The latest edition of my Valleywood newsletter is out. Read it here. Subscribe here.
An excerpt:
“What I’m reading: ‘A Fuller Picture of Artemisia Gentileschi.’ Gentileschi created her famous painting of Susannah and the Elders in 1610, when she was 17. ‘Perhaps this Susanna does not want the men to identify her or see her anguish; it’s equally likely that she does not want to lay eyes on her persecutors.’”
I’m a writer and consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
What I’m reading: Charm. It’s a play by Philip Dawkins.
The story:
“When Mama Darleena Andrews—a 67-year-old, black, transgender woman—takes it upon herself to teach an etiquette class at Chicago’s LGBTQ community center, the idealistic teachings of Emily Post clash with the very real life challenges of identity, poverty, and prejudice faced by her students. Inspired by the true story of Miss Gloria Allen and her work at Chicago’s Center on Halsted, CHARM asks—how do we lift each other up when the world wants to tear us down?”
I’m a writer and consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
I have two of these, one white and one grey. They both have red eyes. One sits on my desk, and the other sits near my phone. Sometimes their tails catch my eye. For some, rats conjure up the idea of pestilence. To me, they’re a sort of familiar.
I’m a writer and consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
The New York Times has an interesting story about “the legal battles and innovations behind 42nd Street” that includes this interesting tidbit:
“Speaking of wholesome, an interesting issue that arose was where the adult entertainment businesses would go. The city decided to enact what some of us in the land use field refer to as ‘erogenous zoning’: prohibiting adult entertainment uses from residential areas, some manufacturing and commercial districts, requiring that they could locate no closer than 500 feet from schools, day care centers, houses of worship. That ordinance was challenged on constitutional grounds, because adult entertainment also has rights under the First Amendment free speech clause.”
I’m a writer and consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
My latest newsletter is live. Read it here. Subscribe here.
An excerpt:
“Not that long ago, I read something that said Brazzers was in Burbank. Brazzers, if you’re not aware, is an adult production company, and I live in Burbank. I had a hard time believing that Brazzers was based in such a sleepy part of the San Fernando Valley.”
I’m a writer and consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
“Everyone says you were beautiful when you were young, but I want to tell you I think you’re more beautiful now than then. Rather than your face as a young woman, I prefer your face as it is now. Ravaged.”
—Marguerite Duras, The Lover
I’m a writer and consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
Here are a few newsletters I like:
The Ankler. Richard Rushfield’s insider take on the film and TV sausage factory.
Noah Kalina. One man’s attempts to find joy in a world that thwarts him.
Austin Kleon. An eclectic mashup of art, life, and impetus.
Neal Ungerleider. Good for people into marketing, communications, and words.
Valleywood. By me, it’s one part Porn Valley, one part Hollywood, add a dash of sarcasm, and stir.
I’m a writer and consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
If you’re not watching “Lovecraft Country,” you’re missing the best show on TV. Last Sunday’s episode featured a mind-blowing vivisection of race in America. It starred Ruby in a shape-shifting scene that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
I’m a writer and consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
A shot of the Nuart Theater from my Instagram. The theater was built in 1929.
From Wikipedia:
“The Nuart was the location for the theatrical world premiere of ‘Beyond the Valley of the Ultra Vixens’ directed by Russ Meyer. Edith Massey of ‘Pink Flamingos’ fame performed on a makeshift stage with her punk rock band The Incredible Edible Eggs featuring Regina 'Gina' Schock on drums prior to Ms. Schock becoming a member of the all-girl rock band The Go-Go's. Director Michel Gondry filmed part of Beck's video for ‘Deadweight’ at the Nuart. The Nuart is mentioned in ‘Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death.’”
I’m a writer and a consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
All my life I want money and power
Respect my mind or die from lead shower
I pray my dick get big as the Eiffel Tower
So I can fuck the world for seventy-two hours
— Kendrick Lamar’s “Backseat Freestyle”
I’m a writer and a consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
If you haven’t seen “PEN15” on Hulu, you really should. In theory, it sounds like a series that would never work. Two adult actors play grade school versions of themselves alongside young actors. But it’s genius. It’s seriously cringe-worthy, endearingly revealing, and LOL hilarious. Watch it. Season 2 is coming soon.
I’m a writer and a consultant. Subscribe to my newsletter.
