“I hate realism,” director Genndy Tartakovsky says. “In America, especially, we’re very narrow-minded as far as animation goes. There is only one kind of movie, and that’s that big, family-oriented, four-quadrant, please-everyone kind of film. But if I wanted realism, I’d watch a live-action movie. Those lines are being blurred…
Those were trying times for Rome. Nero, the last of the Julio-Claudian Caesars and a big spender with a reputedly homicidal temper, was on the throne. Stories abound of how he attempted to poison his mother, kicked one of his wives to death, and personally ordered the upside-down crucifixion of…
“Death wasn’t being responded to as a public health problem,” David France says. “It was dealt with with sniggers. It was left to religious leaders to explain or respond to the epidemic. And they responded by calling it the wrath of God.” He adds: “That’s the hostility we all saw…
Once, your conservative uncle told you that nothing good could come from drinking. Those words have probably played back in your head dozens of times after coming down with the post-libation flu. But now that you’re a full-fledged adult, you recognize that not only can you get your buzz on,…
In the hotbed that is Arizona politics, there’s always something new to protest. Recently, the “papers please” portion of Senate Bill 1070 was upheld and declared ready for implementation – a major blow to immigration activists and civil rights advocates. That controversial bill is one of many things that led…
On Friday, Sticky Fingers, one of Phoenix’s most notorious weekly dance parties, will feature Liverpudlian renaissance man Reuben Wu on the turntables. Valley residents may be wondering, “Reuben who?” Reuben Wu, that’s who. Seussian nonsense aside, Mr. Wu might be best known for his role as founding member and keyboardist…
Getting the Oprah bump isn’t always a prestigious honor. After all, the “O” of approval comes from a woman who lists things as simple as kids’ alarm clocks and soft sweaters among her must-haves. Plus, she nearly killed hundreds of people in one shot by telling them they’re all owners…
Since being invented, bicycles have provided a natural inspiration for artists. Whether for those making an environmental statement or those captivated by the beauty, grace, and mystique of two-wheeled horses and their riders, bicycle imagery has appeared on everything from beer labels to campaign posters. This concept comes together locally…
There are few pastimes that don’t go well with a nice stout brew — but there’s always been a frontrunner. Sure you’ve got your ball games, motorboatin’, or preparation to visit the in-laws, but nothing beats the king of them all – good ole’ American rock ‘n’ roll. Roger Clyne…
Teenage stand-up comic Alex Lemoine has a certain awkward, self-conscious charm both on and off the stage that makes you want to give the 16-year-old a big ol’ hug after busting a gut at his jokes. It’s only because the adolescent cutup, whose embryonic comedy career is a mere two…
The beginning of fall usually means the end of a lively growing season. Here in the Valley, the cooler months mean this city will be coming back to life after summer hibernation. The revival includes the season opening reception at the ASU Art Museum, 699 South Mill Avenue in Tempe…
The French rep for being snooty snobs is not entirely unfounded. In the world of high-end couturiers, Parisian designers have always held an air of superiority over their American counterparts. That rift is explored in documentary Versailles ‘73: American Runway Revolution, a look into the revolutionary runway shows held at…
How many times have you put off your Halloween costume and end up throwing on some zombie makeup or cat ears (or both) at the last minute? Daniel “Steam Crow” Davis, don of all things spooky and fun, wants to restore honor to the fine art of celebrating All Hallows’…
When it comes to peppers, some like it hot — and some like it even hotter. Way hotter. Like tongue-burning, eyes-watering, face-flushing, the-higher-Scoville-the-better hot. And if you’re one of those people, then you won’t want to miss the first-ever Roosevelt Row Chile Pepper Festival on Saturday, September 29. More than…
Yeah, it’s sort of cooling off out there. But we’re still sporting shorts and flip-flops. And that means the main tell-tale sign of fall is the return of the pumpkin spice latte. Jack-o-lantern supplies are sprouting up, too, almost as quickly as temporary Halloween shops. That measn the time’s right…
To catch the latest work by Los Angeles-based artist Sherin Guirguis and Phoenix-based painter Carrie Marill, head to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 East Second Street, for “southwestNET.” The two artists have very different roots — Guirguis was born in Luxor, Egypt and Marill in San Franscico — but…
Whether you’re into getting more out of your digital point and shoot camera or you’re looking to hone your skills as a stand-up comic, we’ve compiled a short list of upcoming art workshops that should help you out. See also: – Jackalope Ranch’s 100 Creative Archives – Call for Artists:…
Welcome back to Explicitly Graphic, a monthly by Cynthia Clark Harvey (who’s working on a graphic novel of her own). From time to time, Harvey will review graphic novels, talk to artists, and dive into the scene of all things explicitly graphic. Today, she sits down with author and artist…
It happens every year. Like a dark carnival that blows in with the wind overnight, this time of the year brings new life to boarded-up shopping centers Valley-wide. Long vacant Mervyn’s locations become temporary havens for stores specializing in the best goofy, gory and grosteque fashions for Halloween. And although…
When we last put the spotlight on 100 creative forces in Phoenix, it was no secret there were more than 100 individuals who were making waves in the local arts community. So as we count down to our annual Best of Phoenix issue, we’re profiling 100 more. Welcome (back) to 100 Creatives. Daniel Mills…
Gem features one standout piece from a local shop. Whether it’s a jacket, necklace, or handbag, it’s on our have-to-have list. What: We’ve been on a thrifty kick of late, exploring secondhand shops around the Valley. Last week we hit up Deseret Industries and found a vintage peacoat with Midcentury,…
With its diverse and challenging terrain crossing from rocky deserts to pine covered forests, Arizona is one of the truly great states for mountain biking. Now, it’s one of only nine states in the US to have an official high school mountain bike racing league.See Also: – Cycle: Get Dirty…
