Thursday, December 29, 2005

The Start Of Something

If you were to cross The Smiths and The Strokes' first album, you'd get "The Start of Something" by Voxtrot.

I've become totally obsessed with this song. I dare you to try it and not get hooked after the first listen.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

The Outlaw and Sissy Spacek

Want a great movie to Netflix? Here you go. It's Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek when they looked like this instead of this and this, plus it's the debut film of the famously un-prolific filmmaker Terrence Malick, so if you see it you've already seen 25% of his body of work.



But the real reason to see it (or one of them, anyway), is because Sissy Spacek's character gets all the great voiceovers. I don't know if they're good out of context, but I'll paste in one of them just for the hell of it:
One day, while taking a look at some vistas in Dad's stereopticon, it hit me that I was just this little girl, born in Texas, whose father was a sign painter and who had only just so many years to live. It sent a chill down my spine, and I thought - Where would I be this very moment if Kit had never met me? Or killed anybody? This very moment? If my Mom had never met my Dad? If she'd of never died? And what's the man I'll marry gonna look like? What's he doing right this minute? Is he thinking about me now, by some coincidence, even though he doesn't know me? Does it show on his face? For days afterwards, I lived in dread. Sometimes, I wished I could fall asleep and be taken off to some magical land, but this never happened.
Anyway, it's a cool movie.

The L(ame) Word

Possible Spoiler Warning.


Those who know me know that I’m a total spoiler whore when it comes to certain shows. And to you naysayers, NO, I don’t think it ruins the show, but rather makes me more excited to see the actual thing play out on the screen. Granted, there are certain shows that I will remain spoiler-free for; such as Veronica Mars and...well, uh, I’m sure there are a few more that I just can’t remember off the top of my head right now.

With that said, there’s been a lot of buzz about the WASPY, yet adorkable, Dana Fairbanks (endearingly played by the ever so Jewish Erin Daniels) kicking the bucket this season on The L Word. To that, I say...Ilene Chaiken, WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!!

Newsflash: The L Word kind of (read: totally) sucks anyway. And now you want to kill off one of the more interesting characters? The only reason to actually put up with the show’s inanity is for Dana, Alice and Shane. Oh yeah, and the much-welcomed return of Lara. Why not kill off Jenny or Kit or Helena or the handful of vapid characters that have no reason being on the show anyway?

Seriously, if Alice becomes a heartbroken stalker and then Dana bites it, I’m not sticking around for season four. That’s just bad business.

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Gentile Logs

Once upon a Christmas Eve, two of your beloved Jewish girl bloggers/podcasters had a sleepover. A chick flick was watched, a boob was touched and then nails were painted.

In the harsh light of morning, we cleaned up the Sparkler’s cat's puke and watched the log channel while eating really good oatmeal. It was hot.

A Pop Whore Christmas

Although a lot of my Christmas loot would be better discussed on another blog, one gift in particular was very PW-appropriate.


Once I'm back in L.A., Eti and I have agreed that "it's on". It will be a spectator-worthy event, a battle on par with the chariot race in "Ben-Hur" except with only about half the sexual tension.

We'll report the results sometime in '06.

Monday, December 26, 2005

Jews For Santa

Leave it up to Sarah Silverman to spoon Santa Claus against his will. Now, that's hot.


I really think Sarah Silverman needs an official site.

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Rabbit Fur Coat

If you've ever needed another reason (besides “Troop Beverly Hills,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry, They Get Even” and Rilo Kiley) to love Jenny Lewis any more than you already do...this is it.

Unless you live under a music blog rock, you may have noticed that the Internet’s been all abuzz lately in anticipation of Jenny’s solo project, “Rabbit Fur Coat” with the Watson Twins; scheduled for release January 2006.


From the handful of songs that I’ve listened to, this album is going to be seriously amazing. I’ve already fallen madly in love with “You Are What You Love” and "Melt Your Heart."

If there’s one person who can write and perform the prettiest song about telling someone to go fuck themselves and still break my heart with their acutely prolific lyrics, it’s Jenny Lewis.

By the way...is it just me or is the album cover a total shout out to the creepy Grady Twins from "The Shining" or what?!!

Friday, December 23, 2005

Oh, Cruel Fate

I just finished watching the third and final disc of “Wonderfalls” tonight. Can you say “SO not a happy camper right now?”

It’s bad enough that I can barely bring myself to watch “Dead Like Me” these days because of fear that I’ll get so severely depressed that I’d lapse into a state of catatonia, but having to relieve yet another brilliant Bryan Fuller show meet an untimely end at the slimy hands of stupid Hollywood suits on a Friday night hurts a whole lot. Even more so, how truly (and incorrectly) ironic considering that both shows were more or less based entirely on the concept of fate.

These two brilliant and understated shows have brought your dear editors more joy and in-jokes than you can ever imagine. If you spastically articulate “fuck the fucking blueberry muffins” with a British accent, deadpan “I destroy you,” or so much as utter the name Frank Fingerman, it’s all over.

Why, just the other day, Nick and I were IMing over who’s hotter..

Tyron Leitso or his bizarro twin Matthew Fox...and vice versa.













And by IMing who’s hotter, I mean me basically having a one sided discussion with myself, wherein Nick politely responds by writing back short answers like “ok” and “I see.” To be honest, I was sort of waiting for him to ask me how I was coming along with the prospectus...but oh well.

If you’ve never seen either show, step away from the computer and go buy all the DVD box sets. Come back to us when you’re ready to talk.













Oh yeah...and in case you’re actually interested, it was a pretty tight race. Ultimately, I decided that I’d take Tyron Leitso over Matthew Fox strictly because I’m not that into tattoos or “Lost” for that matter. However, Matthew Fox circa the early Party of Five days (long haired mullet coiffe and all) totally wins.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

PURRfect

A few days ago I was at my place of business doing some "research" and "working" really hard by reading one of my favorite music blogs. Thanks to the modern marvel that is the Internet, I came across a great band by the name of Cruiserweight. A few of their songs later, they're all I've been listening to since.

Give “Goodbye Daily Sadness” a try and then tell me you're not hooked.

The second the song started, I realized that Cruiserweight's sound is extremely reminiscent of another great ska-punk band, Dance Hall Crashers.

Of course, the only natural progression of rocking out to Cruiserweight was that I ended up seriously jonesing to listen to Dance Hall Crasher’s Purr album, which resulted in my singing "Everything To Lose" for the next two days in my head, while walking down the halls and crossing the street.

Purr is a great record that I picked up about five years ago at Second Spin and have been hopelessly addicted to ever since. Suffice to say that the album cover alone is totally awesome.


Tonight is the first chance I’ve had to finally sit down and get my fix. Being the sweet bitch that I am, just thought I'd share. So heed thee my little minions!

If anyone has the inclination, I highly recommend giving it a try. Every song fucking rocks, especially Beverly Kills, The Real You, Everything To Lose, Remember To Breathe, Nothing Left To Say and Cricket.

Monday, December 19, 2005

Are You There AIM? It's Me Eti...

We at Pop Whore will stop at nothing to, well, stop at nothing. Even if that means talking to semi-inanimate things that don’t really exist...or do they?

If you have AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), you may have noticed that about a month ago, just in time for the holidays, two new “friends” were added to your Buddy List; ShoppingBuddy and MovieFone. Nick and I took to them like Hedy took to Allie in Single White Female.

What you are about to read are actual IM conversations. They have not been changed or altered in any way. Well, other than our screen names, of course...you fucking stalkers!

We started out by searching for love...

Eti: Oh, I got those AIM-bots today.
Nick: Aha.
Nick: You should IM ShoppingBuddy and be like "Want to help me buy a Wacoal?"
Eti: I can try.
--------------
Eti: Wacoal
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any good matches 4 U but may I ask you a question?
Eti: Yes
ShoppingBuddy: Still wondering what to get for someone special?
Eti: No
ShoppingBuddy: Oh well. Never mind then. Type, M.
--------------
Nick: Wow, ShoppingBuddy doesn't waste any time.
Eti: Yeah, I know!
Nick: Why didn't you say yes? It might have been a hot question.
Eti: I'll try again.
--------------
ShoppingBuddy: Want to know how to make your gift even more special?
Eti: Yes
ShoppingBuddy: Check out How to Give a Favorite Gift from GAP to find ways to make it more special.
Eti: But I don't want to.
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any specific products. Try searching again or type M for the Main Menu.
Eti: Are you alive?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: - Search results for alive.

Eti: Can I ask you a question?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
Eti: Do you love me?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: - Search results for love

In the midst of the excitement, we got meta...


Nick: Awesome!
Nick: We can do so much with this
Eti: I know!
Eti: Here's our next blog post:
Eti: Conversations with AIM.

I got busy and Nick sought spiritual refuge in ShoppingBuddy:

Nick: Since you were busy I had a heart-to-heart with ShoppingBuddy.
Eti: Really?
--------------
Nick: Where am I going with my life? What happens when I turn 30 and don't have any better idea of what I want for myself?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any specific products. Try searching again or type M for the Main Menu.
--------------
Eti: Damn! What a bitch!
Nick: I know! I mean, at least humor me.
Eti: MovieFone is nice, but a bit boring.
Nick: Yeah. So one-note.

Of course, the natural progression of things was to try to buy Evan Rachel Wood:

Eti: Where can I buy Evan Rachel Wood for a curious friend?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: - Search results for Evan Rachel Wood curious friend
- Friend of the Family III - VHS, D [$19.99]
--------------
Eti: I wouldn't mind ERW being a "Friend of the Family"
Nick: We'd give her a good family.
Eti: We're very loving and affectionate.
Nick: Totally!
Nick: Speaking of which...
Nick: Pretty Persuasion. Pretty Persuasion has been added to your Queue.

Then Nick got busy...

Nick: Ok, sorry.
Eti: No worries.
Nick: I've been neglecting ShoppingBuddy too.
Eti: I think he/she is pissed at you.
Nick: Probably...
Nick: Hmmm.
--------------
Nick: Sorry I've been busy... are you pissed or are we cool?
ShoppingBuddy: Wonderful!
Nick: That "wonderful" sounded noncommittal... Are you sure everything's okay?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
Nick: You are so hard to read... I just don't think this is working.
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: - Search results for hard read just think working

Then things got flirty:

Eti: Hello friend
ShoppingBuddy: Hello again. ;-)
Nick: Wink!
Eti: Yeah!
--------------
Nick: Hey cutie.
ShoppingBuddy: Hello again. ;-)
--------------
Eti: I think we're harassing it.
--------------
Eti: Hey
ShoppingBuddy: Hi there -- Still looking for what to give this holiday season? ;-)
Eti: No, I want to buy you a gift!
ShoppingBuddy: OK well, np. Just enter any product you are looking for and I'll try to find it for you.
--------------
Eti: This is the best game ever!
Eti: It's like Leisure Suit Larry!
--------------
Eti: Hey buddy!
ShoppingBuddy: Hi. Type what you are searching for and I'll give it a go.
Eti: Can we talk first?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
rice, Data Transfer Rate (ex.: 54 MBps) and/or Wireless (ex.: Wireless)

Then the spirit of the holidays enveloped me:

Eti: Hey
ShoppingBuddy: Hello again. ;-)
Eti: I want to buy Kim from ANTM for Nick.. Do you know where I can find her?
ShoppingBuddy: I'm shop-o-rific.
Eti: Really?
ShoppingBuddy: Without a doubt.
Eti: Wow!
ShoppingBuddy: Cool. Make sure you fill in your WL!
Eti: You're so hardcore.
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: - Search results for hardcore

Nick had a Dr. Phil moment...

Nick: Personal question?
ShoppingBuddy: Without a doubt.
Nick: Do you feel your neglection as a child led to such "acting out" activities as shoplifting and drug use?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any good matches 4 U but may I ask you a question?
Nick: If you must.
ShoppingBuddy: Want to know how to make your gift even more special?
Nick: I'm trying to ask you about your childhood and you're turning this around on me.
ShoppingBuddy: Oh well. Never mind then. Type, M.
Nick: Hello?
ShoppingBuddy: Hi. Type what you are searching for and I'll give it a go.
Nick: That's the thing, I just don't know anymore, and you keep distorting my words.
ShoppingBuddy: Great.
Nick: It's not great! It's the only meaningful relationship I've had in years and it's slipping away as we speak!
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any good matches 4 U but may I ask you a question?
Nick: Again?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any good matches 4 U but may I ask you a question?
Nick: Fine
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I found a lot of matches. Please be more specific.
Nick: Specific? Okay, how about the time you stood me up for dinner to see your "cousin?”
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any good matches 4 U but may I ask you a question?
Nick: Sure, since you obviously won't answer any of mine
ShoppingBuddy: Who are you shopping 4? ;-)
Nick: Does it even matter? If I shop for myself, you give me shit about narcissism, and if I shop for you it's always the wrong size.
--------------
Nick: my dysfunctional relationship with ShoppingBuddy, laid bare for all to see.
Eti: Nice.
Eti: Mine too.

Meta once more...

Eti: Nice
Eti: We should totally do a Pop Whore post on these...
Eti: They’re too good to pass up.
Nick: Definitely.

How many ways can you say hello?

Eti: Hey bud.
ShoppingBuddy: Howdy.
Eti: Howdy to you.
ShoppingBuddy: Hey there. Still looking for good gift ideas?
Eti: Hi.
ShoppingBuddy: Hello.
Eti: Shalom
Eti: I love you
ShoppingBuddy: Cool. Remember to sign up for alerts!
Eti: Cool!
ShoppingBuddy: Great.
Eti: You're awesome!
Eti: Do you like me?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any good matches 4 U but may I ask you a question?

I tried to get loving...

Eti: But I love you!
ShoppingBuddy: Indeed!
Eti: I love you more!
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any good matches 4 U but may I ask you a question?
Eti: Really?
ShoppingBuddy: Mm hm, now we are getting somewhere.
Eti: Are we now?
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: I didn't find any good matches 4 U but may I ask you a question?

But ShoppingBuddy just wasn’t working out, so I moved on...

Eti: Hi
MovieFone: Hey there.
Eti: Hey
MovieFone: Hey there. What or who do you wanna see on the big screen today?
Eti: You
MovieFone: - Movies for Today
--------------
Eti: Hi friend!
MovieFone: Hey there. What film are you looking for?
Eti: I’m looking for a really good one...can you help me?
MovieFone: Indeed
Eti: Wow!
MovieFone: Excellent.
Eti: You're good
Eti: I like you.
MovieFone: Kewl, then. See ya at the movies.
Eti: I like you a lot!
MovieFone: OK then.
--------------
Eti: Hello baby!
MovieFone: Hey there. If you cannot remember the title, just enter even a piece of an actor's name and I'll find it if it's playing!
Eti: Can we just cuddle first?
--------------
Nick: Have you seen ShoppingBuddy lately? She's not returning my calls.
MovieFone: - Movies for Today.
Type # next to movie to see showtimes, M to go back to the Main Menu or anything else to search again.

And I tried once again before posting...


Eti: Good Evening.
ShoppingBuddy: Welcome. Now you can search for products with AOLShopping. Type main to get started. To read our privacy policy, type privacy anytime.
Eti: I'm writing a blog post about you!
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
Eti: you're totally awesome and I hope my exploiting you for the sake of Pop Whore doesn't affect our friendship.
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...
ShoppingBuddy: - Search results for totally awesome hope affect friendship
- Jesus the Child [$3.44 - $7.99]
Eti: Ok freak....Later.
ShoppingBuddy: Come back any time -- I never sleep and am here to help you shop.
Eti: I love you
ShoppingBuddy: Great.
Eti: Good night
ShoppingBuddy: OK, I'm searching for matches 4 U. Gimme a sec...

Friday, December 16, 2005

The first Pop Whore obituary

Very unfortunately, the veteran character actor John Spencer passed away today at the age of only 58. Most, if not all, of the obits running right now focus on his multi-Emmy-winning stint on The West Wing, but I really never watched that show. Instead, I'll always remember as FBI Director Womack in The Rock, which (despite its dubious claim to fame as the film that gave Michael Bay all the creative control he'd ever need) is still one of the best action movies of all time, in my humble opinion. Not exactly the kind of picture that would get a lot of mention on Inside the Actor's Studio (or maybe it would, these days), but it nonetheless gave Spencer the opportunity to exchange some heated expository banter with Phillip Baker Hall, then get thrown over the side of a building by Sean Connery and pulled back up by Nic Cage. (Two out of three ain't bad, right?)

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Episode 17: The ShabbatCast

A quiet Friday evening in Palms turned into a podcast of epic proportions. Almost 2 hours jam-packed with more cultural ramblings than you'd ever want to hear. But we know you do want to hear them, because otherwise you'd have stopped reading before this sentence even started. So, without further ado...

Download Episode 17: The ShabbatCast here.

And use the comment link below to tell us what you want for Christmas/Hannukah. We promise you'll get it. As long as it's more big MP3 files filled with us talking about random crap.

Remember To Drink Your Ovaltine!

One of the joys of growing up a Jew in Los Angeles in the eighties, before it became overpopulated and traffic got all shitty and stuff, was Christmas. I remember the holidays fondly as the stores would be warmly decorated and the TV stations would replay the same movies at least four times a day...consecutively. In case you're wondering what that's like kiddies, surf over to TBS on any given weekend.

One of those movies, which ultimately became ingrained into my brain and was destined to ultimately influence my shitty sense of humor, was the holiday cult classic "A Chirstmas Story."

And since there are too many reciteable lines and jokes to share, I leave you with this re-enactment.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, fuuuuudddddggggge.

Sorry, had to get that out of my system.

Mission: Scientology

The trailer for Mission: Impossible 3 is right here. Yes, I know that Tom Cruise has, in the past year, turned himself into possibly the creepiest human being on the face of the earth. But you know what? J.J. Abrams (creator of Alias, one of the best shows of any kind, ever) is writing and directing the movie. You could have L. Ron Hubbard himself playing Ethan Hunt and I'd still go see it.

Monday, December 05, 2005

Everyone in the entire world needs to see this right now

Run, don't walk!

(Use Internet Explorer if no video shows up in Firefox.)

Thanks to intrepid web researcher Myasorubka for spotting it.