the fuccons

(link to YouTube)

My friend Gina introduced me to the fabulous world of The Fuccons, an insane Japanese program staring MANNEQUINS and created by someone that I can only imagine a) has done/does a lot of drugs, b) is an only child, therefore developed a knack for entertaining himself, c) took "we're going to build this dream together" by Starship to heart. Maybe the existence of this show is only new to me, and if that is the case I'm wondering how I missed it when I was in Japan, and why cruel world, why I did.

Mikey is a tragic but sweet little block of doe eyed wood. Mom and Dad are chipper, off their rocker, sometimes overtly sexual. Emily is a wishy-washy minx. And everyone else is deranged and/or cruel. I think my favorites are the twins; their bratty banter is impressive.

MANNEQUINS ON THE MOVE:
Fuccons Official Site [ thefuccons.com ]
Mannequin "Nothing's Going to Stop Us Now" [ YouTube ]
Lady Beware Trailer [ Video Detective ]
Mannequin Wigs [ mannequinstore.com ]
Mannequin History [ fashionwindows.com ]

crazy 4 cult

Crazy For Cult is an annual event in which artists reinterpret cult films. The poster above is from last year. I'm not quite sure if it's a throw back to anything in particular but I love it. More information about the print and the artist is available here.


The real treat is the work done for this years' by Kirk Demaris. He has managed to capture the crude style and sometimes janky composition that is found in painted family portraits. He has lovingly recreated two tragic tribes above (sorry about your teeth kid) and below (why the long face Doc and the little boy that lives in your mouth). What I want to know is, where do all of the actual movie props go? You know the portraits you see on the wall in the background. Please tell me they do not get thrown away. I know someone that would give them a good home. Me.

fingertip 911

If you suffer from weak fingers and strengthening exercises aren't cutting it, this is the product for you. In all seriousness I have struggled with pulling a book out of a tightly packed shelf only to break off nails that I don't even really have. It can be painful. Furthermore the battle manages to delay my mind from the entertainment and knowledge it so desperately needs. What I could have done with those valuable seconds that were lost in the fight!


As far as I know this site is the only place to find it. If you read Japanese (who doesn't?) you're set.

bravo bots

I readily admit that as far as the 12 steps go my biggest misstep is attributed to my relationship with the boob tube. It's on a lot. I will say that much of the time (as if this makes it ok) I'm doing other things when it's on. However when I am deliberate in my show selections and paying attention the channel is often tuned in to Bravo. I'm slowly realizing that a prerequisite for getting or hosting your own show must be how many robotic elements you possess, as it appears to me that many a member of the reality show team are a little short on emotion and are one with Styx.

I have created a short list of Bravo personalities. There are two ranking scales-- botiness and heart. My feeling is sometimes, if exhibiting enough compassion, you can balance out your circuits with some love.

Oh, Jackie. You kind of act like you have a stick up your butt, but I attribute a lot of your personality, or lack thereof, to the immobilized forehead and stifled smile. Your tears tell the true story.

King Robot, but the best robot ever. The Tin Man would be jealous. This man cares and has the vocabulary to back it up.

Does playing a stripper grant you the right to host a dance contest show? I guess. This thing called the "i-n-t-e-r-n-e-t" states that she was in Swan Lake as a child. That must be it. Nomi, I mean Elizabeth, gets through her lines with all the art of a medicated newscaster and an equally fatigued emotional pretense.

Bless him, he's a text book jerk with no filter or sense of appropriateness; I truly think he cares but doesn't know how to show it. He's kind of like a 15 yr old robot trapped in a 40 yr old robot, that never learned the words tenderness or subtly.

She's harmless and a little bit devoid of pep or umph, but it seems like she might be sweet. Maybe she has tricked me with her modeling ways. It's all sort of a guess.

Boy oh boy oh boy oh boy. I think he is the guy that A.I. was based on, but WAY less endearing. Like not at all. Shallow, a kiss ass, and so unbelievably, painfully rigid and douchey he makes me want to punch the T.V. or break something. When he grins I can hear the gears struggling. I almost feel bad for him. I can relate to shy; I can relate to trying to overcome a painful social situation, BUT he's completely unaware of himself. I sincerely believe he is convinced he's the most successful charming man boy around. HE REALLY IS A ROBOT, I swear it. I graciously give him half a heart for feigning interest in forging a better relationship with his father.

Did I just add to the list of reasons I'm going to hell? I promise, I'm a nice person. I just get riled up by bad robots.

polaroids and moving pictures

(photo by recovering lazyholic)

I got to take a couple of Polaroids for a local film. They will serve as props for one of the lead characters. I know... it's not super stardom or anything, but it was a lot of fun. I pretty much savor anything that gives me an opportunity to take pictures. In other words, name the time and place and I'm there. You're doing me a favor when I do you a favor.

um... awkward

(link to Sexy People)

Never has a site deserved the "photo magic" label more than this. I know that web collections of tragically funny and accidentally campy pictures is nothing new, but it somehow never really gets old either. Maybe this all goes back to the statement I repeatedly make about myself, that somewhere along the way I have lost my soul. Oh, well, at least I'm laughing. And yes, I do accept my impending fate. The list is already long, and now I can probably add that I will be blessed with toothless cross-eyed offspring with bad hair wearing acid washed jeans.

The simple fact that the above picture was featured on a site called "Sexy People" makes this wrong. But really, what's worse/better is the photo itself. My mind and my tongue are completely tied and I'm not sure whether to laugh or cringe. So I'll just enthusiastically say "bah!". Sort of sums it up.

I strongly urge you to spend some time taking a look at the site. Depending on what side of memory lane you are on, you'll either cackle or cry.

magnum p.i.llow

(link to sally england design's etsy)

How wonderful! Aching to play dress up with someone but no-one is available? Problem solved. Pluses: a variety of moutaches to choose from, can't sass you, and you can cuddle when it's over. Minus: pillow does not solve crimes. I would buy this if I felt certain my dogs wouldn't tear his face up and eat his staches. You can purchase it here for $60.

riding through the storm

(photos by recovering lazyholic)

Yesterday was the third annual Summer Extrav-o-ganza, a boat party on the lake put on by Austinist, Party Ends, and Green Potato Ventures (among others). Party barge... check, beer o'plenty... check, burgers... check, water noodles... check, sunshine... doh.

Yep, the weather did not quite cooperate. In fact I was having flashbacks to The Perfect Storm for a moment. Alright, so we weren't in the middle of the ocean, or deep sea fishing, and George Clooney was not there, but it was a little rough looking for a minute, plus I sometimes have a flair for over dramatizing.

Although the clouds never entirely passed the rain did subside which was a cue for the swimming, dancing, and music makin' to begin. In some ways the event was a little like opposite day when compared to last year's, or like a kinder, gentler version... a little less rowdy and few traces of sunburn. This should not be confused for less fun however. White Denim put on a great performance, the crowd was friendly, and the general vibe was relaxed. Mother Nature was foiled if she was trying to rain (sorry) on our parade.

paramount brows

On Saturday I went to the Paramount for an afternoon showing of Hitchcock's classic (and arguably best) film Vertigo. It doesn't take much for me to be excited when it comes to seeing a Hitchcock movie, but on the big screen... AND a 70mm restored print. I was not missing this. I had seen it before but this viewing certainly tops the TCM or DVD version. 1950's San Francisco as the backdrop, rich colors (the red walls of Ernie's, the flower shop, the green of the hotel neon), wonderful costume design, Barbara "Miss Elie" Bel Geddes' comedic genius, Jimmy Stewart's perfected obsession, Kim Novak's eyebrows... wait. OK, actually those waxy looking boomerangs on her forehead were the negative, or I should say distraction.


I fully realize that trends change and certainly that the makeup over the last 50 years has experienced several shifts in terms of what is deemed enhancing. This seems a little... um, bold. But what do I know? Let's just say I won't be trying this look out. At least until I'm 70 (coupled with a boa and lots of jewelry perhaps).


It was really great to watch this movie with a crowd. There was unanimous laughter during scenes that before just struck me as chuckle worthy, but in this new environment were, yes pretty darn funny. Some of Jimmy Stewart's lines were priceless, particularly when in make-over overdrive. When "suggesting" Kim Novak's Judy change her hair: "Judy, please, it can't matter to you!". He's so intuitive; women generally like to be told how to look, especially when meant to resemble a dead ex.

The Paramount's commitment to cinema, in it's choices and presentation, is unmatched. The Summer Series continues through September. I may need to mark my calendar for Anatomy of a Murder and Rear Window.

UPDATE:

I almost forgot to post this picture. I saw this fabulous (inexplicable but brilliant) pig-mobile on my walk back to the car. I think the lady that owns it also owns a pot belly pig. She might like pigs. Just a hunch. There a few more pictures here (look towards the bottom of the set).

forest creatures

(photos by recovering lazyholic)

Last night marked the return of The Laughing, debuting their new EP Jungle put out by Artifact Workshop, the joint venture of Erik Horn and John Gross. The album was not the only debut, as the band line-up welcomed Sean Neesley on bass and Ryan Lawless on synth (with longstanding members Logan Middleton and Grant Van Amburgh still in tow shaking their money makers). The group's set featured a mix of fresh material as well as songs from the previous album Tiger Cry. Sweaty, loud, and rockin', their tribal spirit (sort of like Teen Spirit but muskier and more dangerous) was successfully on display.

A real standout to the release party was the unique packaging concept for the CD jackets. Upon Artifact Workshop's conception the label declared that one of their aims would be to incorporate and release dynamic one of a kind packing, rounding out and extending the musical experience. During the show artist Bryan Keplesky painted a large mural that later would be disassembled, with pieces used as individual covers. So not only did the crowd have an opportunity to get a solely original CD (for a measly $3!), but they were able to witness the birth of their memento. I doubt few can say that about most, if not all, of their present music collection (sans Miley Cyrus I'm sure). All told the evening was full of promises made good, all made possible by a wonderful collaborative effort.