The "Ouch-y" Edition :: Issue #248, Rusty's Electric Dreams

“Always be prepared if someone asks you what you want for Christmas. Give brand names, the store that sells the merchandise, and, if possible, exact model numbers so they can’t go wrong. Be the type who’s impossible to buy for, so they have to get what you want.”

— John Waters

An inbox zine for positive deviants and the people who love them
Issue #248 :: The “Ouch-y” Edition :: 12:18:2019

Ouch-y…

Current mood:

— Rusty Blazenhoff

P.S. Just as I was putting this issue to bed, I found out a friend passed. So, Doug, this one is dedicated to you. I’m going to miss the hell out of you!

As seen on the Internets

Lowbrow and lovin’ it: For the past few years I’ve been going to a holiday party that has a CRAZY fancy spread. This year, my sweetie Andy and I were inspired to bring Candle Salad which made us laugh all night long (head to my Instagram for the “money shot“).
—-

:: Related: Get some yogurt, creamy smooth, and make a Saturdae!
:: https://youtu.be/btWy-tGlkjM Thanks, Andy!

:: Do the “Fruitcake” with Fred Schneider of The B-52’s
:: https://boingboing.net/2019/12/12/do-the-fruitcake-with-fred.html

:: Here! Diagonally!
:: https://twitter.com/BlossomHacks/status/1205916963425280000?s=09

:: Oldie but a goodie: Charles Phoenix’s Frosty the Cheeseball Man
:: https://boingboing.net/2019/12/17/frosty-the-cheeseball-man-is-a.html

:: Truth in advertising: SNL parodied Macy’s holiday ads perfectly
:: https://boingboing.net/2019/12/16/100-relatable-snl-parodies-m.html

:: This six-“sided” record is trippy
:: https://www.neatorama.com/2019/12/09/A-Playable-6-Sided-Record-Record

:: This Christmas tree of confiscated items is pretty amazing
:: https://boingboing.net/2019/12/13/airport-security-made-a-christ.html

:: Trailer for new doc: The Times of Bill Cunningham (2/20)
:: https://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/the-times-of-bill-cunningham

:: Wow! Look at the original, handwritten “Oblique Strategies” cards
:: https://dangerousminds.net/comments/brian_eno_and_peter_schmidts_oblique_strategies_the_original_handwritt

:: RED pal Brittany High got sassed by Bob Saget working on her new baby, the America’s Funniest Home Video podcast
:: https://boingboing.net/2019/12/11/americas-funniest-home-vid.html

:: Enjoy Doug’s final Holiday Music Mix (he made one every year)
:: https://dougfuller.net/holidaymusic

Real retro recipe book that actually exists: yay!

From the King of Cherpumple: Charles Phoenix has a new book! His Holiday Jubliee is full of wacky mid-century-inspired recipes. You can get a signed copy from him for $29.95.

Featured Events

[Oakland :: 1/26] White Elephant Preview Sale: The big, free White Elephant Sale is in early March but, for $18, you can go at the end of January and get first crack at the deals! 333 Lancaster, 10 to 4, take a Lyft because parking is super tight

——————–
20.5 U.S. Cities
[2/14 to 3/29] Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 35th Anniversary Tour with Paul Reubens — a screening of the film followed by Paul Reubens himself sharing never-before-heard stories about the making of the movie. Just announced: A special pre-tour kickoff in Ventura on January 24!

Alameda, CA
[Now] Christmas Tree Lane is open, 3200 block of Thompson Avenue, evenings

[12/21] The Menagerie Holiday Oddities Market at the Alameda Elks Lodge, 9 AM to 5 PM

Berkeley, CA
[12/21 and 12/22] East 14th at The Marsh

[Until 1/5/2020] “Strange features diverse works from BAMPFA’s collection that invoke strangeness and resonate with the spirit of Surrealism”

Chicago, IL
[until 12/29] Nevermore Park, the interactive art installation by muralist and graffiti artist Hebru Brantley

Las Vegas, NV
[Until 2/15] Tim Burton’s Lost Vegas art exhibit at the Neon Museum

Los Angeles, CA
???Know about anything good happening here???

New York City

[1/12] 19th Annual No Pants Subway Ride

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 exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden

Oakland, CA
[Now until 2/16] No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man at OMCA, Tickets
**Full listings of all the exhibit’s events here.
[1/19] Balsa Man at OMCA!

[3/1] Sugar Rush IV: A Cupcake Tasting Event at Angel Cakes, 1 PM to 4 PM, Tickets

[3/7-3/8] White Elephant Sale, 96,000-square-feet of crazy deals, free

[7/11-7/12] Burger Boogaloo headlines with Bikini Kill and Circle Jerks, Mosswood Park

Portland, OR
[5/16-5/17] The creators of the popular Exploding Kittens card game series are hosting Burning Cat, a new two-day game convention that ends in the burning of a giant effigy. Huh… that last part seems oddly familiar! Tickets are $80 for a two-day pass, or $45 for a daily one.

San Francisco, CA
[12/18 on] Karaoke at BARbarella SF w/ KJ Fabula (projections/immersive experience by our very own Scott Levkoff of Mystic Midway!)

[TONIGHT 12/18] Super Shangri-la Show: The Vampire Lovers (1970) and Count Dracula’s Great Love (1973) at Balboa Theater, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

[12/20-12/22] Miyazaki Mania at the Roxie Theater, Tickets

[Until 12/25] Deck the Halls, a festive pop-up bar

[12/27] Dina Martina Christmas Show at Great American Music Hall, 21+

[12/31] Beach Blanket Babylon is coming to a close. New Year’s Eve is the last night you’ll be able to see this San Francisco institution, the world’s longest running musical revue.

[1/10, 1/11] 9th annual DAVID BOWIE Birthday Bash with THE FIRST CHURCH OF THE SACRED SILVERSEXUAL at the Boom Boom Room, The Chapel, 8 PM+

[1/9 to 1/26] SF Sketchfest comedy festival

Seattle, WA
[Ongoing, 1st Sunday of the month] Weird and Awesome with Emmett Montgomery “a love letter to the strangeness and talent that walks amongst us” at Annex Theatre, 7:30 PM, Tickets

Various U.S. cities, and sometimes Canada
Atlas Obscura has an ongoing calendar of unique experiences.

[various dates] Immersive listings

Check out this calendar of design events from around the world.

Know about a cool, quirky, and/or indie event? Email me and I’ll share it with the class!

The eighties sure were strange: This is First Lady Nancy Reagan sitting on San-T Claus’ lap in 1983. She got a Mr. T doll (note the amusing “Gentle Giant” line on the package) and gave him a peck on his head. The story behind this amazing shot is here.