Authenticity Police

No one did it like Whitney

2012-02-13T23:35:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard anything so perfectly sung? I don't think so. I watched this live with my dad back in 1991, and I'll never forget it because my dad told me her version was the best ever sung. It remains, 20 years later, just the best.
I'll be on my emo Whitney kick for another couple weeks, so bear with me.

Grammys 2012 | Belles of the Ball

2012-02-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

Paris Hilton

Corinne Bailey Rae

Rihanna

Amber Rose

Adele (look at that pretty face)

The first time I saw Adele perform, she was opening for Jill Scott and Mark Ronson at Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 2008. She was in this awful brown poncho and was pounding coronas because she was so nervous to be opening for Jill, one of her idols. When she hit the stage, I couldn't believe my ears. I made Jill's band rush out to watch her set. She and I hung out after her performance and got drunk together; I gushed all over her and told her she would be insanely famous one day. Last night she won six grammys. Yay Adele!

Broken Heart

2012-02-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

My heart was broken in half this past weekend with the passing of Whitney Houston. I am still in such shock over her death. I know she had struggles with drugs and booze, but I never thought she'd pass so young, and on the most important music industry weekend of the year. Whitney Houston is the reason I love diva female singers so much; I remember watching her on MTV at age 4 and thinking she was the most beautiful woman in the world. I must've watched the Bodyguard 300 times, and reinacted the "Jesus Loves Me" scene with Bryn another 700 times. Her 1991 Superbowl version of the National Anthem is still and always will be the most perfect version ever - my Dad always said that. Still in shock, and still so sad...

I have been listening to Sia non-stop lately too - her voice and lyrics crush my heart and seem to be the only music I want to listen to right now. A Whitney/Sia duet would've been perfect...

Oh and tomorrow is Valentine's Day... geez. This Sia k-hole of emotions needs to stop.

Boring

2012-02-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

No one cares, MIA. Just like I said yesterday, being provocative just to be provocative is boring and obnoxious. Ugh, I wish she would disappear and turn into the Beverly Hills housewife that has always wanted to be. I wonder if Madge is upset with MIA for upstaging her majesty?

Bad Girls

2012-02-05T16:16:00.001-08:00

MIA comes off as a spoiled, entitled, obnoxious, nouveau-riche, conniving phoney who can't keep her self-righteous opinions to herself. And after her career-shattering New York Times disaster back in 2010, I totally wrote her off officially as an immature brat with a waning music career.

Bad Girls is just another example of MIA and her endless mission to be as provocative as humanly possible. Meh.

D'Angelo is Back

2012-01-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

D'Angelo is back from obscurity to unleash his fineness upon the world. Go check out my bestie's blog and Twitter to get up-to-date European tour reports... Damn he's fine.

Golden Globes 2012 | Best Dressed

2012-01-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed the fashion from the Golden Globes last night. I was utterly bored by all the wedding-type dresses, but some women really knocked it out of the park.

Red Tails

2012-01-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

George Lucas breaks it down to Jon Stewart last night about his upcoming film, Red Tails. Not sure why I am so surprised to hear Lucas talk so openly about race and Hollywood and the ongoing disparities. It's brave of him to reveal his personal opinion of Hollywood's dark truths - more people should tell the truth.

“This has been held up for release since 1942 since it was shot, I’ve been trying to get released ever since. It’s because it’s an all-black movie. There’s no major white roles in it at all…I showed it to all of them and they said no. We don’t know how to market a movie like this.” - George Lucas

Leonard Cohen, Darkness

2012-01-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

Hella cool single art, Leonard.

Coachella 2012

2012-01-09T23:50:00.000-08:00

Coachella chaos has begun!

Madness, Gary Clark Jf, Tune-Yards, Mazzy Star, Atari Teenage Riot, Grace Potter, Destroyer, Flying Lotus, AWOLNATION, Fitz and the Tantrums... Small print is where it's at! Its a rule of mine that if you make the bottom three lines of the poster one year, in the next one to three years, you have a good chance of moving up to the top three lines.

Headliner spots are mostly always reserved for overrated bands that are getting close to a milli for the performance and most people don't give a shit about seeing... I mean does anyone really think 'The Black Keys' can really headline Coachella? Really? Snoop and Dre? Snoop plays at 2000 seaters in LA and barely sells them out.

You'd have to pay me to go this year, BUT if a tour bus appears to drive me to the desert and an all-access hi-tech wrist band appears on my hand, I might have to reconsider. Maybe.

Dark Dark Dark

2012-01-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

I am mildly obsessed with this Minneapolis band, Dark Dark Dark. I imagine myself listening to them while running through a wheat field under a big blue sky in a white cotton dress sans make-up.

Bombay Beach, Salton Sea

2012-01-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

After we left Salvation Mountain, we dropped by Bombay Beach on the shore of the Salton Sea. It used to be a popular vacation getaway between the 20's-60's until the lake turned completely salty and now it is a giant body of water (biggest lake in California) full of dead fish. Now the beach side communities are mostly abandoned except for a few long-term poverty-stricken locals. Many of the once affluent housing structures were never properly torn down so there are housing graveyards lining the beach shores.

My friend's friend, Alma Har'el, directed this documentary called "Bombay Beach", which follows around three residents of the poor, tiny community. Zach from Beirut composed all the original music. The film is just breathtaking.

Salvation Mountain

2012-01-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

We decided to drive out to Salvation Mountain early this morning to ring in the New Year with Leonard Knight's creation of LOVE. It was sad not having Leonard there to chat with, but his presence was felt everywhere. It is a truly remarkable place.

Happy New Year!

Ouigi Theodore

2011-12-31T20:34:00.000-08:00

Can't stop looking at The Satorialist's post about Ouigi Theodore. I'm into this dude.

Toodles 2011

2011-12-31T18:39:00.001-08:00

This time last year I was burning my 2011 resolutions in a dark alley in Washington DC with my closest friends. Everyone thought my idea was nuts but it proved to be a really powerful declaration to myself, and in turn, I nailed all of my resolutions. I lost loads of weight, I make more money and I let go of an aimless relationship that no longer serves me.

This New Year's Eve wrap-up feels different - I feel less desperate for life changes. I feel relatively peaceful with where I am at... But life would be really complete to share it with someone special.

Here's hoping for another life-changing year!

Gary Clark Jr.

2011-12-16T11:18:00.001-08:00

I love this kid. He's such a breathe of fresh air. Doesn't hurt that he is adorable either. I see you, Gary. Please don't date Lana Del Rey.

Lana Del Ray | Hype continues...

2011-12-14T22:59:00.000-08:00

The ubiquitous Lana Del Rey has released her third music video for yet to be released 2012 highly anticipated debut album. Jungle cats, American Flags, Christian iconography... it's like we are straight out of a Kanye West video! Is she boning Kanye? Tina thinks so. She definitely hustled a higher budget from Interscope than she had for "Video Games"; maybe it has to do with the fact that "Video Games" has been a #1 single in numerous European countries recently. I am not sold on this broad yet (like I have said before) but I am still listening and still watching her climb to fame. 2012 is all about Lana Del Rey. Watch.

My love for Salvation Mountain

2011-12-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

“When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God’s light shines upon you.”
― Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

Leonard Knight, the creator of Salvation Mountain, has been hospitalized and has been forced to abandon his nearly 30 year old creation out at the Salton Sea. He created this giant art installation to convey his message of "God is Love". If you have ever been, you understand it's undeniable vibrating loving energy.

It's a national treasure and it freaks me out that it could go away any time due to Knight's hospitalization. I think I am due for a trip out there.

Lohan in Playboy

2011-12-10T18:00:00.001-08:00

What's the point of buying the magazine now that the pics were leaked?

Can't anyone keep a secret any more?

Ice Cube & Los Angeles

2011-12-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

This is great. Thanks Kevin Adams.

Marriage Equality

2011-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

Just. Beautiful.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

2011-11-10T13:55:00.001-08:00

Caption: Yay, we can eat again!

BTW - when did people start to give a rat's ass about shitty ass VS underwear? I buy their 5 for $25 sale undies and expect them to fall apart in a few months. Branding is an interesting thing. The VS catalogue always looks like a 90s fashion editorial - nothing has changed since I was in 7th grade. But then they do this massive fashion show each year that attracts the biggest musicians in in the industry (this year: Jay/Kanye, Maroon 5, Nicki Minaj, Ceelo, etc). The bottom line is: regardless of the quality or design of the underwear, fools want to see skinny ass underwear supermodels. Period. And they want to see them as much as they possibly can and in any format.

Lana Del Rey

2011-11-08T22:45:00.000-08:00

Not sure what is going on here with this girl, but I can't help but be interested. This Lizzy Grant girl had a failed pop career a few years back, then a record exec discovered her, got her some serious lip injections and POOF she is now a hipster blue-eyed soul songstress. The junkie-eyed swollen lipped pretty white girl with random archival Los Angeles video footage isn't original at all, but I have secretly watched this video six times today. I am fascinated by those I can't really figure out.

Now's as good a time as any

2011-11-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

“If God ever calls me to a holy war, I want Joe Frazier fighting beside me,” Muhammad Ali.

Rest in peace, Joe Frazier.

American Juggalo

2011-11-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

American Juggalo from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.

You sorta want to go to this, right? Fast food, beer and fireworks. Wowzers.

Allen Stone

2011-10-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

LOVE this kid. He's magic.

You make me excited, Aloe Blacc

2011-10-22T19:07:00.001-07:00

We are seeing Cutie Aloe Blacc tonight at the El Rey - I can't wait! I pretty much just have him and Mayer Hawthorne on repeat lately and I don't see that changing in the near future. Here's to a current soul music!

Hopefully this show will make up for the sonically disappointing Portishead show last week at the Shrine. Ugh. What a disappointment.

Moammar Kadafi is dead (?)

2011-10-20T09:43:00.001-07:00

Most of the world's news reports are reporting Kadafi is dead, but the bigger question is... who is that fine boy in the white shirt above celebrating in the streets of Tripoli right now?

Mr. Conspicuous Consumption & Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Who's gonna Watch the Throne while you're protesting, buddy?

Mama Beyonce

2011-10-06T23:37:00.001-07:00

Get More: Beyoncé, Music, More Music Videos

Beyonce makes me want to have a baby and be in love. I can't help but think that her an Jay Z didn't expect to get pregnant so early in her album cycle. I think she decided to go off The Pill in May and like that, BAM, she got pregnant. My best friend in college had the exact same thing happen - she went off The Pill thinking it would take 6-12 months to get pregnant and she got preggos right away.

I really think it's adorable that she is doing all her videos, appearances, etc while pregnant. I have a lot of admiration for her - she didn't just abandon her album like I'd expect most people to do. This baby is going to be some special kid.

On Repeat: Air Review

2011-10-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Villa Nellcôte

2011-10-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

I have't had cable or internet in my loft since Saturday. A bunch of new people moved into my building and in the shuffle, lots of our cable and internet services were switched off by mistake. Always in need of constant stimulation, I searched through my DVDs to keep myself company as I redecorated my loft for the billionth time since I moved in.

During my rampage for something to watch, I realized a few things about myself: 1) I have no scripted movie DVDs, only documentaries and 2) each one of the DVDs I own are documentaries about rock n roll.

I watched Stones in Exile last night finally and I can't wait to get off work and watch it again. I didn't realize the Rolling Stones fleed to the South of France in the early 70's to avoid British tax issues. They recorded all of Exile On Main St (my favorite Stones album) in the basement of a 19th century mansion in Villefranche-sur-Mer outside of Nice in the Summer of '71.

Above are photos taken by French photographer Dominique Tarlé during that Summer.

Indigo Girls, Cucumbers and the New Year

2011-09-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

This week has been weird.

Monday, I dreamt about Armageddon and spent all day Tuesday with visions of my friends burning alive and my life flashing before my eyes.

Wednesday, I spent all day in court fighting a $750 moving violation ticket - I lost and had to cough up $450 to the fucking city of LA. Fuck LA.

Last night, I dreamt about my late dad. He came to me in my dreams in a running outfit, and gave me a pep talk about not indulging and staying the course. I needed that talk - shit has felt pretty grim lately. Thanks pops. Thanks for always having my back.

Today, things looked up a bit. I listened to the Indigo Girls and did an impromptu cell phone photo shoot with a giant, thick, curved cucumber (Sorry Megan).

The combo of the New Moon in Libra and the Jewish New Year is a beautiful thing.

Hole

2011-09-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

It's 1994 all over again this morning in my office.

That Shit Cray

2011-09-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Watch the Throne is back on repeat... Thanks SC + Ye. Y'all move me.

Missoni for Target... The day has arrived!

2011-09-13T00:29:00.001-07:00

I'ts 12:30am and I can't stop refreshing Target.com. When the fuck is this overly hyped Missoni collection going to appear? Do I line up at the Weho Target at 8am? Decisions, decisions!

Wyoming

2011-09-05T00:11:00.000-07:00

DTLA

2011-09-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

Views from my new loft and beyond...

Best part of moving...

2011-08-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

I just pulled out my 12' Shirazi rug I bought a year ago from a dealer in Los Feliz but didn't have the room for it. That's the beauty of a 900 sq foot apartment; you have room for everything.

Watch the Throne album artwork

2011-08-11T11:02:00.001-07:00

Artwork by Riccardo Tisci

Chevaux

2011-08-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

My stepmom's wedding in Moran, Wyoming is at the end of the month. The week will be filled with fishing, Yellowstone, hiking, family and horseback rides. What's a city slicker to do?

Out on the Weekend

2011-08-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

It's no mystery that I hate Mondays. I want to spend this weekend in NYC, the next at my best friend's engagement party, the next in Jacksonhole for my stepmom's wedding and the next decorating my new loft.

All I can do is dream about weekends on this boring Monday afternoon...

DTLA: My new home

2011-07-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to move into my new loft downtown LA. The windows just never stop. Who wants my adorable little bungalow in Silverlake? If you like feral cats and mariachi music on weekends, it's your dream crib.

Amy's Legacy

2011-07-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

A friend from my childhood emailed me last Sunday about Amy Winehouse. I was out and about downtown LA shopping for a new loft and when it popped into my inbox. I had to sit with it for a moment. It's incredible the reach that someone has on your life, and Amy Winehouse is no exception. Unfortunately, her legacy will be the most celebrated and recognized in her death and not her life. Thank you buddy for your email; it really touched me.

first place i heard 'rehab' was your myspace profile. i was in some weird corporate computer job, blew my mind, my mouth hanging open, i played it half a dozen times in a row. went to Amoeba and bought the album - but it wasn't out in the states yet, paid $30 for the UK version, weird cd case and everything. that record helped me shape a new story for myself, i played it over and over in a victorian sf sublet on webster at haight, around the time i met dave and steve, played it for them, dave and i started to bond over that record, it helped me start to change my story for myself...

my sister got married yesterday, joyous occasion marked by a real loss of one of the music tribe.

music connects us in such a unique way. hope you're well sarah.

Goodbye Ms. Winehouse

2011-07-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

Such a darn shame. I'll never forget drinking soco's and diet coke's with Amy at Shepard's Bush back in December of '06. It was like magic when Ahmir first played me her music. I am at a loss for words.

Amazing Grace, Directed by Sydney Pollack

2011-07-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

I am going to a screening of this in an hour. It feels like Christmas morning! Thank you David Ritz.

"Amazing Grace", the documentary/Concert film directed by Sydney Pollack for Warner Bros., was set to be released as part of a double bill with Super Fly in 1972. However the film ended up in the studio vaults for over 38 years. While producer Alan Elliott is overseeing the project after Pollack's death in 2008, the credit on the film will read "a film by Sydney Pollack." Elliott has worked since 2008 to piece together the backstory of "Amazing Grace." As of September 2010[update], no date has been set for the release. Elliott says, "Maybe because it's history now. Here is one of the most famous artists in the world, as she was then, doing something that nobody had ever done, or has really done since. So I think the film is going to find a wider audience, not just because of its gospel roots, but because of its historical value."

SVU

2011-07-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Facebook for this silly drinking game above

As SVU enters it's last season (without Chris Meloni nonetheless), I can't help but get nostalgic for this near-perfect show. I'll miss ya, SVU. BD Wong - you are my hero.

Desired Bodum Stuff

2011-07-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

Toaster

Grill

Carmeggdon has come to an End

2011-07-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

It was a good run, Los Angeles. Thanks for complying.

Talihina Sky

2011-07-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

I will definitely see this documentary about the Kings of Leon, but I am not sure I'll like it. I think these guys are a pompous group of pretty boys in a very average modern Southern rock band. But I do love a good expose, especially about God, sex, drugs and rock n' roll. Maybe this film will make me a believer. Highly doubtful.

Carmageddon, Los Angeles

2011-07-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

Countdown Creator Progreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Get your own psycho countdown widget here. Tips on how to survive through it here. I guess I will be strolling through Silverlake on foot and bike next weekend. I love a good drama and this sure has shook the city by storm.

The Stone Roses

2011-07-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have a new-found appreciation for the Stone Roses. You should too. If Pitchfork gives them a 10/10, you know it's good.

The Roots/John Varvatos

2011-07-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Roots are so cool.

Brother or Bitch

2011-07-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

Pretty dress, haggard Bride

2011-07-01T11:05:00.001-07:00

Kate Moss wore Galliano to her wedding to Jamie Hince from The Kills. Gasp. Doesn't she look like she just railed a few lines? Apparently wedding-goers wore jeans and t-shirts to their wedding. That's cool, I guess.

The Year of 4 | Beyonce

2011-06-30T18:17:00.001-07:00

My Beyonce obsession continues with this behind the scenes video of the year she took to make "4", her latest album. This made me really want to work for her. She truly inspires me.

***Updated with the youtube link***

Goyard on the Beach

2011-06-28T00:04:00.001-07:00

Dear Kourtney Kardashian: how dare you use your beautiful yellow Goyard tote as a diaper/beach bag?

This shit should be illegal. Ce que la baise ?

Beyonce release week!

2011-06-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

James Merry and I watch this Jay-Z home video of Beyonce at American Idol at least once a day. Don't we James?

Nicki Minaj/Britney Spears Femme Fatale Tour

2011-06-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Nicki really surprised me, I have to say it. She really pulled out the stops for this opening slot on Britney's Summer tour. I signed my life away with the only NDA I've ever signed to be backstage, but that's OK. Britney's curious and adorable little boys, who go on tour with her everywhere, have to be protected from the psychos of the world.

I love me some Tina Farris!

Michael Kiwanuka, Tell Me A Tale

2011-06-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have a new obsession!

25 best cities for families to live

2011-06-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

Per Parenting Magazine, below are the top 25 spots to live in the U.S. based on great schools, affordable homes, low crime rates, plenty of jobs, and lots of parkland.

California doesn't even make the top 25! This is a sham. San Antonio, Louisville and NOLA make the top 25?! Have they even been to these cities?

1. Washington, District of Columbia
2. Austin, Texas
3. Boston, Massachusetts
4. St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota
5. Des Moines, Iowa
6. Madison, Wisconsin
7. Honolulu, Hawaii
8. Omaha, Nebraska
9. Seattle, Washington
10. Louisville, Kentucky
11. St. Louis, Missouri
12. San Antonio, Texas
13. Portland, Oregon
14. Kansas City, Missouri
15. Colorado Springs, Colorado
16. New Orleans, Louisiana
17. Richmond, Virginia
18. Lexington, Kentucky
19. Lincoln, Nebraska
20. Wichita, Kansas
21. Salt Lake City, Utah
22. Columbus, Ohio
23. Dallas, Texas
24. New York, New York
25. Atlanta, Georgia

Prettiest girl in the World

2011-06-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

"4" comes out Tuesday the 28th. I can't front, I'm excited!

Food, Music + Dad

2011-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

I went to a new psychic last Saturday. She came recommended to me by a few co-workers. I'm so happy I went. I feel like I will see her for the rest of my life.

She hit my life to a "T" - she knew my dad was gone, she knew I worked in music, she knew I was from the Bay Area, she knew exactly where I was in my career and relationship, etc.

A lot of wonderful things came from the reading (I will have two kids and be extremely successful in my industry by age 40, Ill get married to a man who rides a motorcycle and works with his hands, Ill live in the hills of LA in a two-story house, etc).

But some sad stuff came through as well. My dad came into the reading and said he wishes I talked to him more, and he feels responsible for the space that exists between us. Before I left the reading, she encouraged me to talk to him more.

Food and music were always the things that connected us - my dad always woke up at the crack of dawn to make me eggs in a hat before soccer games and swim meets. When he was dying, I cooked incessently for him trying to plump up his skinny body up by making anything high calorie. He taught me that music is everything, and played me his old records while playing bongos from the day I was born until the day he died. He loved Bruce Springteen and I always promised that one day I'd get him front row tickets to a Bruce show in San Francisco. I was never able to do that for him, but I think I will live out that promise by going to see Bruce myself in the first row in the near future.

Last night I made pork chops for my honey (my dad's favorite). I thought about him and how proud he would be of my cooking skills. They were really incredible pork chops. I put in this video of "Fix You" by Coldplay because my dad and stepmom used to slow dance in the living room to this when he was dying. She would sing the lyrics to him really close to his face and they would cry together. Every time I hear this song I cry, but it also feels healing.

Do Over, Philly Style

2011-06-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the greatest day. Rose Bowl Flea in the morning, Red Lion for sausages and greyhounds for lunch, The Do Over Philly Style in the afternoon with ?uestlove and DJ Jazzy Jeff, and a fancy dinner at Crustacean with my big bro, Ahmir and our loved ones.

I wish my East coast buddies lived in LA...

True Blue

2011-06-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

I had two copies of this cassette tape when I was 6. I listened to it in entirity this afternoon in my office. Shit never gets old.

And this Herb Ritts album cover is one of my all-time favorites - Madonna is so beautiful.

Jersey Girl Wisdom

2011-06-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

This might be my most favorite blog piece I've read on the interweb this week. Jerseylicious has crept into my heart - I just can't step away from this car crash.

Tracy DiMarco's Jersey Girl Wisdom:

1.) A real Jersey girl loves having attitude but being sweet at the same time. She always sticks up for her girls no matter what!!! Chicks before d**ks!

2.) A real Jersey girl loves big hair, a good tan -- spray tan, because its healthier -- and always leaves the house done up, looking her best!

3.) A real Jersey girl knows the real Jersey Shore... before it got turned into a huge joke TV show.

4.) A real Jersey girl loves animal print (of any kind) and has at least one room dedicated to the print in her house.

5.) A real Jersey girl has fake eyelashes, fake nails, fake tan, fake hair (extensions)... but are the most honest and real girls you'll ever meet!

6.) A real Jersey girl can rock any outfit she wants and hold her head high, because she's confident.

7.) A real Jersey girl knows every bouncer in NJ clubs and they all know her!! VIP all the way.

8.) A real Jersey girl can change from work attire to her club outfit in her car because she always carries around a full makeup kit, teasing comb, hairspray, shoes and clothes.

9.) A normal girl takes one item of jewelry off before leaving her house, but a Jersey girl puts on three more pieces of jewelry on before leaving!

10.) A real Jersey girl lives by the words, "The higher the hair, the closer to God."

Devotion Vodka

2011-06-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

The Situation has a protein infused vodka, Devotion. Pigs have flown.

Sarah's Facebook Matrix

2011-06-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh my lovely friends!

I miss the 90's... and the Bay Area

2011-06-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

Plus-sized models on July Vogue Italia cover

2011-06-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Quelle horreur! Just kidding. But really - these girls are "plus-sized"? They look perfect to me.

RIP Gil Scott-Heron

2011-05-28T23:35:00.000-07:00

The world has lost the poet revolutionary, Gil Scott-Heron. Rest in Peace.

My 2nd email from Oprah

2011-05-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Got your email.
Thank you for watching the finale. I could feel your beating hearts, along with mine, through the TV screen.
I'm off to take a little rest, and then I'll get busy working on OWN.

Take care of yourself.

I'll write soon,
Oprah

Oprah Winfrey's email to me this afternoon

2011-05-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I want you to know, the best gift you could give me are your wonderful words.
I've been sitting in cold, rainy, Chicago drinking Chai Tea.. (and yes splurged on a croissant) reading all your wonderful emails. I am deeply moved.

I also read Mark Nepo's Book of Awakening every morning as a part of my daily spiritual practice.

Lo and behold today's words for May 26th just happened to be
"BEING SAD".
( No coincidences)

The best thing for being sad, replied Merlin, is to learn something T. H. White.

"The idea here is not to divert the sadness, but to give it a context from life other than what is making you sad. Just as a ginger can lose its bitterness when baked in bread, sadness can be leavened by other life. When feeling the sharpness of being sad or hurt, it helps to take new things in. This pours the water of life on the fire of the heart. So when exhausted from expressing all that hurt, listen to music you've never heard of, or ask someone to tell you an old story from before your birth, or take a drive down a road near a ridge you've always meant to look out from. Look with your sad eyes on things new to you that will give you something to do with your sadness. Your sadness is the paint. You must find a canvas."

I hear so many of you saying you're sad to see the show leave.
Instead of sadness, I hope you will channel the energy of hopefulness you received from the show in whatever form it gave to you.

No sadness from me,
I look forward to my NEXT CHAPTER on OWN.

By the way Gayle's show will be on at 4 today on OWN saluting our last day. Stedman and Hugh Jackman are her special guests. Stedman who doesn't like to talk publicly about me; watch Gayle try to break him down and crack that code.

And Sheri Salata my show general talking about the process of "landing this plane".

Thanks for all your support and good wishes. After a visit to my mother. I'm gonna take a break, find some sun, and get some REST.

Don't think I'll be emailing on vaca. But will be in touch when I return.

Blessings to you all.

Oprah

White iPhone

2011-05-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

I want a white iPhone - do I take the plunge? I have been a Blackberry devotee since incarnation. Decisions, decisions. I feel like it is sorta Miami-ish to have white any thing. I am the girl with a closet full of black clothes - no white! But for some reason, this white little iPhone turns me on.

Until We Meet Again

2011-05-26T00:33:00.000-07:00

(Oprah in L'Wren Scott)

Quotes from Oprah during her talk show's finale today:

Live from the heart of yourself… you have to know what lights the spark in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.

When you know better, you do better.

You are responsible for your life. Don’t wait for someone to fix your or save your complete you. No one completes you.

When you get that you are responsible for your life, you get free.

There is a difference between thinking you deserve to be happy. And knowing that you are worthy of happiness.

You are worthy because you are born and because you are here. Your being here and you being alive makes worthiness your birth rate. You alone are enough.

Farewell Oprah!

2011-05-25T01:20:00.000-07:00

I learned a lot about myself from Oprah and her show, but most importantly I learned about the power of intention and surrendering to the moment. Of course, I am still working on both of these virtues, but I'm trying. I cry almost every single episode I watch - it's weird to think about her being off the air. Thank God for syndication.

"I believe the choice to be excellent begins with aligning your thoughts and words with the intention to require more from yourself."

"Surrender fully to this moment, because it is not the moment itself that defines us, but how we choose to live in it."

The Original Black Swan

2011-05-25T01:11:00.000-07:00

Did anyone catch the Chaz Bono documentary on OWN and on Oprah a few weeks ago? I was quite excited to hear Chaz's story, but was awfully bored by his entitled, macho and boring personality.

Regardless, what I found most shocking was Cher's openly judgmental attitude towards Chaz and his choice to officially change genders. I guess just because you are a Gay icon doesn't necessarily make you compassionate towards transgender people.

Argh.

Bon Iver doing Donny Hathaway, Bonnie Raitt

2011-05-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hasta la vista, baby!

2011-05-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Arnie's a prick. The proof is in the pudding. Hey, at least he likes fatties!

When will it let up?

2011-05-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Universe,

I am thankful to have a thriving career in an industry that I love, but I haven't been able to get out from under how much stress and momentous amount of work I have. I almost cried three times at work today. This needs to stop.

Please give me some relief or grant me the capacity to be able to manage everything I am juggling.

Thank you, and lots of love. Xo.

Penis Boots

2011-05-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga wore these Void of Course penis boots on American Idol last week. They make me giggle. I like that they are scaled as life-size as possible. Would you wear these?

It Gets Better - Dan Savage

2011-05-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for anything emotional right now, so when this commercial just popped up during tonight's American Idol, I burst out crying.

Dan Savage is a good man - I'm patting myself on the back for reading his columns for all these years. I have extra adoration right now for people who live outside the box and make brave choices with their lives.

Yoga Tears

2011-05-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

I cried during my Yoga practice tonight. It was a little startling, but apparently its fairly common. I have cried once before in a Kundalini class at Golden Bridge but that was a few years ago and I was having a hard time with a boy.

Well today it happened again. My teacher said I opened my heart chakra. The heart chakra is associated with compassion, limitless love, empathy and understand - all things I need to work on. It felt wonderful to cry during my candlelight yoga class. It was a beautiful end to a fucking shitty Monday.

The fourth chakra is the heart chakra. The physical location of the heart chakra is in the middle of the chest. The Glandular connection is the thymus, which is responsible for building a strong immunity from pain and disease. The body parts affected by the heart chakra are the heart, lungs, pericardium, and circulation.

Emotionally, the Heart Chakra affects our experience of love for ourselves and others. The Heart Chakra allows us to feel joy, compassion, and peace and enriches our relationships.

As you learn to open your heart chakra, you feel more love for yourself and others. You have peace of mind and are able to cultivate peace. You experience a connection with others and see other people in the world as equals. You are able to find joy in your life.

Incredible

2011-05-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

I watched Lady Gaga's HBO Monster Ball special Saturday TWICE. She mesmerized me. The best part of the documentary was the last four minutes where she sang "Born This Way" a capella. I can't front - she made me tear up.

Food Tweets/Blogs/Mobile Uploads

2011-05-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

"No one gives a fuck about your rigatoni" - Caty McKenna

I'm sick and tired of mobile uploads of food. Frankly, I am sick of food blogs unless they have an interesting twist. I don't give a fuck what you had for breakfast, or how good your omelette is, or how many pickled green beans are in your blood mary, or how beautiful your ahi tuna steak is. I don't fucking care. I'm frankly just really over of all the social networking diarrhea out there. Reel it in people.

Maybe this is passive aggressively aimed at a few people, but they are so self-consumed maintaining their own blogs, tumblrs, facebooks, personal websites and twitter accounts that there is no way they are reading this.

I'll crawl back into my PMS ranting k-hole now...

Thing I Like This Week

2011-05-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

Ikat folding chair from Anthropologie (if I had an extra couple hundo from some fancy picnic chairs)

Bugaboo/Missoni Stroller (if I had a baby, of course)

Kanye West scarves by George Condo and M/M Paris (if I had the balls to wear it, of course)

Osama bin Laden is Dead

2011-05-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Caption from The Life Files: President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with members of the national security team, receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House, May 1, 2011.

Weather you believe it or not the White House is reporting that Osama bin Laden, the Muslim extremeist leader behind 9/11 & the deadly bombings of U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, was killed May 1st in a mansion in Pakistan. Details are blurry, but we generally know that a small group of CIA operatives (black ops, ex-Navy Seals, etc) were brought in and were able to kill bin Laden after a carefully devised intelligence plan.

I don't really know what to believe, but I know I have a lot of questions.

Why did it take the US government almost 10 years to find this guy? Did they really bury him in a sea buriel under Muslim tradition? What did President Obama do differently from GW Bush in successfully capturing bin Laden? Does this mean Muslim terrorist extremism will be stronger now than before? Why on Earth were all those college douche-bags celebrating outside of the White House over hearing of bin Ladens death - were they serious or just looking for a break from finals? Did you know the White House has a Flickr page? Where was bin Laden's mother from making sure his $300 million trustfund was monitoried and/or revoked?

Royal Madness

2011-04-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Princess Beatrice was definitely my royal wedding highlight - who does this trick think she is? She thinks she is a mother fucking boss, that's who.

I can commiserate with little Grace in the corner.

See more royal wedding hoopla here and here and here and here...

I heart Donny

2011-04-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

I miss Donny Hathaway, and this cover might be the most perfect cover of John Lennon's 'Jealous Guy' ever. Heart swoon.

Songs to strip to

2011-04-28T16:34:00.001-07:00

I work with a middle-aged woman who is obsessed with pole-dancing. In fact, I am invited to an all-ladies pole dancing party next month. This pole shit has me wondering - what the fuck would I strip to if I had to do it?

Fucking Bowie, Sabbath and AC/DC... that's who.

Everything Feels Sinister

2011-04-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

There is something sinister in the air right now and all it makes me want to do is listen to Yeasayer.

The Big 4

2011-04-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Big 4 was one of the greatest days of my life. Long live metal!

Check out this photo gallery of the metal girls at the festival.

Staring at the Sun

2011-04-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

RIP Gerard Smith, TVOTR

2011-04-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Coachella 2011: Fashion Favs

2011-04-18T17:38:00.001-07:00

Kanye West in Spring Celine 2011

Via Harper's Bazaar

Coachella fashion might not just be RayBan knock-offs paired with ill-fitting fedoras after all...

Beyonce, Girls

2011-04-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Word on the street is Beyonce imported 200 African women to Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert to shoot her newest video for "Girls". They all seem to be dressed in military gear from the paparazzi photos - is that a nod to Colonel Gadaffi and his troop of all-female bodyguards?

If I was skinny...

2011-04-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

If I was skinny, I'd wear this outfit. I might omit the hat (maybe) but I fucks with Solange and her style.

Scarjo, Sean Penn and Vibram Shoes

2011-04-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

The weird part about this image isn't about how Scarjo and Sean Penn are totally together and living in his Malibu house as a couple, but rather Scarjo's choice to wear Vibram barefoot running shoes. I saw these on a lady at the gym a few weeks ago and I couldn't stop staring. Is this just a weird bandwagon fitness craze? Shit looks crazy to me.

Garth Diebel

2011-04-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

My dad was cremated. We spread his ashes in the hills of Fairfax and by the lake in Lake Tahoe - his two favorite places. We never got him a place in a cemetary or anything, but rather created this bronze marker that we drilled (illegally) deep and high into the hills of Fairfax on a big rock. His marker is a Native American phoenix from a his favorite old t-shirt. A few months after he died, I decided to get this phoenix tattooed on my body. It's something I'll never regret. My little sister took this photo last week on one of her daily jogs up to visit him. She texted it to me yesterday while I was in the middle of a hellish work afternoon. Thank you baby sister. I miss my Dad. A lot.

Stone Darling

2011-04-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

They are playing at the Echo Plex tonight. I should go.