The "Hot mess" Edition :: Issue #232, Rusty's Electric Dreams

“Tis strange—but true; for truth is always strange, Stranger than fiction…”

An inbox zine for positive deviants and the people who love them
Issue #232 :: The “Hot mess” Edition :: 08:21:2019

Hot mess

My daughter SJ started high school on Monday. My sweet, kind, empathetic girl is now a ninth-grader surrounded by big and scary (her words) upperclass folks. It’s only day two and, so far, it’s been pretty hard on both of us.

But before she was thrown into the lion’s den, we went to San Francisco on a mom/daughter art date — a final summer hurrah! It was fabulous. We went to SFMOMA for the Warhol exhibit (ends 9/2!). It’s everything you’d imagine it’d be.

SJ made this important discovery:

(Steve-O?)

Warhol was Warhol but what I really went nuts for was the work of former graffiti artist, Stephen Powers. He makes fun, bright, sign-like lettered art with amusing sayings. Plus, his merch is terrific! All his work is up my alley, for sure.

A taste:

Now… back to reality. And “reality” (sur-reality?) for me includes shipping out a bunch of wigs for cats and jars of Fluff that people bought from me! If you were one of these people, thank you… your shipment will leave Alameda soon!

As for my kiddo surviving high school? Well, her second day went a little better. We’re hopeful.

— Rusty Blazenhoff

P.S. If you liked Los Espookys, do watch Julio Torres‘ absurd My Favorite Shapes comedy special.

As seen on the Internets

Meow Wolf now has its own Giphy page.

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:: Ira Glass: “an interview is like a party that you’re throwing, and however you behave is how the other people will behave”
:: https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2019/08/08/to-get-things-more-real-an-interview-with-ira-glass via

:: Thrifting at Unclaimed Baggage Center is on my bucket list. I just learned that there are lots of videos of what it’s like inside.
:: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=unclaimed+baggage+center

:: Super strange market research group examines the stigma of eating hot dogs Thanks, Whitney!
:: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/etc/d/mountain-view-bay-area-hot-dog-eater/6956430050.html

:: A recent interview with Gary Panter: “Art is about obsession. You have to do it, or you don’t.
:: https://pleasekillme.com/gary-panter

:: Oldie but a goodie: Terrific ye olde photos of Foley artists
:: https://www.messynessychic.com/2019/03/05/what-the-movies-dont-tell-us-were-hearing

Real things that actually exist: nay!

I wish I were kidding: Thought “Pumpkin Spice” had already jumped the shark? Think again. Hormel Foods is introducing Pumpkin Spice Spam for a limited time this fall, starting on September 23. You’ll be able to find it at Walmart and at the online Spam store. What a time to be alive!

Real things that actually almost exist: yay!

Good stuff right here: So, my pal Josh Ellingson recently had a viral moment after he attached his first-gen Roku to an old b&w TV. Maybe you heard about that? Well, now he’s taking the whole thing to the next level by creating glow-in-the-dark enamel pins… Glow-in-the-dark enamel pins of that Roku-enabled 1975 General Electric model 12XB9104V TV. The pins will include a pack of stick-on screen decals that make it look like you’re watching TV! The one shown in the photo is the Moon landing but there are others. He’s got the pins on Indiegogo for $10 each with the sticker pack, or two for $18.

Featured Events

Fou Fou Ha! is “Fosse precision with a Jim Henson sensibility.“ –SF Weekly

[San Francisco :: 9/20] The 24 Carrot Show is a new and totally outrageous, audience-interactive “cartoon cabaret” from the sexy, gender-bending clowns of Fou Fou Ha! at Oasis, Tickets are $30 to $70 and worth every penny (according to friends who are in the know).
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New York City

See what RED pal Oriana Leckert has picked as the must-go-to events in the Big Apple!

[5/2 to 11/1/2020] Yayoi Kusama will exhibit a “multisensory presentation” at the New York Botanical Garden in the new year!

Oakland, CA
[8/24] SIGNMAN: John Law, a retrospective of John Law’s work at Pro Arts Gallery, Closing reception, 8 PM to 10 PM

[8/24 and 8/25] I know not everyone has a child (or access to one) but, if you do, head to Children’s Fairyland this weekend for its 63rd annual Puppet Fair. Different puppet troupes will be visiting, including the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Its executive director, Alex Evans, will be performing his one-man marionette variety show both days at 1:30 — not to be missed!

[9/27] Drawn Together, an after-hours live-art event for grownups at Children’s Fairyland, 6 PM to 9 PM, TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!

[10/12-2/16] The Smithsonian’s No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man exhibit is coming to Oakland Museum of California. Volunteer opportunities are available.

[10/17-10/19] Autumn Lights Festival at Lake Merritt Gardens

[11/8] No Spectators opening party at the Oakland Museum, 5 PM to 9 PM

Portland, OR
[8/24] Star Wars Minute and the Movie by Minutes podcasting community are gathering for a day of live podcasting, games, and socializing at The Clinton Street Theater, 12 PM to 6 PM, Tickets

[Until 10/30] Portland’s “Duchess of Felt” LeBrie Rich has a new show called Sugar Spin at COLAB Architecture + Urban Design. It features 15 of her new (needle-felted and stitched) candy package sculptures (the Whitman’s Sampler looks good enough to eat!).

[9/17] LeBrie’s Artist’s Talk

San Francisco, CA
[Until 10/31] Christian Cagigal’s legendary San Francisco Ghost Hunt is back. I went on this walking tour last year and learned all kinds of weird San Francisco history. Do recommend!

[9/5-9/14] The 28th annual San Francisco Fringe Festival is full of surprises! It all happens at the EXIT Theatre.

[Dates between now and 9/21] Artist Kasey Smith keeps a map of all the ghost signs in San Francisco. You know, the old handprinted advertising signs on the side of buildings that were just never painted over. And now she’s hosting Tenderloin Ghost Sign Walking Tours until September 21. Not to be missed! Tickets are $15.

[9/17] The EPS (“Erstwhile Philatelic Society”) will be giving a talk at the Adventure Design Group, 7 PM to 9 PM, Free

San Rafael, CA
[9/22] San Rafael Porchfest, RED reader Alex G. writes, “Porchfests are occurring around the country. They are small neighborhood music festivals where houses in a given neighborhood will host bands/artists on their porches. The streets are closed, there are food trucks and you can wander from house to house and hear all sorts of music… Rock bands, folk bands, solo artists, local favorites, and even The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers. I believe it is going to have 60 acts…all free. A neighborhood throwdown.” 12 PM to 5 PM

Walnut Creek, CA
[Until 9/15] Blow Up II: Inflatable Contemporary Art at Bedford Gallery

USA and Canada

[various dates] Immersive listings

Know about a cool happening? Send me the info and I’ll share it with the class!