T.S.O.L. matinee/Jack Grisham book signing at The Observatory; Publication reviews: Untamed by Jack Grisham, Hard Art by Lucian Perkins, Perpetually Twelve 10 by McHank

T.S.O.L. singer Jack Grisham just released a new collection of short stories, Untamed. To celebrate, he had a book signing/punk rock matinee at The Observatory in Santa Ana. For the price of the book you got a free show! I got there just in time to introduce Jack to Eloise, have my copy signed, and catch the end of the afternoon’s final opener.

The Detours are a first-wave Orange County punk band, circa 1977. And in addition to decades of shredding to dip into, they can throw in a ripping version of “No Way” (doesn’t hurt that various members have played in The Adolescents, D.I., Christian Death, Social Distortion…). Awesome.

Four o’clock headliners T.S.O.L. gleefully served up all the old hits like maniacs, from anarchist rippers like “Abolish Government/Silent Majority” to proto-death rock classics like “Sounds of Laughter.” The pit was raging for a Sunday afternoon, and I was stoked that my five-year-old daughter lasted more than halfway through the set. I was also shocked to find out that the band played a second show that night at an American Legion Hall in Baldwin Park. Damn! Jack says the band is embarking on a South American tour this week, but there’s another chance to get your book signed at Beyond Baroque on June 23. Go! Jack isn’t as scary as you think.

PUBLICATION REVIEWS

Untamed, Jack Grisham
Jack Grisham’s literary work is joyfully twisted, right in step with the T.S.O.L. singer’s musical output (dark, violent) and legend (troublemaker, ass-kicker). And like his memoir, An American Demon, the brand-new collection of 10 short stories by T.S.O.L.’s singer is loosely based or at least inspired by his own life experiences. What’s real and what’s made up provide a ton of subtext for literary punks but fallen angels, torture, murder, and sex with stuffed animals make it a real page turner for anyone. Accompanied by R. Crumb-esque illustrations by Scott Aicher. [Punk Hostage Press]

Hard Art, Lucian Perkins
This collection of images by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lucian Perkins draws not from his stints in Afghanistan, Kosovo, or the Persian Gulf War but the Washington DC punk scene of 1979. The unpublished black-and-white photography captures key gigs in the embryonic punk scene that included Bad Brains (before they left for New York) and Teen Idles (featuring pre-Minor Threat Ian Mackaye and Jeff Nelson). The live shots are stunning but the photos of the audience are just as important–reflecting a real sense of community and not just a star factory. Insightful narrative is provided by none other than participants and musicians Alec Mackaye and Henry Rollins. [Akashic Books]

Perpetually Twelve 10
The balance has shifted from words to art in the latest issue of McHank’s zine out of San Diego. Among other pieces, I really dig the hot-rod inspired brushs of Mr. Sleeep and bold inks of Frenemy. McHanks’ fan art is awesome, too. I call it that not disparagingly but because he lovingly depicts Kermit the Frog and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with the same enthusiasm and spirit shown in interviews with the band More Humans and Matt Pryor from Get Up Kids. McHank reminds me why zines are awesome, and has not only gotten me back into them but actually invited me to contribute to this one. My two-page comic strip is right up front, and you can see the first few panels here… Hit up my friend for a copy! [www.facebook.com/perpetuallytwelve]

Uglydoll Headwear

Making it’s debut at Uglycon are Uglydoll head wear. Icebat and Babo adorn a few styles of caps and beanies. They also include the Uglydoll logo and the David + Sun-min design as well. Modeled by Dean Gojobori.

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Google Doodle Today: Maurice Sendak

Such a nice tribute on what would be his 85th. It animates. See the Youtube video.

GR2: Uglycon Artist Plushes

More on the way!

Giant Robot Time: 6.7.13 – UglyCon reception next Sat. 6.15 at GR2!

P+G DESIGN MIMI POCHIBI BUNNY COIN POUCH Use the ears to open and close the purse. P+G DESIGN MIMI POCHI COIN POUCH Cute animal silicone coin pouches from p+g Design. PANTONE UNIVERSE COASTER SET Easy way to prove to your art friends you have cred when serving drinks. PANTONE UNIVERSE NOTEBOOK Perfect for sketching and making notes about your next logo ideas. PANTONE UNIVERSE MUG Perfect for people who appreciate graphic design or beautiful colors, which is everyone.   UGLYCON JUNE 15 – JUNE 26, 2013 OPENING RECEPTION: SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2-9PM Giant Robot and Uglydoll are proud to present UglyCon, an exhibition of art, plush, comics and more by Uglydoll, Friends and Fans! For any other information on or about any of the artists or anything else contact Eric Nakamura at Giant Robot. MORE INFO | FACEBOOK

GR X SUSAN FENIGER’S STREET By GIANT ROBOT NEWS Photos from Susan Feniger’s Street and our pop up shop there. Never Press and Space Camp joined in too. A fun day for sure, and we hope to do it again. The food? Yes, it was amazing. It was a special “Korean BBQ” day! Watch for more. The photo above is of Kajsa Alger! >> BARRY MCGEE VISITS THE WHITE HOUSE By GIANT ROBOT NEWS Not just Barry McGee, that’s Len Higa and Shizu Saldamando. >> DOIN’ IT FOR THE KIDS By MICHELLE BOROK June 1st, was Children’s Day in Mongolia. Children’s Day emerged in 1925, right around the time that  child labor was formally frowned upon in the Western world, after children decades earlier suffered as cogs in the wheels of the Industrial Revolution. >> RETOX AT VACATION VINYL PLUS PUBLICATION REVIEWS: TEMPERATURE’S RISING, INDULGENCE 11, WHAT WILL HATCH? By MARTIN WONG One of the tiniest shops on Sunset, Vacation Vinyl, has hosted some of the gnarliest in-stores, from Converge to OFF! Before this week’s Retox gig in the shoebox-like store, guitar ripper Michael Crain asked my friend Ben and me, “Did you bring earplugs?” >> 2015 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 2062 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025

Barry McGee Visits the White House

Not just Barry McGee, that’s Len Higa and Shizu Saldamando.

Godeleine de Rosamel Ceramic Creatures

I thought I’d bring these up because they’re great and cute. Check em out! (GR – GDR)

Amy Tan’s White House Reading

Yes, she’s entertaining. Imagine, decades ago there was much criticism of her work by Asian American students and activists. I haven’t heard a thing negative about her in ages.

Giant Robot Goods: 6.4.13 – Handmade ceramics by MORIKO Design, Chi Miyamoto, and Mari Nakamura!

Doin’ it for the kids.

June 1st, was Children’s Day in Mongolia. Children’s Day emerged in 1925, right around the time that  child labor was formally frowned upon in the Western world, after children decades earlier suffered as cogs in the wheels of the Industrial Revolution. In the 50s the United Nations jumped on it, and made it an international day to cherish rugrats. Many Asian cultures celebrate their own Children’s Day as well – almost always in the spring. Each nation has its own take on how to celebrate, but across the globe, it’s a pretty good day for smiles.

                 Raffle round-up at the theatre. Just one of many gatherings in Darkhan.

Many of Mongolia’s national holidays still have ties to its Soviet Era. Children’s Day is one of my favorite “quintessentially Mongolian” holidays:  it fits in with the country’s socialist past, it jives with the way Mongolians revere children, and it has adapted quite quickly into a lucrative holiday for retail. A little bit of history, a little bit of tradition, and a little bit of what lies ahead – a compelling jumble commonly found here.

You should prepare by getting stocked up on gifts for the little ones in your life. Gifts can be modest or exorbitant: a bar of chocolate, a goodie bag with assorted junk food, or a bicycle. We prefer the generic goodie bag . With 7 close in-laws with kids (some with several), we have to be fair, but also economical. Plus we’ve got our own now. Granted, she’s happy chewing on a couch cushion, but still…

After lunch with an American journalist (in town to research a water diversion project that will have a huge impact on the region), we went to check out the action at the big theatre in Darkhan, our local cultural center with a massive plaza. We had seen a modestly sized circus tent going up the day before, and the whole city was abuzz for Children’s Day. Little girls were wearing their pouf-iest princess dresses, kids were running more amok than usual, drivers had their headlights on in the daytime (a celebratory thing), and the Children’s Park was swarming with people. Milling about with the girls in tons of tulle, were emees (grandmothers) in jewel colored deels (traditional clothing).

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Retox at Vacation Vinyl plus publication reviews: Temperature’s Rising, Indulgence 11, What Will Hatch?

One of the tiniest shops on Sunset, Vacation Vinyl, has hosted some of the gnarliest in-stores, from Converge to OFF! Before this week’s Retox gig in the shoebox-like store, guitar ripper Michael Crain asked my friend Ben and me, “Did you bring earplugs?” (more…)

GR X Susan Feniger’s Street

Photos from Susan Feniger’s Street and our pop up shop there. Never Press and Space Camp joined in too. A fun day for sure, and we hope to do it again. The food? Yes, it was amazing. It was a special “Korean BBQ” day! Watch for more. The photo above is of Kajsa Alger!

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Giant Robot Time: 5.31.13 – Eishi Takaoka artwork now available online!

GODELEINE DE ROSAMEL — CERAMIC SCULPTURES Delightful handmade ceramic sculptures by artist Godeleine de Rosamel. KIYOMI KOIDE — CERAMIC SAKE SET Beautiful handmade ceramics by artist Kiyomi Koide. KIYOMI KOIDE — CERAMIC BOWL Features a cat peering over the side, eyeing the painted fish on the bottom of the bowl. KIYOMI KOIDE — CERAMIC MINI PLATE A perfect accompaniment to the handmade ceramic bowls. KIYOMI KOIDE — CERAMIC CUPS We also have several varieties of unique and cute cup designs.   UGLYCON JUNE 15 – JUNE 26, 2013 OPENING RECEPTION: SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2-9PM Giant Robot and Uglydoll are proud to present UglyCon, an exhibition of art, plush, comics and more by Uglydoll, Friends and Fans! For any other information on or about any of the artists or anything else contact Eric Nakamura at Giant Robot. MORE INFO | FACEBOOK

THE GREATEST “THING” IN AMERICA By ERIC NAKAMURA The once-in-a-lifetime event of visiting America’s premier building, The White House can’t be compared to much of anything. >> LONG BEACH: WORK IN PROGRESS TEASER VIDEO BY BEN CLARK By MARTIN WONG The first of three videos based on last month’s Long Beach: Work in Progress conference that I helped assemble has recently been uploaded. >> SHOW REVIEWS: TWO NIGHTS WITH BORIS AT THE ECHOPLEX; TURBONEGRO AT THE EL REY By MARTIN WONG The band’s (Boris) masterful and massive range of harsh noise to gentle beauty is huge, matched only by the members’ coolness. >> 2015 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 2062 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025

The Greatest “Thing” in America

The once-in-a-lifetime event of visiting America’s premier building, The White House can’t be compared to much of anything. I haven’t been everywhere, but I have been to the Empire States Building, the original WTC and the Statue of Liberty. I’ve also seen Mount Rushmore, Grand Canyon and Devil’s Tower. There are many beautiful places, both natural and man-made that are “more” historical and maybe untethered to society while being greatly symbolic. Yet, The White House is arguably the greatest “Thing” in America.

In the late 80′s, the big news of crack cocaine was purchased where? Shockingly, it was across the street from The White House. It was allegedly set up, but the effect, thanks to the bust location made headlines. It’s the place that might have the highest standard to meet. If anything goes wrong near or in The White House, it makes news.

That’s the view from the back door. That’s often-camera-shy Cate taking a pic.

Since 9/11, The White House is perhaps one of the most protected buildings in the world. For the people who hate Americans, it’s at the top of the list of places to topple. It’s toppling efforts are depicted in two current high budgeted apocalyptic pictures, Olympus has Fallen and White House Down, and it’s dramatized on TV’s House of Cards and The West Wing. Of course there’s an underground bunker that’s laden with iris scanners and tunnels. There’s a giant kitchen where chef (Cristeta Pasia Comerford), a Philippine-American who could beat anyone on Top Chef and Iron Chef and couldn’t fathom Kitchen Nightmares. She’s been there since 1995 and is the first “Executive Chef”. There’s a bowling alley, which is bad ass on it’s own and a movie theater that can play anything in any format. Imagine the Secret Service watching White House Down in The White House. It has probably already happened. The windows panes are antique, wavy hand-blown glass. The hallway we enter from post security check points (plural) has a huge boulder sized sculpture of Abraham Lincoln’s head. Even the back door is picture worthy. For some reason, a photo of walking in is important. Imagine that The White House is so bad ass of a “Thing” that’s it’s actually the original home-office. If you work at home, you’ve been doing it “White House Style” and didn’t even know it. It’s also highly probable that the insane myths of The White House may not meet the grandeur of its reality. Yes, it’s that bad-ass of a “Thing.”

The vast wide entrance room

Getting to wander around with friends and peers who are part of the White House’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, room by room will never get old. AngryAsianMan Phil, VC Shinae, JANM Greg Kimura, Wing Luke Beth Takekawa, CAAM Stephen Gong, ACV John Woo, filmmaker Tad Nakamura, and many others, some of who I know and most who I don’t overwhelmed themselves by merely standing and looking around. Our familial pasts are different, yet we’re a common story of being fairly recent immigrants, just a generation or few removed that makes this experience unique and also strange. Getting to visit The White House is a result of circumstances. It’s a combination of our doings, our parents doings and perhaps even their parents doings. It’s also the result of a different administration that’s keeping an eye out for the underdog. Most of “us” are products or are the product of some type of injustice or discrimination, some just by looking different but others by the same government that invited us on this day. My own father was incarcerated at a Japanese American Concentration Camp 70 years ago. Of my visit, he thought it was insane and cool. After all, he’s an American and my visit to this place means something to him. For the few hours of wandering and taking in history, along with President Obama’s remarks just tens of feet away, and then the performances, it’s all about the moment – free of anything, anywhere.

Close photo of The President, done with an iPhone

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White House Visit APA Heritage Month

It’s always an honor to be invited to The White House. This time out it was for the ending of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Of course, the day was highlighted by a talk by Barack Obama. It was a warm occasion. I’ll add more quite soon.