Subject: Christmas

• Talking frankly about Paul Frank

  Going on hour eight of my hangover. Nice job, Griley! Way to double fist Jack-and-Cokes until you're plastered and slobbering! (But man, the Fielding demos sure sounded awesome cranked up to eleven on the way home. Don't worry ma, I wasn't driving.) Anyway: woke up with a giant hangover this morning and quickly banged out a crappy review of the Paul Frank party. It ended up being completely re-written for this week's upcoming issue, but I thought a few tidbits of my o.g. version might be blog-w

  December 11, 2006

• Letterman, Success!

  So I'm a little late on this, but I went to go check out Cold War Kids at Detroit after the Weekly's Christmas party (on a stationary riverboat?) this past Saturday night. It was the third time I've seen CWK at Detroit—and probably the last (I mean, really, at this rate, you kids can sell out the House of Blues... or bigger)—and, as always, it was... a good show. Energetic. Interactive. All that good stuff that's already been said about their live performance. But the tightly

  December 21, 2006

• Hey There, Hi There, Ho There, You're As Incarcerated As You Can Be ...

  A "preacher" dropped us a line to say that he and his 30 red-robed gospel singers spent Christmas day in that most inhospitable of jails. Not French Guiana or Abu Ghraib or even the severly overcrowded, abusively run Orange County Jail. No, this was the most frightening pokey of 'em all: the Disneyland detention room! The horror, the horror. After a 4,500-mile bus ride that included stops at places like Wal-Mart all across the Midwest and crescendoed with a Buy Nothing Day celebration in New Yor

  December 28, 2005

• You Better Not Pout

  Local blogger El Serracho (or The Serrach) finds himself in the Netherlands at the moment, where he reports that it's Christmas season. El is a Global Internet Manager of Production (or GIMP), a job that has sent him to the Netherlands at least 15 times. Those wacky Dutch are so high they give out gifts at the Feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6, see. Right now it's high Yuletide over there--Christmas Day is more of a quiet family holiday sans gift-giving. Our man in Amsterdam (or near it any

  November 14, 2006

• Ho, Ho, Oh No-- It's Disney

  You may believe there's a little bit of Santa Claus in all of us, as long as we keep the spirit of the Christmas season alive in our hearts. If you do, you better not mention that to Disney, because according to the BBC, some of the company's mouse-eared bah-humbuggers are claiming that Disney owns Santa. When James Worley paid a visit to Disney World in Florida his portly frame and white beard soon had kids asking: "Are you Santa Claus?" Not wanting to disappoint, Mr Worley, 60, played along

  December 19, 2006

• The Grinch Who Stole O'Reilly

  Our rootstacular music contributor, Buddy Seigal (who in another life is rootstacular musician extraordinaire Buddy Blue) sent this in to us a couple days ago, at which time we muttered into the curb, "If ever that Clockwork blog is up and ruining again, we'll share this with our vast reader." But we also felt duty bound to credit the original source, and although we found references to this Rep. John Dingell ditty from the usual suspects (like Wonkette, Democratic Underground, Kos), we could no

  December 20, 2005

• OC Weekly Holiday Party

  It was hard to top last year’s party on that beautiful boat in Newport, but this Saturday the OC Weekly Holiday Party & Fashion Show hit an all-time high with one of the best parties of the holiday season (if I do say so myself). Britney Spears may have been a no-show, but that didn’t seem to be a problem for the hundreds upon hundreds of people who showed up to get down with the OCW at the stunningly elegant Gods & Heros in Costa Mesa. A fashion show by Addiction started the night, follo

  December 3, 2007

• To Do Tonight - 12/06

  KIOSK: LAUNCH PARTY, 5pm Come celebrate the web launch of Kiosk, the first stand-alone publication of the Literary Journalism program that recognizes the best student writing from the classroom and beyond. Free snacks and live music! UCI Bookstore located at the UC Irvine Campus HOLIDAY GIFTS & DIPS, 5:30pm Tonight features fondue specials including cheese and chocolate fondue for $10 per person, a four-course feature for $30, live music and holiday gift tables from local shops and boutiques.

  December 6, 2007

• Party Hangovers

  Last night, I had the privilege of attending the LA Weekly Christmas party. The food was good (meat skewers, hummus, empanadas, brownies), the Coronas free-flowing...but the comment I heard the most whenever I mentioned I was from the OC sister-paper was this: "Man, you guys' Christmas party looked way more fun!" No names...I wish to protect the innocent. Besides, when I meet a bunch of new people at a party, I usually forget most of them the next day anyway. Sad, but true -- everyone over the

  December 6, 2007

• To Do Tonight - 12/14

  WINE TASTING, 5pm Featured every Friday evening. WineStyles, 2646 Dupont Dr., Ste. C-20, Irvine A CHRISTMAS WITH SCROOGE, 7:30pm The Classic Dickens tale of "Christmastime in Londontown" set to song and dance. It is our annual MTV tradition and a heartwarming way to spend the Holiday Season. Musical Theatre Village, 36-C Mauchly, Irvine THE 1940s RADIO HOUR, 7:30pm Enjoy a night of big band music. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster LA POSADA MAGICA, 7:45pm Performed in

  December 14, 2007

• "God hates the world" and other Christmas carols

  Merry Christmas from fag-hating Westboro Baptist Church!

  December 21, 2007

• To Do Tonight - 12/21

  THE NUTCRACKER, 7pm A Christmas classic! Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15744 Golden West St., Huntington Beach 1940s RADIO HOUR: A HOLIDAY MUSICAL, 7:30pm For big band fans. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster LA POSADA MAGICA, 7:45pm Performed in English with a Latin beat, this enchanting musical play for the entire family is about a young girl who joins her neighborhood posada on Christmas Eve. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa A GALLERY F

  December 21, 2007

• 10 Songs About Christmas

  Jeff Shaw at our sister paper City Pages goes off the beaten sleigh path to bring his readership 10 songs for the season. Ever generous, Jeff's allowed us to share 'em with you: 10 and 9: Two from Tom Lehrer My uncle would never forgive me if I didn't mention Tom Lehrer's scathing, brilliant "Christmas Carol.." Unfortunately, only the lyrics are available on-line, and the only performance of the song is a dreadful reading performed by the even more dreadful Christopher Hitchens. Do Not Want. O

  December 24, 2007

• Reader Question: Will Marche Moderne Offer Its Spontanee Lunch on Christmas Eve?

  A reader e-mailed me today, asking me if I knew whether Marche Moderne will still offer its $20 three-course Spontanee Lunch on Christmas Eve.  This is great question, in light of the fact that they're doing a special $75 Five-Course Christmas Eve Dinner that night -- one that I wrote about here earlier this month.I didn't know the answer off hand, of course, so I called them to find out and also for my own curiosity.  The verdict is "yes." They will, indeed, offer the Spontanee on Chr

  December 23, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: WWE Father's Day Package

  Want to send a message to dad that you think he's a steroid-abusing drunk? Got twenty-five bucks? Boy, do we have the gift for you. In the embarrassing tradition of John Cena valentine T-shirts for women, and "Get Lit for the Holidays" tees featuring the company logo in Christmas lights (yes, I'm the proud owner of that one), Vince McMahon's marketing gurus once again try to go the Hallmark route. So you have a T-shirt that says you're the WWE's best dad, and a six-pack cooler so you can get dr

  May 21, 2008

• To Do This Weekend 11/21 - 11/23

  Coats for Cubs, until April 22 Bring in your real fur clothing, including trims, accessories and shearling to any Buffalo Exchange and let them know it's a donation for Coats for Cubs. Condition is unimportant. Donations will be given to the Humane Society to provide bedding and comfort to orphaned and injured wildlife. Buffalo Exchange 4608 E. 2nd Street Long Beach, CA 562-433-1991 Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Friday, 6 p.m. One of Southern California's best-loved tradition

  November 21, 2008

• LowBallVideoChatter: Fear, "Fuck Christmas"

  It's December, so I guess that means we're fully engulfed in the Christmas season. What better way to counter-program than by putting a little Fear in your holiday cheer? 

  December 3, 2008

• To Do This Weekend 12/5-12/7

  Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, Friday 6 p.m.Santa Claus himself will kick off the holiday season by flipping a giant switch to light more than 50 impressively illuminated and decorated Christmas trees situated in the tranquil waters of the bay.Back Bay Bistro, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, CA; 949-729-1144Merry-achi Christmas, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.Featuring Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez; America's first all-female Mariachi - Reyna de Los Angeles.

  December 5, 2008

• Musical Advent Calendar: Before Braille, 'Merry Christmas, I'm Cheating'

  Yes, most advent calendars start on Dec. 1. Eat it.Christmas is awesome. Sorry non-observers; I love you but it's true. You get presents, you get to give presents and spread holiday good tidings and so on. And come on, Candy Cane Joe-Joes.Since Christmas music is perhaps the most awesome part of the holiday, I thought it'd be appropriate to have a countdown of sorts of some great seasonal tunes. And what better way to start than with a band from my old stomping grounds: the east valley area of m

  December 9, 2008

• Musical Advent Calendar: Snoop Doggy Dogg, et al, 'Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto'

  Death Row Records--co-founded by Dr. Dre and Suge Knight in 1991--was, of course, incredibly influential in the world of west coast rap in the early '90s. And incredibly controversial.But not everything released on the label was quite as provocative as say, "Deep Cover." There was also 1996's Christmas on Death Row album, which boasted songs like opener "Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto"--not to be confused with, but likely inspired by the James Brown song of the same name--by Dat Nigga D

  December 11, 2008

• A Very Zimmerman Christmas

  Southern California's got a few neighborhoods known for their festive (or overkill, whatever you want) holiday displays, where entire blocks of houses do their very best to outdo and outlight each other: There's Candy Cane Lane in Torrance, Brea's got one off the Lambert exit of the 57, the Naples Canals in Long Beach. But people often forget about Balboa Island's annual holiday lights contest. A brief drive around the residences on the island reveal Rockwell picturesque Christmas decor, co

  December 12, 2008

• Musical Advent Calendar: Death Cab for Cutie, 'Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'

  At this point, who hasn't covered the Phil Spector co-written classic "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"? Mariah Carey sang it on her 1994 Merry Christmas album, U2 on the 1987 Christmas compilation A Very Special Christmas. Original singer Darlene Love performs the tune every year on "The Late Show with David Letterman;" even Smash Mouth has their own, no doubt terrible, version.But my favorite version is from 2004's Maybe This Christmas Tree--check out the awesome cover by Shag up in the corn

  December 12, 2008

• Musical Advent Calendar: 'That Was The Worst Christmas Ever,' Sufjan Stevens

  Oh Sufjan, is there anything you can't do? Write albums about all 50 states (eventually), get mentioned by Snow Patrol and release lots and lots of Christmas music. This is from 2003's Ding! Dong!: Songs for Christimas, Vol. III. Yes, he's wearing wings. What of it?

  December 18, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: It's Not Too Late!

  Look, it's not too late. Jump in the car, drive. See something in her size? Are Pokemon still cool? What's a Ped Egg?--just fucking grab it at this point. Hey, Macy's is even staying open until midnight today and tomorrow for people like you. Hurry. South Coast Plaza: Mon.-Tues., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Christmas Eve, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.Bloomingdale's, South Coast Plaza: Mon.-Tues., 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Christmas Eve, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Macy's, South Coast Plaza: Mon.-Tues., 7 a.m.- midnight; Christmas Eve, 7 a.m.-6:30

  December 22, 2008

• Bangok Taste Closed for a Week--No Worries. I Hope.

  Had dinner earlier this week at Bangkok Taste in SanTana, my current fave Thai restaurant, with the mysterious Ben Dayhoe (contrary to popular rumor, he's not Mr. X). We enjoyed soups, fried tofu, their famous roti dessert, and the peanut-butter soup called khao soy. After our dinner (we ate with our respective ladies), the kind owner, who puts fresh roses on each table every day from her garden, gave the gals a Christmas present: flowers in a glass bubble. She then told us Bangkok Taste is clos

  December 19, 2008

• [¡Ask a Mexican!] The Never-Ending Navidad

  December 25, 2008

• !Ask a Mexican!

  December 23, 2004

• Laguna on Acid

  December 31, 1998

• The Weezer Snuggie Has Landed!

  You might remember Weezer's endorsement of the Snuggie during their live concerts. This was the obvious next step to take. Christmas shopping: DONE--everybody gets a backwardsass robe!  

  November 3, 2009

• A Fine Frenzy

  November 12, 2009

• How Much Do These Plays Make You Feel Like the 12 Days of Christmas Are More Like 12 Weeks?

  November 19, 2009