're Happy"

From Summer Snapshot

Monster is as monster does

Most likely never again

WANT

via portraitofamind

Say, what's in this drink?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp3UoqOkFJo

Role Model

Lilith

The only Barbarella

rumor has it Anne Hathaway will get Jane Fonda's part in the remake of Barbarella.  UH UH.  as much as I like Anne, she's no Jane Fonda

A beautiful moment after (before)

Irreversible

Mandatory Call to Service (Industry)

So now that DADT is finally moving right along into oblivion, it seems as though the United States government is finally getting a bit of a clue.  Hopefully, by creating a more open environment, the US armed forces will educate not only soldiers but the rest of America on how to be more accepting and less judgmental - at the least help Americans become a little less ignorant.   Personally, I think we should keep the ball rolling with that idea and I have the perfect suggestion for our government's next move.

In Israel, Finland, and other countries there are laws in place, mandating that once adolescents finish high school (or whatever that country's equivalent is), they must serve a certain amount of time in the military.  Great idea.  It teaches kids discipline, respect, some real world skills, and probably buffs 'em up a little so they're better prepared for the adult dating world.

I'm not suggesting we do this in America.  As my lack of success in gym class might suggest, I am physical activity's biggest fan, unless you're talking dancing or walking and occasionally yoga - but I'm pretty sure being in the army requires a little more than being able to pirouette or do a good down dog once in a while.

What I AM suggesting is that we instate a similar program, whereby all adolescents (boys and girls) must work in the service industry for a minimum of 6 months before they turn 21.  That means, retail, restaurants, coffee shops, whatever.  As long as they get experience dealing with the stupidity of the rest of mankind.

Think about it.  If this was a reality, next time you walk into a restaurant and the hostess tells you it's a half our wait, and it turns out to be an hour, maybe you'll realize that it's NOT because she's a liar, it's because there's no exact science to estimating how long people will take to eat their meal.  Or maybe when you walk into a small boutique, you won't treat the shopgirl like she's incompetent just because she's working retail, because you will have been in the same position.

I truly believe that this mandatory call of 'duty' would make us all better people and make our future experiences at restaurants, cafes, and retail store much more enjoyable.

Think about it, Obama, baby.

Halloween Morn

on my roof in the most wonderful city in the world.

I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way

mmm cloves...

My Date with Jennifer's Body

For some reason I have had "My Date with the President's Daughter" stuck in my head and Jennifer's Body on my mind

For my Meme

I’m aware of my Meme’s vast knowledge of nursery rhymes and her possession of the recipe for the best Lemon and Orange cakes. I could tell you about the time that Huntsie, the Kotz family dachshund, chased everyone around the kitchen table, including my mother, Joan Kotz, and my Meme. All the things I know about my Meme, Fran Kotz, I know from personal experience or from what her children have told me. As I say this to you I don’t even think I could tell you what her middle name is, or if she has one.

From what I do know, Meme was an incredibly selfless person. My mother always said, in the most endearing way possible, that her mother is the only one who could have ever put up with one, Fred Kotz. I really think it’s because of her selflessness that she was able to be such a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She always put others before her, dismissing her own stories, accomplishments and sometimes opinions to listen to your thoughts, ideas and experiences.

Even before Fred, my Poppy, passed away, I began to think about how little a I knew about my grandparents’ life before my Mom, or even her older brother Gene were born. I eventually had the pleasure of hearing Poppy share this amazing story about chucking a tomato after tomato that he’d found sitting in a crate, at an unsuspecting neighbor. Each time Poppy told the story he could barely finish it for all the tears of laughter in his eyes. I know that my Meme had a story somewhere in her life of equal animation and personality but I never had the opportunity to hear it from her.

Because my Meme was such a woman of few words, especially when it came to her own life, it’s so much more important for her to live on through us – through the many beautiful, loving, fantastic moments we shared with her. We have to recall the words we did exchange with her, as they meant so much more since they were at times so minimal.

A year or so ago, I did this thing called the Naked bike ride – use your imaginations. My mom was regaling the story to Meme and when she was finished Meme simply and honestly replied, “Well, I hope she was comfortable.”

Hey Meme, and Poppy for that matter, I’m sure that you both are now much more than comfortable now. I love you, and I’ll see you later.

he's still got it.

Just say it!

Once upon a time, I was walking down a street in Soho, New York City, with a guy I used to date.  We were going nowhere in particular in search of nothing but my continuous fascination with the city when an inconspicuous boy walked past us.  Me and my partner looked at each other and then back at the anonymous person.

"Was that?" I whimpered.

It was.

"That was totally Michael Pitt!"  I shouted as I began to turn back around and walked towards his dwindling footsteps.

I felt a grip on my arm, pulling me back.  I was warned not to approach one of my favorite actors - one who's career was and still is, incredibly inspiring to me.  Apparently, if I had approached Michael Pitt, in any manner that day, I would have not only embarrassed myself, but my companion.


You know what?  That's bullshit.  I don't regret not saying something to the young actor, because perhaps I wouldn't be here today, with someone I love.  But I do want my experience to be somewhat of a lesson.  If someone who has influenced you that greatly - however directly or indirectly it may be - and you feel like you need to let them know, do it.  I'm not saying you should hop all over them and gush and swoon and stammer.  But I can't imagine anyone worth your appreciation not appreciating a kind and sincere thought you have to share with them.

Hey, Michael Pitt, I love your work.  And I like that you went to acting school to get your work.  Since learning this, I've thought about going to acting school, what do you think?  Is it worth it?  Either way, I love finding random movies with you in them cause you always do such a great job - even if the movie isn't anything special.  Also, I like that you are naked sometimes....haha!

Can I bum a cigarette?

go ninja!

from purple DIARY...die antwoord performing live in New York

Antichrist

Life Finds A Way

Once upon a time, I met Jeff Goldblum

"We're siamese twins.  They want us to have an operation, but I don't think we're going to..." he crooned.

"You're an actress, aren't you?"

"Oh?  you're from Philly?  Why, I'm from Pittsburgh."

After watching the fly, and trying to block out any part of it after you start developing actual fly hairs on your back, I remembered how much I'm still kicking myself for not saying more to you.

Jeff, if you see this, I am an actress and you should make me famous.

Yes, It is that Easy

From the film Requiem for a Dream

Harry - Does he give you pills?

Sara - Of course he gives me pills.  He's a doctor!

Harry - What kind of pills, Ma?

Sara - Oh,...um....a blue one, a purple one, and a...

Harry - I mean, what's in them?

Doctor - Yeah, we can fix that.

From the film Running with Scissors

Dr. Finch  - (taking out some pills) Would you like some of these?

Augusten Burroughs - What are they?

Dr. Finch - I just got some samples in the mail, so I don't know.

After forking over the initial consultation fee of $258.98, they have you sit in the lobby and fill out some forms - typical of any first meeting with a therapist, psychiatrist etc.  One of those forms is a checklist of symptoms.  This checklist usually serves as a very very loose outline of what your therapist has to look forward to in dealing with their new patient - you.  This time however, really take note of what you're ticking off.  That checklist will serve as more of a instruction manuel this time around.

15 minutes later she greets you with a weak handshake and a couple heavy blinks of her pale-purple-eye-shadowed-with-poorly-applied-liquid-eyeliner-ed lids.  She takes you into a windowless room/office with your typical doctor's cabinet set-up, a roll-y chair (for her) and a leather black couch (for you).  She sits underneath a plaque honoring her graduation from Vanderbilt.

A couple dozen questions followed by some "mmhmms" and "oh, yeses" and even a "tehe" later, and you have yourself a months worth of pills that should "treat" whatever symptoms you chose to check-off on your checklist this session.  

Do what you will with them.

Happy Easter, Jesus, my Lover

Preaching the Word of God

Roller Jesus

On the Phone with the Virgin Mary

He Loves the Little Children

Undercover Jesus

Making Miracles Happen

Jesus and Mary Magdalene

Jesus Levins

In the Summer Swing of Things

As I told you before I'd be giving you an update on "Summer Snapshot" and here it is!!!

"Summer Snapshot" reenacts one of those perfect sun-kissed, summer days spent at the river with all your friends, strumming guitars, soaking in the sun and having a few beers. Oh yeah, and skinny dipping. But it's also about capturing that perfect moment and realizing just how fleeting it is.  We all have summer flings, friendships and follies, but "Summer Snapshot" brings up the thought, "Do we also have a fling with summer itself?  Every year?"  The film's about holding on to that moment, because we've all experienced it. However short, or insignificant it seemed at the time, it matters to us now.


The film was shot entirely on Super-8 film, so it's got a real vintage feel to it (think: intro to the Wonder Years).  I've seen a few rough cuts in fact, and it's really shaping up to be something truly beautiful.  Something that someone of any age almost can fondly respond to.

As long as I can remember I've wanted to act in movies.  And while this film isn't exactly an excellent example of my acting skills (it's meant to be more like a documentary), it's still a film.  One of the reasons why I truly want to act is because of the films I've seen that have the uncommon ability to evoke overwhelming emotions in their viewers - the same way a simple painting, or a breath-taking ballet can do for many.  I'm perfectly confident that "Summer Snapshot" has this ability.  

Please please please support this amazing project that I had the pleasure of being a part of.  

click here  (or on any of the images) to make a pledge and get some sweet incentives, including a copy of the dvd.

Here's some more shots to get you in the mood....

 

by Adam Lucas

by Adam Lucas

google

 

google

google

the female cast

from the film

from the film

more to come...

I saved a Kitty tonight

Much like this one...

Oh, please

In London Town I did This

photo by Jaime Brennan

All the Animals

Just wait...

One day

That's American Apparel

I had originally intended to post all the pictures and captions that American Apparel gives us as examples and rules of how we should dress, look and act.  But I didn't for two reasons. 1. you all have probably heard all the bullshit that the employees have to put up with there anyway, you don't want to hear about it anymore.  2. I could get sued.  So here's this instead.

After 8 months working for the ultimate hipster company, I'm finally convinced that it doesn't make you cool.

Not that I started working there thinking I'd become one of the cool kids of Portland.  I started thinking I might eventually be one of the cool kids of Brooklyn. Hah.  No, but seriously.  American Apparel makes it seem like by joining their company you're joining some sort of elite group of better - than (but totally) hipsters, bound for new levels of coolness.  So even if you don't start working there for that reason, you can't help but think....only to discover, along with many other things, it's an absolute, and outrageous lie.

Yes, perhaps you meet a lot of people working there (because let's face it, all your friends; and friends of friends; and exes; and one-night stands; and the strippers that give you birthday lap dances; shop there).  But even after bumping into all of those people, making friends with one or two, maybe getting another lap dance, and getting the cheap thrills of an instant $150 allowance (which only gets you about 3 items, 2 of which they're skeptical about you wearing), working for American Apparel does not make you cool.

In fact, you run the risk of becoming UNcool.  After the fifth "family photo" they take of you and the rest of the staff, and after the third 18-year-old-baby-faced-Amazon-girl-from-corporate comes in and tells you that you can't wear boots and you need to change your hair, you'll find yourself complaining.  A lot.  These complaints start off as interesting conversation pieces.  Actually the complaints might even turn into conversations of their own; it's likely you'll be having these conversations with other AA employees, or someone who knows an AA employee and can relate a little.  But then you'll realize you complain about your job and the rules, and the fashions, and the new-trust-fund-highly-impressionable-young-girl employees, more than you talk about anything of value.  And you'll start to annoy other people.  And then yourself. But you just can't stop.  Then, as you look down at the hideous "preppy sexy" American Apparel clothes somebody in "LA" told you to put on, you realize: you are UNcool.  Not to mention, miserable.

But there's hope!  Most likely, you were a cool person upon being hired as an American Apparel employee. And you can still be a cool person who works for American Apparel.  Just remember: don't fuck over the people who are actually cool - the people that know how to wear American Apparel, and clothes in general - the people who have your back and bring in customers and are actually what's good about that company - the people that are mature and are comfortable with the reasons why they're there.  You don't have to try and convince yourself that you're ok with how the company's run.
You just gotta stop complaining so much...or get the hell out, fast. It's the only way to keep yourself sane.

This post is dedicated to all the cool people that I had the amazing opportunity to work with at American Apparel.

suck it, American Apparel

So much

uuuuuschi

Carry me, Jack