944

I am a pop culture junkie. I have been since I was 9 years-old. While the other kids were lost in comics and cartoons, I was devouring Vanity Fair.

I simply found Annie Leibovitz far more interesting than Stan Lee.

Okay, I was odd. Kill me.

So, this blog will basically include any and everything I find relevant. Let me know if you agree, disagree, or basically think I am an idiot.

It’s all good.

I am just back from Mexico City, writing a travel piece on celebrating “The Day of The Dead”.

I dropped by the Frida Kahlo Museum. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Salma Hayek´s portrayal in the biopic, but it left me wanting to know more. At the museum, I was blown away. Not just by the greatness of Kahlo’s work, but more so by her intent.

With “The Mask” (1945), she was commenting on the fact that she felt she had to hide her true self in order to cope with the insincerity of the world. Of course, she never conformed, which is why she’s still part of modern day conversation.

I say we take a cue from Kahlo.

Dressing up for Halloween is cool, but trying to actually be someone other than yourself is, well…lame.

A guide at one of the museums told me that most kids in Mexico are ignoring “The Day of The Dead” and opting for Halloween. “They would rather run around in Spider-Man outfits,” he said.

Damn that Stan Lee.


Isoul H. Harris
Managing Editor Atlanta
Twitter: isoulharris
Written by: Isoul H. Harris

Fall and Winter Diets

Summer is definitely over! Temptation to sabotage your diet runs high over holiday season, but there are some strategies to help you conquer those cravings and stay on track with your low carb diet plan. From Halloween bashes, pre-holiday get togethers, and football tailgating parties are all opportunities to indulge in some of the Fall’s tastiest meals and snacks. Colder temperatures naturally make us want to turn to comfort foods and the warm, stick-to your ribs platters are an easy way to cure the oncoming winter blues. Here are some diet tips and strategies for the Fall and Winter season ahead:

Tips:
1. Eat a wholesome breakfast of fruit, oatmeal, or low-sugar cereal each morning
2. Avoid the bread basket and choose crackers and fresh vegetables to snack on before a meal.
3. Just say no to cream based soups
4. Cook at home whenever possible
5. Moderate the sweets
6. Head to the Farmer’s market
7. Be active
8. Keep track
9. Plan ahead
10. Eat in small portions
11.Find a fun workout
12. Avoid late night leftover eating
13.Pile up the vegetables and water
14. Dodge the winter flu
15. Get more exercise

Even though it's easy to succumb to the rich meals and fattening treats as temperatures drop, there are some ways to continue the battle of the bulge, without too much sacrifice. Take charge of your health this season and look forward to a healthy and fitter you--well before the New Year’s Resolution rears its ugly head!
Written by: Joey Sotto

This morning I saw a perfectly well-groomed and articulate man speaking to a colleague outside of a Starbucks. But wait, there's more.

He was using a key from his key chain to clean out his ears.

Yup. Standing there all casual cool, picking away at ear wax and the like as he chatted it up. The colleague blinked a few times awkwardly in reaction, then kept right on talking. No waxy orange elephant in the room here!

Um. What the hell? Is this not a social faux pas that falls under the realm of picking your nose while driving, or letting one rip around the ol' conference table? I've scolded a guy friend or two for taking a whizz while actually chatting on the iPhone with me (when I can hear the flush, the jig is up, guys!), but I have usually excused it almost as a “thank you for considering me such a good friend that you have no problem dispelling your bodily waste while on the phone with me.”

But car keys used as as gold diggers? And outside of a Starbucks no less? Is nothing sacred? I didn't check to see if his fingernails were clean, because dirty digits would have just sent me over the edge.

So where should the line be drawn? What would Mizz Manners say? Or is she dead to most? What social faux pas do you argue should be punishable by law? Or at least punishable by my calling them out in a blog.

Because Mr. Gold Digger is pretty deserving in my book.

Sarah Daoust
944 Managing Editor Written by: Sarah Daoust

I'm pretty stoked today because I was tagged to MC a pretty amazing event tonight. The Dirty Heads and Dear and the Headlights will face off at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe, AZ, in a head-to-head battle of the bands unlike anything you've ever seen before. This things going to be all over the musical map, and well worth checking out if you're in the area. Show starts at 8 p.m.!

Here's a small taste of the show, which was recorded yesterday at Platinum Studios in Phoenix:



For more info, check out www.redbullsoundclashusa.com Written by: D.B. Mitchell

Yesterday I received an invitation to celebrate the release of Fiddy's new man perfume, POWER. It made me really wish I were in Miami, which is weird, because I hate it there. If I could, I would just go there on Friday, for the sole purpose of attending this party.

I love 50. Now don't get me wrong, when he performed at 944's Super Bowl Village in Phoenix a few years back I didn't ever get close enough to smell him, but he didn't strike me as the sort of guy who was super conscientious about his olfactory signature. Now Jay Z, that is another story. I haven't smelled him either, but I HAVE spent many hours of my life speculating on how good he probably smells. Snoop? Haven't smelled him, but I guarantee he smells like skunk bud and Burger King. Xibit? He wears Axe body spray. Chris Brown hits girls, so I'm betting he wears way too much Drakkar Noir.

Yesterday, I put this question to people on Twitter: “What do you think 50 Cent's new cologne smells like?”

These are some of the answers I got. Many of them were sent privately (in fear of retribution?)

Failure

Sweat

Gun powder

Deez nuts, a candy shop, and hints of black pepper

The emperor's new clothes

Hot breath

Ass

Asti spumanti

Santorum

Bacon

I'm guessing it's a mixture of all of the above, but I'm not content to speculate. Today at lunch, I'm going to Macy's and I'm getting a sample. I'll report my findings here later. Stay tuned.

***UPDATE: No samples available until tomorrow's release date. Wah. Written by: Laurel May

Holiday Season is kicking it into high gear with cocktails, parties, family gatherings and yes, plane rides. We've been hearing for years about how the recirculated air can get us sick and how that germy, sneezing kid eight rows away can still infect you. So here are a few tips for surviving that ride and arriving at your destination free of unwelcome microbes.

1. Get as much rest as possible the night before

2. Don’t eat crappy airport food, throw an apple and a bag of raw almonds in your carry-on before you leave home.

3. Just say no to soda on the plane - sugar suppresses your immune system for more than two hours after ingestion.

4. Everything you touch will be germy - so go wash your hands before you chow down.

5. Don’t throw away the paper towel after you wash, use it to pull knobs and levers and protect your hands from recontamination before you get back to your seat. And yes, your seat belt has germs on it to.

6. Wear a mask. Seriously. It’s something I do all the time on long flights. The mask will protect you from germs and keep your air passages from drying out, which makes them more susceptible to microbes. If you want to keep it on the dl, do like I do and take it off if you have to get up so all eyes aren’t on you. The upshot of H1N1, is that it’s become a lot more acceptable to wear a mask. Of course you can always say it’s an homage to the late great King of Pop.

7. Don’t have a mask? Another quick fix that people are doing now is placing a small amount of triple anti-biotic ointment around the very bottom of the nostrils in hope of killing entering bacteria. I haven’t read research regarding this method, but I know people that swear by this method.

8. Drink lots of water and little to no alcohol the day you fly. Flying dehydrates you something fierce.

9. Pop an Airborne in your water to add another layer to your immunity armor.

10. Most importantly, don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth. For any reason.

That's is! Written by: Hadley Henriette

After just blogging about Philosophy’s When Hope Is Not Enough body lotion and scrub, I realized I only had another hour or so to finish up my work day, head home, find an outfit and get ready for an event I’ve been looking forward to for almost three months.

Still in the middle of the whirlwind of events for “Ancient Paths, Modern Voices,” tonight is “Lang Lang and Friends.” Who is Lang Lang? Oh, just the pianist during the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics. A 27-year-old named “hottest artist on the classical music planet by the “New York Times.” One of the 2009 Time 100 by “Time” magazine. You know, essentially just a genius musician coming to perform at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall tonight at 7 p.m.

Although I am swamped in deadlines, making plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas, need to pack my house, am moving in two weeks and never seem to have enough time no matter how much I plan ahead, I am going to leave work early and go to a concert. Music, after all, is one of my other great obsessions.

I am also incredibly excited that I was invited to be a special guest of Elizabeth Segerstrom, who we interviewed along with her husband Henry, for the festival since the Segerstroms were instrumental in the partnership between the Orange County Performing Arts Center and Carnegie. If you missed the article in the October 2009 Art & Architecture Issue, we filmed some behind-the-scenes footage from the interview and photo shoot.


Written by: Katie Pegler

Being a writer, I am obviously obsessed with books, newspapers, magazines, song lyrics and even the verbage on the side of products. It was two such products I received in the mail eight months ago that essentially inspired this blog when I had to decide what I could handle writing about Every. Single. Day. I chose lotions and potions galore.

Philosophy, obviously, takes the whole idea of inner/outer beauty to another level with names of products that are cute, inspiring and sometimes irritating but with ingredients that are nourishing, mostly natural and pinpointed to specific beauty issues. Its When Hope is Not Enough trio of Hydrating Body Scrub and Replenishing Body Scrub, $65.00 as a pair at www.sephora.com, is comprised of Omegas 3, 6 and 9, all of which work together to heal inflammatory skin, maintain the skin’s integrity and moisturize. The addition of vitamin e to reduce in the lotion the formation of free radicals and sea salt in the scrub for exfoliation make it a must-have for anyone in search of body products with only a light scent and which also pack a punch for skin benefits. But perhaps it the words on both bottles that make them even more worthy of purchase, “notes to self” in the shower or next to the sink.

Sink talk:
“When your well-being is out of sorts, even good days feel bad. Replenish a depleted spirit by reconnecting with your creative, playful side. Take time to reflect on who you are and who you hope to be. Embrace stillness by taking a long walk, a yoga class or treating yourself to quiet time with your favorite book. Once your well-being and emotions are back in check, you’ll notice even the bad days begin to feel good.”

Shower reminder:
“Total body nourishment begins from the inside out. Nourish your body with exercise, plenty of water and a well balanced dies. Nourish your mind by reading a book, taking up a new hobby or studying a new language. Nourish your heart by practicing random acts of kindness and selfless acts of giving. Nourish your soul by laughing out loud and surrounding yourself with those you love the most.”
Written by: Katie Pegler

I know this to be true: Behind every great editor (and smart editor, I should add) stands a hungry roster of stellar interns who make self-proclaimed great editors like myself look, well, good.
OK, I take that back. I'm not claiming to be great, or even good. But I do work very hard, and I expect those in my inner circle professionally to pay their dues and work hard, too. God knows I've paid my dues long before 944 ever came along. (I recall working two nearly-full-time jobs PLUS a full class load, with literally no sleep save for a nap here and there, all through my college years. And yes, I had to walk uphill both ways in the snow to even get to my jobs!)
So suffice it to say, I've been through many an intern in my 4.5 years with 944. And while I'd argue I'm not quite Anna Wintour meets-Anne Hathaway crying over her frumpy plaid skirt and clog loafers in “The Devil Wears Prada,” I will admit I am tough. Very tough. Very seldom do I let our revolving door of interns “in,” i.e., trust them enough to take on real projects I'd otherwise stay at the office until midnight to complete myself.
But interns Ashley Lee and Rob Corea are steadily making their way into that inner circle. Young superstars for sure.
Their daunting task? Chairs for CHAIRity. (Let's just say I'm a sucker for kids and the gals at J Public Relations.) I was tasked, as one of several “local celebs” to overhaul and redesign a chair provided by Hold It Contemporary Home in Mission Valley, to be auctioned off as part of a soiree at the store on November 5, with all proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.
Was my heart in the right place? Yes. Were my interns in the right place? Hell to the YES. Amid my frenzied, deadline-driven existence the last few weeks, interns Ashley and Rob, along with the help of intern Gabrielle Wagner, stepped up big time to create “Bloom,” a metal-backed chair blanketed by a woven flower pattern spun in gold leaf and accented in silver. Lovely, not overly complicated, and still very functional and comfortable to sit in ... which works in its favor, being a chair and all.
“Bloom” will be on display this Thursday, November 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hold It. Please join me and the 944 team for an exciting evening, complete with hosted drinks and food, as each of 16 tricked-out chairs, including “Bloom,” of course, is auctioned off for a most worthy charitable cause.
Space is super limited, so please hit up www.mawc4c.eventbrite.com right away for ticket information and participating designers. You'll see my name as the designer for 944 Magazine, but as you now know, that's sort of a typo. Rob and Ashley, plus Gabrielle, will be on hand tomorrow as well to celebrate and receive their due recognition.
Without them I'd be gluing some sequins and Cheerios onto the seat cushion of my chair at zero hour and trying to pass it off as a masterpiece.

Sarah Daoust
Managing Editor








Written by: Sarah Daoust

Ok, so we all know we’re in the middle of a recession. But that doesn’t mean we want to give up shopping, now does it?

But relax. For every problem, there is a solution.

During rough economic times, let ebay.com be the answer for all your fashion needs. The auction site is a goldmine of deals and steals. Personally, I had an extremely successful summer with ebay.

Herve Leger dress for my fiance’s surprise birthday party in Vegas? Check!

Sold out Elizabeth and James Elizabeth IV jacket? Check!

Botkier Bryant hobo bag that I had been pining over for two seasons? Check!

Report Signature gold sequin wedges for a fraction of the retail price? Check!

These are just some of the successful fashion purchases I have made in the past six months, and during that time, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks along the way:

1. If you have an iPhone, download the ebay app. It let’s you track the items you are either bidding on or watching, so you can update your bid or monitor the price of the current bid on the go.

2. Watch an item until the very last second, and only place your bid during the last couple hours of the auction. You’re less likely to get involved in a weeklong bidding war this way, and you’re more likely to win.

3. If there’s an item you absolutely must have but the seller isn’t offering a buy-it-now option, send him or her a message and ask if he or she would be willing to negotiate a buy-it-now price.

4. Check a seller’s rating! If they have received negative feedback in the past, you’re asking for trouble working with them. If you have any doubts that an item is authentic, ask for additional photos.

5. Read ebay’s buyer guides. They’re full of useful information and will help you avoid the pitfalls of Internet auctions.

6. Watch yourself. Ebay can be addicting, so if you notice yourself obsessively searching for YSL Tribute pumps instead of writing that story that’s due in two days, take a deep breath, shut down your browser, and get back to work!
Written by: Rebecca Stevens

This week, Erin R. Doland releases her new book, "Unclutter Your LIfe in One Week." And while that might seem pretty impossible, I've dissected a few of her tips to set you off on the right foot.

*Routines: Doland stresses the importance of routine, saying that it will actually give one time in their schedules to pursue the things that truly matter to them. If it seems as if your days fly by so fast that you barely have time to take a lunch break, then it may be time to create an effective time management strategy. Start by planning a realistic routine that you'll actually stick to. Organize in a way that best suits you, by checking out the D*Y*I* Planner templates at: www.diyplanner.com. The best part? It's free!

*Just Say No: When it comes to activities that take you away from your friends and family and drastically limit your social time, say no. At least once a week it's important to make a social obligation and stick with it. After all, your loved ones are a priority, no? Of course, for all those who can't stay still for too long, this doesn't mean you can't be productive at the same time. Plan a regular time to exercise with friends: hiking, surfing, take a dance class, etc. Or, make Sunday flea market shopping a ritual - that way you can beautify your home or search for long, lost treasures in the company of pals (who can also talk you out of those terrible impulse buys!) No matter what it is that you like to do in your spare time - make sure to keep your dates!

*Stay-At-Home: This brings us to quiet time. Doland suggests at least one night a week for alone time to take care of ourselves. Watch an entire season of your favorite guilty pleasure, create a spa in your own bathroom in order to pamper yourself, or zen out with a free online meditation tool such as one found on Discovery's Meditation Station (www.health.discovery.com/centers/stress/meditation-station)

*Make a List: We all have a lot of things we want to do, or at least the things we 'intend' to do someday...and of course, there are those things we NEED to do. And between the needs and wants, everything somehow gets muddled all together. To prevent that from happening, WRITE IT ALL DOWN. Carrying a notebook can help you put your ambitions to paper and help you focus. Writer and artist Philipp Keel came up with the Simple Diary to combat information overload and gain insight. Get yours at: www.simplediary.com. AND, most importantly - once you've written down the things you hope to accomplish - take the time to actually do them!

*Take a Class: Once you spend your hard earned money on something it becomes more of a commitment. Besides acquiring a new skill, picking up pottery, yoga, or sailing will expand your horizons socially as well. In LA for example, check out places like Home Ec in Silverlake, The New School of Cooking in Culver City or Bitter Root Pottery on Beverly Blvd.

*Make No Excuses: Putting things off feels much worse in the long run than the small, mundane tasks that seem annoying to do today. Pushed aside, these small things - like picking up the dry cleaning, avoiding that necessary trip to the bank, or ignoring a long distance phone call from your mother - compound until even the pettiest of things feels overwhelming. Yes, taking out the trash first thing on a Saturday morning may not be exactly what you want to do, but trust me, you'll feel better once it's outside where it belongs.

Written by: Kira Coplin

Levi's has a pretty cool promotion going on right now that's worth $100,000 to a resourceful chap. The PR story goes that Levi's archivists have "verified" the existence of a treasure buried by one Grayson Osias IV, and even some recordings that provide clues to its location. For those who log onto www.levis.com/goforth, there will be nine recordings released at various times to allow the community to work together to find this fortune.

It's an interesting marketing plan, involving everything from Craigslist postings to a Twitter page (www.twitter.com/graysonOziasIV). Hell, I just like it because there are Whitman quotes throughout the whole thing, which might just inspire a few folks to pick up a book. Just Google ol' Grayson and see the fruits of the labor �” and perhaps you'll even get a chance to make a few (thousand) bucks. Written by: D.B. Mitchell

Uh, I'm not 100% sure what's going on here, but I'm going to take a stab at it and say that this is the website of a German entertainer by the name of Dieter Thomas Kuhn. Okay, so the dude uses hot rollers or a curling iron to do his hair, but he has just about the greatest website ever. I just dragged off an hour of my workday looking at the thing, and I don't even understand German. I encourage you to do the same, but if you have a mean boss or whatever, just click on the key called "Vergangenheit" and then select "Mediathek." The first video (the one on the far left) features him doing various behaviors such as relaxing in satin pajamas, holding a quill pen, and taking a bubble bath all accompanied by what I assume is his fine, fine music. The whole thing just makes me want to strap on a fanny pack, stop shaving my legs and spend about five months in the Fatherland. Germany, today I salute you. Written by: Laurel May

Woe is me, my waistline! Halloween leave you feeling ghoulishly guilty about your diet? Unfortunately, it’s not over yet. The series of tempting treat occasions has just started. Don’t ruin this holiday season with feelings of regret. Be festive, be merry -- but be wary and watch those indulgences! Check out these tips to put you on guard for that festive figure!

1. Don't let things get out of hand. And no, I don't mean with the egg nog. Party it up, but be careful not to let this holiday season force grandma to knit you a whole new wardrobe! Weigh and measure (waist, hip, thigh) at least once a week to give yourself a wake up call when it’s time to pull the reigns on holiday gathering goodies.

2. Build Boundaries on the Bounty. A lot of my clients tell me about that one meal of the year they won’t hold back on and I think that’s a great idea. Occasional indulgences are essential for weight maintenance, but grazing on the goodies brought in by co-workers, neighbors, well meaning friends equals extra belt notches. Eat sensible, healthy meals and save up for the real feast!

3. Stay Away from the Kitchen. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Even more difficult than controlling portions in the face of decadent delights is staving cravings when overcome by aromas. Take your plate of favorites and step away from the table (if you can) and stay clear of the kitchen!

4. Take a Step Back - Pick your favorites! Even if you didn’t particularly like it, that lick, sip, or taste can add up to pound packing. When approaching the meal or holiday party, slow down the excitement for a minute. Survey the selection and be choosy. Gather only your favorites and savor. And remember, if you don’t like it, Mom won’t scold you if you don’t finish it!

5. Slow and Steady Wins the Race. This can’t be more true when it comes to eating habits, especially when enjoying high calorie holiday foods. Give your selections a minute in your mouth so you can fully enjoy, give your body a chance to tell you you’re full, and avoid overindulging.

6. Beware Egg Nog Gut!. Don’t think that, just because you didn’t chew it, cocktails, beverages, and spirits don’t count as “eating.” Alcohol and creamy beverages in fact, have some of the greatest impact on weight gain during the holiday season for the very reason that you don’t feel full consuming them. Sip slowly and resist going back for seconds!

Noga Sachs M.S. Health & Wellness Science and Motivation
Health and Life Coach
www.nogacoach.com
@nogasachs Written by: Noga Sachs

Plush beds covered in Egyptian cotton, custom-designed furniture, and walls hung with expensive artwork, a celebrity’s home oozes with exquisiteness.

Not everyone has an eye for design. Sure it’d be nice to have Kelly Wearstler on speed dial or to enlist Jonathan Adler to come give your living room a facelift but if you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck hiring an interior decorator isn’t an option.

It’s important that your home be your source of comfort and peace. Away from the stress and cares of your daily life, it should be a place that relaxes, rejuvenates and inspires you.

The good news is that by becoming your own tastemaker, you too can get Hollywood glam décor.

*Know what you want. Maybe your taste is classic mid-century style inspired by Charles Eames, or maybe it's Hollywood Regency chic a la Dorothy Draper.

*Take Inventory. Grabbing a pen and a pad of paper, sit down in the room you wish to makeover. Start off by asking yourself the following questions:
-How does it feel to be in this room?
-Does this look and feel like the kind of room that would belong to me? If not, why?
-Is there anything missing?
-Is there anything that bothers me about this room? What’s not working?
-What would make this room cozier/more stylish/more contemporary/etc?
-How can I add my personality to this room?

Jot down your thoughts as they come to you when observing a room and remember, how you ‘feel’ inside a particular space is just as important as the way it looks visually. It doesn’t matter how decadent or chic a room looks if you’re not comfortable in it. Make it yours! Tip: Framed photos of your favorite memories and people quickly add personal touches while scented candles make rooms feel more ‘homey.’

*Make a List. Once you have your thoughts d own on paper you can start making a list of ideas that will help direct you. Maybe it’s just a matter of rearranging the furniture or adding a few accent pieces - regardless of what comes to mind write it down. There’s a reason you’re thinking whatever it is!

*Be patient: Actress Amy Smart spent several months refreshing the dream home she purchased in the Hollywood Hills. “This house always had character,” Smart said, “but I also wanted it to have a presence in the way it was decorated.” Remember, it takes time to find the perfect pieces for your pad. It took Smart a year-and-a-half to find a table for her kitchen at an antiques shop in Santa Monica, and she even had the help of a designer! Troll flea markets and garage sales in your area or keep checking Craigslist.com eventually you’ll find the piece you’ve been looking for at a price you can afford.

*Original Art. Can’t afford Vik Muniz or Sam Samore? Create your own photography series with your own images. Print digital photos on glossy or matte paper in sepia tones, a few identical (and inexpensive!) frames from somewhere like Ikea, and hang them along your wall side-by-side in rows. There are websites, such as Coloredgevisual.com that will scale your images for you according to your wall too.

*Still stuck? Enlist a Stylish Girlfriend to Help Out! Turning her new home into the kind of sophisticated retreat she had in mind wasn’t as easy as Rashida Jones thought. “Starting out, I had nothing, and I made mistakes,” the actress says. Coming to the actress’ rescue was her good friend and neighbor decorator Kate Fine.

*No Money Makeover Moves You Can Start Today:

-Feng Shui your space by moving around the crap you already have!

-Clear the clutter...you know the rules...if you don't wear it, throw it out! If you don't use it...trash it. If it's an eye sore...well, go figure. Written by: Kira Coplin