In space

The original trailer for Alien, which opened in theaters May, 1979.

Thirty three years have passed, in which three sequels, a spin-off franchise (Alien vs. Predator) and a quasi-prequel, Prometheus were created. Still, Alien remains the most compelling chapter with its brilliant screenplay and profoundly effective pacing.

She's not a sidekick, arm candy, or a damsel to be rescued.

—Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer's of America president John Scalzi (on Ellen Ripley)

Above all, Alien introduced the world to Ellen Ripley. Originally written as a male character, casting made a bold decision and gave the role to Sigourney Weaver. At the start of the film, Ripley is a steely commanding officer, meticulously following protocol. In battling the Alien, she transforms to her truest self; a capable, fierce, intuitive being.  Ripley is currently ranked #8 at the top of the American Film Institute's list of 100 Greatest Heroes, outranking Superman, Obi-Wan Kenobi and George Bailey among others.

Coming soon

Building Stories by Chris Ware (October 2012)

A certain something

I love finding a jewel among vintage photos. The ones that pull at your sleeve with

their mystery; a snapshot of a particular story. But today, I still have John Fante on the brain.

There was also this passionate need for her. I had it from the first time I saw her. She went away that first time, she walked out of her aunt's house where we had met at tea, and I was no good without her, absolutely a cripple until I saw her again. But for her I might have lived out my life in other streams—a reporter, a bricklayer—whatever was at hand.

—John Fante, Full of Life

Spectacle

I can appreciate a great ad campaign; the colors, the design, the catchphrase, the humor. But it's oh so rare I ever want to buy the product. The L.A. Eyeworks ads were startlingly effective; everyone looked great and the few pairs that I (ran out and) purchased I wore for years and still treasure.

 Eartha Kitt

Ryuichi Sakamoto

 John Waters

 Philip Glass

Wilson Pickett

(Yep,  Mr. Pickett you sold me on that fab pair of cheaters!)

Collaboration

I bought a pair of shorts that I'll never wear. 

Produced in 1990 (for Bergdorf Goodman), the shorts are from Isaac Mizrahi's high-end ready to wear collection. Mizrahi collaborated with fellow designer (and friend) Maira Kalman, creating playful pieces with exuberant illustrations.  

Writing on the wall

I love this huge graphic wall piece. I believe the excerpt is from the short story, 

Strangers When We Meet by Hanif Kureishi.

Right now, I have John Fante on the brain. 

I could live with the following as a wall piece for so many reasons:

Los Angeles, give me some of you! Los Angeles come to me the way I came to you, 

my feet over your streets, you pretty town I loved you so much, you sad flower in the sand, you pretty town.

–from Ask the Dust