pop:culturality

Morse Code Takes It; Mix Master Mike Weighs In

2010-03-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

Morse Code wins it, Cheapshot #2, DJ Politik takes #3. LA sets the bar on the national and international scene. Let's see what happens in Denver and Paris.

Czech the LA Weekly piece on Mix Master Mike... and precisely the reason we place logos tastefully.

Tonight - 1st Red Bull Thre3 Style On US Soil

2010-02-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

A few pics from the most recent Thre3 Style in Vancouver. Tonight is the first on US soil. Winner goes to Denver to compete nationally, winner of that goes to Paris to compete for the WORLD TITLE - mmmmwwwwoooooooaaaaahahahahahahahhaha.

One of ours goes - you best believe this guy's going too.

Most urgently, tonight we rock.

K-Swiss Ping Pong Classic - Sundance 2010

2010-02-06T18:39:00.000-08:00

Dig the ref. That guy means business.

Footage from Thre3 Style Vancouver 2010

2010-02-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

Red Bull Thre3Style: Vancouver 2010 from Red Bull Thre3Style on Vimeo.

Red Bull Thre3 Style - Feb 24

2010-02-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

Dear friends of the WPG - hit me up - let's see if we can get you sorted with some comped tix. Mix Master Mike of the Beasties - are you kidding me? Plus the hottest talent around competing to compete in Denver for nationals then in Paris for internationals.

Mix Master Mike.

And 8 dudes who may be the next Mix Master Mike each with a 15min. set consisting of 3 genres.

And it costs you nothing more than following this blog or WPG on twitter or FB. So easy.

As promised- firmness, fairness and freshness at all times.

MasterChef Casting Calls in ATL, DNV, KC, MIA, NO, CHI, SF, LA

2010-01-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

(Calling all amateur chefs in Atlanta, Denver, KC, Miami, New Orleans, CHI, SF & LA- this may be your chance. Prepare for a slightly rotund curly haired beast from the LA market to unleash a perfectly executed shallot, mushroom and goat cheese puff-pastry tart all over your ass.)

From Magical Elves:
"We would like for you to attend an open casting call for Fox's newest show MasterChef. We are looking for all great amateur chefs out there who have a passion for cooking.

MasterChef Casting Calls

All casting call applicants MUST bring one prepared dish to be served at room temperature. You will be able to plate your dish at the given casting location. You will be responsible to bring any utensils or other materials you may need.

Saturday, January 16th
Atlanta
Viking Cooking School
1745 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
9 am to 2 pm
Contact: MasterChefATL@gmail.com

Denver
The International Culinary School
at the Art Institute of Colorado
675 South Broadway
Denver, CO 80209
11 am to 5 pm
Contact: MasterChefDenver@gmail.com

Sunday, January 17th
Kansas City
The Culinary Center of Kansas City
7920 Santa Fe Drive
Overland Park, Kansas 66204
12 pm to 5 pm
Contact: MasterChefKC@gmail.com

Miami
Whole Foods Market – Coral Gables
6701 Red Road
Coral Gables, FL 33143
12 pm to 6 pm
Contact: MasterChefMiami@gmail.com

Saturday, January 23rd
New Orleans
The Uptowner
438 Henry Clay Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118
9 am to 3 pm
Contact: MasterChefNOLA@gmail.com

Sunday, January 24th
Chicago
Sur La Table
Main Street Promenade
55 South Main Street
Naperville, IL 60540
11 am to 4 pm
Contact: MasterChefChicago@gmail.com

San Francisco
Sur La Table
77 Maiden Lane
San Francisco, CA 94108
11 am to 4 pm
Contact: MasterChefSF@gmail.com

Sunday, January 31st
Los Angeles
Sur La Table
Farmer's Market
6333 W. Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90036
10 am to 4pm
Contact: MasterChefLosAngeles@yahoo.com"

Marketing Mag UK Names Flamingo Best Of The Year; L'il Bro = Semiotics Superstar

2009-12-20T00:59:00.000-08:00

Marketing Magazine - UK Names Flamingo International named Agency of the Year.

My favorite excerpts:

"A combination of a first-class new business record and clear evidence of effectiveness has deservedly made Flamingo International this year's Market Research Agency of the Year... Flamingo has been at the forefront of new techniques. It has expanded its use of semiotics, and now has two full-time researchers working in the field, which generates gross profit for it of £200,000. In addition, it has invested in a films division, using it to conduct ethnographic research and improve the way information can be delivered to clients."

That's my little bro Johnny. Semiotics superstar at an award-winning agency and making them some cake. Love it.

"Following its success this year, Flamingo has decided to expand further globally. It already has offices in London, Singapore and San Francisco and is now set to open a fourth in Tokyo in February.

One sign of a good agency is staff retention, and this too is a feature of Flamingo's business. No senior manager has left the company since its launch in 1997, while its overall staff churn rate of 2% makes it one of the best in the research industry."

How impressive is this?

"Perhaps most notably, the agency has achieved all this as an independent. The main feature of the research sector over the past few years has been consolidation, with predictions that the medium-sized firms would be crushed between the economies of scale of the big agencies and the low overheads of the smaller. Flamingo's success is a reminder that good ideas and management are more important than size. Flamingo's success has not gone unnoticed. It has been nominated for best agency at the Market Research Society Awards (previously the BMRA Awards) for four years running, and this year took the prize in conjunction with Freshminds. It can now add to that Marketing's Agency of the Year."

If that doesn't say a lot about a company I don't know what does.

Unacceptable Obladi-Oblada Rendition

2009-12-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

I understand that you are 4 but do your job kid. Step up, be a professional, learn the lyrics. Passing sustained chords is all well and good but let's have some annunciation and some emotion other than your adorable little one-trick pony grin. Frankly I resent you, you talented little adorable bastard.

Event Shots: Summit On The Summit Launch With Kenna & Friends

2009-12-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

Good shots Wire Image. Great event Kenna, SOTS and the Workshop. Summit on the Summit is a wonderful cause and I am honored to be involved. On an intricately related note I am not in any way threatened or made insecure by the considerable beauty talent success wealth style dope hats talent beauty or wealth of any of these people.

Kenna and Friends Present The Official Summit On The Summit Kilimanjaro Pre-Ascent Event

2009-12-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

Voyeur and the City of West Hollywood liked our diagram. It wasn't CAD this time around - we were a little tight on time - but it ain't bad either.

11.17.2009 - The Road To Copenhagen

2009-11-11T00:57:00.000-08:00

If you plan to miss this you are just plain wrong.

Tuesday 11.17.2009 @ Boulevard 3 (6523 W. Sunset Blvd. LA, CA)

Generation For Change Foundation and Environment America are hosting a special evening at Boulevard 3 in Hollywood, CA to raise awareness around global warming and the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Copenhagen this December. Event ticket sales benefit the Road To Copenhagen campaign launched by Environment America Research and Policy Center.

Performances by:

MIX MASTER MIKE of the Beastie Boys

DJ MUGGS of Cypress Hill

BOBO MEETS RHETTMATIC

DJ AERO

SMILES DAVIS

To purchase $10 pre-sale tickets visit:

www.tinyurl.com/RoadToCopenhagen

All proceeds benefit Environment America Research and Policy Center

www.g4cfoundation.org

Alternative Announces Campaign to Benefit Global Green USA

2009-11-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

http://rethink.alternativeapparel.com

ATLANTA, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Alternative Apparel, the industry-leading lifestyle fashion and apparel brand, announced today its plans for a philanthropic campaign benefiting the national environmental nonprofit organization Global Green USA. To kick off the campaign, Alternative has added a new "Think Earth" t-shirt to its fashion-forward collection, for which 100 percent of the net proceeds will benefit Global Green.

Encouraging individuals to make a difference with what they wear, Alternative will be inviting their customers to make an additional donation to support Global Green in varying increments, which can be placed via the Alternative company website. In exchange, supporters of the cause will receive the super-soft, vintage-style tee made of eco-heather, Alternative's uniquely sustainable blend of organic cotton, recycled polyester and naturally occurring rayon.

"We're thrilled to be participating in such a worthy cause," said Alternative Founder and Designer Greg Alterman. "At Alternative, we believe that every effort is crucial -- there is no act too small. This campaign will allow Alternative to support Global Green USA's incredible work and support our common goal of a sustainable and secure future with long life, health, and prosperity for all people."

A symbol of a movement for positive change and humanitarianism, the Global Green t-shirts are inspired by Alternative's own ReThink initiative -- an interactive lifestyle campaign in which activists, celebrities, business owners, and nonprofits work together to raise awareness and promote eco-consciousness on every level, from environmentalism and health issues to education and community development.

About Global Green USA

Global Green USA is the American affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by Mikhail Gorbachev to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. For nearly 15 years, Global Green has been a leader in green building policy, technical expertise, and education to advance green schools, green affordable housing, and green cities throughout the nation. Global Green USA has greened more than $20 billion dollars in new construction projects, and has educated hundreds millions of people about being climate friendly. Global Green is also leading efforts to help rebuild a green New Orleans. For more information, visit www.globalgreen.org.

About Alternative Apparel

Alternative has been challenging the concepts of fashion since 1995, when Founder and Designer Greg Alterman set out to create the perfect t-shirt -- one designed for fashion, made for comfort, and tailored for a flawless fit. Today, Alternative has elevated the tee from casual basic to fashion-forward staple, simultaneously broadening its horizons to offer a complete collection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, including an eco-friendly line of sustainable apparel, Alternative Earth.

As a lifestyle apparel brand at the forefront of the fashion industry, Alternative exists to inspire authenticity and comfort -- both inside and out. Our mission is about more than just designing clothes that look and feel great: we want our unique community of wearers and supporters to feel comfortable in their own skin, laying the groundwork to inspire others and make a difference with how you live -- and what you wear.

Alternative creates apparel and accessories for men, women, babies and toddlers across the United States and abroad, including Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Atlanta with showrooms in Los Angeles and New York.

www.alternativeapparel.com.

SOURCE Alternative Apparel

Published Nov. 9, 2009

Fresh Faces in Fashion 2009

2009-10-29T00:24:00.000-07:00

This will be a good one my friends.

MoZella's Belle Isle Drops Worldwide; She Rocks Droid Commercial

2009-10-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

MoZella is brilliant and I think she has a monster career ahead of her. Fired up to work on her showcase. The record drops nationwide tomorrow, click here to learn more about this incredible artist. Did you know that this song Magic (Oh Oh Oh)...is featured on this Droid ad?

I hope she is to the Droid as the Submarines are to iPod apps. I hope it drives people to listen to Belle IsleMy lady and I still rock constantly to her first eponymous EP. (You Wanted It - legendary track.) You're welcome for the intro my friend.

Tony Hawk Lands a 900; Blink Kills; Verne Troyer Has a Smaller Head Than My Wife

2009-10-13T23:39:00.000-07:00

This kid has it. You see that vert ramp behind him? He will be on that very soon. He was on his board all day.

This is Tony after we watched the beautiful video piece on the Watts skatepark that is fast approaching. They showed a mother who had lost two kids asking for a park so these kids can blow off steam and stay out of gangs. Then Tony brought them up on stage and gave them all new decks and helmets. See that one kid wiping away a tear? I was wiping away tears. One kid asked for a tip on doing a kick flip during Tony's speech and brought down the house.

And then Tony proceeds to do a demo with a group of other skaters and BMXrs and lands a 900. If you didn't know, he was the first in the world to complete this trick. That is 2 1/2 rotations. Think of how fast you have to rotate to make this work.

And the man is 42 people. He tried the trick 7 or more times before he landed it - every other time he hit the ground. This man is perseverence and generosity incarnate. When he landed it- the place went nuts. And then he flew into the protective net. And the announcer said that's it show's over, nobody is following that.

Then Blink gets up and rocks it. First tour since 2004. The repartee between Tom and Mark is priceless. The music is great. 6 ft away from Tom's guitar- I could see every single note he played. And his facial tick. I don't care - those guys are pure entertainers and incredible artists. (Tom reminds me of Greg A. a bit...)

And there's my beautiful wife with Verne Troyer. That dude is a class act. When Tony offered his shoes and deck up to the crowd for auction, and asked for a cool K, some punk said I'll give you five bucks. Tony ignored it. Verne stepped in and donated a grand to the THF. Class act all the way.

One of the best days of my life. From the bottom of my heart - thank you CC, Kim, Mickey, Pat, Tony, and everyone else who makes it happen. And a special thanks to Andaz West Hollywood for stepping up as one of the biggest sponsors. Your generosity will have ripples.

Long live The THF.

blink-182 And Rancid Step Up To Support Public Skateparks

2009-10-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Tony Hawk Foundation annual celebrity benefit events will rock Beverly Hills and Las Vegas.

(Andaz West Hollywood = Official Hotel Partner for LA. Kudos. Furthermore, these parks have been proven to reduce crime in urban areas. Let's keep it going this Saturday at Andaz and this Sunday in Ron Burkle's backyard. Sincerest hats off to Tony, CC, Kim, and the whole THF team. - MW)

October 2009 (Vista, CA) —The Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparks benefit returns to Beverly Hills on October 11, 2009 to help the Tony Hawk Foundation bring free, quality public skateparks to low-income communities across the U.S. On November 7, the star-studded event then travels to the Wynn Resort for its Las Vegas debut.

Now in its sixth year, Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparks is the Tony Hawk Foundation's annual family-centric action-sports carnival, featuring games, activities, food, auctions, A-list celebrities, special musical performances, and a Vert Demo with Tony and a crew of top-pro skaters and BMX riders on Tony's personal ramp. An established must-see event in Beverly Hills, this will be the first time Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparks comes to the Las Vegas Strip.

Each Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparkslocation will feature a unique musical guest. Having performed at the first Stand Up For Skateparks event in 2004, blink-182 returns to the stage in Beverly Hills this year on October 11, while Rancid rocks the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas on November 7.

Joining Tony on the event's Benefit Committee are Andre Agassi, Lance Armstrong, Travis Barker, Ron Burkle, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Eisner, Jon Favreau, Lorenzo Fertitta, Frank Fertitta III, Jeff Fine, Robin Greenspun, Mia Hamm, Mat Hoffman, Kathy Ireland, Bobby Kotick, Chuck Liddell, George Maloof, Andrew Pascal, Shaun White, and Elaine Wynn.

For more information about Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up For Skateparks, or to purchase tickets, visit standupforskateparks.org, or contact C.C. Hafner at 760-477-2479 or cc@tonyhawkfoundation.org.

BizBash | Esquire Names the Bazaar at SLS Restaurant of the Year

2009-10-06T18:02:00.001-07:00

And RH @ Andaz one of the best restaurants in the country. Nice work Esquire - knew I loved you for a reason.

Nice advance work Biz Bash - I knew I loved you for a reason.

And of course- you too John Curtas of Eating Las Vegas for breaking the news.

What a scoop. Could not be more proud of RH.

VeeV @ East, Tuesday October 6

2009-10-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Join us tomorrow night, Tuesday October 6th, for a preview of the soon-to-open EAST, hosted by VeeV Spirits. Invite is below.

Be sure to print this out and bring it if you would like to take advantage of this $50 gift toward your meal, good only for Tuesday October 6th.

Tomorrow night is going to be a blast - hope you can make it.

The Celebrity Chef Classic @ The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Sat. Nov. 14th, 2009

2009-10-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

These are some of the best chefs in the world and they are almost giddy to play golf, talk food, sip wine, and cook for us on Saturday November 14th, all in the name of feeding hungry children through Share Our Strength and assisting the Ojai community through Help of Ojai.

If you love food/wine/golf/altruism and need to hit the links for good- there are a few spots left. Please contact me (matt@wiseproductiongroup.com) to inquire about super special family and friend rates for the tournament and gala. ($250 gets 1 place in tourney, 2 tickets to the gala as opposed to public price of $3K for the weekend.) These chefs cook for the White House, Oprah, and anyone else you can think of. They are the best in the food game. Golf remains to be seen. I know I am terrible but I am ecstatic to play a few holes between production and organization duties. If you hit a hole-in-one you get a Beemer. Just sayin.

I love you Ojai Valley Inn & Spa - I can't wait for this weekend.

Grip It & Whip It

2009-09-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

Press day tomorrow. For what I predict will be the best movie of all time. Everybody tells me they love it- consider this entity fired up beyond all recognition to be involved even in a tiny way.

We shall fire on all cylinders and provide service and goods the likes of which have never been experienced in this lifetime or any other.

And support them on opening weekend of course.

May we all continue to grip it and whip it.

Celebrity Chef (Soon-To-Be) Classic

2009-09-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Things are coming together for the inaugural Celebrity Chef Classic @ Ojai Valley Inn & Spa to benefit Share Our Strength & Help of Ojai. Friday November 13-Sunday November 15 Chefs Alan Wong, Ming Tsai, Todd Gray, and Jamie West will prepares feasts and crush it on the golf course. Talent updates to follow... we have some great personalities joining us from the world of television, film, sports, fashion, and of course cuisine, as well as the makers of the finest wine, beers, and spirits. We are beyond excited for this thing- do you have interest in joining us? Reach out to me if you do.

We hope you can make it, it is for a wonderful cause and will be one of the greatest weekends of your eating, sipping, swinging and spa-ing life.

New York Mosaic Redux

2009-09-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I found this. It is an online column I wrote back in 2000 entitled New York Mosaic for early social networking site iAgora. It was for internationals who wanted to know about the real New York City from 1999-2001. There were readers and debaters from every country.

Then the bubble hit, iAgora left and went to Barcelona. They offered me a job but I decided to stay in NYC and play in a band, do events, work in bars and restaurants, and live with my artist friends.

Funny where things lead sometimes.

I am afraid to read what I was writing at 24.

I was definitely reading a lot of Tom Robbins around that time.

And it was right before the rest of it went into song.

So I won't- I will just post it.

Apparently 3 Stars in the LA Times Matters

2009-09-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

RH.

On fire.

If you haven't been there - you need to go.

Impressed the wife's parents a few nights ago.

And they are not easy to impress.

And then they took us to Nobu and that was epic as well.

I traveled the world this weekend and didn't have to leave West Hollywood.

Life is beautiful.

Rolling Stone Magazine @ Andaz

2009-08-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Could not be more fired up for Elizabeth & The Catapult tonight with Rolling Stone Magazine and Andaz West Hollywood.

LET'S DO IT

RH @ Andaz: Perigourdine Pleasures

2009-08-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Every day, I am grateful to work with such passionate, wonderful people. I believe artists are meant to find their audience- and I happen to be a very appreciative member of Sebastien's audience.

Chef Sebastien grew up in Perigord, France, studied under Guy Savoy and Alain Ducasse, and is a recipient of the coveted Michelin star. This menu reflects his incredible andaz, Persian for personal style.

He has entertained diners and dignitaries around the world. A few of the greatest culinary creations by the artist Sebastien Archambeault:

Start with something crisp.clean.elegant.lean such as the Mauritson Sauvignon Blanc (Dry Creek, 2007)
or
Curran Grenache Blanc (St. Ynez, 2007)

-Mushrooms and Green Onion Tart With Arugula and Parsley Oil
-Perigourdine Poached Egg With Field Mushrooms, Foie Gras, & Summer Truffle

Try something from Southwest France in either a Domaine de Tariquet Blanc, "Classic" (Cotes de Gascogne, 2008)
or
Domaine Fontsainte Rose, "Gris de Gris" (Corbieres, 2008)
and then feast on:

-Hudson Valley Foie Gras Terrine with Montbazillac Jelly & Home Smoked Duck Breast
-Hudson Valley Foie Gras Ravioli with Summer Truffle Velouté
-Crayfish Risotto Arborio With Peas, Romaine Leaves, Tomato and Crayfish Sauce
-12-hour-cooked boneless suckling pig with roasted apricot, rosemary jus (photo below)

With the following- a silky/soft red such as the Hollis Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley, 2005) or my personal favorite, the Tablas Creek "Cotes de Tablas" if you like it earthy, spicy, & fiery.

-Colorado lamb chop and braised shoulder with eggplant, lemon confit, red pepper jus
-Slow Braised Beef Cheek With Button Mushroom, Rainbow Carrots
-8oz Black angus filet mignon, shallot confit, syrah wine reduction sauce

Share this meal with only people you love.