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December 26, 2005
Well uhh the Dolce Group rules!!
Well thats all i gotta say. If you saw my Christmas List post.. I wanted some gift cards from the Dolce Group restuarants; Geisha House, Dolce, and Bella. To my suprise, the actual Dolce Group sent me gift cards to the three restuarants. Im not gonna state the amount, but lets just say, its enough for me to drive out an hour to go dine at either of the 3 restuarants.
Im still wondering how they knew where to sent the gift cards. Oh let me explain it first. Its like a sideways foldable card with 4 panels. The front says Happy Holidays while the first page of the inside says, Wishing you a tasty holiday season.. The Dolce Group. The next three pages has these business card sized cards with the name of the restuarant. Totally awesome!! I know Dolce had revamped their menu and i havent visited to try it out yet. They even offered 50 percent off Mondays and Tuesday to entice me to come in for dinner. Im soo going to go in and i havent tried Bella yet, and of course you all know i LOVE Geisha House.
The group will be opening their restuarants in Vegas, which i soo have to check out and the OC will be getting the restuarants. They will have lots of business but the flagship restuarants of the Dolce Group; Dolce and Geisha House, should really just be in Los Angeles and Vegas. Thats just my opnion. Other cities they are opening other restuarants are in Atlanta with Atlantic Station, Georgia with Geisha House, Dolce and King Pin, and then a sports bar in Dallas named Victory Park.
Genichi “Gen” Mizoguchi, the executive chef at Geisha House will be on the Iron Chef in January. I am assuming its the American Version on the Food Network challenging (im guessing) Masaharu Morimoto. 2 top Japanese chefs. Mizoguchi knows the art of the blowfish.. Maybe hell show off a little of that.. Be sure to check out the show or even better the Geisha House.
Once again... Thanks to the Dolce Group!! Ashton Kucher, Wilmer Vilderamma, Danny and Chris Masterson, Simon Rex, Jamie Kennedy, Dule Hill Lonnie Moore, Mike Malin, Shereen Arazm, Jessica Meisels and Marissa Knies. You guys rock!!
Anyone for dinner?? Its on me... =)'
Posted by Anh at 7:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Freshiest Sushi EVER!!!
Kevin Rose, one of the coolest nerdiest dude in the technology world recent headed off to Japan recently. He broadcasted a podcast that I am an avid listener to, Diggnation. Check it out. Its fun and informational to listen to. Anyways, while he was there he went to get some sushi. Enough said. Just watch the videos and it will explain some more. My thoughts?? I dont know if i like it better if its staring right at me.. But im sure its suhhh good!!
Sushi in JapanSushi in Japan is nothing like sushi in the United States:
Step 1: Catch fish
http://krose.typepad.com/fish.movStep 2: Eat Fish
http://krose.typepad.com/sushi.mov
Trip to Japan anyone???
Posted by Anh at 6:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Video On Demand Rules!!!
The title says it all. Its a little better than downloading tv shows yourself. I mean the downloads i get are in High Definition and no commericial. But i am pretty much stuck on the computer, and my little 19 inch screen. On Demand, you can stop pause and play it all and such. Whats even better is that you get On Demand for the cable movie channels you subscribe to. So i get HBO, Starz, Cinemax, and Showtime all on demand. Which means, the series they air i can watch.
I never got into Sopranos, especially since i was like 15 when it came out. Watched the first season, LOVE THE SHOW!! I soo need to get the other season DVDs. Entourage is on there, first season. The current season of Curb Your Enthsiasum is on, and its sooo FUNNY. Watch the episode about the Korean Bookie and the missing dog. ITS SOO FUNNY!! Showtime has their mini series, Sleeper Cell. So awesome!! Weeds was on there but i missed it when i wanted to watch it. Not only series are on demand. Movies, specials, documentaries and the late night wack adult movies are on to. I just cant wait until Real Time with Bill Maher and Entourage comes back. I never have to worry about missing it, just pull it up on demand and watch it over and over.
MTV has a little on demand for there shows, all the After Show for Laguna Beach is on. Kinda weird to watch it now, after meeting the cast and finally going to the actual place.
On Demand rules!! Im sure most of you guys dont even know you have it or know that its free. For Charter users, its channell 999. Remember to get it, you gotta be a subscriber to the channel!! HAVE FUN!! I know i do!!
ALL TV NEEDS TO BE ON DEMAND!! SCREW TIVO!
Posted by Anh at 6:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 19, 2005
Welcome-D to the O.C. bitch!
I liked to start out saying people do not know how to drive and that EVERYONE needs to take another driving exam!! See i dont mind if you have crappy driving skills, but when you inflict that on to others, that’s when i have a problem. When i say others, i mean me!! They should even invite sensors that know when there are other cars around and install cameras. If you you are a crappy driver, that footage gets sent to the DMV or police, and your license gets revoked. When i say crappy driver, i mean not following the little rules when driving.
Here i am driving south on Daycreek Ave. At the intersection of Daycreek and Foothill, its a 3 way left turn light. I usually like to be in the far right of the left turns because im eventually going to the far right lane to hope on the freeway. I have had experiences where the 4th lane turns left when it can only go straight and here i am trying to make a left getting cut off. Anyways, I’m making a left and the cars in front of me go into the 4th lane after you make the left. Last i recall, in whatever lane you are in, you end up in that lane when you finish your turn. Of course there are times when you can be get into another lane, but CMON there are other cars behind you, stay in your damn lane or if you want to change lanes at least there gotta be some damn space for the cars behind you to go somewhere.
Another thing, while i got past all that, i had to get into the 4th lane to get on the freeway. It was backed up due to some rubbernecking on the onramp. I was stuck again behind a car trying to get into the lane, i waiting and got out. Drove up more and try to get into the lane myself. Some stupid car behind me honked at me, i was like wtf.. I would understand if i cut you off or you were behind him, but they weren’t. They were trying to get into the 4th lane too. I need to start using my horn more to be honest. All this trying to get on the freeway to get to Laguna Beach..
Prior to this i had to take a final for my American Cinema class. I had to take it at 3 other than the normal 6 because i had an event to cover. Headed to school, and there was no parking lot. I thought my professor had a class, it sounded like that when he told me i could come in early. Took the test with someone else, took me about 30 mins. 30 mins to do a final consisting of 40 questions and an essay. Easy stuff..
Now off to Laguna.. Hurray.. I was covering an event from one of the cast members charity event. Member of the Laguna Beach show on MTV. Im not going to get all into it but you can read my article. I have never been there, and actually haven’t been around that area in a long long time. I do recall being around Dana Point and Laguna Nigel.
The drive wasn’t too bad, 15 to 91 to 241 or 261 and after its a blur. The 261 or 241 is a toll road into Irvine. Instead driving around Anaheim Hills and Orange, it just cuts right through. A good time saver. The tolls wasn’t too bad but here’s the thing. The sun was setting and in my eye like none other! I was getting really blinded by it and it look like i took the wrong interchange. It said either South Orange and Irvine. I took the Irvine route and according to the Mapquest it was the right way. It didn’t feel right. The freeway ended, and i was sooo off directions. I turned out to be on Jamboree, i just figured to go south until i hit Pacific Coast Highway and then take a left down to Laguna. This drive was forever!! Or at least it felt like it. You ALWAYS feel like it takes forever when you don’t know where you are going but in your gut you feel like you are going the right way, and you just doubt and doubt every block.
One benefit i found going this way?? At least i know where Fashion Island in Newport is. I never knew and it was pretty cool to see. Another plus? The air felt so much pure and cleaner. The sky was beautiful and soo clear. Living inland, the sky is always disgusting unless the wind is blowing a little, its not. I finally hit PCH, and they weren’t lying when they say PCH is a mess!! Once i got onto the highway, i know i was safe. If i could, id get a convertible and drive up and down the highway all day, minus the traffic.
I eventually got into Laguna. Saw Ocean Ave, and Laguna Ave. I couldn’t help but look to my right and see the ocean. I love it when you are there, and the ocean seems so high. Its true, this place is just a little town and people will talk. Then after i got into Laguna, i was hoping the Methodist church was on a main street, where they have the signal light signs. It was already dark and i didn’t want to go around looking at the little street signs.
Got to the church, and it seemed semi crowded but wasn’t. When i got into the place and nothing was going on but a raffle off. Everything was way too disorganized. Here i am walking around trying to see what the areas were and what was going on. Nothing!! Nothing at all, a outside area of nothing and an inside of people waiting for the Meet and Greets with the cast. One of the most unprofessional and pointless events. I mean, yes there is a point, this charity, but i mean at least produce a newsworthy event to attract more attention.
Here i am walking around like a chicken with its head cut off walking from the outside holding area and the inside place. I just decided to walk towards the back that lead around to the meet and greet area. You can see the church right before you enter the doorway. Its a pretty small church, i say you fit maybe around 100 people or so. I guess there isnt that much practicing Methodists in Laguna.
The only person i notice at the moment here was Trey, just hanging out. Eventually Stephen and Jessica came and they did a little meet and greet with them 3. Its not a surprise that every single breathing girl there, mainly under 18, wouldn’t be surprised if under 16, were there to meet Stephen. Very very brief thing there. They had to get everyone out to the streets to create a mock finish line for when Dieter arrives. A 120 Miles, that is amazing stuff, in one day. I gotta say that he is a machine.
Was pretty annoying out here. Little girls all gitty about the cast members of the show and so on. MTV had i think 3 camera guys all over the place just hogging up space to shoot any of the people. I was told the pr person who was handling this event was contact a lot of media to over. From what i noticed there was only 3 photographers counting me, and 1 writer for sure and maybe another. That’s it. I have been to whatever events with more coverage.
Whatever reason, 3 fire trucks came to do something up the street. Its a rather small codisack, didn’t know how they fit them in. Anyways, they had a check that Dieter was going to present to the SAVE organization, looks like so far they had raised a little over 43,000 dollars. Right on. So he came up, to a crowd less than enthused. I mean im sure they would be, but whoever was handling the audience sucked and it looked more like MTV was trying to do it, but we all know how lame they are.
Before Dieter came up, Alex Murrell and Alex H was dropped off, where What would Dieter Do? shirts. They are both really tall, well Alex H is much taller. Dieter came, and all sweaty fell on the floor semi jokingly and just hung out. After that, just a mad mob rage to show how unorganized this is. He left, while MTV and the check presentation didn’t even happen. Taylor and Morgan showed up outta nowhere, and WOW!!! I have to say that i think Taylor is the most beautiful chick on the whole dang cast. Kristin knows she has a nice body and she uses that too much. Lauren "LC" has an effortless beauty but that beauty isn’t always apparent all the time. Taylor?? Always pretty with minimal makeup. If you can look hot with only lip-gloss that is beauty without makeup. She was wearing this orange redish dress and was looking soooooo cute. Anyways.
Dieter came back, presented the check to the dude at SAVE, and was presented with a plaque. He was doing thank yous and someoen from the crowd had to mention LC for a thank you. I read in his journal about how shes whatever if she doesnt show, theres gotta be some reasoning behind that. Back to the little room for some more rabbed fans. I just hung out, take pictures where i could when they were just chillin. I decided to say hi to the KIIS DJ and the giveaway, make KIIS FM present be known guys. Introduced myself to them, dropping Manny wack butt name in it. HAHA... 
DJ Shy was really friendly, cool chick and new resident DJ at the radio station. Talked to the other KIIS FM people. One of the chicks was asking me about my jacket... i swear ive seen her somewhere and she was a little cutie..
More of the cast walking around and what not. You can totally tell that Jessica really didnt want to be there. She wasnt talking to no one and the other way around. I mean the fans were but other than that, not really. I noticed at a certain point she was signing the the flyers in mass production mode.
Enough of that, it was getting close to 7ish and off to the after party. At this point, was friendly with the DJ and her homie, Al. The name im assuming because i totally didnt hear it. I always try to make an effort to remember names.
Left the place, people were taking photos with Polster, and I didnt really noticed him until after that. Back to the car to head on over to the club. When i was walking back, these little girls were asking me where everyone was going and if i knew where to go. Of course, i did. They told me they didnt know where they were going because they lived in San Diego, and i was like oh wow. But then i thought about it, took me the same amount of time and distance to get there, so i shouldnt say anything.
When i hit PCH again, everyone looked like they were turning right and i was the only one turning left. Again, felt i was lost. But i got on my way there. Things looked familar since it was around the Spectrum.
Diablos... In Lake Forest was the location of the party. A week ago, it was only suppose to be 21 and over and a few days ago it changed to All Ages. I figured they did that because they werent going to get much 21 and over folks coming
The club, nothing special. One side with a stage the other side with a dj booth and a lower dance floor. I mean this place is totally dancable place. Anywho, hung around the DJ booth and just chilled with Al. Observing and drinking. I had a Vodka Tonic that tasted soo week, but man when i got a second one, i was out of it. When i left the house to Laguna, i was already thristy, which meant i was dehydrated already. That just ampped the effects of the vodka. I knew by my second drink, i had to take my time cuz me and Al were buying drinks for each other. There was a group of asian dudes filming the DJ. One of them came up to chatter saying how they are filming her for a profile on VHN network. A new asian channel on DirecTV. He was talking it up and saying how they are looking for people to maybe profile. I was like... uhhh... sure... Maybe? Let me hit the gym for umm maybe a year first, and then we could? HAHA.. So not camera ready...
Lets set up this up for yall. Next to the DJ booth was 2 boxes about 20 feet from each other. They had a pole on each, from the looks of it, to hold up signs and what not. A thought came to mind, hmmm maybe some chick could maybe use it like a stripper pole and just dance and what not around it. Maybe you can see where im going. Now here comes a chick that i saw at the church and chillin around the DJ booth here. I see her jump up the box with a look on her face like she got a bicycle on Christmas day. You know... that look..
Im not done.. another set up.. Usually when you introduce yourself, you tell your name first.. Ok keep that in mind. Here she is spinnning around the pole that wasnt really stable to do it. Hey the engine that could... I looked at her, and she came down to me. She explained to me why she couldnt do it, like i was her evaluater or something. Then she said, oh im a stripper and i dance go go. Like i was itnerviewing her for a job and she was giving me a verbal resume. I was like uhh ok, just go up and dance some more. FUN FUN!! Ok i have a photo of her somewhere on this post, not going to point it out though. She did tell me where she dances, and maybe, just maybe ill check it out.
Another thing, looks like a bunch of these girls were in the house. Representing a clothing brand. There were like 6 or so of them. All working for the stripper, fun. They were semi wild but not really. I saw 2 who werent doing anything. OK there was one chick, to me, the most attractive one, and she was fully clothed but her dancing, the sexuality just oozed out of her. Like she was covered, jeans, uggs, and like a weather type thing. anyways!
Nothing much really went on. There were bands and what not performing on the other side. Saw Nehemiah dancing and i went over and said whats up. Looking at MTV site, hes from Rancho Cucamonga. Man if i knew that, i would have talked up some shop about Rancho, but whatever. Talked to him cousin a little bit, who was pretty blingin it. Im assuming hes in the Slimeballs. Whatever that is.
Again nothing relaly going on, around 10ish, Alex Murrell went on stage. That was the other person I wanted to see perform. Her song, "Hello" i really like. Before she got some stage, Taylor was on stage hanging around and a guy in the crowd said, "Laguna Beach sucks." She walked over to him and said, "Are you kidding? Seriously are you kidding?" Man shes a little firecracker. I totally dig that.
Morgan, Taylor and Alex were chillin on the otherside. Stephen came around to MC a little bit. Alex then performed. The first song i didnt know what it was, but i was busy taking photos. The lighting totally sucked and most of the photos came out orangy. Second song was "Best Friend," which i assumed was about Taylor but i didnt catch the lyrics. She was tearing up all emotional, and that was hella cute. A girly girl with attiitude with a natural beauty. Perfect!! If you ask me. Totally perfect. Last song, "Hello" and it looked like myself, Morgan, and Taylor were the only ones who sung along. I like how she sings and how she sounds on this track. If you wanna hear it, go to her myspace at myspace.com/alexmmusic
I ended up going to the VIP area after that. Said whats up to Stephen. Wasnt much going down there. Some of the cast was chillin. I talked to Alex H. telling her she looked bored but she told me she was tired. Talked to her mom and little bit. Alex Murrel came by and i didnt expect a hug but i gave her one and said hi. Totally caught me off guard.
At this point i had a really bad headache, buzzing off my butt kinda hard to walk, and way too dehydated. It was around 1030, and i figured just to leave. The stripper and her posse was still running around taking photos, and dancing on poles. Other than that, the entertainment was quite minimal.
I had fun, and was totally glad i didnt have someone come along. I usually like to have someone come for the ride. But i knew i would have been whatevers if someone was with me and i was trippen out to myself about where i was going. Plus, its really hard to mingle and do your own thing when you are worrying about someone. Solo is usually the best way to go..
I really wanted to ask Alex H. about where Kristin was since they live together. I figure she was busy doing stuff cuz she doing a movie and in a show. (Actually found out that she was there supporting her boyfriend her band. Man was i not paying attention)Talan, im sure he was a little too big headed to be there now. Who knows. I love learning where to go out. I wanna go back to the beach area and just hang out and take photos. Its totally peaceful.
O.C. parties.. not like it is on TV...
runninghome4teens, lagunabeach, kiisfm, djshy, diablos,
Posted by Anh at 7:49 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 17, 2005
One Million hits to my site... almost...
My site has been around for almost a year, a year closer to the end of January in 2006. Been wanting to have my own .com for the longest time and finally took the plunge, bought it, designed it and so on. Needed a place, an official place to put some thoughts, my schedule, and photos up. I say official, because ive had i think 3 other blogs, blogs that are still up and if you google it. Im sure you’ll be able to read them. Those ones are a lot uncensored than this one you are reading. I have a much bigger audience here than the other ones. However it’s pretty rad to read my crazy thoughts at certain times.
As of Saturday December 17, 9:38PM Pacific Time, I have had 834177 hits to my site. Im sure ill hit 1 Million at least by the first entry. I say that’s a lot for some dude speaking his mind. Sorta. I really wished I spoke my mind about everything .. here that is..
Anyways.. So im sure you see the image to the right. OK let’s do a set up, in my hosting program i can’t see where the people are coming from. Well not coming from, but if they click a link somewhere and it leads to my site, it tells me. Looking through the list, i noticed a lot of random site, which lead to nowhere most of it. However i found something of substance, a link to comicbookconventions.com. I had to mine a little bit and there image is what i found. I didn’t submit anything to them but i guess they just found it and reported it. Heres my gripe, the first part about photos and such, ok cool, but the attitude comment? I don’t know if that’s good or not, attitude as in what a attitude someone punch him or attitude in a good way. I don’t know.
I haven’t gone through my whole list and see where some people are coming from but i shall. If you come here often, feel free to email me and say hi.
No Attitude, and 1 Million hits baby!!
Posted by Anh at 9:51 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Dancing with the Stars Season 2
Note: Photo of the cast on Season 1, cant find a current one.
The show will be back January 5th at 8PM. Is this season going to be as hyped up and popular as the first season?
Well they are using the same formula.. Strike up the band aka orchestra, outfits that would make a exotic dancer blush, and hopefully the 16.8 million viewers the show brought in last summer. Oh dont forget the oh don’t you remember that person from that __________ Insert movie, tv show, and/or boy band?
TIA CARRERE – Television and movie star known for her stunning beauty. She will be partnered with professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy.GISELLE FERNANDEZ – Emmy Award-winning journalist. She will be partnered with professional dancer Jonathan Roberts, who returns to the series from last season.
GEORGE HAMILTON – Actor and international bon vivant. He will be partnered with professional dancer Edyta Sliwinska, who makes her second appearance in the series.
STACY KEIBLER – WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) diva. She will be partnered with professional dancer Tony Dovolani.
DREW LACHEY – Recording artist and former member of the pop group 98 Degrees. He will be partnered with professional dancer Cheryl Burke.
KENNY MAYNE – One of ESPN's most-recognized personalities, known for his dry wit and a former college quarterback. He will be partnered with professional dancer Andrea Hale.
TATUM O'NEAL – Academy Award-winning actress. She will be partnered with professional dancer Nick Kosovich.
JERRY RICE – Three-time Super Bowl champ and considered by many to be the greatest wide receiver to ever play in the NFL. He will be partnered with professional dancer Anna Trebunskaya.
LISA RINNA – Actress, entrepreneur and host of SOAPnet's "Soap Talk." She will be partnered with professional dancer Louis van Amstel, who returns to the series from last season.
ROMEO - Teen rap star and performer since age eleven. He will be partnered with professional dancer Ashly Delgrosso, who also returns to the series from last season.
Tia Carrere fills the random, C-List card carrying member but you have a body that looks good in them dance outfits celebrity as Rachel Hunter did prior.
Drew Lachey, yes related to ex-Newlywed Nick Lachey, filles the Joey Mcintrye former boy band member.
Always looking overly tanned George Hamilton covers "the really who are you old guy with an interesting voice" John O'Hurley.
Jerry Rice fits the "we need at least one black guy quota and lets see if we can make him look dumb" role that Evander Holyfield held last summer. However I think Rice will be a bit better since hes once of the greatest wide receivers of all time. So gotta have those crazy legs. Romeo joins Rice as one of the brothers.
Lisa Rinna fits the "we need someone who has to do with Soap Operas" as the first winner Kelly Monaco did. Will she be as good? I think she’s gonna be a little prissy but for sure he will look good in the outfits.
That chick on The Bachlorette last season will fit the TOTALLY random "celebrity" Giselle Fernandez of this season.
2 added additions, Stacy Kiebler of the WWE will look HOTT in the outfits. With her long long long legs, she should be a good dancer. Tatum O'Neal, who knows. Should be a good season.
Them outfits... wow...
Posted by Anh at 9:15 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
CBGB lives to see another day.. well a year actually.
Looks like its saved for another year. I posted on this a few months back about its demise, and to be closed down since what i recall the rent each month about $40,000. The owner Hill Kristal reached an agreement on December 6th with the committee which owns the building. The location will remain in its NYC location in the East Village until October 31, 2006. The owner is looking for a new space for the place. Good luck on that. More info on CBGB and the saving efforts check out. CBGB Online | SaveCBGB.org
I gots another year to visit this place.. HURRAY!!
Posted by Anh at 8:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Who the heck is the Carver??
So the third season of Nip/Tuck is coming to an end Tuesday. Finally we will find out who the Carver is. The person has been terrorizing Miami since second 2, mainly McNamara/Troy. I totally missed all of season two could i really couldn’t handle them surgery scenes but man did i get into it this season. Who do i think it is?? Let me go over some reasoning in my mind and yeah..
Everyone one thinks its Dr. Quentin Costa, played by Bruno Campos but that’s a little too obvious if you asked me. I have a theory that involves him but ill go over that later. Being a surgeon, he has access to all those numbing chemicals and of course being Bi. Christian Troy was rapped the finale of last season. But i don’t really think its Dr. Costa.
I really think its Matt McNamara (John Hensley). It’s been a crazy life for this kid, learning his dad isnt really his biological dad, but his real dad is the best friend of his mothers ex husband. Yeah i know crazy. Lotta drama with him and his former dad. Fights, retraining orders and what not. Matt ex girlfriend was actually a post opt transgender. He has had a messed up year and i mean dont you think being the Carver tops it off? Plus since this is Nip/Tuck and the show is ALWAYS pushing the buttons. That would mean he rapped his own father, his biological one that is. Not really that inappropriate for this show, and Matt did question his sexuality after his stint with Eva, the transgender chick, dude, whatever. Again with his real father, and father that raised him being surgeons, readily access to surgical knives.
Heres the kicker though.. I don’t think there’s just one Carver, i believe Matt McNamara and Dr. Quentin Costa are working together. Why? I just do. I kinda believe a son rapping the father is just a little too much. So in that case the Dr. did that. I haven’t gone back to look if Matt was at Christians wedding or not but i assumed. So in that case, Dr. Costa was the one who kidnapped Kimber. Heres a truly off the wall but don’t think it is, Matt and Quentin are lovers!! How about that for a must see 4th season?? Quentin is an open bisexual in the show, and Matt thinks he knows what his orientation is.
Maybe im right? Maybe im wrong?? I haven’t gone over this predication with anyone, but im going to stick to it. Check out the 2 hour season finale on Tuesday. I know i will... However hopefully at the Geisha House in Hollywood at the Season Finale party...
whodunnit??
Posted by Anh at 8:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Night of Celebration... and mourning... for Snoop Dogg that is...
Last Monday December 12th, 2005
I honestly don’t know how i got up this morning. I went to bed at 1 trying to catch up on sleep since i had a final and what i thought was going to be a long Monday night. All i recall was tossing and turning actually not falling asleep until 3 and waking up at 5am, 6am, and finally up at 9:30ish AM.
Had an econ final at 10:45PM. Id say a really easy one if you ask me. 30 questions multiple choice, if only all my classes were like this. Id be out of this black hole of community college. Head on over to class, and finished it in a good 20 mins.
Ran some errands all day. But not as much as i planned really. Went home to go over some things, and i really need to get my list together my Christmas cards. I decided to put some See's candy in the cards, so that they don’t seem too boring with just a card. Figured See's candy would be the best bet and i will have to go get that another day.
Headed on over to Target since i figured they would have some bulk Christmas cards. Made Alex drive because i was feeling way too lazy. When i got there, i saw a Hallmark and thought to go in there. Found a box of 32 cards for about 8 bucks, and they weren’t crappy ones either. Very elegant, detailed, and some had glittered up. Ok while i was there, an attractive lady, showed me a card and asked, "Does this look like a card a grandmother would send." I told her no not really. After i paid for my cards and left. I thought to myself, was she a grandmother herself? She was a little too young looking and really hot to be one. Then i thought maybe she was getting it for a grandmother to send out or even she was making sure the cards she got didn’t make her look like a grandmother sending a card.
Off to get something to eat, went to Carls Jr and treated Alex. The chick that was taking our order, too cute to be working there at Fast Food. Man as i think about that, it is too and in our mentality, pretty people we think should be more privileged.
Got home and got ready. Off to LA once again!! The drive wasn’t too bad, i actually got pass the 110 Freeway before i hit any traffic. For some reason, it was really annoying to be in.
Arrived at LA Weekly for a few seconds then off to the Snoop movie premiere, for his straight to DVD release, Boss'n UP. The premiere was at the Silent Movie Theatre off of Fairfax. Wasn’t too far from the Weekly. Drove right by the place, saw the Marquee and the small front where the red carpet is.
Parked in the neighborhood in the back and walked on over. Saw Steve or Same, forgot his name from the publicity firm handling the premiere. I recall seeing him in the press tent in Vegas at the Comedy Festival and in the press room there. We were placed at the end of the red carpet, but it wasn’t even that long. I say i good 50 feet across, which was mostly occupied by huge security dudes and the 5 or so publicists. Nothing really happend for an hour, from 7 to 8 nothing. We were promised that Snoop will be there by 8 so we just waited. UPN 13, FOX 11, MTV News, CNN were there. GMTV, Good Morning Television based out of the UK was also there. So all of us, just staring at each other, trying to make the time go by. Man i was blabbing about random things here and there. Saw some really hoochie girls, dress hella hoochie, and butts that you could actually put a drink on. That’s no exaggeration. And the girls weren’t even big in frame, i say fair petite if you asked me with butts that were whoa!!
Here’s an interesting thing, i've have talked to Snoop personal publicist here and there, dealing with events of his. I received quite sporadic responses and what not, even Ben has had the same experience. I overheard a conversation that pointed out Meredith, his publicist was there. Found it a surprised she didn’t even come to introduced herself to any of us. Whatever.
FINALLY! Snoop arrives around 7:50 in a dark van. He was just named the executive producer of XM Satellite Radio's classic hip-hop channel. It took him quite awhile to get out of the van, not of course without having 3 huge security guard dudes and the entourage. An entourage that wasn’t as large as you would imagine, but then again this event isn’t that big.
First was the 3ft x 3ft section where Snoop posed for 2 seconds of photos. Dressed in a jacket with a black shirt that says "Save Tookie.org." Tonight at 12:05, Tookie Williams is slated for execution by lethal injection. Kinda trippy to see Snoop have this movie premiere while he was going to be executed a few hours later. I noticed his chain around his neck, 2 dogs on top of each other and it hit me that it meant a sexual act. Fun.
Shot pictures here and there where i could find some real estate on the sidewalk, most of the time hanging off it. Snoop was talking very very softly, it was really hard to hear. He did pull out a photo of him and Tookie which was shot December 2nd, when he went to support Williams’s clemency. Wasn’t too long of a red carpet. Saw Ryan from The Source magazine there, he’s the west coast editor for the mag and i met him a few months ago at the Alicia Keys concert. Chatted a little, looks like he’s working on a Tookie Williams piece and some quotes from Snoop would be a great add.
Had that party thing a little later, and right when we were leaving. Ben noticed one of Snoops's guy Ted Sing, his right hand man hanging out. Talked to him a little bit, introduced us to his cousin and asked us if we were going. Wasn’t too sure if we could, but since like Snoops go to man, it wouldn’t have been a problem. I wouldn’t have mind to go in, but i wanted to see how that other event was. Ben talked it up to him to see if an interview was going to happen or not. Ted assure him that it was going to happen for sure, when the busyness dies down.
Off to Beverly Hills to the Camden House. Man, Beverly Hills looks a lot nicer than what i remember. Well the Beverly Hills area around Rodeo Drive and what not. Got into the place, this bar, lounge restaurant. I wanted to bring in my camera to take some pictures, but I didn’t want to shoot then go back to put it away and just left it. When i got into the place, wasn’t much of a red carpet. It was just a backdrop hanging next to the bathroom and the bar.
First sign it was going to be a whatever night at this place. Not an open bar, c’mon now, party and not an open bar? Then again it was a charity benefit and maybe the profits when to the charity. They did have a few charity things up in the silent auction. The only thing that was interesting was the Lawrence "LT" Taylor signed Helmet. I think it was an Eagles or Falcons helmet, i dont recall. As you can tell im not big on football really.
Nothing was going on really, i wouldn’t have mind going back to the movie to watch and then come back over here. I asked Ben, didn’t give a response, so i just hung out and chatted it up on my sidekick and observed the "red carpet." I didn’t even know who anyone was getting their photos taken. Only person i noticed was Rex Lee from Entourage which i saw at the Tyra Banks party. I kinda wanted to talk to him and see if i could pull an interview and maybe a visit to a set filming. I did notice this short Asian chick but i couldn’t put my finger on it who she was. I just didn’t see anyone i wanted to shoot, i wouldn’t have mind shooting the cute chick who plays the daughter "War at Home" and i dont recall the rest on the tip sheet. Usually they dont show up anyways..
Since nothing was happening, no one really, music kinda sucked. Like it wasn’t really danceable, the food going around was minimum consisting on finger food versions of crab cakes, satay, and bake potatoes of what i saw. We decided to leave around 9:30. I wanted to maybe stay or go to that movie but whatever. The birthday girl, Christina Martin was in a pretty hot red dress, ones you might see in a ballroom dancing competition. All glammy and shiny!
Off we go, back to the Weekly to get my car. This was the second time where i left early to something i was planning to stay at, but i wasn’t driving. But I will be driving once i get back to my car. While warming up my car, i was deciding weather or not if i should go back to the party.. This time i wouldn’t have to worry about someone else... Did i go back?? Ill leave that up whoever might have talked to at the Camden House after getting my car..
Whats my mother effin name....??
Posted by Anh at 7:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 16, 2005
Holiday Madness!!
Ran across this online, saw it on the news, and even on the Ellen Degeneres show. Totally sucks for the neighbors, but i mean cmon its the holidays and you gotta get into it.
It took Carson Williams, an electrical engineer of Deerfield, Ohio two months and $10,000 to sync up 25,000 lights by his computer with the songs played over car radios. He does 3 songs which are "A Frosty Song, "God Bless the USA" and "Wizards of Winter" by TransSiberian Orchestra.
The crazy show has been up since the week of Thanksgiving, however the internet i.e. my site is the only place to find the show now. Just recently there has been an accident between 2 cars with no injurys that shut down the show. Talk about some rubberneckers or the minor few that ruins things for other people.
Below are 2 of the 3 songs/videos. Enjoy and share it around and bring some cheer. Click to view or right click to save.
A Frosty Song | Wizards of Winter
This would be one awesome effect at a Rave
Posted by Anh at 12:14 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 14, 2005
Use your Right side of your Brain... Music Lovers.
Ran across this and thought it was pretty fun to do. Looks like its a photo by Virgin and it may look like a crazy circus but theres a method to the madness. In the photo are 75 bands, however its not photos of them but images that represent the name of the band. Here are some examples... Just look in the sky, you see 2 jets and gorillas. Obviously to me, the 2 jets represent The Jets and the primates, The Gorillaz. Click on the picture to get the full size blown up and i will have a results page of the ones i have found. ENJOY!!!
Find me N' Sync and ill give you a dollar
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Quarter Life Crisis... Im getting old...
Last Thursday December 8th, 2005
Happy Birthday to me!! Hurray!! 22 years ago I was born and 22 years later I am here mistakenly (not getting into that today). Birthdays aren’t a big deal to me because it’s just another day. I wanted to just lay low and not announce it really. How did I lay low?? Signed off my screen names on my PC and Sidekick, and pretty much had my cell phones off. i so didn’t want contact with anyone at all. It’s just a waste, and lotta of the happy birthday wishes feel so empty and such. Plus i didn’t want any presents or whatever. At least i know i wouldn’t be getting another Bible. Nothing says you need some salvation from our holy savor than getting a Bible, especially on your birthday. Its likes getting something like gum or a gym membership, and the underlying reason is that your breath be kicking and your ass needs to get on a treadmill. And the only appropriate time to give it to you is on your birthday. Like any other time isn’t a good time, but you can put a facade of a gift on it. Goodness. it was even "A New Believers" Bible. Which means, cliff notes, breakdowns, highlights.. Pretty much a dumbbed down version. Ehhh enough of the ranting about that... So over it.
Headed off to the Pasadena Symphony Association to do an audit on their systems. Wasn’t too hard, had to keep track of their PC, Monitors, Printers, and Fax machines. Yesterday i had to go out to Redlands, to Redlands Aviations to install and configure a few things. The only highlight of the audit in Pasadena was that one of the chicks i was talking to have a nice behind.
Afterwards, headed to my dads work to get some lunch. Got some salad and trying to finish up reading "Kitchen Confidential." Almost done, new thing… reading is fun!
Then off to LA Weekly, to hang out with Ben and regroup on certain things. More reading and what not. Wanted to hit up the Jimmy Kimmel show. Walked on over to Hollywood and Highland and there was already a mad mad line. The stage behind the El captain theatre had rehearsals for Fort Minor. Right then I really wanted to check it out. But it was barely 6 and the performance wouldn’t happen until 945 at the earliest.
Walked across the street to the newly opened Virgin Megastore. There’s one over here, and man its pretty overpriced media. What i found really interesting is that they had some UK magazines. Namely Arena, and Kelly Brook was on the cover pretty much naked. i remember doing a few episodes of Smallville, and that sparked my interest. Looked into her spread, and she was pretty much nude. i thought this was interesting, but then again the UK is open with their sexuality, and the US is uptight and conservative about it. i mean c’mon, look at the whole uproar about the Janet Jackson super bowl thing. Shows how really conservative America is on that matter. it doesn’t mean I think America is conservative on many other matters, if you looked at the polls, America is a more than half on many issues Liberal. Anyways, UK open on sex and not on violence, and America is open on Violence and close-minded on sex.
Left out of there after awhile and stood on Hollhwood Blvd wondering how we were going to kill time. Kill time to what? Well Paul Sheer and Aziz Ansari (make sure you go to Aziz site and download funny shorts entitled Shutterbugs)was doing a show at the Upright Citizen Brigade Theatre. A commentary on the R.Kelly Trapped in the Closet video. i had been talking to Paul here and there during the week and Aziz hit me up today. I really wanted to check it out and show our support and what not, but man we had no idea how to kill the time until the showing at 11. We thought of a movie, but couldn’t agree on one movie to watch, so that was out of the picture. Sitting in the middle of the Hollywood and Highland complex trying to figure out what to do. We left it up to fate, just flipped a coin weather or not we were going to wait and attend the show or not. Result? The head of that Indian chick on the 1 dollar coin. Off to dinner and then to home.
Decided to have some dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. its a perfect day in Los Angeles, not a cloud in the sky with a light breeze. Perfect jacket weather. Since its such a nice night out, we decided to sit outside and have dinner there. Having some light conversation. Took me awhile to decide what I wanted. The menu doesn’t really offer much variety, i shouldn’t be surprise since I’ve been there about a thousand times. i really wanted s salad but i had one earlier so i got the typical thing i get there, the Fettuccine with Garlic Cream sauce with either Chicken and shrimp or both. This time i got it with the shrimp since Ben got it with the chicken.
Had a pretty good dinner, and off we go. Left the place and what not. I was deciding weather just to stay myself and sleep in my ride or whatever. But i didnt, i made it home way before the show would have started but i will be going to a future show of Pauls, since Aziz is out in New York. Cant wait. Over all, Operation Low Profile was a great success. Besides me bitchin' at a select people who couldnt even say birthday wishes. Whatever..
Its my party and ill cry if i want to... if i want to...
Posted by Anh at 10:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 4, 2005
TROJANS!!! UNDEFEATED!!
UCLA vs USC football game today!! I had access to go to the game and sit with the UCLA Alumni folks. Tickets were going for 150 each and i really wanted to go. I really wanted to tailgate that sucker to. As i think of it, Christmas is coming around and my funds are limited. Plus i was rooting for the Trojans and not the Bruins. If i were to be in the alumni section, i would have to respect them. So i was screwed either way. Watching the game, i would have been happy and not able to show it. Finaly score 66 to 19. Yeah, sad sad slaughtering game.
Dane Cook on Saturday Night Live. What i worry about his hosting appearance on the show was true. I didnt think it was that funny. Then again i didnt see every skit, but from what I saw wasnt all that great. Im sorry Dane, you are the man. But i see Saturday Night Live more of celebrities makign fun of themselves. However i will watch the show over, and maybe recant my opinion after seeing the whole thing.
Dane Cook and USC rules!!
Posted by Anh at 5:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
All that Jazz!!!
Last Thursday December 1st, 2005
YES!!! I missed Chris Botti opening up for Josh Groban in Vegas, and i missed him at the Greek back in October. But today!! I shall see him for sure!!! What got me even more excited is that he will be joined with special guests for a Live DVD and a PBS special. Who will be joining him?? Sting, Jill Scott, Gladys Knight, Renee Olstead, Paul Buchanan, Bert Bacharach and Paula Cole. Mother effin RENEE OLSTEAD!! She gone on tour with BB King on a few dates and i wanted to go just to see her. I haven’t heard her whole debut album just yet, but the duets she’s done with Chris Botti are amazing, and made me fall in love with her. Plus she’s also a little cutie.
I decided to plan a full day of fun in LA. Its a Thursday and didn’t have much planned to do. I did have a meeting with to install some hardware for a client from the company i just recently joined. I wanted to hit up the [LA] Weekly to meet up with Ben and go over our Christmas card list for our various contacts and what not to give some thanks. Time was a crunch though.
Headed over to FIDM, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Picked up Leslie from outta her class. Never been there before and wanted to see what its all about. I didnt know it was downtown, like literary downtown LA, pretty close to the Staples Center and Convention Center.
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First stop of the day, the Beverly Center. I’ve never been there and passed by it after leaving the Tyra Banks party. I was like, oh wow, lets see what’s the big deal about this place is. When i was doing research and making sure where I was going today. Beverly Center, Robertson Ave, and Wilshire Theatre pretty much were in the same few square mile radius.
I guess Leslie wanted to hit up Loehmann's. A block away from the Beverly Center and it was a place to park. I guess the whole concept of this store was top name designer brands at a pretty good discount. I honestly didn’t want to look around because its depressing to shop when you cant buy everything you want. Plus i didn’t see much, the whole place was like a designer brand TJ MAXX or Ross. When i say designer brands i mean like Armani, Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, and so on.. I wanted to pick up this Juicy Couture purse for someone, someone who said if i got it for them for Christmas, they would get me my William Rast jacket... Ehh.. Im too impatient, and lack a trust bone in my body. My plan was to just get it myself today...
After some depressing shopping. Walked on over to the Beverly Center. The way that place is set up with pretty cool. From the street, you gotta get on like 5 escalators before you get on the first floor of the shopping mall. While going up each escalator, you see the parking complex.
Seeming like i was taking the escalators to see my creator, right around the corner on the last escalator was heaven. A shoppers heaven! I wanted to hit up Bloomingdales, since the William Rast line is supposed to be selling there. This is what shopping is all about. The great band of clothing, not too high end like Versace, but about middle such as Energie, and French Connection. That had each brand in their own little section along the wall and around the middle. It was very organized and you don’t have to search your way through types of clothing. It was pretty rad. They had a 40 to 50 percent off sale on most of the stuff and man i wanted some stuff. Again depressing.. What can you do? Still looking for that sugamomma!!
Walked around the place a little bit to get a feel of the stores and what not. Very very high end shops, but what do you expect for being in Beverly Hills. Off to Robertson Ave baby!! My jacket was waiting for me at Kitson..
For whatever effin reason, the streets didn’t make any sense!! One said was saying North and the numbers would ascended, and the other side would be South descending. However, pass a block and it would be opposite. I just didn’t get it and dude i swear i think i turned around about 5 times in about 30 mins. I was getting so dang irritated and what got me on edge was i didn’t know which light had a red light camera. I would think about passing the same intersection about 3 times, i would know. But i didn’t even pay attention at all. Passed by the pretty famous Kabblah center that Madonna frequents and Paris Hilton has been seen there.
I eventually just kept on going North until the area looked familiar. I’ve seen it many times on those Entertainment shows about celebrities shopping there with paparazzi swarming around. Parked in a neighborhood that allowed parking until 6 without a permit. It was 5:30 PM, just an easy come in and go. Walking around the corner, i see high above on the buildings, lights flashing. Didn’t know what it was, but once i turned the corner on Robertson Ave. I see the flashes come closer, and guys holding cameras. I see a tall, and somewhat attractive girl getting photographed. Of course, it had to be someone of somewhat importance. Well not importance, but someone worth having those flash bulbs go off. It was Tara Reid, the part girl herself. He was wearing heels, and was looking pretty slim and fit. Compared to her canceled Taradise, where she looks really trashy, drunk, and rather padded. Today, she looked really really hot. Then i wished i took out my sidekick phone to take a pic for the heck of it. Oh well, Kitson was right there and just went on in. I didn’t want to waste anytime, because i was sure id get more depress looking at all this great clothes and not being able to purchase it. Got some help, got the jacket, checked it out in the mirror, bought it and off we go. The person who helped me told me the line has only been out 2 Thursday ago, i know Kitson premiered the line. Im hoping im on of the few, better if first to sport this jacket and line. Walked into the Lisa Kline Mens store, and again more amazing clothes. BLAH!!..
Back to the car, and changed into the jacket. Hung out a little bit, and thought to find something to eat. I haven’t eaten all day, and it was 6 and Leslie didn’t eat anything else. Didn’t know where to eat and i didn’t care, Leslie found her mothers ATM card that she said she didn’t have. Headed off to Bank of America. She wanted this jacket at Loehmann's jacket but couldn’t pull enough out from the account. Oh well. As i think about it, the store name pretty much sounds like Low Man's. I just thought that was a little something.
Back to Robertson Ave, since Leslie saw a jacket she wanted at Kitson. Again not enough, and time for dinner. I wanted to hit up The Farm. Just wasn’t too sure where it was. The Newsroom was on Robertson, but i really wanted to eat at the Farm, since its Josh Groban fave restaurant, and i wanted to see what’s so good about the place. But just decided to eat at The Ivy. One of the most celebrity sighted restaurant in Los Angeles. Theres no celebrity who hasnt really been there, seen there, or been photographed there.
The front looked alot longer on tv, but everything looks bigger on tv. So it wasn’t a big surprised, well it was a big surprise but anywho. Went on in and got a table. The host who was seating people, asked us if we wanted patio or inside. Of course i wanted to be outside, and he made sure we relieved the table at 8:30. From my experience, well not experience but knowledge, they usually reserve prime seating at posh LA eateries for celebrities who call in last second or just walk on in. I know Koi, the ultra posh sushi/Japanese joint makes sure you leave the booths by 6:30. Afterwards, it only there for celebrities. Hate to admit it, but they do get royal treatment and are pretty elite compares to normal everyday people.
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I reassured him we had to leave before 8 anyways, and we weren’t going to tie up their tables. Ordered our ice teas which was infused with mint flavor. Don’t know if i liked it much, but whatever. If you read my post about Vegas and eating at Mesa Grill. How i initially thought they were famous for crab cakes, it was The Ivy that was famous of it. I cant really describe the general theme of the restaurant. Id say something like American with some French i suppose? Who knows! Ordered the crab cakes to start and was told the specials. Nothing really caught my eye on the menu, and plus i had to keep it fairly inexpensive. Too bad that was hardly the case. I ordered the Lobster Risotto, which was one of the many specials of the night. Hey, i liked me some lobster, and Risotto had to be good. I mean i always see it being made on the Food Network, but never really had it, especially if its at a restaurant that i know would make it good. Suhh good!!
Started off with some bread. Don’t know what it was, some loaf of some sort, but it was good to start. Crabcakes came out really fast. They were decent, but i found nothing special about them. The sauce they had with it wasn’t too heavy but i had to squeeze on more lemon to get some sort of flavor out of the cakes. Quite frankly, i wasnt really impressed.
Sitting there conversing with Leslie. I overheard some Hollywood chatter from a nearby table. Something very typical in the city of Los Angeles, but i love to hear about it. The service here was impeccable. Its one of those places where your drink is topped off, if you take a sip, they would refill it type place. Most of the time, that sort of stuff would be annoying, but it was bearable here.
Now for the main course. My Lobster risotto and Leslie got some chicken enchiladas. She’s such a Mexican, but she isn’t but you get the racial stereotype. HAHA.. The plates the food came in were huge!! For good reason, there was a lot of food!! I had the risotto, where it was on top of the lobster shell they used in the risotto. Cut opened and lay flat, with the risotto just on top. It looked suhhh damn good!! The basil on top worked well with the lobster, and man there was a lot of lobster in it. I said maybe a good 5 pds lobster perhaps?? I don’t know but i was enjoying the shit out of it. However half way through, i was thinking to myself. I don’t know if lobster was in season or not, but it’s generally pretty expensive. On top of that, gourmet risotto?? Man i was so screwed when the check comes. What made me laugh, is i think today or yesterday i was watching Gilmore Girls. The episode where the food critic didnt like Suki's "magical risotto." Reason he didnt like it because he didn’t have the right wine to go with it. I was like, hmmm.. i would have ordered some wine with it. But im sure it had to be a certain kind of wine for the risotto, but since there’s fish, well shellfish it would be a different kind of wine. Enjoyed every bit of it. Which i was told isn’t proper etiquette. Leslie tells me, you have to leave 10 percent of the food left. Who the fuck says that?? Dude children are dying all over world. We, and when i said we i mean Americans, waste enough resources already. C’mon now!! Plus big bucks are being shoveled out for this food, enjoy every single bit of it. I worked as a chef at a restaurant, and the crap that gets thrown away every night is just plan uncalled for.
Oh so i get the check.. And to my disbelief, but not surprise. My damn lobster and pretty much rice was around 50 bucks. Nice huh? Love it.. And our ice teas? 5 bucks each. Hurray!! The total of the check was 109, the 20 percent tip. Came out to be 130. All in a days work baby! HAHA.. Ehh..
Off to the Wilshire Theatre.. to see Chris Botti. Hurray!! I was soo excited, i couldn’t believe. I was equally excited for Renee Olstead. Parked in the complex next door to the theatre. Saw other people i was sure was going tot he show. All dressed up and what not. I usually go dressed up but today i wanted to sport the William Rast jacket and represent. But i had a change of heart, and just put back on my button up shirt and had my blazer with me and changed into that.
Good thing i did, while waiting in line for get my tickets. There was a couple in a dressy dress and her date was wearing a tuxedo. Got my tickets and went inside to meet with Vanessa who was handling the photographers. It was good to see her, and met Chris Botti publicist and talked to her a little bit. While standing around with them i see Brian Avnet. I met and talked to Brian back at Sondheim’s at the Hollywood Bowl. He is Josh Groban's manager and also Michael Buble's. I caught up with him and talked to him a little bit. Saw how he was doing, and asked about Josh and Michael. He mentioned he was there for Renee, and i totally didn’t know that he was her manager also. I know she was on Josh and Michaels same label and David Foster produces their music, but i guess Brian manages Renee also. It was good to talk to Brian, since he’s such an awesome guy and very friendly. However, i was kicking myself, i kicked myself for not getting his card at the bowl and not asking for it again. I am so air heady when it comes to certain things, certain people and what not.
We had to shoot photos from the balcony which i thought kinda sucked. However good thing i had my long lens. There were two other photographers, i think a house photographer and the other was a photographer for Smooth Jazz magazine. Hung out for a little and man it was hot up there. Chatted with Vanessa. She’s such an awesome person. Haven’t had much conversation with her much before.
Chris Botti came on stage around 8:05 for the taping. Had a full orchestra to back him up. As i look around the theatre, its a lot smaller than other venues ive been at. It really gave the whole intimate feel with Chris, which is pretty awesome.
The started off with "Someone to Watch Over Me." Chris in a very clean cut suit with a purple dress shirt under. Next was "When I Fall in Love." The first song i shot near the other photographers on the side balcony and afterwards i headed off to the middle of the balcony and to the other side. The best place to shoot was where we were initially at. Gave me a better view and had Chris bigger in my shot. The last song we were allowed to shoot was "A Thousand Kisses Deep," one of my favorite songs of Chris. So it was kinda hard to shoot, however i just shot and shot away.
The song after the third i wasn’t too sure about. It didn’t matter since i had to pack up and check in my equipment so that i can watch the rest of the show. One of the head dudes of the theatre, Ralph lead us into the office on the semi second floor of the place. Checked it on in and went to my seat. A way better view than on the balcony.
Sting was next.. Performing "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life." Dressed in a grayish jacket, pinstripe slacks, and a skinny scarf. He was looking really good, and his voice was just as amazing.
Next, Paula Cole comes out to sing, "My One and Only Love." Her voice was soo magical on this song, live and on the album. Dressed in this suit type deal, her harmony with Botti's trumpet is heavenly. She hung around for the next song, "The Look of Love" with Bert Bacharach who composed this song on the piano.
Chris told a story about how he watched Cinema Paradiso with his mother in Italy. How it was one of the sadness movies he seen with subtitles. The main song from the movie, "Se" ive learn about the song hearing Josh Groban album. It was a nice rendition on the trumpet. The backdrop had what i assumed as Italy's skyline. What came down from above were two lighted lamp things. It was really awesome.
The guest stars didn’t stop at all. One after the other came on coming out. The weird thing is that Chris seemed to perform off set. Like he doesn’t perform with a set list of songs, or maybe he didn’t tonight because of the DVD taping and everyone backstage. Jill Scott, next on the menu. Singing "Good morning Heartache." Chris told a story about the writer of this song or something. I found it kinda hopeful. I mean like i think im totally a hopeless romantic, that’s the only kind of romance worth having. Find that other half you’d are totally in love with. Anyways. The story.. This dude was with this chick, but was dumped for a richer man. Many many years go by, and she calls him out of nowhere. He talks to her like they never missed a beat and go out a few times. A month or 3 later they decided to get married, and both are still married 30 years later. I think that’s soo like incredible, so they go to London and watch Chris and Jill redo this song, well an updated version. I saw Jill Scott months ago on the Sugar Water Festival, and she blew the other ladies out of the water.
Now for what i was waiting for. To see Renee Olstead perform live, and to hear her live with my own ears. Dressed very casually with what i remember were jeans, a red T-Shirt with a white sleeveless button up? Her beautiful red locks big and up seeming not to move with im sure plenty applied aqua net. Prior to her going up, i was making sure i was aware Brian was at. He was pretty much sitting a few rows in front of me next to one of the video cameras recording the show. I had to make sure i got his card this time, or I was just going to kick myself again. Well i see Brian leave right before Renee gets on stage, and that’s pretty much the last time i saw him that night. Renee sang, "Pennies From Heaven." I really wanted to hear "Sunday Kind of Love" which is on Renee's album, but this was Chris' night.. sniff.. Such a beauty, visually and vocally.
Chris Botti said a few things that is very very true. Jazz, appeals pretty much mainly to an adult audience. Saying how shows like American Idol gives kids the ideas that you just be a rock star over night. How kids wont get the idea to learn an instrument or whatever, just be a rock star. He finally concluded that parents should take their kids out to an orchestra show. I believe that is true.
Segwaying to "My Funny Valentine" he says Miles Davis is his American Idol. Chris came out to the audience to serenade someone out there. I bet on the DVD it would look like it was something random, being there it looked like a few members of the audience relocated to where he was. Midway through the song, Sting came back on stage to put some vocals on this track. It was quite humorous due to certain lyrics of the song he sang to Chris. Lyrics such as "Your looks are laughable, unphotographical" That was quite quite a riot. You have to understand Chris and Sting have been working together for years. Chris started off in Paul Simon band but then was promoted into Sting's band for many years before he went out on his own.
Paul Buchanan came out to sing "Are You Lonesome Tonight." Im not too sure if he really wanted to be there. He came out with a bottle of water, and i mean sang out the song, but i felt a vibe of imma sing and leave and that’s it.
Final song of the night, "Why Not." An instrumental set with a huge drum solo. Billy Kilson was the drummer. He rocked it out, one of the best drum solos ive heard live let alone anywhere else. Awesome!!
Chris brought out everyone who performed tonight to do a final bow. Someone who was missing from the night was Gladys Knight, but i figured he would be there tomorrow with everyone or maybe just a handful of the performers tonight. I don’t know. I know it was a sold out night tomorrow and tonight wasn’t even close. Sting hung around to rock out the house with "Message in a Bottle" with Chris' trumpeting. It was really really amazing!!
The show was done, and man i wish was going to go see the show tomorrow. Oh well, went to go meet with Ralph to get my camera and Michael Keaton walks by me. Wow hes looking pretty old. Got my camera and i was out of the place. I wanted to catch up with Brian, but its all good. I can get his contact info a little later. Just need to get my list together so i can send out Brian a card and some candy or whatever.
All and all a great day. visited the Beverly Center, got my jacket, saw Tara Reid, dinner at the ultra posh trendy IVY restaurant, and saw a great great concert!
Check out the live concert on PBS during March and the DVD sometime in February
Posted by Anh at 5:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Officer of the government, Servant of the People.
Last Wednesday November 30th, 2005
Notary Seminar and Exam today.. Hurray!! Last night, wasnt feeling all too well. I felt either the cold or flu coming on. Well i mean i felt it coming on the days before but this was the day i hit me like a ton of bricks. Illness for me usually builds up to the actual day i wish i was dead and in bed. Yesterday was the day, however when i woke up this morning, i was feeling real good. Up at 7am however bed at 2. Who knows.. Either i have a really good immune system or the multi vitamin, fish oil pill, vitamin c crewable, 3 cups of green tea, and the pomagrated juice.
Head on over to the Ontario Hilton. There were lots of people. About 100 or so people. I learn lots about being a notary but as i was taking the class. The most you could charge for lots of the services were about 10 bucks. That’s beside the point, i was only there to get my license so i can do loan signings. That’s where the money is at.
Of course there were a few cute chicks and there, but mainly older folks. And then there were older older folks..
Not to be an ignorant person or whatever. But you know how they say that life comes full circle? When you are born you are in a diaper, and when you get older you whine up in a diaper too? Well like some of the adults in this class need things repeated and ask obvious questions and so on. Ehh who am i to judge? Education, well retaining it as you get older is a lot more difficult. So maybe that’s why.
Totally over looked there was a state fee to take the test. A check or money order was needed, so my butt had to go home to get it. I thought it was bad for me, but the cute woman in front of me lived an hour away. There was some lunch feast thing at the cafe, and i wanted to try it out. Oh well.
Headed on home, got the check during the lunch break. Thought to go to Rubios for some fish tacos since it was near by. Haven’t had them in awhile and its a pretty good deal.
Back to class for the last few hours. The 8 hours is going by quick since i am hella interested in this and learning something new that will be give a better income. I am all for it!!
A few more hours, and we are done. Had to go ahead and take the exam. Took about a friggin hour to register everyone. I was going to complain about the wait, well you know what i should. It took me like 2 minutes extra to register because i wanted to have my commission county be associated with Los Angeles rather than San Bernardino. I kinda made up a address area but i just got the office of the main person i was going to work for in Covina. It looked like the Hilton was having some banquet in the hall, and they were setting up. FUN!!
The exam wasn’t too hard. 30 multiple choice questions after learning about it all in 8 hours prior. Shouldn’t be too hard. I mean i had a few questions that took more thinking, got stumped on a few and i know i read a few wrong. However i know i passed, i mean cmon now. If i don’t, i have some really bad learning disabilities, like forreals!!
After the exam, compared some notes on the test with this dude that sate behind me renewing his commission, and this other chick who sat by him. I now know i have a really bad short term memory, i was trying to remember questions so i can ask them over to get an opinion. Took me awhile to recall my second one. Something about making a notarizing a college degree or whatever.
Anywho, off to Leslies to hang out. Got some dinner at Quiznos. Yum. That’s some good ass sandwiches. All toasty and such. All about the chicken club or turkey or whatever else.
A good night for television if you ask me. One Tree Hill and Lost. Oh last night, i got the Ryan Cabrera Live at the Wiltern DVD i was at back in March and watched it. Like dude look for my ass walking up and down the ramp behind the pit in the first 3 songs. I’ve noticed, really recently i been working a lot of concerts going to DVD. I love it. Mad, i missed the Michael Buble one thought.
Anyways, One Tree Hill was a good episode. Doesn’t look like its getting teen cheesy much or the story line has been done before. The new chick who plays Rachel the cheerleader is really hot. Then of course there is Lost. I ALWAYS effin scream at the end of the episode because its cliffhanger galore!! Dane Cook feels the same too and man oh man. Love it!! This episode, they found another piece of the Darpa reel where it skips in the one in the hatch. The added frames said that the computer shouldn’t be used for anything else but inputting the code. Of course when Michael is around the computer, which seems to be right after the video is showed again, the computer is operation to be typed on. Dude he talks on it, and it appears to be his son, Walt on the other end. CRAZY!! I can’t wait to see next week, and 24 is coming back and that’s going to be awesome!!
Enough of that, tomorrow. Long day with a little Chris Botti!!!
Posted by Anh at 4:42 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack