Posts Tagged ‘Photography’

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‘Big Youth’ at Ragga Muffins Festival Saturday in Long Beach

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Big Youth at Ragga Muffins Festival, Long Beach 2010

On Saturday, I attended the Ragga Muffins Festival in Long Beach. Michael Zampelli took some photos for The District Weekly and I snagged a few for this blog.

My favorite musical act of the day was Big Youth (pictured above). This man exudes more verve and childlike enthusiasm than most people a fraction of his age. He’s got a groovin’ rap style and smooth moves to go with it. Go to Big Youth’s MySpace page if you want to get in the groove.

Gal Vanized with Funnel cake at the Ragga Muffins Festival

Happy Child

I also felt childlike and care-free wearing my Gal Vanized get-up and eating funnel cake. I decided that I was going to surrender myself to the IRIE vibes and absorb as much of the experience as possible.

The crowd was very diverse and fun. Everyone was relaxed and having a good time. It was like sitting in a big huge living room. No problems whatsoever. I wasn’t the only one there with pink hair, click on the photo below to see a larger version of the audience.

the audience at the Ragga Muffins Festival in Long Beach, 2010

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Here is Michael Zampelli’s photo gallery of the event:

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Posted in Authenticity, Behavioral Learning Theory, Community Activism, Food, Freedom of Speech, Hip Hop, Live Music, Music Notes, Photography, Reggae/Ska, Social Awareness, Soul, Spirituality, Underground/Indie | No Comments »

Photographer Michael Zampelli Talks about Shooting Roller Derby

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

Michael Zampelli takes photos of the Los Angeles Kings when they play at Staples Center. He also takes photos of the L.A. Derby Dolls from time to time. Today he called into The Sheri and Erin show to help them iron out any kinks in their first test episode.

During the show we talked about Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut Whip It and how it sends a positive message for women and girls. Zampelli talked about how he enjoys the fast action and intense energy of a roller derby bout. Listen here or find out more about the show at Blog Talk Radio.


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Posted in Authenticity, Behavioral Learning Theory, Community Activism, Feminism, Freedom of Speech, Movies, Photography, Public Speaking, Roller Derby, Social Awareness, Spirituality | No Comments »

Photo Retoucher: The Ultimate Illusionist

Friday, May 29th, 2009

New York Times.com featured an article titled ‘Smile and Say No Photoshop’ in the Fashion and Style section this week.

According to the article, “More often than not, images have been altered — historically with painstaking tricks of lighting and exposure and, more recently, with retouching software that can make celebrities and models look thinner, taller, unblemished, with brighter eyes and whiter teeth. Seemingly perfect. Advances in digital photography have made it so easy to manipulate photographs that cover models often resemble weirdly synthesized creatures or, as the photographer Peter Lindbergh described them this week, “objects from Mars.”” >>>Read more at New York Times.com

Apple iTunes

While you’re there, be sure to check out the video opinion piece, Sex, Lies and Photoshop, why magazines should let readers know if images have been retouched by Jesse Epstein, the director of Wet Dreams and False Images. Here is the trailer for her movie:

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Posted in Behavioral Learning Theory, Community Activism, Eating Disorders, Feminism, Freedom of Speech, Photography, Public Speaking, Social Awareness, You Tube | No Comments »

Song of the Week – 1-27-09 – 665 1/2 by Rosemary’s Billygoat

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

Who knew you could have a sense of humor about Satan? Well, Rosemary’s Billygoat doesn’t seem to take the devil too seriously at all. Watch the video and read the lyrics and just see if 665 1/2 won’t make you laugh. I dare you.

Here’s a little sample of the lyrics:

Well ever since I was born,
I’ve been growing horns
I eat Christians for breakfast
Pentacostals for lunch
and then you come along
and I got me a hunch

you think you’re evil
don’t make me laugh
At best, you’re a 665 1/2

You can listen to the studio version of the song here:

This band was the halftime entertainment at the Saturday Roller Derby bout at the Doll Factory in Los Angeles. Michael Zampelli was there to document the evening on behalf of LAist.com.

Rosemary's Billygoat

To see the entire photo gallery, go to michaelzampelli.com.

Apple iTunes

The song of the week is brought to you by Michael Zampelli, former owner of Southern California punk rock icon, Zed Records. For almost 30 years, this mecca of punk and alternative music kept Southern California enthusiasts adequately supplied with unique, original and innovative music.

Currently, Zampelli manages a hockey fan message boards at www.letsgokings.com with thousands of subscribers. He takes photos for the LAist and the LA Derby Dolls. Each week he will contribute a song with a theme, a message and a beat. Enjoy and stay tuned.

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Posted in Authenticity, Behavioral Learning Theory, Community Activism, Live Music, Music Notes, Politics, Public Speaking, Punk Rock, Rock, Social Awareness, Song Lyrics, Song of the Week, Soul, You Tube, iTunes Music | 1 Comment »

Long Beach Has Soul and Spirit

Sunday, December 7th, 2008

Walking to see the angel at Phoneix and CrowYesterday’s front page headline in the Long Beach Press Telegram was: Long Beach’s `soul’ rates high. I would have to agree. Not only does Long Beach have soul, it has spirit.

In fact, just today I was walking to the pharmacy and I got touched by an angel. Literally.

Technically I got hugged by an angel and I have photos to prove. This angel was in the window as part of a promotion for stores on Broadway Avenue, such as Phoenix and Crow.

Other special treats on the Avenue included an extremely authentic pirate couple complete with dirty faces and leather gear. Across the street at Merry’s Fashion with Passion, a small troupe of belly dancers performed. Free food and beverages were available. Hospitality was in unlimited supply.Angel in the window at Phoenix and Crow

I was so excited about the angel I walked fast. My husband trailed me with the camera.

Okay, there’s the angel in the window. Isn’t she beautiful?

Wrapped in Angel Wings
And there you have it, me wrapped in angel’s wings while listening to The Renaissance by Q-tip on my iPod. How much more soul do you want?
Q-Tip Renassiance Phoenix and Crow sells celtic jewelry, fine art and scented candles. They are located at 2754 E. Broadway Ave., Long Beach CA 90803. You can reach them at (562) 621-0785. The Renassaince by Q-Tip is available on iTunes.

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Posted in Feminism, Hip Hop, Music Notes, Photography, Social Awareness, Spirituality | 1 Comment »

Punk Rock Playlist Suitable for an Afternoon Bike Ride in Long Beach

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

The 50 ft woman attacked Barbie and stole some of her blingAnother day of gorgeous weather in Long Beach California. A bike ride is a way to get some exercise. With good music on the iPod, it feels like going outside to play.

itunes logoHere’s my playlist for this ride. All links go to iTunes or MySpace as noted.

Intelligent Guy by the Butthole Surfers (didn’t see it on iTunes but you can check out their MySpace page)

Intro by Big Boi off Speakerboxxx

City of Fun by Come off Volume 08

Rap is Really Changing by Mucho Macho off The Limehouse Link

Harmony in My Head by the Buzzcocks off Singles Going Steady

Purity by Monkey Fist off Between The Lines. I have chatted back and forth across the Pond with these fellows on MySpace for a couple of years. I love their song Take It (you can hear it on the Monkey Fist MySpace profile). They keep telling me they’ve got something new coming out but I haven’t heard it yet. They are not on iTunes. Imagine, probably thousands, perhaps millions of bands are not.

She’s a Woman by the Beatles off Past Masters – Volume 1 (couldn’t find it on iTunes)

Breakaway by Basement Jaxx of Rooty (I love this entire CD)

She’s Lost Control by Joy Division off Substance 1977-1980

Kneel Before Your God by Lemon Jelly off of the Swordfish soundtrack

Belfast/Wasted (Wasted Vocal Mix) by Orbital off of Volume 3

For more workout playlist ideas, visit the Donate Your Weight On-Line Forums.

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Posted in Brain Power, Fitness, Health and Fitness, Hip Hop, Music Notes, Photography, Punk Rock, Social Awareness, Strobist, iPod Playlist, iTunes Music | No Comments »

This Week’s Most Recommended on LAist.com

Sunday, August 24th, 2008

I’ll have to admit, I got a kick outta this. Rinkrat and I went to the Warped Tour on Sunday. He took a TON of photos and I basically kicked it at the Old School Stage and rocked out to classics from my youth.

I spent the day listening to sweet little ditty’s like “Abolish Government” by T.S.O.L., “I Don’t Care About You” by Fear and “Johnny’s Got a Problem” by D.I. while downing free Monster drinks and pretty much loving every minute of it.

Rinkrat submitted his photos to the LAist and I wrote a little piece about my day at the concert. Well, it ends up it was one of the Week’s Most Recommended posts out of literally hundreds of posts. Check it out.

itunes logoAll links in post go to iTunes

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Posted in Community Activism, Music Notes, Photography, Punk Rock, Relationships | No Comments »

Roller Derby Practice Pictures

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Gal VanIZed at Fresh Meat practiceSunday’s from 6-8 p.m. is the time for L.A. Derby Dolls Fresh Meat practice. 15-30 women congregate in a warehouse to push each other to the limit both mentally and physically. We are prompted to go at our own pace but also to push ourselves past what we think is possible.

This photo is a good milestone for me. It shows me doing crossovers in the turn and that was something I could not do when I first started. I was like a calf straight out of the horse. My legs felt gangly and out of control, my back was slumped, I could barely bend my knees to save my life. Now, I can skate the track with a little bit of skill. It feels good to improve and to have proof of it.

I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know about Fresh Meat practices and the upcoming L.A. Derby Dolls Jr. Derby Camp. I will post a complete blog about Jr. Derby Camp tomorrow. Come back and see how you can help a young woman you love to build self-esteem, confidence and inner strength by sending her to jr. roller derby camp. Visit www.derbydolls.com for details.

By the way, there is a complete photo gallery with lots of lovely fresh meat practice photos at www.letsgokings.com and also on Rinkrat’s Flikr page.

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Posted in Authenticity, Feminism, Photography, Roller Derby, Skatin' Stuff, Strobist | 2 Comments »

Celestial Offerings Wins in the Bixby Knolls Photo Contest

Saturday, July 5th, 2008

Angel Food fly-throughCelestial Offerings, by Michael Zampelli (aka Rinkrat) creates an association that provokes an idea that this is some sort of drive-thru donut for angels in need of nourishment. The photo caught the attention of judges and the general public and was chosen as winner of the Bixby Knolls Summer Shutters photo contest in the category of ‘best sign’. To see other winners, including one of my favorites: Fairies of Bixby Knolls by Phil Harvey, visit http://www.bixbyknollsinfo.com/summershutters.html

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Posted in Photography, Spirituality | No Comments »

Roller Derby: ‘Hot chicks kicking ass on wheels’

Monday, June 30th, 2008

I spent the weekend at a Roller Derby tournament in Los Angeles. I was surrounded by hot chicks who kick ass. How can that NOT have a positive influence on you?

I didn’t come up with the phrase ‘It’s hot chicks kicking ass on wheels’. That’s the title of an article that appeared on L.A. Com earlier this week. But it’s a great title and it pretty much describes how I feel about Rinkrat’s LAist.com photo gallery from this weekend’s roller derby tournament.

I’m gonna post a few teasers here, but if you love derby like I love derby, you’ll probably go to the gallery and look at each photo about 27 times each. (Click on photos to see a larger version).

Kung Pow, LA Derby Doll is practically airborne

Kung Pow Tina finally squeezes her way through the powerful blocking force of Team Awesome. The question is, will she fall or will she recover?

Tara. Tough and nails, smooth as silk.

Tara Armov of the L.A. Riettes

Ellen Page cheers for Axles of Evil from the LA Derby Dolls

I’m not a very observant star gazer but I can appreciate the publicity power of a well-known name, so I will go out of my way to blatantly use the name Ellen Page of Juno in my blog post and keywords. And it IS a pretty sweet picture of Ellen Page cheering for Axles of Evil don’tcha think?

Why is she there you ask? Because if you haven’t heard yet, she’s starring in Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It along with Juliette Lewis (see below), Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig and Zoe Bell. This movie takes an up-close and personal look into the life of a derby girl and roller derby culture.

When the Derby Dolls door staff saw Stephanie walk towards us in her Hot Dog on a Stick uniform, we burst into spontaneous applause. There really is nothing like a Hot Dog on a Stick at the Roller Derby Tournament. Don’t forget the fresh squeezed lemonade.

Juliette Lewis celebrates with Derby Dolls at the Doll Factory in Los Angeles, CA

Hey look, it’s Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers, Strange Days, Cape Fear) gettin’ cozy with Derby Doll’s: Suzy Snakeyes, V. Lee and Trixie Biscuit.

Pretty in Stereo was a half-time band during the 2008 Battle on the Bank roller derby tournament. These were some rockin’ young women AND for the first time ever at a live music event, the band members threw panties at the audience, not the other way around. So, I am literally wearing a pair of hot pink panties with a Pretty in Stereo logo on them as I blog. My hubby caught them for me :)

Hey, wait a second I almost forgot, Burt Burcharah was there too! My hubby shot a photo of him with Derby Dolls co-founder, Demolicious (aka Rebecca Nimby).

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Posted in Authenticity, Feminism, Music Notes, Punk Rock, Roller Derby, Social Awareness, iPod Playlist | 5 Comments »

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