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Jack in ze Box...Schnell!!
Well, when I worked in radio in the early 90s, one of our listeners gave me a job when the morning show was blown out for poor ratings. It was a laboratory, and there was a mechanic that worked there, that had a swastika. He was the nicest guy in the world. He bought my Porsche from me. He picked me up (when said Porsche) broke down on the side of the road. One day he was working without his shirt on, and I see a swastika. I asked someone about it, and they said he got it in jail, because you had to take a side. Someone else told me he got it because his grandfather was an Indian, and that was their symbol before the nazi's took it over. I did research, and saw that was correct. But, his swastika was tilted, which was the nazi version. And, I thought the same thing...you ain't in prison now, ink over it. Otherwise, I don't buy the argument that you want to remember how dumb you were. IT shows how dumb you STILL ARE, because people can see it and get offended.— November 3, 2008 1:47 a.m.
I'm a Pepper, You're a Pepper, She's a....Mrs. Fierce?
That last line, anti...priceless : - ) But nacho is right. Chicks like asking the question. Just as they like to type faces on keyboard characters, like I just did. MsGrant...I remember having friends in town, and was meeting them at a restaurant in Hillcrest, and then to see a movie at the theatre. For some reason, the friends had already bought our movie tickets. Well, I was a poor college student at the time, and money was tight. So, I was stoked about that. We went into the candy shop right there (which is ironically, right next to a 24 Hour Fitness). As we're all picking out our candy, I tell them, "You guys got the movie tickets, I'll buy the candy." I get a back with chocolate covered raisins, and a few other things. They get their bags of candy, as does my date. We take them to the register. The woman weighs them...and, for 4 people, with 4 bags of candy, I paid about $64!!!! Under my breath, in the Homer Simpson whisper/voice I said "Stupid candy!"— November 3, 2008 1:43 a.m.
Cinema Valore - Lakeview Terrace
I hated pi (love the dessert, though). I enjoyed watching Crash, but it was written so poorly. And it became so unrealistic, that made it unwatchable at times. I just didn't buy the things Matt Dillon did, as the racist cop. I didn't understand why we're supposed to think Sandra Bullock is this racist, horrible woman, when she just got car jacked by two gang bangers. And, the locksmith has tattoos on his neck, and that makes her think he, too, could be a gang member. Is that bad logic on her part? Really? Some scenes worked wonderfully. But half of them didn't. And for a movie that got so much Oscar buzz, it's ridiculous.— November 3, 2008 1:38 a.m.
Effin Effigy
Well anti...I've never understood people that complain about the holidays. People that say Valentine's was created by Hallmark, or that people put too much Christmas stuff up, too early. I love all that. Nothing like going to the malls and seeing it, watching kids smile, buying something romantic for the lady. It's great. And, for kids dressing up on Halloween, it's fun. If they get fat, it's the parents fault! Or their genes, but not a reason we should ban it or complain about it. And MsGrant...parties like that are fun to attend. The people put so much time and energy into it, and you wonder why. But, it's great enjoying the fruits (or candy) of their labour! And yeah, same thing. We trick or treated, and never got razor blades in candy. The worst thing I ever got was those disgusting Bit O Honey's! Thank God David Boyett loved them, and I'd trade for Hershey bars.— November 2, 2008 11:37 a.m.
Letters
(continued)... Bizarre, that a friendly, annual gathering in July for neighbors, family, and friends, is more about YOU wanting credit for starting it. Fourth, regarding the Intense party...the music was too loud to talk to the guests, so I "filled in space" talking about my trip to the Mexican joint. Sure, people there (like you and your guests), would've rather read about their cool costumes, etc. And, in regards to not paying the entrance, I get invited to many "charity" party/functions, some being $500 to get in. If I paid for all those, I might have to go out and get a real job. But sometimes I do donate at those events (like one in which I bid over a thousand bucks on a guitar, etc). I like to admit when I didn't pay, though. And I figure the charity is getting some ink out of it, so no worries. And now, you writing to say you don't like how I covered it. And lastly, to answer your question about openings grabbing the readers, hey...sometimes I play around with things. Sometimes editors edit, and want to get right to the point. Other times, I feel the column just doesn't lend itself to starting like Moby Dick. Dude, you gotta chill out. Enjoy life. If my column makes you that upset, I'd say skip it. And be glad I didn't mention how dorky you looked wearing that fez the whole party. I'll be skipping your Thanksgiving parties in the future, so tell Lisa not to bother sending me the evite. Josh Board Crasher— October 29, 2008 3:54 p.m.
Letters
So Conor, tell me what ya really think. First, a few things. Could you REALLY be this bitter that I spelled your name wrong in the first column? Someone left a voice mail at the Reader saying you were ticked about that and the fact that I didn't mention more about your band, but geez. Didn't think that meant I'd read an email like this. Second, Hunter S. Thompson is highly overrated. That dude was paid big bucks by Rolling Stone to cover the biggest boxing match in history, and instead turned in a thing about him getting drunk at the hotel pool and never going to the fight. Figured you like him. Third, I had a great conversation with your parents at the party (Thanksgiving in July). And many other people. There's only limited space I can put all that in. And, when I play basketball with a girl, and have to chase a basketball into a swarm of bees, hey...that's interesting to me (and a few other people out there, one being the waitress at BJs in La Jolla, who went nuts when she saw the name on my credit card, saying how much she loved the column). I'm sorry you don't. Or, that you wish YOU were writing it. And, on that last line, let me add...you seem to want a lot. My girlfriend (who doesn't dislike anyone), mentioned to me how odd she found it that when we talked to a few of the people that claimed to be the "founders" of the Thanksgiving in July, you wanted to make it clear, that it was really YOU that came up with the idea yourself. And you said, "I mean, if they want to take credit for it, fine let them. But it was me that started this." And, you said that a few times.— October 29, 2008 3:53 p.m.
I'm a Pepper, You're a Pepper, She's a....Mrs. Fierce?
msgrant....i wrote that horribly. that's actually what i was implying, that "i am now" for being asked a stupid question. it's like when a woman asks you "what are you thinking now?" i've always wanted to reply "that i can't believe I'm with a woman asking such a silly question." yeah, anti, that coke zero isn't half bad for diet. i can't do the sugar free/fat free ice creams. they don't have flavor.— October 29, 2008 1:31 a.m.
Cinema Valore - Lakeview Terrace
I loved the black guy in Hand That Rocks the Cradle, playing the mentally challenged gardener. That was actually a decent film.— October 29, 2008 1:29 a.m.
I'm a Pepper, You're a Pepper, She's a....Mrs. Fierce?
I mention that very Pibb/Pepper debate a few blogs ago, in my discussion of Red Vines ruling, and Twizzlers sucking. I don't like Pibb. And, I'm not one of those people that just has brand loyalty. I've now tasted a few different mint cookies that rank up there with Girl Scout Thin Mints. Regarding the baby named Seven...it seems EVERY TIME someone ref. a Seinfeld episode, it's always one I haven't seen. I only remember the ugly baby episode, not a child named Seven. I do remember, in radio, we had two actresses come in one day. Yeardly Smith of Simpsons fame. And, an actress who played a character Seven (I think that was the name, or her real name). I think she might've been from Punky Brewster, but it was a show I didn't watch. I said, "You know why 6 is afraid of 7? Because 7 ate 9." She looked at me for two seconds, before saying "Yeah, like I've never heard that before." What the hey!!!! I have to listen to people every day of my life say "Hey Josh, are you 'bored'?" I just smile. Or I tell them I am.— October 28, 2008 4:36 p.m.
Cinema Valore - Intermission - Paul Newman
Interesting Ken. You're like an encyclopedia of cinema knowledge. It's just too bad you like some really crappy movies. I remember as a kid, watching Stewart read his poetry on Johnny Carson, and I just couldn't understand why this old, folksy actor was on so much doing that. Sure, it was funny watching Robin Williams and Jim Carrey (back when they were merely stand-up comedians), do the impersonations. I think it's great that Stewart didn't just do those "It's a Wonderful Life" movies, but some dark, great stuff like Rear Window, Vertigo, etc.— October 27, 2008 4:42 p.m.