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Stop and Smell the Roses (And Leave a Tip for Joshua Bell)
I've told this Pollock story before...but Howard Stern was making fun of Robin Quivers, his news gal. She paid $250,000 for a Pollock, and he said it was just a mish-mash of colors that even he could do. She went on and on about how his paintings "speak to her" and she could definitely tell one of his from the master. Stern put her to the test, painting one in his style, and taking a photo of it. He showed her photos of 5 Pollock paintings, along with his. And asked her to pick out his. She guessed wrong. TWICE! He then said something like "I'll give you a deal. Since you obviously liked mine more than two of the Pollocks here...I'll sell it to you for $75,000. That's less than you'd pay for a Pollock."— October 1, 2009 10:39 a.m.
What's the worst law you've broken?
I remember climbing on top of Hickman Elementary School in Mira Mesa. But I was only 10. The cops did show up. Another time, at age 12, practicing my nun-chucks in the front lawn. LOTS of cops showed up that time. My mom didn't realize it was illegal to have 'em. Other than that, my life was kinda tame. It was my older brother that caused my parents all the grief.— October 1, 2009 10:34 a.m.
L.A. Stories
Thanks for the back-handed compliment. I'll take it! Okay, I'm going to probably tick you off with this, but here goes it. Astral Weeks, to me, has always been the most overrated record of all-time by the critics. Seriously. Moondance is so much better. It's a blend of poetry, jazz, and rock. It's a thing of beauty. Sure, Astral has its moments. And, it reminds me of when Love was doing their Forever Changes album in its entirety (a great record, but also overrated by the critics). When I think of all the amazing Van Morrison songs...Into the Mystic, Moondance, Mystic Eyes, Tupelo Honey, Blue Money, Domino, Wild Nights, TB Sheets...none of them are on Astral! Believe me, I hate the people that just go to the big concerts for the event. I even say that in one of the Daily Crasher blogs, regarding Stones and Eagles concerts. And I especially hate when I go to see some legend at the Belly Up (James Cotton comes to mind), and people are talking, not appreciating the fact that some of us want to hear the show, and see this legendary musician. Peace.— October 1, 2009 10:32 a.m.
More Pig-Head Press
Back to Ken... In a way I feel bad, because in the Blurt section, they like us to give them stories with a little bit of blood and guts (and pig heads definitely have that). So when Ken (who has by far, provided the most Blurt stories of any writer at the Reader) does this, everyone gets mad at the nature of them. I don't think Ken should have no credibility in his stories. That seems highly unfair. I just think any time a person complains, the smart money would be on that person being right in their complaint. You gotta give the complainer the benefit of the doubt, even if your instinct is to think they're complaining about the negative press their band got. If you look at the numbers, most times people aren't complaining about his stories. It's the few times people do. But it's those times people remember, and harp on.— October 1, 2009 1:22 a.m.
Checking in at Morrison Hotel
Great story, Bart. Mr. Horowitz is a class act, and has a wonderful gallery. If you're in this mall, check out the pictures. This mall always seems dead to me, aside from the occasional acoustic guitarist in the coffee shop/book store next to the gallery on weekends. And it's a shame, because there are some nice stores. And, we all had a blast meeting Eddie Kramer and watching his slide show a few months back (producer of Hendrix and Zeppelin, and sound guy at Woodstock). Rock on, Rich!— October 1, 2009 1:19 a.m.
L.A. Stories
Ya know...it's really odd. I have no problem with these guys making money. It's the fact that they charge $25 for a signature. That guy who played Jaws (Richard Kiel), charging $25. He was in Longest Yard and some Bond films. Now, watching old-time baseball players and negro league players making money at card shows...I love seeing that. These guys didn't make the huge money the players now make. And Joe DiMaggio once said, he made more money doing the card shows then he ever did as a player. And, they're making the items they sign (baseballs, bats, head shots) worth a lot more. But, actors should price accordingly. Jaws should be charging $5 an autograph. And giving them to kids for free. A-Rod or an A-list actor, can charge $25.— September 30, 2009 4:44 p.m.
Polanski Children Center -- Celebrity Idiots in the News
This just in (which I'm guessing could easily be made into a Polanski joke).... Woody Allen is one of the Hollywood idiots defending Polanski saying he should go free. Yeah, Woody, it's probably best that you keep quiet on cases like this. You had taken nude photos of an underage girl, that was the adopted daughter of your wife/long time girlfriend.— September 30, 2009 4:41 p.m.
Vision Restored for the Blind
I was waiting for the longest time...for Russl to come in here and mention the Cheech & Chong song "Ear ache my Eye."— September 30, 2009 4:39 p.m.
Stop and Smell the Roses (And Leave a Tip for Joshua Bell)
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. And sometimes a pussy cats legs being broken, is just an animal getting it's legs broken.— September 30, 2009 4:38 p.m.
More Pig-Head Press
Ken, I don't know a Barbara at 4th & B. Any time I did a story on that venue, I quoted Ed Pate, the sound guy there for years and years. I even had the opportunity to do a negative story on that venue, when a former employee contacted me. It didn't seem like much of a story. I'd love to know what quote Barbara is ref. to, and I can comment more. I have a great memory. Don't recall a Jeff house party in La Jolla, but will also comment on that if more info is brought to light to refresh my memory. And Ken, as crazy as this sounds, I've actually defended you on numerous occasions. People ask me why the blurts are always nasty or mean spirited. I tell them that we don't write blurts about bands releasing a CD or EP. Every band does that, and there's not a story there. I agree, pig heads warrants the press. On that note...to kill two birds with one stone...Not only did Hitler kill Jews, but he often killed pigs for his BBQs. He never did put their heads on sticks, but he loved shoving apples into their mouths while yelling "How do you like that?" And, the Lord of the Flies/Rings, to me...isn't even that big of a deal. It's a simple mistake anyone could make (I just did something similar with a band called Spaceman Spill, which I got wrong). I think 90% of the time, you probably quote people accurately. But that 10% makes it hard for other writers to do their jobs! I've had many blurts slip thru my fingers, because the band doesn't want to give me the info on that juicy fight that involved their bassist and drummer. It doesn't mean I come up with a quote from someone that's an "unnamed source" or whatever. I've had other bands tell me stories that I thought weren't interesting enough for a blurt (one recently of a band playing at Hot Topic)...and Jay turned around and made a decent story/blurt out of it. My first month in radio, I saw a memo saying "Don't talk to Ken Leighton. He misquotes and takes things out of context." And, I do believe a lot of bands are just angry that the pieces aren't all positive on them. But still, Ken. Sometimes you have to shoot straight with these people, or it hurts your reputation.— September 30, 2009 4:37 p.m.