Big Trouble in Little South Park

Ok, so researching my James Hong piece, I came across this great fan site for Big Trouble in Little China, and found these awesome fan-made "Big Trouble in Little South Park" episodes. They are great, and worth checking out. Click here!

Goldblum's "Pittsburgh"

Pittsburgh has been having a good run lately, what with the Steelers and now local hometown boy made good, Jeff Goldblum returning home to perform the role of Professor Harold Hill in a stage production of "The Music Man". While doing so he also made a "documentary" where Jeff plays himself, an eccentric actor who returns to his hometown to star in a local community theater production of "The Music Man". This film sounds weird and interesting to me, as Jeff is generally zany. Read more about it here

Dani California

Have you seen the new Red Hot Chili Peppers video? If not, it's worth checking out. I haven't followed these guys in a while, but this video is great, as the Peppers spoof rock acts through the ages, including themselves. Also, I saw these guys last night on SNL and they rocked it. Check out the video here, Rock On!

CHSSC Banquet

Last night, as a guest of Chinese actor Jack Ong, I attended The Spring Banquet of The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California. The banquet paid tribute to Mr. Ong and his fellow Chinese American actors living in L.A. Jack and I met on the set of "Art School Confidential" during the filming of the cermaics room scene. I will never forget meeting Jack, and watching him get into character as the crusty Professor Okamura, a burned out art teacher. Jack is also in another recently released film, the highly acclaimed, "Akeelah and the Bee". In "Akeelah" Jack plays an encouraging "Korean" grocer.

Also at the banquet, I got the opportunity to meet Mr. James Hong, the baddest Chinese wizard ever to fight the Wing Kong in Big Trouble in Little China. Mr. Hong played the role of Lo Pan in John Carpenter's classic tale of an arrogant truckdriver who stumbles upon a dangerous and magical Chinese underground realm. I introduced myself to Mr. Hong, and got to talk to the "ten-foot tall roadblock" himself (although he was a bit preoccupied, in search of his "goody" bag). But he and the other honorees were well received all night and I had a real blast, thanks again Jack!

More Disney Updates...

Whoa, over at Mice Age, there's a posting with sooo much new Disney info. Man, is that park ever evolving. Anyhow, it's got scoops a plenty, including an awesome idea for Space Mountain which we may never see, New pirates Updates - with the big revelation that Bruckheimer won't allow the Black Pearl's likeness to be used in the "Battle Scene" (replacing the Wicked Wench, shown here), And the latest info on the Nemo ride in the submarine lagoon, Plus a whole slew of other Disney "behind the scenes" info. Click here to read all about it. (via*miceage)

Married Bliss

Aww... Nothing says eternal love and romance quite like a group wedding. "Bridegrooms kiss their brides at a group wedding ceremony at a beach in Qingdao, Shandong Province May 4, 2006. Sixty-six couples chose to tie knots at the ceremony. It is reported these couples are from different parts of the country, including Shanghai, Nanjing and Shandong."

Gwar on Joan

For those that don't know, Gwar, is the brainchild of Virginia art students turned Rock Gods (think Kiss meets Live Action Cartoons). Anyways, here is a bizarre pairing, as Joan Rivers interviews Gwar's singer and bass player. I'm not sure which is odder, Gwar or the fact that Joan had a talk show! link and if you need an introduction to the band check this out.

New Woo Painting

Yesterday I turned in my painting for this year's "Venice Art Walk and Auction". The showing and auction will be held on May 20th at Track 16 and Berman/Turner Project at Bergamont Station. It's free to check out the art from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. and you can also bid on the art and support a good cause (The Venice Family Clinic). I participated last year and my painting was auctioned at $450 and I donated all proceeds to the clinic. I'm hoping for another successful year this time out. Hope to see you all there. For more info click here.

Summer Movies

Changing course here... Wanna know what the critics think of this summer's batch of movies, click here to read predictions on this summer's potential hits, flops, and sleepers!

Spotlight on Taiwan

Now, that the President of China, Hu Jintao, has finally been formally greeted by the white house, it seems the first effects of his visit are starting to show. On a quest to embarrass and bully Taiwan, China has obviously put the hard lean into Bush to not only not "officially recognize" Taiwan, but also to ignore the sovereign democratic island all together. Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's president, intended on an overnight stay in New York on his way to Paraguay. But he was denied the request and told he could refuel in... Alaska! (which he promptly declined) Are we insane.... Bush talks about how important it is to promote democracy in the world (even willing to go to war in the name of it) and we diss a potential democratic ally like Taiwan, all because the world's largest COMMUNIST country tells us to. That doesn't fly in my book, it is utterly unjust and outrageous! "China's suppression against Taiwan has gone from bad to worse," said President Chen Shui-bian, "China should not push Taiwan into a corner, leaving Taiwan without a living space in the international community." Click here to read about this recent low point in Taiwanese U.S. relations. And here to read an outstanding editorial about the importance of including Taiwan in the U.N.

Haunted Mansion Update

There's a lot of changes happening in the Park, I still want to know what's going on with Pirates, but in the meantime, news of Haunted Mansion changes are coming in. Apparently the "attic" scene was revealed yesterday. "Early (Wed.), the effects were switched on in the Mansion and the portaits of the "Black Widow" Bride's former husbands revealed. The portraits all show the bride, "Constance," with her former husbands, each of whom lose their head on the changing portrait with an eerie "swoosh!" Just before the Doom Buggies exit the attic, the new, glowing bride appears, taunting you with coy statements such as "'Til DEATH do us part..." and suddenly raises her bouquet, which becomes a gleaming steel axe..." Click here to look at images from the refurbished scene. And here to read an account from an actress who auditioned for the part of the "black widow bride!".

Nova Express

I've got a restaurant recommendation: Nova Express Cafe @ 426 N. Fairfax (across from Canters). If you're in LA and you've never been to Nova Express, you should check it out. The owner is a big sci-fi fan and the whole place is done up in black-light sci-fi goodness with a starbridge projection screen, giant Cthulu costume, plasma balls built into the tables, and an incredible action figure collection (including Shogun Warriors!). The place serves a variety of drinks along with a nice selection of sandwiches, salads and the ever delicious... Cosmic Pizza. The dough they use for the bread and pizza is really good. I tried the Green Star, which is a yummy pesto pizza. Here's a link with a little more info link

Free Comic Book Day

Honest, this Saturday go by your local comic store and get free titles! Click here to find a store near you. I guess this is how the comic industry plans to hook young readers early, not a bad idea.

Now that's global economy...

Chinese man buys Czech fighter jet from an American on eBay. The man paid $24,730 and plans to use it to decorate an empty space at his offices. Only one catch, how do you ship a friggin fighter jet to China? Read the whole story here.

David Blaine

Perhaps you've heard, but Mister Magic aka "publicity stunt artist", David Blaine is at it again. He currently is submerged in a "human aquarium" for the rest of the week at New York's Lincoln Center Plaza. Click here to read more about Blaine's weeklong underwater stay and his attempt at breaking the world record for holding his breath.

Int. German Beard and Moustache Championships

More pics here!

Sush Machida Gaikotsu

Everyone in LA, please remember that this Saturday is the SMG show @ Western Project in Culver City. This show will be great, so don't miss it! "Western Project is proud to present the third solo exhibition of paintings by Las Vegas artist, Sush Machida Gaikotsu. This new body of work is heavily influenced by two of Japan's historical painters, Jyakuchu Ito and Okyo Maruyama. Reinterpreting late 18th century Edo classicism of these two masters, Sush has infused traditional Japanese imagery with a sense of global culture." To see more SMG work, click HERE

"Sober Day Usa"?

Believe it or not, this image was taken at the first annual "Sober Day USA", which is the brainchild of former O.J. Simpson defense attorney, Robert Shapiro. It seems Shapiro's son died after taking an "ecstacy" pill, so he created a non-profit in his son's honor. "The idea, Shapiro said, is to get people talking about drug addiction." Well, I guess he invited the right people because those attending sure do know a lot about it. Some of those in attendance at Monday nights no-alcohol, no-drug, celebrity-laden party at the Standard Hotel were Charlie Sheen, Paris Hilton, Tom Arnold, Ted Danson, Eva Longoria, Diana Ross, Nicole Richie, Nick Lachey, Lindsay Lohan, Brittany Murphy, Justin Timberlake, and Cameron Diaz. The bar at the party was serving "mocktails" such as the "Pom Pilot", made with pomegranate juice. It was also reported that Lindsay Lohan remarked how refreshing the "Pom Pilot" tasted, right before she used the fruity concoction to wash down a xanax and a two dexatrims. For images of the event go here and to read about how the first annual "sober day usa" came about go here.

LouLou

More silly illustrations from Holland, with some bots too! link via*drawn

Sisters of Mercy

I love "You Tube", you can find all the old videos that you never saw... I found this classic Sisters of Mercy with Andrew Eldritch singing in a factory in India for the video of "Lucretia, My Reflection"... which is a great song. Check it out Here and if you liked that then you'll also want to see the video for Dominion

Zhang Ziyi

Okay, it's official Zhang Ziyi has returned her name to it's original Chinese spelling, after last year trying to "westernize" her name by calling herself Ziyi Zhang (which I thought was ridiculous) Anyhow, this story seems a little late but still kinda interesting. HONG KONG -- "Chinese star Zhang Ziyi says she would have liked a little hug of encouragement from Oscar-winning director Ang Lee while filming "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," but she never got one, Hong Kong media reported Monday. Zhang said she cried every day after returning to her room during shooting for the movie, released in 2000, because the work was so difficult, reported Apple Daily, a mass-market newspaper.She said she needed an encouraging hug from Lee, but he never gave it to her, the paper quoted her as saying. However, she said the director frequently hugged her co-star, Malaysian-Chinese actress Michelle Yeoh. Lee explained he didn't hug Zhang because she was only 19 at the time, the Ming Pao Daily News reported. "Hugging her would have been a little embarrassing," Lee was quoted by Apple Daily as saying." (AP) FYI... Zhang shouldn't cry too much, her "asking price" has been a half a million for the last several pictures, but after "Geisha" it is now a whopping five million a picture.

Japanese Stalker

This is a sad and interesting tale of a Japanese women who apparently never grew up. At 43 she remained obsessed with her childhood idol and stalked him well after his teen idol days were over. She was destined to do jail time, but her father's tearful testimony saved the woman from jail. link

CGFEEL

This site is in Chinese mostly, but it is a 2D and 3D art site with some cool galleries and enough English so that you can navigate your way around. Definitely some cool surprises inside, try the "original art" or "concept design" galleries. link

The Last Ninja

"The teachings of Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi echo through my head as he entreats me to attack a blackbelted disciple with a practice sword. "Always be able to kill your students," he says. Chilling words from a shockingly fit 76-year-old man who bills himself as the world's last ninja..." lethal link and to visit the Grandmaster's site go here

Roberto Goring

Not a ton of work here, but what's there is quality stuff. Just click through the "eye". link

Gold Undies, wtf?

"A young girl and her mother admire underwear made of 18k gold in Jinan, E. Shandong Province on April 27. The stunning showpiece is priced at 155,000 yuan (US$19,300)." This image is strange for numerous reasons, first off... This is obviously influenced by the Princess Leia "slave" costume. Secondly... are communist countries really supposed to have gold underwear, it seems to go against the general ethos of communism. Thirdly, some party fat cat will probably buy this stupid thing for his girlfriend that he keeps on the side. And lastly, why is that mother showing her daughter this piece of crap?

Saatchi

"Art mogul Charles Saatchi has turned to the web to hunt new talent after setting up a site for undiscovered artists to show off their work. Saatchi, who championed the likes of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin in the 1990s, has launched a Your Gallery section on his Saatchi Gallery website." story link Saatchi site

International Stunt Festival?

"A stuntman drives his car, which is in flames, off a bridge during the International Stunt Festival in Belgrade April 27, 2006. Stuntman Zeljko Bozic was severely injured and brought to a hospital where doctors are still struggling for his life." I love the copy in the caption "which is in flames"... brilliant.

CHINA SWAT

Hey... aren't those ski goggles? If Beijing Swat is trying to look menacing, uh... keep trying. "Masked members of a Chinese police SWAT team attend a ceremony to launch their Olympic security training program in Beijing April 27, 2006. Beijing's 40,000 police officers will take part in the training, with the majority having language training to deal with the more than two million visitors expected before and during the games."

Crack is Whack, Yo!

Stop the Madness is an actual 80's "say no to drugs video" that has resurfaced, a true thing of Nancy Reagan Anti-drug paraphernalia. This will make your brain hurt, or you will feel really really high. Featuring noted abstainers: New Edition, LaToya Jackson, Whitney Houston, David Hasselhoff, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tootie from the Facts of Life, the Goodyear Blimp, and Casey Kasem. And get this, the video stars Boogaloo Shrimp from the Breakin' movies! See for yourself, and And Just Say No via*boingboing

Michelle Rodriguez

I'm not normally drawn to celebrity news, but I am a fan of Lost, and saw this... Michelle Rodriguez got a DUI in Hawaii last December and instead of choosing community service hours, she took JAIL TIME! Starting today, she'll be locked up for five days. I guess she really is a bad ass afterall. Read about it here

Getting paid in the art game

Do rich artists make bad art? Such is the question presented in this article that takes a historical look at some of history's wealthiest modern artists in relation to British artist, Damien Hirst. link

Carlos Villagra

Carlos is graduating from Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida, I believe. I think tomorrow night is his senior show. Anyhow, this kid has talent, and there's some beautifully rendered illustrations here, both whimsical and fully fleshed out. Also, check out his "hit meter" at the bottom of the page... nice. link

2 Buck Chuck and Beyond

As you know Trader Joe's has a great low priced wine selection. It seems everyone has discovered Charles Shaw wine a.k.a 2 Buck Chuck... but did you know that there are quite a few other "fine" wines under five bucks. Read about it here and take the knowledge with you next time you're at TJs... bottoms up!

Groening Interview

Our good friends at the A.V. club at the Onion have an interview with Simpson's creator, Matt Groening. link

Avantegardehedonist

Here are some nice images taken of strawberries in a sink... I didn't have time to check them all out, but I bet the other photos in this photographer's folders are good too. Take a look-see.

Dyatron

Dyatron has been visited by groove aliens, and has some nice work to prove it. *some images include alien women with big breasts* rock on

Girl Obscura Flickr stream

Some nice graffix in here.

JAWS

"Don't go in the water"... That's right, check out this rad Jaws maquette. link

Takagi Masakatsu

Musician and video artist,Takagi Masakatsu has a nice site with video stills and samples of his music. If you like Ryuichi Sakamoto and Jeremy Blake then you will be happy you checked it out. link

Beijing 2008

"Steven Spielberg is reportedly teaming up with fellow filmmaker Zhang Yimou to design the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. Spielberg and Zhang, as master filmmakers, are as aware as anyone of the power of symbolism in the mass media. There is every chance their mighty talents will be put to use in 2008 in a scenario with more than an echo of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It would be savagely ironic if the directors of Schindler's List, Munich, The Story of Qiu Ju and To Live were to become unwitting Leni Riefenstahls of the 21st century, though Spielberg may yet have the wisdom to rethink his decision."
Here is an opinion piece I found arguing against U.S. participation in the 2008 games. link

More robo sculptures

link via*drawn

Gammaray Bots!

Artist Tom Torrey's found object sculptures are out of this word! Seriously, nice Flickr set with robot sculptures and great pin designs link