taser factory

NO...

2012-01-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

so, seeing as how i managed to skip any "best of 2011" action a few weeks back, i thought i'd pull out one item that did cross my mind for such a run-down...

best cover art i've seen in a damn minute:
NO - "Don't Worry, You'll Be Here Forever"

this is a more appropriate way of celebrating this particular taserness, since it's kind of a 2011/2012 type of deal. i got the online version last year, but the physical 12" is coming very soon. they're in pre-order mode right now, more info here:
http://origamivinyl.bigcartel.com/product/no-don-t-worry-you-ll-be-here-forever-pre-order

simple is best...kinda like the band name.
behind the rad cover art, you can find a very taser band...can't wait to have it on the shelf.
your radar should be beeping.

scoot scoot.

2012-01-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

so, i'm not attempting to make taser factory 80's-ccentric or anything (see: simon & simon post below), but tubeway army and my new t'pau- "heart and soul" 12" have recently been getting a lot of play time in the studio, and things just...happen.

however, i've developed a fascination with 80's scooters. scooters of action. scooters of the future. space scooters (thinking tom selleck in "runaway", or robotech: saga 2)...

my research turned up some tasered up honda scooter commercial campaign featuring some true bad-asses: miles davis, devo...

and grace jones and adam ant...

as well as that "dog-faced obstructionist" lou reed...

fuck you, lou, i enjoy walking...i wonder if he rides this to band practice with metallica?

it didn't take long to fill up my desktop with taser factory imagery galore!

tf: do you want one?
jk: fuck yeah!
tf: would ride it around?
jk: fuck yeah!, no!? ...well maayyyybe.

there will definitely be a new scooter division at united eggroll.

simon & fuckin' simon...

2012-01-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

hands down the best show ever.
with the best theme song ever. we used to jam this right before doing something really stupid...check out the bad-ass truck and the part where rick busts out of a burning shack in a piece of construction equipment:

here's a taste-uh...features rick, a.j., short shorts, san diego, and "marathon" music:

this is what taser factory was born from/for. eat it.

new year, new project - rebel hands press.

2012-01-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

today, instead of reflecting on 2011, which would undoubtedly be marred by negativity and dwight yoakam videos from youtube, i've opted for taking an initial glance at what 2012 has in store.
the perfect fix for a new year is a new project. enter rebel hands press...

during the summer months of last year, jeff moerchen, david smith, and i put together a shiny little project revolving around the film Point Break, which culminated in a book titled "the Point Break is..."

the success and excitement from that project poured over into the founding of rebel hands press:
Rebel Hands Press is an independent publisher of books, and possibly other items, with a leaning towards art, photography, and great ideas. Established via phone, Rebel Hands exists in the roaming mind and pockets of Jeff Moerchen (Right Hand) and the cramped Los Angeles studio of Jeremy Kennedy (Right Hand). When the idea is right, we do something.

so this year we'll be moving comfortably forward with this venture. in the time leading up to now, we've been able to reinforce our catalog with 2 new books, along with the "the Point Break is..." project. a totally taser way to start things off.

meet the new books:
Zephyr
photographs: Jeff Moerchen Tyrone Toral :layout
Zephyr is an attempt at continuous photographic seeing, a document of memories. It is not cohesive, a timeline, or thematic but a document of what I see as a photographer. Similar to the blur of flipping through channels of a television these images are nonsequiturs that if strategically organized gain significance. Simply put these are pictures about taking pictures.

thirty two page newspaper, 215 black and white images.
materials: newsprint, black ink
measure: ~17x22

cheerleaderisms
by: jeremy kennedy
a collection of selected comments from a former collegiate cheerleader concerning her personal views and recollections from high school and coming of age in the sports culture. set with xeroxed images.

sixteen pages, black and white.

materials: xerox on plastic core book-block.

measure: ~4x6

check out the site: rebelhandspress.com

and/or follow us on facebook or tumblr, as there will be updates for sure.

sherlocked - jeremy brett vs. robert downey jr.

2011-12-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

i really like robert downey jr. and the new sherlock movies are terrific testaments of hollywood blockbusterism, in most all the ways i like.
however, i can't help but favor alpha-brit jeremy brett in the role.
while the new films have jude law and a major advantage in the area of budget, jeremy brett is taller and so outstandingly british...

plus, brett's low key drug use is kinda cool...

this whole thing brought out a rare childhood memory:
as a small child i told my grandmother that i liked jeremy irons. but i really wasn't familiar with his work, i just thought i liked him because we were both named jeremy. similarly, in that same period, i tried to convince myself and others that i liked diet dr. pepper, but i really didn't. i just liked the can, because at that time, it looked the regular dr. pepper can, except it was blue.

everybody knew i really didn't it, but would still give it to me knowing full well that i wouldn't drink more than a sip or two.

this memory makes it pretty clear that i have no idea what i'm talking about, and discounts any judgement i might attempt to pass on the subject of sherlock holmes.

assemble / disassemble

2011-12-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

putting things together and taking things apart. i'm a big fan of both. these two themes keep popping up lately.

todd mcclellan:
i've taken many things apart, for many different purposes. it's fun to see all the parts, and it's fun to have a reason to use break out those tools that never really get much use, like those tiny screwdrivers that are usually required when disassembling machines.

however, i've never achieved the level of beauty seen in this series of work by todd mcclellan. for fans of design and tiny parts, this is it.

check out the full set:
http://toddmclellan.com/

thomas thwaites:
"the toaster project" addresses many larger questions and things about the modern world, but the part i really like is the actual attempt to build a toaster from scratch.

here's some words someone else wrote about it, and a ted talk video below.

website:
http://www.thomasthwaites.com/the-toaster-project/

the family fang

2011-12-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

fiction fiction fiction, say what you will. a lot of folks say it's a great thing for the wintertime.

since it's appears that wintertime is closing in, i thought i'd bring up this book. "the family fang" by kevin wilson. it's the best piece of fiction i've encountered in ages.

i feel like i'd be terrible at literary review and have no intention of starting...so i'll just leave it with some stolen words from the author's website, http://www.wilsonkevin.com/:

Mr. and Mrs. Fang called it art. Their children called it mischief.
Performance artists Caleb and Camille Fang dedicated themselves to making great art. But when an artist’s work lies in subverting normality, it can be difficult to raise well-adjusted children. Just ask Buster and Annie Fang. For as along as they can remember, they starred (unwillingly) in their parents’ madcap pieces. But now that they are grown up, the chaos of their childhood has made it difficult to cope with life outside the fishbowl of their parents’ strange world.
When the lives they’ve built come crashing down, brother and sister have nowhere to go but home, where they discover that Caleb and Camille are planning one last performance—their magnum opus—whether the kids agree to participate or not. Soon, ambition breeds conflict, bringing the Fangs to face the difficult decision about what’s ultimately more important: their family or their art.
Filled with Kevin Wilson’s endless creativity, vibrant prose, sharp humor, and keen sense of the complex performances that unfold in the relationships of people who love one another, The Family Fang is a masterfully executed tale that is as bizarre as it is touching.

this book was delivered to me from mrs. mary steffens, wrapped in a pair of canvas fangs handed out as part of a performance art project called "aliens of the devil". clever and thoughtful, and excitement on my part, as the book was just recently added to my read list.

perfect timing. a lot of things in this that i needed to read, even a few close to home things, like a detailed bit about an art project almost identical to one that we, (knee shy), had planned.

and even though i often say that i don't really care for illustrators, the cover art by Julie Morstad is pretty cute, and apparently tattoo-worthy for some...

...it's seems as though nicole kidman has gained the film rights for this...hopefully this doesn't end up giving me a new reason to dislike her.

"scanwiches"

2011-11-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

this is f-ing amazing! "SCANWICHES". it is what it sounds like, scans of sandwiches...or as the creator writes: "Scans of sandwiches for education and delight."

this is the type of action that keeps the little universe in my head spinning at the proper speed, and encourages me to continue following the passions in my big blood-filled heart.

powerHouse Calls Presents: Scanwiches: The Ham, Apple and Brie from powerHouse Books on Vimeo.

k. that's enough...there's a book available, and looks like prints as well....see for yrself: http://scanwiches.com/

maybe a great new mind-blowing item of interest for fans of "tom selleck waterfall sandwich"

photo-blinds: we be shreddin'...

2011-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

working habits change. in my case, photography and the making of books has steadily infiltrated what i've been making over the past year or so.

something that hasn't changed is my draw towards large quantities of a single item. a rule that reads something like: 1 red plastic cocktail sword isn't really that amazing, but 15,000 of them holds great potential.
this rule, combined with the above photo/book making thing, and my reluctance to waste anything, and an obsession with the work of jennifer bolande lead to these "photo-blinds".

here's the original. ~32L x 16W.

i've been building (and subsequently selling) these pieces in the wake of an exhibition that wasn't to be. created by bundling shredded photo and paper off-cuts and tying them into mats of various lengths. they can be installed in several different ways.

my negative eve.

2011-10-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

it's quite very true that i'm not a fan of halloween, but i do like some creepy old movies. here's 2 really tasered up favorites:

dementia 13 (1963)
it's francis ford coppola's directorial debut, and it's totally hot and creepy and grainy and slightly british-y. it also features luana anders, one of my all time favorite actresses and major personal influence, in a terrifically grumpy, jaded and burnt out alpha-blonde, negative creep, bitch role...it's perfect! perfect-o.
mr. coppola apparently got handed this opportunity by his then boss roger corman, which is beautifully evident.

night tide (1961)
wow...it's rad to see anything with a young dennis hopper, and this takes the shotgun on the fire off with pleasure, and yes, luana anders is here too, acting grumpy and concerned! fun to watch, and i would kill someone i don't know (with a knife) to go back in time and behind the scenes for the making of this film.

a bit unrelated...george romero should have made more creepy films with judith o'dea.

river city ransom. the book.

2011-10-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

over the past year or so, books, or rather making them, has seriously infiltrated my working habits (i can't imagine why...). whenever an idea for a project comes up nowadays, one my immediate responses is: "let's make a book."

such is true with this new thing...

River City Ransom (a text-only, play-by-play account of the 1989 video game, as played by some guy.)

as a kid in the 80's, i spent a decent amount of time with the nintendo entertainment system, but somehow missed out on river city ransom. then a few years ago, when i was on tour with the Mean-Agers, Mean Chris turned me onto the game at a place we were staying in Pittsburg.

personally, i thought the game kinda sucked, but it was really funny and i loved how excited Mean Chris was about it. earlier this year, river city ransom seemed liked the perfect target for this project...

so here it is....
a text-only play-by-play account i wrote of watching the game being played by some dude from beginning to end. all written in that weird monotonous phrasing and pace that i use to chronicle action packed stories.

the physical product, at least phase 1, is now completed as a super limited edition handmade book.

find more and new stuff at http://table-blue.com

mailbox day

2011-10-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

i love mail. and the united states postal service. and i did email my congressman in concerns to the future of that entity...
anyway, here are 2 new prime examples of why:

the naughty "english muffin" jigsaw puzzle from maarrrrk rice. i imagine this was born into the world at a time when benny hill was at his prime. it seems the assembler found the pieces missing on the box cover image.

a beautiful book by jeff moerchen...tentatively referred to as "11 of 15". some schematic pages prepared with what i imagine to be some of the famous red dirt from the artist's current location along with other coloring. it came with a proud feather bookmark.

mail.

5 things i've seen people try to feed to cats

2011-10-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

cigarette butts

chef boyardee ravoli

fish (carassius auratus auratus)

steamed rice

combos (cheddar cheese cracker flavor)

burst up!...Piñata. a fine gallery in echo park.

2011-10-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

about: Piñata is a project/retail space, cultivating the collaboration of arts, fashion, media and design through limited-run releases, exhibits and events.

about (via me): Piñata is absolutely terrific. it held it's first opening the very same day i moved in to my new place, which is rather across the street. that initial exhibit featured a familiar entity...hassla books. thrilled. yes. there. i found an intimate space attractively lined with original works by a few favorites and some new now favorites (including an amazing piece by andrea longacre-white, which i still can't cross off my "must have" list).

after a tasered up performance by brendan fowler a few weeks later (rad), Piñata opened it's new show: University. by Seth Kinmont. the ol' 2 show test is complete, and this is officially taser factory. mr. Kinmont's work is a smart and great follow-up that proves Piñata knows how to shift gears in a forward style.

happy. quite. check it out. online. or stop by.
http://www.pinata-la.com/

the Point Break is...

2011-09-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our bi-coastal collaborative has been, and still is, a totally taser factory, rippin' blast! the Point Break is... is now live online and getting radical in print form! Check it, brah-

The film Point Break (1991) famously chronicled the adventurous outings of Bodhi, Johnny Utah, Tyler, and Pappas from the sunny shores of California to a stormy coast in Australia.

With the Point Break is..., the whole crew rides again in a new presentation of their journey, as interpreted by Jeremy Kennedy - Jeff Moerchen - and David Smith.

ABOUT THE the Point Break is... PREMIUM MEMBERSHIPS:

2012 marks the 21st anniversary of Patrick Swayzes passing at Bells Beach, Australia. To commemorate the occasion, the the Point Break is... Foundation is honored to offer these timely and timeless membership options.

Our entry level "Surfing with Swayze" membership package comes to you at the low cost of $15.15 (USD). This membership tier includes 1 bound hardcopy of the Point Break is... created by Jeremy Kennedy, Jeff Moerchen and David Smith, as well as unlimited access to the exclusive the Point Break is... blog for the rest of your life.

As an extra special, limited edition option, The "Ex-President" membership package includes all the features of entry level package plus 1 of the 20 coins found in the change purse that Bodhi left wrapped in his beach towel before surfing the 50 year swell at Bells Beach in 1991. In addition, each subscriber at the "Ex-President" level will receive an exclusive Point Break related voice-mail message from Co-creator David Smith. True "breakers" can catch this ride for only $50.50 (USD).

*For further details, please contact:thepointbreakis@hotmail.com

surfin's the source - change your life - swear to god

around the office...

2011-09-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

i took a look around my new office. here's some taser factory items (some new, some old) that have helped me acclimatize...

2 inspirational postcards (natives from o'boro ky museum of natural history + some pirate action from justin clifford rhody) and stuffed creatures (including: a plush gift made by ivy richardson, plump rabbit, + owl)

wedding scam by j. shelley harrison

yoshimi and eye autographs

root beer gift from mark rice

pull (still need push)

the works on paper collection by jeff moerchen and a.j. mason

owl gift from j. shelley harrison and mushroom puzzle gift from rob dietz

pavarotti with horse by crab jackson

photos: j. shelley harrison's back, shane edge circa 1999, crab jackson with pvsd "speakers of the woods", bread hand, j. shelley harrison + me at our opening, me performing with the kwop organization.

*these change regularly.

a beach boyz tape + a ford taurus.

2011-09-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

really. what instrument of motivation did capital records use to get the beach boys to record and release this hilarious pointlessness?...lohan style beach house arrest? fan mail embargo? canned corn rehab?

i rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreally, reallyyyy, reallyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
do not remember this track being on "surfin' safari", but i recently got a tape copy of it, and there it is....crazier yet, this was a single, which attempted to follow up the "surfin' safari" single...

apparently my feelings towards this track travel along the same lines of the record buying youth of the early 60's.

i've always considered "surfin' safari" a pretty solid album. i mean, i even like "little miss america"! but this is a stretch...maybe they were just hanging a little to close to jan and dean (whose "carnival of sound" still haunts me...but that's a completely different stupid thing to write about).

anyway, the point is, it's stupid, which means it's terrific and totally taser-ed up, so love it! it's really funny, and i think there is a similarly annoying and terrible and terrific track on "surfer girl".

*as a side note, i used to live across the hall from the producer's son.
**the trashmen's version of "be true to yr school" is much better than the beach boys'.

faria and bento. hotelware. triangle line.

2011-09-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

among my favorite wares: the triangle line of hotelware from faria and bento. the name says it all: "hotelware". simple, impersonal, unassuming, and just elegant enough.

i only have the cup and saucer set, which is running low in quantity after a table throwing contest a few months ago.

the triangle line's interlocking triangular cup bottom and saucer divet is fun, but not too fun.
i should buy another set.

http://www.fariaebento.com/

taste-uh!

2011-09-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

the "taste" clock...a crazy spartus wall clock from 1979. instead of putting batteries in it, crab jackson and i decided it would probably be a better idea to put a piece of masking tape on it that reads: "taste".

say it like james brown: "taste-uh".

sebastian errazuriz's "memorial of a concentration camp"

2011-08-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

this beautiful project by chilean born artist sebastian errazuriz has been on my mind all day.
to keep things moving, i'll just rip and re-post what it's nice that had to say about it:

Posted by Will Hudson, 30 March 2010

When I first heard about this project at the end of last week I knew I had to track it down and it was well worth the effort.

Created Sebastian Errazuriz and set in Santiago, Chile, back in 2006 Memorial of a Concentration Camp was a week long installation at Chile’s national stadium where dictator Pinochet in 1973 imprisoned thousands of political prisoners who were tortured and killed. After planting the 10 meter high magnolia tree, the stadium doors were open to the public as a park – offering a space to stop, look again, and remember.

After the week long project an “impossible, cathartic soccer match” was played infront of a crowd of 20,000 people.

great slideshow and article here

also check out the artist's site...worth it: http://meetsebastian.com

happy friday.

aqua prince (my favorite things)

2011-08-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

proudly displayed in my media department is the aqua prince tape. a gift from the creator: russian tsarcasm (a.k.a.: russian tsarlag / carlos gonzales)....from about 5-6 years ago.

i so love the package as is, that i've never "opened" and played the cassette. i'm waiting until i turn 34, becuz that's what "aqua prince" translates to on my phone.

carlos is the shadow wizard from such rad projects as: bread fangs, rat's cocoon, byron house, crotch council, slime freak, and much much more...

...with his unhindered ability to turn slime to solid chrome and water into liquid, i know whatever is on the magnetic is going to wipe out my future mind.

doraemon: the restroom...

2011-08-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

doraemon fan?
me too? (intentional question mark)...
i don't know that i REALLY enjoy doraemon that much, but like the feeling i get when the cartoon is on, and this isn't the first time i've brought up the blue cat with no ears here (doraemon solar powered car model: http://taserfactory.blogspot.com/2010/08/doraemon-lives.html).

anyway, the color theme of the men's room at el chavito in silver lake / los feliz always reminds of him...turns out they're huge fans.

AM rad-io...

2011-08-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite instruments...the Zenith Royal 50 transistor radio. along with producing some killer, taser factory noises (whirls and pops and zaps), it also allows me to listen to dodgers games.

i'm not sure if it hates my laptop, or if my laptop hates it, but it's leading to some great fun.

thank you Zenith Royal 50.

prvtdncr / bodega vendetta

2011-07-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

i have been walking past these two pieces on an almost daily basis (as they are right down the block from where i live), for a...while, and finally took a few photos.

this is some of the best street art i have found, or that has found me, in LA. my mind caught fire immediately, but i had to do some online digging to allow the flames to spread.

from what i can tell, this is collaborative work by prvtdncr (--private dancer) and bodega vendetta... mapping thru several of their related blogs at the speed i was going made it a bit difficult to find the decisive breaks between the artists' work...

but who gives a fuck! this is totally taser and that blog quest i mentioned is totally worthwhile, as it is simply image after image of powerful good. it's easy and fun and goes waaayyyy beyond these two photos here.
do it:
http://bodegavendetta.blogspot.com/
http://www.prvtdncr.org/
http://sweaterqueens-roidz.blogspot.com/
http://www.sweaterqueens.org/

i grabbed some info from catch fire...http://www.catch-fire.com/tag/bodega-vendetta/
where in described as: "tweeker hooker folk art posters”. enough said, now look.

Bimbo on Sunset Blvd...

2011-07-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

hmmm...if it weren't for the fact that i came across this truck so early in the morning, i probably wouldn't have taken the photo.

but i did. not the most taser factory shot, especially considering this is the first post in a while...but at least i resisted the urge to post the photo to facebook and tag a bunch of "friends" in it (carmageddon has brought out my benevolent side).

as i was downloading the photo from my camera, i realized that i didn't have a clue as to the origin of the word bimbo.
naturally i went straight to wikipedia and found that the history of bimbo holds a few more fucked up facets than i had imagined...
see for yrself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bimbo

of course, this post could just be an excuse to tag carmageddon.

.

2011-06-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

absolutely

.
brilliant

jeff moerchen's zephyr project (Xerox)....

2011-05-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

jeff moerchen is an exciting documentarian, a lover of life, and a great friend and collaborator. jeff's photos are also totally taser factory, and are step-ladder of motivation for my own recent interest in trying to click good and print.

he recently did a xerox installation of his Zephyr collection on this corner in greenwich village.

to view very good work, go here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffmoerchen

the (blank) is the massage...

2011-05-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

this is by far one of the better wheatpastes i've seen around the area. this is in glendale, ca, near los feliz + san fernando.

i bet there are others, on other medians.

i have my suspicions, but to whoever, good work...

The Medium is the Massage: An Inventory of Effects is a book co-created by media analyst Marshall McLuhan and graphic designer Quentin Fiore, and coordinated by Jerome Agel. It was published by Bantam books in 1967 and became a bestseller and a cult classic.

The book itself is 160 pages in length and composed in an experimental, collage style with text superimposed on visual elements and vice versa. Some pages are printed backwards and are meant to be read in a mirror (see mirror writing). Some are intentionally left blank. Most contain photographs and images both modern and historic, juxtaposed in startling ways.

The book was intended to make McLuhan's philosophy of media and communication, considered by some^[who?] incomprehensible and esoteric, more accessible to a wider readership through the use of visual metaphor and sparse text.[citat

Preakness Stakes 2011...

2011-05-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Preakness Stakes 2011! Is tomorrow...

…marred in recent years by drunken hijinx in the infield, and party-centric, hinging on indecent (at least for a Triple Crown event) promotional campaigns, see last year’s: ”Get Your Preak On!”

Preakness doesn’t really hold up to the stately and time tested, though drunken, precedent set by The Kentucky Derby (the hats help a lot).

This year’s Preakness raises it’s own fucked up bar with a brilliant new campaign creature…”Kegasus”.

You’ll have to see for yourself: http://www.theinfieldfest.com/

I guess the most awesome aspects of this year’s race are:

1. Animal Kingdom (who won the derby) is at 2:1

2. I won’t be there! (I'll be attending the Rapture.)

everything in it's place...thank you michael johansson!

2011-05-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

there are several works of art out there that i wish i had had the thought to create. in michael johansson's case, i actually wish that i had the artist's life...or vision rather ...or his phone number, to talk him into to helping out with an upcoming, uncomfortable move...

the talent here is vision. johansson's ability to put into action these incredible thought strings on coincidental items, actions and occurrences is simply unbelievable. he's one of those artists who i struggle not to tar with a more grandiose, eccentric epithet...

i don't know why i even wrote that. anything i have the ability to write can be derived directly from this swedish artist's work.

he puts things in their place. (i would give anything to see how he packs his suitcase)...

from michaeljohansson.com...

I am intrigued by irregularities in daily life. Not those that appear when something extraordinary occurs, but those that are created by an exaggerated form of regularity. Colours or patterns from two separate objects or environments concur, like when two people pass each other dressed in the exact same outfit. Or when you are switching channels on your TV and realize that the same actor is playing two different roles on two different channels at the same time. Or that one day the parking lot contained only red cars.

These irregularities, these coincidences, are another focus of my artwork.

view his site for the love of fucking god!

http://www.michaeljohansson.com

calling all band-aid enthusiasts...

2011-05-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

i am on the brink of considering myself a band-aid enthusiast...

my favorite band-aids include images of snoopy! this is somewhat carried over from childhood, more specifically a childhood full of blood tests and allergy shots.
however, my love of snoopy has only grown, and i can't really imagine a more suitable mascot for band-aids. something about what mr. schultz did that resonates with the whole child+ouch=band aid, etc.

shawn egg gave me some ninja band-aids a few years back...i tried to call them "bad-ainds", but it didn't catch on in spite of being very, very stupid.

lately, thanks to a small piece of glass hidden below my skin, i've been sporting a band-aid regularly (any clues to where the glass came to be in my body are welcome...i mean, i did black out a few times several years ago, but...)
this trend brought back memories of michelle trachtenberg's character nona on the adventures of pete & pete. nona always had a cast on her arm.

iggy pop also played her father on the show.

i can't really touch that part.

The Story of the Band-Aid:
Back in 1920, this newlywed was living in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with her husband Earle, and though married life agreed with her, housekeeping did not. Not that she didn't try. When Earle came home from his job as a cotton buyer at Johnson & Johnson, Josephine would always have dinner on the table. Unfortunately, she'd also have several cuts or burns on her fingers. Without an adhesive bandage, Josephine had no easy way of bandaging her own cuts. Earle had to cut pieces of adhesive tape and cotton gauze and make a bandage for each wound. This happened day after day-and, day after day Josephine needed more bandages. They were in a real bind.
Finally, after several weeks of kitchen accidents, Earle hit upon an idea. (Luckily for Johnson & Johnson, his idea was not to go out and hire a cook.) No, Earle sat down and prepared some ready-made bandages by placing squares of cotton gauze at intervals along an adhesive strip and covering them with crinoline. Now all Josephine had to do was cut off a length of the strip and wrap it over her cut. In a way, it was a mother who was responsible for the invention of the BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandage.
Earle soon told his boss at work about his new invention and soon the first adhesive bandages were being produced and sold under the world famous BAND-AID® trademark. Earle was eventually rewarded with a position as Vice President in the company, where he stayed until his retirement. As for Josephine, history does not record whether she ever mastered the art of accident-free cooking. But we do know she had plenty of BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages available just in case. Earle Dickson may not have realized what a cutting edge product he was inventing, but it certainly stuck around.

mini van damme and the quest for happiness...

2011-04-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

so, 3 people i know (the horns of happiness) just went on a month long tour. their vehicle of choice for the voyage was the nissan quest minivan.

when introduced to the nissan quest, i recalled that there is a film starring jean claude van damme called the quest.

the quest (film):

nissan quest "mini"-van:

jean claude van {damme}:

...from this, i quickly derived a name for the vehicle...

"mini"-van {damme}

or translated: mini-van damn

i'm not sure that it stuck. i'll have to ask (the horns of happiness):

career optionz.

2011-04-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Strong Publicist Needed for PR Firm:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in response to the ad calling for a strong publicist for this Santa Monica based PR firm. I am very interested in the position, and in learning more about the company.

This is such an exciting opportunity, and one that I feel is a perfect match for my skill set. I am an experienced and talented publicist, who can easily bench press 250 pounds and can dead lift almost 600 pounds of weight.

Recently, I underwent surgery on my rotator cuff, a problem which has terribly effected these stats. This has allowed me to focus more attention on my leg lifts in the meantime. As indicated by both my physician and trainer, I should be in shape for more advanced strength training within the month.

I have included my personal resume for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Kennedy

“FAST PACED INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM SEEKS RUNNER”

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to submit my professional resume for the posted job opening: “FAST PACED INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM SEEKS RUNNER” in West Hollywood. Running is s great passion of mine, and I feel that I would be the perfect candidate for this position.

I have years of experience in running, starting as a child, soon after I learned how to walk. One look at my resume will show my tireless dedication to running, as well as my overall versatility. I run best on grass or any make of artificial turf, but can also handle other surfaces such as asphalt, gravel, sand, etc.

I would very much enjoy the opportunity to speak with you further about the position and in concerns to my resume, starting with my placing in the 2007 Boston marathon.

Thank you for time and consideration.

Best,

Jeremy Kennedy

ddooooommm boooooommmmer!! !!! !

2011-04-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

i presented this piece at a reading recently. the first time it's seen light in a minute. pvsd did this...still booming.

here's the thing...as it was to be...via textedit...imagine a bunch of onimonapea maniacs over top of it.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://fmsmprc.bandcamp.com/track/doom-boomer"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;doom boomer by fmsmprc&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

the horns of happiness. tape + tour.

2011-03-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

These darlings have undergone a few changes in the past ~year or so...
they've take to the west coast (bay + la), added a second drummer (andrew)... they also made this rad cassette right before taking off on tour:
The Horns of Happiness
Be Where Your Aim is Brave & Sound.

It's a fantastic new Magnetic South release, and a great new flip to the Horns of Happiness leaf.
With all that's new, they have maintained their purveyance of titling word-smithery (see past titles: What Spills Like Thread, Would I Find Your Psychic Guideline...), organ fuzz, and strands of rhythm that hang out somewhere in the skychange between utopia and utility...x 2.

do it yourself here:
http://thehornsofhappiness.bandcamp.com/album/be-where-your-aim-is-brave-sound

and check them out live (if applicable):

March
17 San Francisco, CA - Hotel Utah
18 Oakland, CA - First Church of the Buzzard
19 Los Angeles, CA - TBA
21 Phoenix, AZ - Trunk Space Gallery
23 Austin, TX - Mohawk
24 New Orleans, LA - AllWays Lounge
25 Athens, GA - Flicker
26 Knoxville, TN - Pilot Light
27 Louisville, KY - TBA
29 Chapel Hill, NC - Nightlight
30 Philadelphia, PA - M Room
31 Boston, MA - TBA
April
01 NYC, NY - Pianos
02 Brooklyn, NY - Bruar Falls
04 Pittsburgh, PA - Garfield Artworks
05 Cincinnati, OH - Mayday Northside
06 Indianapolis, IN - The Melody Inn
07 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop
08 Chicago, IL - The Observatory
09 Lawrence, KS - Replay Lounge
10 Oklahoma City, OK - The Conservatory
11 Denver, CO - The Walnut Room

another thing about cloning pets....

2011-03-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

2 taser factory things concerning pet cloning:

The first....

"Seoul-based RNL Bio said it is already working on its first order from an American woman who wants a clone of her dead pit bull. She was especially attached to it because it saved her life when another dog attacked her and bit off her arm."

And secondly...

When attempting to create pet clones, it takes several tries (I heard an unofficial average of around 5) to get it right. So, in the process of making 1 exact copy of the pet, there are typically a handful of fuck ups.

I've said on many occasions...actually every occasion, that I am NOT interested in owning a pet of any kind. However, this news has bored a small hole in that rule. Where as in the past, the question "would you be interested in a puppy or kitty cat?" would be met with an immediate and omelette "No", I now have to extend it...."No...Unless it's a clone, or a clone fuck up."

toshiro mifune. bad assin'...

2011-03-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Toshiro Mifune-- a true Japanese bad-ass. In light of recent events in Japan, I found myself watching a lot of his work...

His qualities were best exemplified in the films of master director Akira Kurosawa, such as Seven Samurai, Rashomon, High and Low, Yojimbo (which was remade by Sergio Leone as Fistful of Dollars), Sanjuro, and many more (he appeared in over 150 films in his career).

Here's a montage I found of him hurting people and looking like a bad ass...

Sanjuro is a personal fav. I fall asleep to it many evenings...not that it's boring, it's just that the pace of the foreign language dialogue is extremely relaxing in the film.

Bold and expressive with seemingly little effort, not so unlike American bad-asses like Clint Eastwood and Humphrey Bogart (who's biography, Tough without a Gun, by Stefan Kanfer is totally rad from what I've skimmed of it..).

Maybe Mifune can be called tough without a sword...

be prepared or not live...in the future.

2011-03-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

here's the 'fo (short for "info"...which is short for "information") on one the many terrifically taser factory ideas that j.m. and i kick around from our opposite coastal bases...

the title isn't solid yet. the original lean was towards something like "the ultimate control" smart phone. after all, it is a smart phone, with a built-in base at the top for one of two attachments that allow mankind (and girlkind) to further control their environment.

1. electric shaver foil.

2. taser.

it also includes USB jumper cables.

and yes, it is dangerous...but so is the world. so be prepared.

decidedly, battery technology will need to catch up with this design.

craiglist rants: part 1

2011-02-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

southern cali is a terrific place to be a writer, especially if your interest includes ehow articles, hacked reposts, pot, and/or the adult entertainment industry. but seriously, there are a bunch of hard working copy writers out here. i'm one.

freelancing can be really annoying, and craigslist.org can easily be consider a battle ground right on the front of the war between copy writers and the ever evolving industry, that seeks to supplant talent with tech and belief that "anyone", not only professionals, can do a "good enough" job for way less money. (kinda similar to the newspaper industry's push back against pro photographers with the advent and ease of digital camera technology that allows non photographers to take decent photos...)

anyway, whilst searchin' craigslist big ol' list for some freelance gigs, i would occasionally take a break for the hunt and read the over-inflated rantings of my fellow craigslisting warriors.

this stuff is totally taser factory. i'm calling for a day of rage on the cl.org writing gigs page!

re: 3 Scoliosis Articles (The Gulag)

Date: 2010-03-11, 4:18PM PST

Reply to: gigs-w7rnx-1639877664@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

OK Skippy, lemme get your fabulous offer straight...

"3 articles (1,500-2,000 words each)

Scoliosis

Scoliosis Brace Treatments in Adults

Scoliosis Brace Treatments is Kids

$15 for each paper"

I'm no math whiz, but that's a small fraction of the legal minimum wage, and

requires research and expertise as well.

No thanks, we could do better in a slave-labor camp!

What kind of delusional ego-maniac are you to think that someone would take such an abusive

deal, and then look forward to "similar future work"?

Hope you can deal with the deluge of eager hopefuls who will beat a path to your door on this one.

Maybe your next "ghost-writtten assignment" should be something about mental patients on the

loose who want expert but free services for their money-making schemes?

Get your sorry ass off of CL...

Re: Freelance Journalists (anywhere)

Date: 2010-03-07, 9:06AM PST

Reply to: gigs-rxnvp-1632703539@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Oh, yummy!

I get to go to all these events for FREE!

And you get to publish my reviews for FREE!

And I buy the gas for my car to get to these events for FREE - uh -- no.

And I get to ride the Metro for FRE - er, no.

And I get my gas and electric and phone and water and food and medical FREE because they all read my reviews! Oh... No?

With my reviews in all your publications, I get to be the most famous writer in... umm... Skid Row.

No thanks.

With such national circulation, $.25 per word is a minimum.

re: proofread/editor needed to work for dirt wages

Date: 2010-03-07, 8:01AM PST

Reply to: gigs-ytcan-1632613058@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

The Original Poster wrote:

"We are a small publishing company and are looking for proofreaders and copy editors that have book experience. Our company reformats book content for mobile platforms. All of our work is on a project basis and we pay $10 per hour. The ideal candidate will have an extensive knowledge of book production, copyediting, and relentless attention to detail. To be considered for this gig, please send your resume. "

You want to pay $2 more than minimum age for a white collar job?

Ehhhh.... lemme see...

No.

Internships, "writing partners", and other BS (on CL)

Date: 2010-03-05, 7:15PM PST

Reply to: gigs-we3vw-1630786970@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Some motherfucker offered an "internship" of 3 months work with a $100 "stipend". A dollar a day? Abe Lincoln would be proud!

Gigs section is for short-term PAID employment, not a clearinghouse for free-labor scams.

These assholes keep posting about slave-labor interns or deferred-pay or "TBD" or "no pay at first" or "top performers might get more (unpaid) work later" or great exposure or "submissions for literary-journal contest"! FUCK YOU!

And the delusional unemployable hacks who want writing partners to sit at Starbucks with them and dream of hitting the bigtime...

If you're not offering employment then POST SOMEWHERE ELSE! Volunteers are people who read to patients at the convalescent hospital, NOT writers who donate free talent to your for-profit schemes. If you're making money or plan to make money from it, then PAY YOUR HELPERS!

I get so FUCKING tired of this shit sometimes!

Rite 4 pey! But naut MUCH pey! (scamsville)

Date: 2010-03-04, 5:01PM PST

Reply to: gigs-xkbfq-1629003763@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

"Tired of searching for writing jobs on Craigslist? Pay scale for each article is $3.50... word count is 250 - 300... two days to complete each piece... boy can those dollars add up!"

WOW, $3.50 FOR TWO DAYS WORK! THIRD-WORLD PAY RIGHT HERE IN THE USA!

THIS ASSHOLE HAS BEEN TWEAKING THESE SCAM-POSTS, TRYING TO MAKE DEATH-CAMP WAGES SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE.

PLEASE KEEP FLAGGING THESE FUCKING RIPOFFS!

Those seeking free labor should post under "volunteers wanted".

re: Writer's Research Assistant (Santa Monica) (NO Free Work)

Date: 2010-03-04, 1:40PM PST

Reply to: gigs-8qevd-1628697452@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Okay.. been awhile since I ranted...

Erin, bubby, shhhweeetheart, daaaahlink... you want someone to work for you for free?

WTF?

20 years ago when I would hire someone to help me with my writing projects, I used green stuff outta my back pocket to take care of business.

The green stuff still works wonders.

The internship thing is bullshit. Complete bullshit. You are a working pro. PAY YOUR WORKERS.

re: Writer Needed (Los Angeles)

shane edge vs action stars: part tres

2011-02-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

the latest installation of this series finds shane edge doing his best imitation of my best depiction of young doug masters (jason gedrick) from the first iron eagle movie (which is actually really good).

view the rest of the series at:

http://www.kneeshy.com/actionshane/

most def. louis gossett jr.'s best role ever.

The Bike Shelf...mount up.

2011-02-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

Just when I was getting a little tired, enters the Bike Shelf by Bay Area designer/maker Knife and Saw (one Chris Brigham)!

...Do I own this?

No. At least not yet. But I love it so much who knows....

Simple is Best.

Get the full pitch here:

http://knifeandsaw.wordpress.com/furniture/bike-shelf/

(i borrowed a few photos...)

"SLO-MO" number three...

2011-02-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

"SLO-MO" is a reoccurring collection of photocopied items found (or other acquired/created) by justin clifford rhody...who i write about often.

i recently received the latest copy "number three. it's absolutely taser factory. maybe even more taser factory than taser factory..?.

while breathing and laughing thru the booklet, it dawned on me that jcr has also been slowly making my desk, office, and other parts of our crib an archive for the original documents contained therein via the mailman.

here's a scan of a favorite from the pages...

available from friends and relatives records...and i've personally encountered it (or other f&r materials) in neat store when least expected.

the charred rampz- "hunt the grease" cassette...

2011-01-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

alright! something else like new, from like fmsmprc. drawing inspiration from king kobra III, the cherred rumpz bring some hidden noise to the forefront as one of the single heaviest tapes we've yet to throw up. it's a fun listen if your ear likes brutal and _____.

another taser factory aspect is that while a few tapes will make their way to a couple of select shoppe shelves for retail style procurement, the majority are available via TRADE only from fmsmprc. acceptable items for trade include about anything (i know we're asking for with that statement), and definitely NOT limited to audio. little artworks, words, found documents, etc. are totally rad. and i guess if you wanna trade cash, that's cool too...

The Charred Ramps

“Hunt the Grease”

fmsmprc27=cassette

blaring from the western parts, the charred ramps enact a heavy handed noise-core in the guise of back-handed thrash metal. hunt the grease profiles 30 minutes of broken sidewalks, broken wrists, and the smell of urethane in the hot sun.

this recording is available as cassette in selected stores (for sale) and direct from fmsmprc via TRADE (only)! send a recording or art or something and we’ll send tha tape.

fmsmprc
1558 n commonwealth ave
unit 9
Los Angeles, CA 90027

chrrd rmps is:
evol slej + carcar blahblah

take a listen::::

http://fmsmprc.bandcamp.com/album/hunt-the-grease

http://myspace.com/fmsmprc

Contact:

jeremy@kneeshy.com

Danke Netflix

2011-01-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Obsession Alert! Right, so I’ve recently been playing the fuck out of these 3 sci-fi films produced by former DDR state sponsored DEFA studios...The Silent Star (1960), Eolomea (1972), and In The Dust of Stars (1976).

While none of these are news, as a box-set of all three was released a few years ago, the latter 2 were new finds for me, but I’d seen The Silent Star as a feature for destruction at the hands of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew years ago.

Watching it without prodding from the Joel Robinson and friends unveiled a strangely beautiful film, complete with special effects signature of the times. But what really struck me was the multi-ethnic leading cast and extremely relaxed egalitarian attitude put forth without much of any string tied to then East German polita-scape.

Breaking chronologically, In The Dust of Stars is a by far the wildest, mostest funnest one of the trio. It hits up (sometimes a bit overboard) many awesome elements I would want with 70’s Eastern Bloc in mind and more. Rad colors, exotic space dancing, space drugs, fashionably Abba-esque space explorers led by a female captain...

Last but not least is the beautifully fractured Eolomea. Fans of Solaris take note as this films contains many of the enigmatic lures that make that film so special...plus actual dialogue and some pretty psychadeli]]\\\ ic effects!

I’ve had neither the time nor inclination to attempt to make much sense of Eolomea. It being German doesn’t help, but that’s how I roll. I like things that don’t make any sense to me.

Top booot, the soundtracks and sound effects for all are really great, ranging from some dark orchestral work to wishful kraut-rock. I wanna dig up some info on those responsible (future plan).

If you gots Netflix (Yeay Netflix), go instant style. Perfect for falling asleep to.

THE TOP 9 THINGS OF 2010! EAT IT!

2011-01-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

Ha ha ha hrrrrr… how low can I fucking get? That’s right, a “TOP whatever-i-wanna-draw-attention-to” list of 2010!!! Why would I do such a thing?

It’s my birthday.
I’m kinda overworked, and this is the easiest online writing wonk I could manage.
If I don’t write it down I might forget some of this.
…

So hear it is…the TOP 9 random things I wish to mention. Enjoy:

1.Top thing I wish for, that came true: Rain in Socal, Jerry Brown as Gov’ner.

2.Top book I’ve READ (as opposed to REREAD) this year:
“Angle of Yaw” by: Ben Lerner

3.Top favorite artist:
Ryan Trecartin.

4.Top insult directed at me as a person:
Something in Spanish…I’m still not sure what it twas, I’m still working on my Spanish. (tied with being confused for Julian Assange.)

5.Top event I kick myself in the ass for missing:
It’s a tie between:
1. Alice Coltrane tribute at Royce Hall featuring: Kyp Malone, Nels Cline, Han Bennik, Flying Lotus, + others
2. Yoko Ono at the Orpheum with special guests: Thurston Moore, Lady Gaga, RZA, Sean Lennon, Yuka Honda, Carrie Fisher, Iggy Pop…and I guess a bunch of other people.

6.Favorite weird-ass kung fu movie watched on Netflix:
“Dressed To Fight”

7.Top most interesting person roaming my neighborhood: No hands man…a guy who has no hands and rants an insane star wars infused military-esque radio conversation about assassinating Frank Zappa.

8.Favorite local radio personality: Henry Rollins. He’s funny and he starts every show by yelling salaam alaikum, and when he doesn’t yell it, and just says it. I feel like it’s gonna be boring, but it isn’t.

9.Most favorite food of the year: Radish.

….oh. Anything important you wanted to mention?

-sure. Top mind-blowing reissued record: The Reactors- “I Want Sex” 7”

…actually anything Last Laugh is putting out.

Top suggested read for ya’ll in the new year: Send.

a ground-ups x-mas...

2010-12-25T00:23:00.000-08:00

Mary Christmas told me to tell you...

Ground-Ups began in like 1999, or something like that. Shane and I were really into Ruins around that time, but definitely not up to that kinda like trap-kit blitz or stamina. To make up for it, we like put that influence together with our own art drives, and decided to like both play the drums.

We like talked the whole thing up to Chris Clavin and soon he found a home in g-ups via one of his lost passions, the trumpet (and/or) cornet.

Shawn and I love the trumpet (and/or) cornet, and welcomed the new movement of the ground-up. I don’t know...I think Chris just really liked playing trumpet (and/or) cornet.

The initial material really related to life, if you were on a boat, or worked in a hotel, like Shane and I did at the time.

We had some other stuff, like a floor tom with some trash in it, and some spray paint, and Chris had a bunch of stuff like a dictionary, and we spray-painted that and the cape. We record our first show on a video camera, and that appears in these recordings. Sounds like bad, but good bad too.

The second round includes Shan Egg and I with Leah Yeppi highlighting the vocals, playing banjo, banging keys and effex, and engineering the shit in a strange way. Shane and I came up with “GT Frame You Fucking Suck” on the way to record, when we saw some guy walking down the street either riding or carrying a GT mountain bike frame. One of said, “GT frame you fucking suck.” He heard us. We made it into a tape called: “OH! It Bites Me!”

Part 3 is some live recording a few years later when it was just Eric Weddle and I for the large part, and Shim on and off. Er’s horn action (trumpet and sax) is blasted well thru a cut down ancient quad fender amp.

E.W. and I moved on to record studio type ground sounds with Nhoj Daswon at White Ark. Things, like purpose, never really materialized, so these recordings have since sat, been fondled, and end up here in whatever form available from thy hard drive. There is also a few live tracks recorded by someone in PG Six. I like the way those sound.

I wanted to put together a disc or something and title it “Knights of the Ground Table”. But didn’t. The actual recordings sound great rad, but I went in over the course of time and mixed them around and screwed up a lot of the goodness. And that’s fine.

Ground-ups TNG featured Justin Clifford Rhody on trumpet and Clare Hubbard on saxophone. These could of been, and possibly were the best of times...I think I was drinking too much though. Here’s a few tunes from that, and I know there is more out there, but...

These appear via friends and relatives records as a cassingle, split with Crotch Council.

Shane was back on these tunes, at least some of them, and sometimes I can’t tell if it’s both or not. Regardless, it’s def jcr and Clare.

We’re still doing it...whoever we are.

hear it....http://www.last.fm/music/Ground-Ups

-jk

Caked Up – the tasteful art of Kate Steffens

2010-12-19T00:17:00.000-08:00

Kate is great. As is her whole damn family! Kate’s thing is cakes, and other sweets. She’s a pro at making them for both mouth and eye action...not eye action like you put the food in your eye, but rather the food is great to look at with your eye, then put in mouth.

Ms. Steffens folds in a variety of artistic direction. Among these, her application of musically motivated imagery seems to stand out most in my mind(s).

Disraeli Gears gets the Straight Outta Chocolate treatment

From Fela Kuti to the Cure, she recreates album covers and other related imagery, and emblazons them onto this magic mouth/eye art. Powered with a mix of ingredients as eclectic as her influences, Kate makes great cake!

I’m not a fan of sweets...or at least I wasn’t before getting my mouth blown off by a few of these creations. I’ve since been lucky enough to happen upon her cakes and treats at openings and other events, and I’ve happily made the “I don’ t really like sweets, but...” exception, time after time.

Handpainted chocolate Cure cake

It’s a really fun visual and mouth attacking experience she puts on the table, so view more at her blog “Straight Outta Chocolate”, which is an absolutely amazing title. And you know how I feel about titles for things...or if you don’t, you will.

Trust me on the sweets, and if you’re into hearing some of the stars featured in her work, keep an eye out for her DJing efforts here locally (that means Los Angeles) as “Lady Kate”.

Rate Kate’s Cakes here:

http://straightouttachocolate.wordpress.com/

Village of the Damned- Wolf Rilla vs. John Carpenter

2010-12-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

As a rule, I hate remakes of things. Especially classic films of outstanding quality, but this case has put my ethics to the test.

Thanks to John fucking Carpenter, I now have to reason between these 2 masterpieces of not-really-scary horror thriller movie things.

Wolf Rilla (awesome name)’s original 1960 version is favorite among the cache of films i put on and pay no attention to. We have a vhs copy. It’s unbending British-ness is a perfect match for the slightly eerie storyline, where the dry calm of the general tone nods to the very timely progression of the film.

Also, Barbara Shelley is great (though not near the confusing splendor of Judith O’dea in the UNCOLORIZED version of Night of the Living Dead...that’s kind of an apples and oranges type of thing but...).

John Carpenter’s 1995 remake comes strapped with some pretty heavy elements, which make this a hard decision. First off, the idiot who you think is gonna be the americana protag gets killed right off the bat, then enters a chain smoking Kirstie Alley complete with Kirstie Alley attitude problem.

The story moves much, much quicker in this version...but it kinda works i guess. There are some rad-ass John Carpenter signature glow effects where the little white haired terrors’ faces light up to the point where you can see their skulls, and Christopher Reeves gives his final and most spectacular performance as the doctor, who kinda replaces the professor from the original, but not so well...but he is in love with the lady from all the Crocodile Dundee movies.

To top it off, the drunk guy from Back to the Future plays the drunk in this movie....
And we get to see Mark Hamill blow his goddamn head off! (though it wasn’t at all graphic):)

As much as I love all the stupid shit John C. does, I’ve gotta stick with the original. Ethics win...plus the kids look a lot cooler in the original.

the ballad of the shimano integer ff system...

2010-12-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Last year, j. shelley bought a bike, an early 80’s Schwinn Ladies World Tourist. It’s super cute.

The most interesting thing about it is the Shimano Integer FF System. It’s kinda like a freewheel crank system, which allows the rider to backpedal via freewheel action at the crank instead of the rear sprocket. The sprocket on the rear hub is actually fixed, meaning that it spins along with the back wheel no matter what.

I think the bike is a 5-speed, with index shifting made possible by Shimano’s primitive and unruly Positron derailleur. These things have a really bad reputation. Admittedly, the broken cable to the rear derailleur, which came with the bike, caused some cursing and head scratching. We solved the issue, and I dialed it in just short of the highest gear...4 out of 5’s not bad.

So, along with making back pedaling possible, the ff system also allows the rider to change gears while coasting. tasered.

Through doing research, I noticed the ff system gets dissed sometimes on bike forums and such, but I think it’s pretty rad, and I wish we had an extra one for experimentation!

I’m guessing that “FF” stands for “Front Freewheel”? (it even makes the freewheel clicky sound.)

By that measure, “Positron” translates to “Pain in the Ass”.

I like this bike.

Full Metal Alchemist vs. Slayers Next...

2010-11-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago i spent the weekend in, due to sickness, which at one point i
believed to be pneumonia, but it wasn’t. Anyway, with downtime afoot, i powered
my way through the 51-episode “Full Metal Alchemist” (herein referred to
as “FMA”) anime.
I picked it because of the title, and i had heard kinda good things about it a few
years ago. I also liked the title “Full Metal Panic”, which sucks, and the only
reason why i ended up watching Ranma 1/2 back in the day was because of the
episode titled “Smells Like Evil Spirit”. Apparently I’m driven been clever (in my
opinion) titles.
Luckily, FMA was totally taser factory, sans the final episode.
While watching though, I noticed a marked similarity in the story path, which
maybe runs through more magical fantasy type anime than I know.
To prove my point, I’ll place fma up against the slayers next series...

Both anime feature a protagonist duo...FMA’s Elric brothers, and Slayers’ Lena
and the dark-haired girl...
There is quite a bit of humor in both of series, which revolve around the
insecurities of the main magic wielding adventurer...the Full-Metal Alchemist
himself is down about comments concerning his height, while slayer Lena flips
the fuck out whenever anybody mentions her shortcomings in the area of breast
size.

While there is an established goal that the protags are setting out to achieve,
these series both start off with a fairly episodical program, and the humor is front
and center.

But, as they progress, the both take on a more serious overtone, and the story
route begins to move into the “if-you-miss-an-episode-you’re-fucked” zone,
complete with “to be continue...”s and other cliffhangers.

And of course bittersweet endings that put forth questions about whether or not
the means justify the end, etc.

It seems to make for a pretty effective trick for sucking in viewers who just wanna
watch a few random anime episode and end up sticking around for the whole
damn thing. I mean, it got me good enough to waste my time writing this.

Netflix it if you got it...oh! and if you like anime.

"entrance(d)" an installation and evening curated by (knee shy), featuring tres lingerie and bt magnum...

2010-11-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

It’s almost time to say thanks here in the states by means of eating alotta food, and talking about the food, and talking to people that one might not talk to that often...like family, if you have one...

But before you soak into some weird-ass food coma, join (knee shy) for a splendid evening of fun,
dancing, and generally getting free, at our upcoming show “entrance(d)”

Entrance(d) , our latest venture, is a one night only event and installation...we can easily refer to it
as a curated party...so let’s.

On the evening of Saturday, November 20th, you can find (knee shy) in full form and dressed to
the dimes at Echo Park’s DIY Gallery...and we won’t be alone...
We’ve joined leagues with spectacular sound purveyors Tres Lingerie and BT Magnum to set the
night up/off right with their premier dance motivations.

The installation and dancing are free, and there is a cash bar, and other art in store...this is
looking like a winner. Come see for yrselves....

Here’s the plan, in further detail:

“entrance(d)”
An interactive installation and evening by Los Angeles based art duo (knee shy), featuring the DJ
talents of the Bay Area’s Tres Lingerie and BT Magnum.

at:
DIY GAllery
1549 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening Reception:
Saturday, November 20th
8:00pm – 12:00am

(knee shy), the Los Angeles based art duo of J. Shelley Harrison and Jeremy Kennedy, has
a definite penchant for the conceptual, the playful, and the interactive. Since 2006 they have
applied these working guides to subjects as unlikely and varied as atonal music composition and
parallel parking. With the their newest work, an installation titled “Entrance(d)”, the team holds
true to all of the above.

“Entrance(d)” is a one-time event, which rings more like a curated party than a standard art
opening. With a focus on dance parties and epic times, (knee shy)’s multi-faceted installation
aspires to create an atmosphere of open fun on the evening of November 20th at Echo Park’s DIY
Gallery.

The physical installation will sprawl in minimal and maximal pockets throughout the space
provided by DIY Gallery. The set-up will be accessible to the audience, and is built for interaction,

with elements such as photo ops complete with on-site, party soldiering photographers.

To thoroughly carry the theme through the evening, they’ve collaborated with Bay Area boogie/
disco funk DJ duo Tres Lingerie, and L.A.’s BT Magnum (of Beat Electric/Mezzanine fame) to
provide a fitting backdrop of sound.

As with many of their prior projects, the audience is intended to be as much a part of the piece as
any element designed by the artist. (knee shy) will be setting an inclusive stage for the practice
of chance theory, and extends an open invitation for those inclined to present a fashion forward
response to any dance and/or party spirit that calls to them.

With that in mind, it’s up to the crowd to complete the scene, and shape this style eccentric
installation.

For further details, please visit:
http://www.kneeshy.com
http://soundcloud.com/tres-lingerie
http://www.diygallery.info

About (knee shy):

(knee shy) is the chosen moniker for the collaborative artwork of L.A. based artists J. Shelley Harrison and Jeremy
Kennedy. Work as a duo began in early 2006. Kennedy and Harrison chose to work together after examining the
similarities in their own personal working techniques, activities, and especially, their shared concepts and ideas.

The goal of this collaboration has always been to actively combine brainstorms, and use whatever means, or medium,
necessary to actualize them. In other words, they hold the concept as the center of attention. With this in mind, (knee
shy)’s artwork manifests itself in many forms.

Both artists have maintained solo careers, which expand into the musical arena. Harrison performs and records with the
experimental prog-pop band Horns of Happiness (Secretly Canadian Records), while Kennedy has been involved in a
number of groups ranging from punk rock to free jazz. He now pilots the FMSMPRC micro-label.

Whether it be 2-dimensional, performance, sculptural, a themed party, in a gallery, or site specific; this duo always has
a focus of playfulness and/or interaction. (knee shy) is especially interested in public art, art actions, and other means of
connecting art and audience.

To view full C/V, please visit:
http://www.kneeshy.com/bio.html

About Tres Lingerie:

Originally a bi-coastal production and DJ duo fostered over the Internet between NYC and SF natives Johan Churchill
(French house music enthusiast) and Jordan Presnick (former punk rocker), Tres Lingerie recently reunited in the east
bay.

Jordan and Johan both attended Sarah Lawrence College where they participated in all the offerings of a fine liberal arts
education, which included access to a well-stocked electronic music studio. Like teenagers raiding their parents liquor
cabinet, Jordan and Johan became intoxicated with digital and analog synthesis and raided the infinite cool sounds from a
plethora of vintage and new high-end gear.

Now, in their own studio (Unrbanoculars) in Berkeley, the boys are busy tapping into those funky, fresh, old, and timeless
disco and soul sounds pioneered during the late 70's and 80's.

For more info, please visit:
http://soundcloud.com/tres-lingerie

About BT Magnum:

(from San Francisco Weekly)
The man behind the excellent events curated at (San Francisco’s) (arguably) best dance venue,
Mezzanine, and the Internet's go-to blog for old-school dance jams is one Brian Tarney. Party goers and
vintage-tune seekers may know him better as BT Magnum, Tarney's alter-ego, who runs about S.F. DJing
some of the best classic house, disco, and boogie parties, and writes regularly for Beat Electric. BT is a
veritable vault of knowledge when it comes to the smooth grooves and stellar tracks of the '80s, but he also
continues to keep a finger on the pulse of contemporary music that's inspired by those same sounds.

For more info, please visit:
http://beatelectric.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/btmagnum

"see-thru" thong skirts - panther by hand + j. shelley harrison

2010-11-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

here's some totally taser factory gripz from my favorite seamtress, panther by hand, in collaboration with j. shelley harrison. the "thong skirt"...we've got some of these at the house, and they are amazing.

...i guess the product started from a rumored skirt of the same type, but that turned out to not exist, until these lovely lady brought it to life a few years ago!

i borrowed this post from panther by hand's blog, which features tons of good ol' greatness. check it out for more: http://pantherbyhand.blogspot.com/

We were a big hit on the playground that day.

This was a collaboration with J. Shelley Harrison of kneeshy.

More Will Claytor pics.

recent arrivals...

2010-10-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Friends are great! Especially whenever they make great things, and send them to you in the mail. Here’s a taser factory word on a few choice items that have recently hit the always crowded studio postal hole.

1. thee open sex- “on every street corner” (cassette - Magnetic South) My dear friend John Dawson holds an existence in the realm of sound, which transcends positives, negatives, and calls for distinctions of earthly makes. open sex is a solo recording effort, and a project, which has seemingly been building an encompassing live presence.

This channels subtle meditative progressions and rhythms that slow the rate of time. One moment you’re on a boat and the next you’re on the floor of your room, but it’s comfortable…file under: Beyond Everything.

2. Apache Dropout- “Do the Splendid Crown“ (7” – Magnetic South)

This record drips mid-western psychedelia in some unforgiving, all analog means. Crashing weirdo garage from Lord Fyre and a couple of Hot Fighters, which somehow carries rock n’ roll through waves of bottoming out and topping out and stuff. Come on! I mean they’re named after an Edgar Broughton Band song! Rippin’ Live…

3. Cloud Becomes Your Hand (cassette – Canada Goose Tapes) A new audio product from Brooklyn based Stephen Cooper. I’ve been pals with Steph for years, and have watched and listened to snips of his eclectic evolution thru various sound projects ranging from strange post-rock to free-improvised jazz, as well as the sculpture band Eagle-ager.

Years ago, I begged him to submitted a track from his video game inflected Portal project for a comp I was helping assemble. CBYH rings back to the Portal persuasion in his sensibility towards overall compositional structures. He builds soundtracks which bounce simple poppy hooks off highly pronounced multi instrumental formations, fleeting experimental placements, and technological utility.

4. Ground-Ups / Crotch Council- “who talks to my necklace?” (cassingle – Friends and Relatives Records) Ground-ups is a free-ish noisy hard jazz group featuring...me, and various others throughout it’s fluttering little course. This tape features what i believe to be a free freak out from the Justin Clifford Rhody, Clare Hubbard, Shane Edge, and me period. Harsh horns / harsh drums!

Russian Tsarlag and Aurora Doreyalice as crotch council brings back some rad memories of shadow lake drownings and the time of my life. I always found Carlos’s voice oddly persuasive. Groan up, and Trash guitar / trash drum! Cover art by…Me!

5. EMERGE series (5 CD Set - THIT Sounds) Mr. Goatmother is one prolific and busy (goat)motherfucker, and the massively involved EMERGE series is ONE of the latest additions to his all media catalog for this year alone!

The Official Text: “The Emerge Series is a series of five album singles exploring "drones" and "emphasis" in the keys of C, D, E, G, and B. The packaging is all handmade. Each album also includes linear notes and a five color poster.”

This is entirely true. And for those with waning ideas surrounding “drone” and “emphasis”, prepare to re-write your mind. This is powerful art, and better-than-engaging.

*There’s more where that came from, but these are so taser, and most recently-est listened to.

a tribute to zane grey

2010-10-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

I recently acquired a very large collection of books by zane grey. among other things, he reminds me how much i love the movie "the third man".

A tribute to Zane Grey

Bang bang, oh I’m a good guy.
Dammit, I’m a bad guy, huh?
Food? Water dammit! That’s what we need, some water.
Kerpow!
Dammit.
You’re such a damn sheriff
about everything.

Plywood Curtains by Jennifer Bolande

2010-10-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

I generally like Jennifer Bolande's art work. While the past few years, at least what i've seen, has kinda been on the hit or miss tip for me, I'm always drawn in by her conceptual directions. Love it. Taser F'in Factory. Perfect example is her site-specific Plywood Curtain installations around Los Angeles...Mainly utilizing unused commercial property...I can say as much about the effect as i can about the implied layers of concept, etc. They're beautiful. and apparently will be on view until sometime next year....I spotted the installation at the ICON, and decided to hit up the art reserve site for these images. thanks art reserve...

bigger thanks: http://jbolande.com/

2 notes about preparing things and readymade art...

2010-10-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

i spend a great amount of time walking (with my feet). it's a good chance to put things on top of other things, or at least see things that are perfect for things to be put on top of, find things that are perfectly centered for one's own appreciation without the need of things put on top of it.
first, here's some fun google / googly photos from LA artist Corrie Siegel. i love this. reminds me of 2 of my favorite bands ever: fat worm of error and boredoms. it reminds me to put on one of their records. found. prepped. enough said, enjoy.view (much) more here:
http://corriesiegel.blogspot.com/

secondly, me.i'm always the first to say that i'm a terrible photographer. i think i have even started conversations using that line. recently i've realized that the signs surrounding this mentality point in 2 directions:
1.nobody cares.
2.it doesn't matter.

so here we go. this is what i've been up to. i think they're fun and funny. i'll save the discussion on the duchampian approach, recoil, and other bullshit...view (abit) more here:
http://kneeshy.com/kennedyph/

p.s.- corrie siegel is also involved with a fantastic, collectively run art space in LA's chinatown, called Actual Size. it's small!

in search of space...

2010-09-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

right! so i just walked down the california pizza oven that is sunset blvd, to vacation vinyl to witness the over-overwhelming white hills, for a free in-store performance (backed up by colt 45's promise of quality). what luck! instead of tears of joy, i should've been shedding some bucks for a performance of this intensity.
i, a former space rock guitarist (see: the mosaic fog...i.e.: you guys remind me of hawkwind), should been better equipped. i mean, their "heads on fire" was rad as fuck, and i guess now i need the self-titled piece from thrill jockey, but live, like this...doors were blown back. pure awesome!

good time for sure, as white hills plowed out heavy, heavy course settings with unabashed, continuous riff obsession, relentless electric swirl, and enough overtly tactful drum fills to smear action moments into oblivion.

they call brooklyn home, and any lines that can be drawn on the level of location sharing contemporaries mark only the best...oneida?...seeing a band like this, unbending under the influence of so many effects, at ground level is always a treat. heavy psych / space rock junkies gotta be up on this, but regardless, check yr calendars for local dates!

it's pretty incredible to see one band save hard rock single handedly. totally taser factory.

white hills online? check it!

phil me up...

2010-09-26T02:13:00.001-07:00

i know i'm not the first to use that dumb-ass title. screw it, it's late. anyway, after years of hearing folks cautiously approach the subject of phil collins and genesis with closet-y, speakeasy terms of admiration, it's great to see an influx of out and out phil collins fans.

Norwegian TV show Lydverket came up with some charming footage.

there are many us...but there has always been an equal or greater number of haters...which i can totally tolerate, but it's always been the closet cases that drive me up the wall.

just say it, man. it's fine. see, he looks like some guy i know in real life here.

is/was phil collins not cool? hip-hop artists apparently like him. is there an underlying reason to be ashamed of liking genesis, or the man himself? sure, he seems rather conceded, and not what i would call "warm"...actually, that sounds like me...who knows.
i'm sure this isn't the first time i've put the taser factory torch to mr. collins, and i doubt it'll be the last.

additionally, i am a fan of peter gabriel fronted genesis.

book burning for dummies- from phiffer books

2010-09-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

Finally! Book burning made easy...for normal folks, like you and i! That’s right bitches, you don’t have to be a lunatic from Florida (together with Utah and Alaska= the 3 states i can pick openly pick on as a Californian) to blaze some pages.

Seriously, this product by Jen Phiffer of Phiffer books is pretty hot...especially if used to full capacity, which i have had the pleasure of doing. Match book <> Book match, get it?! Simply remove from it's little match box home, and strike the this tiny guy, and voila! fire!

So, in celebration of the 1st amendment, 9/11, and fun, i highly suggest this product! I mean it’s only $12. Might as well join the crowd, or stock up for this time next year. A perfect gift for pyro writers...or just pyros, or just writers.

I’ve thoroughly discussed the possibilities of further research and extended products with Ms. Phiffer, so any idea thieves should feel free to step off.

Order here, and check the other bound products from Phiffer Books. Pretty taser factory stuff.

This is truly fun stuff.

Eat It.

david yow "SOLO" exhibition...closing reception.

2010-09-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

recently, i have been impressed, again and again, by the quality of physical/visual artwork presented by folks who have built their notoriety (...and fame? fortune?) through other creative means (i.e.: acting, sound-making, etc.)...

what david yow has brought to the table is absolutely no exception...
{a bit of background>>>extremely energetic frontman for: scratch acid/jesus lizard/qui.}

in august, he opened his first solo exhibition, aptly titled "SOLO", here in los angeles, at echo park's DIY Gallery. it's a collection of visual work cut from a blend of the stuff that many will somehow interpret from his recorded styles and a deeper cutting into a very self contained, internal store...a things-i've-seen / how-i-saw-them type of view.
after digging a bit more, i found that i should've expected this. yow was a hangnail away from a BFA before punk rock hijacked the plane (yes, it is 9/11 weekend). i did recall some poster art here and there, and maybe an album cover or 2...but as a side note, yow has held it down for years doing photo retouching, a skill which pours through in parts of this set.
several pieces here contain subtle digital droplets, and with close (and prompted, for me) examination, the truth is right there in plain view. skin tones may prove to be actual skin tones, fly wings may be actual fly wings, and that other thing was definitely made out of image sections of a wasp, etc.

this is a fucking taser factory collection of solid fulfilling visual work...straight up...paintings...digital works...collaged out action...hanging on walls, and worth a view of your own. however, don't waste any time cuz the exhibition closes this weekend: SATURDAY. SEPT. 11TH!!!

here's some short details:

DIY GAllery
DAVID YOW "SOLO"

1549 West Sunset Boulevard 90026

Los Angeles, CA

Closing Reception September 11 2010
Doors Open @ 7:00 pm...
and long
...
David Yow "SOLO" The works created for this show are rooted in Yow’s personal and psychological history, and feature a broad spectrum of mediums. From acrylic, pencil, charcoal, crayon, hair, bugs, collage, and tar on wood, to line drawings digitally combined with photographic textures, Yow reveals an uncommon artistic perspective.

Alongside the exhibition, drinks will be served on the back patio, Musical performances by Instant Pussy and Stepfather !!

In addition to original works for sale, DIY is offering signed prints of Yow’s poster for an August 2010 Queens of the Stone Age / Eagles of Death Metal fundraising concert for bassist Brian O’Connor, who has cancer. All proceeds from poster sales will go directly to Brian’s medical fund.

THIT...sounds from the fantum jukebox.

2010-09-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

about a year ago, goatmother industrial moved out of it's watery grave-type underground workshop beneath bloomington, indiana's russian recording studio....
that seems like a good thing. not that that was a bad thing before, but the action has been go ever since...not that it wasn't before...

screw it! i seem to not be able to write this intro, so here it is!

thit is it!the fantum headress from THIT.

thit is a new-ish addition to the golden glow which emanates from providence-based artist mark rice's ever-sprawling, preter-conglomo art DBA, goatmother industrial...probably one of the most taser factory things on the market.

this sound container is a super fun listen (via myspace for now), and it come decked out with corresponding imagery for each track. a neat package indeed, as many such deals throw-up too much, or fall stupidly short on effort. this is perfect-o, and it effectively relates the art mentality of mr. rice and the goatmother aesthetic. perhaps not in full, as there is ultimately way too much ground to cover there, but this cross section proves to be a fine testament/statement/thing.

so, go jam it out here THIT, and stop by www.goatmother.com to see the big picture or catch some updates on activities.

i recently received my own personal "kevinator" (the title of one of the tracks). i consider myself a lucky motherfucker.my own personal kevinator.

"...did you ever consider randomly murdering dogs? i don't know?"

doraemon lives!

2010-08-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

after believing the doraemon solar powered car model had been dead for the past few years, i was proven wrong. doraemon lives!

though a bit weak, with barely enough strength to move itself across the small table (not the big table). this studio is obviously a haven for "green" technology.

i hear that the full scale version has been restored as well!

let's knife!

2010-08-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

we like knives.

they like knives.

sean "sci-fi" connery

2010-08-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

uhm...movie shit: ok, so i admit, we have netflix. blah, whateva... it's pretty rad in a town where video rental has taken a corporate color to an opaque degree.
it's cool for reasons like this...
i try, and succeed, at finding terrible movies, and recently i've come across a few sean connery fronted sci-fi titles that are simply terrific (terrible and terrific are interchangable terms for me, as many already know).
let's start with 1973's "Zardoz"...... directed by john "Noxzema" boorman, this post-apocalyptic gem has our favorite scotsman running around in a smashingly revealing red leather get-up, chasing after a giant floating stone head. it looks great, but from what i can tell, the story line reads like a bad RPG. incredible!
there are many amazing quotes, many of which have been picked thru the years by outsider sound-making acts..."the gun good...the penis is bad...", etc.

next is "Outland"

, a more discernable low point in the post-Bond career. In 1981, somebody directed this, and actors went along with the idea. the result is a (quite) depressing inter-Sol knock off of "High Noon", which apparently won a Saturn Award...whatever that is. i love it, and that's what i'm trying to convey. my favorite part is when his wife leaves him, and then he talks to peter boyle. i would do the same...great minds think alike.

note: i'm plugging these movies. NOT netflix.

aliens of the devil- a short informative video

2010-08-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

as a part of the Not Ugly - Inner Beauty Pageant (part II), we presented, or did our best to present this brief video about aliens of the devil...remember...the band doesn't make any sound?! anyway, it's now online, and probably much easier to access than thru our technical difficulties the other nite. maybe and/or sorry! twas fun! and everybody involved with the event is entirely the best! and here it is...
narrated by Nhoj Daswon, with interview from Mr. Circa. publication himself...Jonathan Jay, with help from the wonderful Ms. Dyer and Ms Knoll...and there are a ton more thanks to hand out than I can gather here!

we like scissors.

2010-07-12T20:20:00.001-07:00

we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors. we like scissors.

free stuff sucks!

2010-07-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a promotional gift from my internet service provider (ISP), I was able to start off my day with a trip to starbucks coffee... As a rule, I almost never buy coffee from shops. I like the coffee I make at home and feel that it is far superior to anything I can get anywhere else...besides that, I’m a cheapskate and believe that such expenditures are a waste. But driven by a lack of coffee beans, a certain urgency, and a gift card, I put on my flip-flops and headed out.

Going to a starbucks in los feliz is like taking a trip back in time. Time seemed to stall somewhere around 1997-99. The line was long, and as a result my head was filled with the ridiculous starbucks lexicon. Words and product descriptions that should never pass the seal of any starbucks store. These people were far too familiar with starbucks speak and thus I felt intimidated and then ultimately antagonistic as a result. They were also in much more of a hurry than I.

The crowd of Hollywood assholes, cultural stalemates, and demanding empty-headed prima donnas were offset by the staff consisting entirely of young Latinas. I felt at ease with their condescending glares and obvious joy in denying patrons of unreasonable demand. And I believe there was a slight connection between us when I simply requested a “Large Coffee”. After procuring my “Large Coffee”, I rushed out, nearly knocking over a young lady with a retrofitted haircut.

Largely, this was not my fault. The slight nudge I gave her at the door was simply compounded by the gravitational effects in play due to the apparent disproportional weight scenario between her bag and her body.

I decided not to take a sip until I return home. To avoid spilling the coffee on the walk back I had to hold the 24 oz. Cup awkwardly out in the front of me. I passed by the usual cast of homeless on my normal path of alleyways and shortcuts home. I felt like a total asshole with my starbucks cup prominently displayed. Even more of an asshole than I normally feel like with my clean clothes and whatnot.

Now I’m drinking the coffee. It’s not that bad. I still have $3 left on the gift card.

not ugly - inner beauty pageant

2010-07-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

j-e-remy of d-e-vil with the "background suicide" EP.

not ugly, an extremely multi-faceted inner beauty pageant/talent show/installation/etc., kicked off with it's opening reception last saturday (july 3rd) at DIY GAllery here in wonderful little los angeles. there was plenty of totally taser factory art, performances, and other fun by aliens of the devil, stepfather, the steffens too, collin manning, eddie pepitone, gregg lopez, and others, all curated by the lovely danielle collins.

devon steffens with photos.j. s-h-elley of d-e-vil with 2 fanged up cats.

though the opening is in the bag, the show is still rolling throughout the month of july (during the gallery's open hours), and comes to a spectacular close on saturday july 31st with the second installment of art action pageantry!

aliens of the devil, the new non-audio thrash/dub band from (knee shy), is thrilled as a clam to be a part of the whole goddamn thing! one offering we have conjured up is our new limited edition EP: “Background Suicide”, which features visual remixes of 4 rad songs by 4 killer bands with the word “suicide” in their name (you can probably guess at least one).

if you missed it the first time around, stop by the gallery when they're open, or make a note to check out round 2 on the 31st! there will be more performances, including the aliens of the devil infomercial!

good epic times....

devon steffens with elbow x-ray.

FROM NOT UGLY::: NOT UGLY Inner Beauty Pageant @ DIY GAllery 1549 West Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90026 • 213.977.9602 NOT UGLY Inner Beauty Pageant is an exhibit of literary and artistic works published from within our Athenaeum. This first in a series, celebrates those who might go unnoticed due to their natural breast size or their ability to spell potato. We spotlight the splendor of the truth, the strange and the marvelous with staged and framed works that document the high road taken by each of the multi-sexy contestant chosen to compete for The Audience Award and purse of $500. Make your vote count for Keith Niles, Eddie Pepitone, Gregg Lopez, Kate and Devon are The Steffens Too, and Aliens of the Devil stars Jeremy Kennedy & Shelly Harrison. Additional works and support from artists Colin Manning, Terril Lewis, Ben Phen, Peter Soby Jr., STEPFATHER'S Ian Jay, Josh Achziger, Gabriel Mounsey, Danielle Collins and from our host Roger Steffens. Each person that steps into the gallery will receive a Voting Ballot and a Program that describes the Talent and the Art Auction.

Tickets are $10, come with a cocktail and are good for the Talent Show on July 3 and the Talent Show on July 31st. Entrance is $0 from 7-9p. Space is limited. You can reserve tickets in advance at: brownpapertickets.com/event/117511

July 3 • Vote, Art Auction @ 7p with a Talent Show part1 at 10p
July 31 • Vote, Art Auction @ 7p with a Talent Show part2 at 10p
DIY GAllery is open to Vote or Bid on Art Auction Tue-Sat 12pm-6pm
The winner of the Pageant and Art Auction is announced at midnight July 31.

See you there and thank you for supporting art in America.

(knee shy) - "(a)Tonal Destruction's the Only Solution" - Now Available

2010-06-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

FMSMPRC Presents:
(a)Tonal Destruction’s the Only Solution
By: (knee shy)
Format: limited edition CD-r in one of a kind handmade packaging
Catalog #: FMSMPRC26

In early 2010 (knee shy), the chosen moniker of the collaborative workings of Los Angeles based artists j. shelley harrison and jeremy kennedy, presented an art/sound installation titled “the Sound of Wall” at Origami Vinyl, a record store/performance space in LA’s Echo Park community.

The piece itself was essentially a large wall mounted string instrument built specifically for the space. The 7-section unit contained in total 111 strings, some strung properly and others prepared with a variety of objects. Amplified both electrically and naturally, it filled the roll of several traditional instrument variants, and encouraged the use of extended technique and improvisation.

“(a)Tonal Destruction’s the Only Solution” was not recorded on “the Sound of Wall”, but during the process of building the piece. The creation of the piece required (knee shy) to look to a number of existing instruments for ideas and more importantly, parts and components. Subsequently, many of these instruments were altered, broken, and otherwise cannibalized by the assemblage.

One such instrument was an upright spinet piano from 1964, the main source of sound during this recording. Starting with the improper removal of the piano’s keys and ending with the cutting of each string inside the body, this field recording captures the torturous and methodic disembowel in its entirety.

Atonal blasts compound with dying chirps as a result of the physical destruction, guided with a mix of care and chaos. Armed with an array of pliers, hammers, saws, snips, and other instruments of destruction, (knee shy) programs an instant arrangement birthed as much in chance as in crafted strokes of violence.

The wood and components taken from the instrument itself have been reused by the artists as raw materials for 4 separate projects to date, including the packaging for this limited release. Other pieces of note include (knee shy)’s “the Sound of Wall”, and j. shelley harrison’s “keys to an eighty-eighth”.

The originally noted “Sound of Wall” installation’s opening event featured an improvised performance, dedicated to Luc Ferrari (whose 83rd birthday coincided with the event), played on the assemblage. (knee shy) sees this as a pre-extension of that composition, and a tribute to Ferrari’s fielding efforts.

“(a)Tonal Destruction’s the Only Solution” is now made available by FMSMPRC as a limited edition release of 30, in a variety of packaging created by the artists from materials recycled from the original piano.

Tyco Riley- (2010)

fmsmprc: myspace.com/fmsmprc

(knee shy): www.kneeshy.com