Showing some blog love to my very talented friend and neighbor Guigo for his latest film LANDSCAPE.

LANDSCAPE is a documentary about Venice-based artist Jennifer Wolf. She uses minerals from the earth to create one-of-a-kind paintings that explore the emotional connection that comes with discovering the land.

Jen’s work will be on display at the William Turner Gallery in Los Angeles with a reception Saturday, June 1st from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The event will also feature Guigo’s full length documentary. If you’re in LA and looking to absorb the arts, then look no further.

Also, to my fellow LA creatives, if you need a producer for your next film, check out Guigo’s work. Hailing from Brazil, he’s brought his talent Stateside and we’re lucky to have it.

♥ BB

Showing some love to my favorite salon, retail boutique and event space, The Well.

The Well is without a doubt the best place in LA to get your hair done, snag some new threads and party your face off. Top LA brands like Unif, Clover Canyon and AGAIN adorn the racks. They also carry unique vintage gems like Vivienne Westwood and COMME des GARCONS. Need a trim or touchup? Jefferson is all Davines, all business and the best. As for parties, you never know who they’ll bring in. Juicy J and Gaslamp Killer are just two of The Well’s performing artists.

If you’re downtown LA tomorrow, stop by The Well for a sneak preview of their Spring 2013 arrivals. They’ll feature releases from Tovar, Publish Bright Future and many more. Complimentary drinks and snacks will get your weekend started right.

Dress well. Stay well. I love The Well.

♥ BB

Ladies we’ve all been there. You’re six dates deep and things are going great. You’ve done dinner, had drinks, met friends, talked cats, it’s almost too good to be true. Then, out of nowhere, the love boat sinks and your soldier goes AWOL. No texts. No calls. No tweets. No likes. Radio silence. That’s right, you’ve been given the Disappearing Man Act.

What is the Disappearing Man Act? How do you know you’re getting it? First and foremost, when dating let him get ahold of you. Too available is unattractive. So are mind games. Reply when you can and engage in dialogue to show you’re interested. Fast forward to date five. What once took seconds to yield a reply, now takes minutes. Minutes turn into hours, hours into days. Did something happen? Did his phone break? Did he lose interest?

Test the waters by sending a text. If he doesn’t reply, wait a day. Maybe (and this is a real iffy) send one more text. If communication was consistent and you feel comfortable, call instead. Leave a voicemail so there’s no excuse. Then wait. If it takes him more than a few hours, chances are he’s trying to distance himself via the DMA (Disappearing Man Act).

In the digital age, it’s become increasingly difficult to avoid the Disappearing Man Act. Technology has led to the demise of dating. Communication has become impersonal. It’s easy to ignore calls. Pretend texts are missed. Oh you liked my photo? Sorry, I didn’t see that with the other 397 likes received. If we stop liking someone, it’s easy to unfollow, ignore and save face. Why is it socially acceptable to “unlike” the real world?

So now what? Reality bitch slapped you and it’s apparent the dude has disappeared. You may want to call until he answers, text 24/7 and stalk his social media. Whatever you do, don’t. This gives off the illusion you’re a) crazy b) desperate or c) both, and no one likes that. Instead, here are five suggestions for dealing with a disappearing man:

1. Sweat It Out: Getting brushed off blows. Why wouldn’t someone want to date you? Instead of drowning your sorrows in booze, which only leaves you bloated and hungover, hit the gym. The boost of endorphins will lift your spirits. You’ll feel better, which means you’ll look better. That eye candy on the elliptical is an added bonus.

2. Treat Yourself: Whether it’s new shoes, a spa day or time alone, treat yourself. You work hard. You’re a rad woman. You deserve it. Sometimes a little self-indulgence is necessary. You gave him time, now give yourself time.

3. Still Get It: Your time is limited. Between a career, friends, family and fitness, who has time for dating? Moreover, who has time for dating that actually leads to sex!? It’s no longer taboo for women to use sex toys. Luckily Adam & Eve has over 200 vibrators for under $30. Who says a party of one isn’t fun?

4. Focus on Friends: Instead of dwelling on someone that doesn’t want to be with you, focus on those who do. Reach out to friends, even if it’s just a call. Channeling your vibes to people who enjoy your company will only help manifest a man that does too.

5. Accept It: Sorry, it’s true. Not everyone in life will like you. Don’t worry about what you did wrong or why he’s not right. Accept that some people aren’t meant to be together. Make peace and move on.

I’m not saying the aforementioned suggestions erase the pain caused by a disappearing man, but they will help refocus your energy. Besides, a man who pulls the DMA, isn’t a man in the first place.

Oh, and what if, by some freak reason, your man resurfaces? Hear him out, but trust your gut. I’m a sucker for second chances. Just remember: fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.

♥ BB

*This is a guest post editorial inspired by true life.

Dear President Obama,

This morning while walking to work, a group of young adults on the Venice Boardwalk asked me for money. “We’re only $1.50 short until 40-ounces to freedom.”

Bewildered, mainly because he was homeless and I on my walk to work, turned around. Did I hear him correctly? I let the gentleman and his friends know I don’t have money to spare (hence going to work) and that the US Government took almost one-fourth of my $40k salary in taxes last year. Everyone standing around quickly chimed in, “Yeah, that’s why I don’t pay taxes.” “Fuck the government, who pays taxes?”

I let these people know nearly half of Americans pay zero income taxes. I then asked if any of these people collect government services such as unemployment or food stamps. A majority of the group, including the man who asked for money, said he uses food stamps. I then replied I’ve already given him money. A look of confusion swept the group, obviously unable to correlate their food stamps and my taxes.

Before walking off, the gentleman said the government ruined his life so he deserved an EBT card. I asked how they did so. He couldn’t reply, just kept saying they did.

I’m writing you this letter to illustrate the blatant fraud committed by people collecting government services. If you don’t have money for food, you shouldn’t be drinking. If you’re proud to take from the government (i.e. steal from the tax payer), you shouldn’t receive benefits. When you’re at a party and see someone cutting cocaine with an EBT card, something has gone awry.

I find it extremely disturbing in the midst of a financial crisis, we aren’t looking at food stamps, unemployment and free phones as ways to cut back spending. The highest median income is in Washington DC. Last year the White House had 54 Christmas trees. Your golf weekend in Florida could fund 351 furloughed Federal employees.

It is painfully obvious rampant spending, not income (because tax revenue is now the highest in 30 years) is the problem with our national debt. DHS recently released 5,000 illegal aliens, the White House wants to ax visitor tours and you plan to furlough federal employees while hiring 400 more. The sequester and budget debacle is a smokescreen for the real issue: government greed. The first thing cut should be politicians’ paychecks. Lest you’ve forgotten, you are an elected official who works for us. We do not work for you.

The attitudes espoused by Americans today are reminiscent of Maoism, where everyone feels government entitlement without pitching in. Having lived in China, seeing first-hand the detriment caused by government dependence, I will do everything in my power to stop us from traveling down that path. It’s why I volunteer. It’s why I stay politically active. It’s why I work hard. We are owned by China. We cannot keep spending money we do not have.

Mr. President, you’re a smart man. You know the policies put in effect will not benefit Americans long-term. Look at history, as it’s our greatest teacher. When more people take from the system than pay into the system, it collapses. America is being collapsed from within.

I would like to conclude by reminding you financial freedom is power. Government dependence is slavery. Take off the shackles. Let us keep our taxes and spend the money locally. This is how we change America. There’s a sleeping giant in America, and we’re starting to wake up.

It’s not about parties. It’s about people. Power to the people.

♥ BB

Also a friendly reminder about your campaign promise. FYI my taxes went up over $700 this year.

“I will cut taxes – cut taxes – for 95 percent of all working families, because, in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle class.”

- Barack Obama

By your mid-20′s friends start to have serious long-term relationships, get engaged/married or have babies. For those unattached, family and friends can be a constant reminder of singledom and its sorrows. I’ve heard friends say they “will find love this year.” Is love something you find? Love isn’t like finding new shoes or a vintage couch. To me, love is something that happens when you least expect it. Love is something you can’t force, no matter how much you want it. Loving the idea of love, isn’t love, it’s desperation. (cough, women on The Bachelor, cough)

I’ve been single for six years. What do I know about love? Lots, or so I think. What I experienced as love, I knew in my heart wasn’t. I’ve dated. I’ve been dumped. I’ve done the dumping. Why? Because when you feel it, you know. Friends in successful relationships, marriages or partnerships have described the magnetic attraction felt when you meet “the one.” I’m not saying to analyze every date as future husband or wife material, but if you aren’t feeling it, what’s the point?

A couple years back I wrote about settling down. Through observation (or everyone blasting their relationships on the Web) I believe people now reach a point where they stop searching for true love and settle for the next willing partner. Why is this? Why are we so afraid of our biological clock that we sacrifice our heart?

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t lonely. Just like most women, I want companionship. I want a life partner, someone to have my back through thick and thin. I want a man who sends me cat videos and political articles, who thinks I’m beautiful even with morning hair, who appreciates my gardening, giving back and great sense of humor. I want someone to love from now until death, and even in death we will love each other to eternity.

Jesus Christ, why am I crying? (checks menstrual calendar) Ok, that explains it…

Anyways, I guess the point of my post is to remind everyone to love with all your heart. Whether you’re single, steady or settled for 50 years, you have to give love to get love. Love isn’t a goal you set in your calendar. It’s not something you *hope* happens later in the relationship. Love is an emotion so powerful, even Webster can’t define it. So until you feel it, keep loving. Keep searching. Don’t give up. If you already feel it, don’t stop giving it. When you’re gone, let your love live on.

Happy singles awareness day, from me, my cat and a bottle of white.

♥ BB

So I spent $4 on the pen I’m using to write this e-mail with. Yup. I am handwriting this one, and will type it out unedited once I land in Hawaii, as I always do on flights. I hate flying. It’s such a waste of time, albeit a necessary one. Everybody around me is sleeping. Those lucky bastards. I can’t sleep with my legs all bent and my head breathing and rebreathing the same air over and over and over.

B

Hey guys, ladies still like letters. Heck, I’ll take a letter over a text, tweet or email any day.

Brad Kageno, you are a gem! Well, except maybe to the hooker on your flight…

♥ BB

A few photos from one of my favorite photographers and friends, the talented Neil Favila. I heard of Neil’s photography before moving to LA, so to have him snap my pics is very flattering. Very thankful.

Click here to see more of his work. Make sure you’re not busy, because you’ll spend a lot of time looking!

♥ BB

Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Mittens isn’t a saint, and I don’t believe in his stance on abortion. Having said that, I also don’t believe his presidency would’ve taken us back to coat hangers and alleys. Realistically, abortion is a political smokescreen to detract us from other issues, but that’s another blog for another day… So why should Obama’s stance on your hooter have you concerned?

Obamacare isn’t a free-for-all. Government regulation puts limits on accessibility to services. While birth control is free (and I use the term loosely), your pap is now covered too. Great, right? Not so much.

A good friend is studying to be an OBGYN. She put it this way: the government now tells you how many paps, mammograms, etc. you’re allowed annually. But what if I want more? What if I want a second opinion? Government regulation of medical services now decides if we need a second opinion. Services are rationed because everyone has access to them. Do you really trust the Federal Government, who can’t even manage the Post Office, to manage your vagina? Do you really think they know what’s best for your body?

Some might say this is far fetched, but look at China. The government, which has regulated health care for 60 years, controls how many babies you’re allowed to have. Services are deplorable. Aging Chinese can’t afford healthcare, thus passing the costs on to family. There is a shortage of doctors because pay is regulated. Governments run hospitals, and they don’t run them well. Costs are increased for everyone and hinders the middle class. Pregnant with a disabled child? Let’s not even go there. I’ve witnessed firsthand Chinese medical facilities and they are not the change America needs.

Free speech is a right. Liberty is a right. Slutty behavior is a choice. If we want society to take women’s rights seriously, we need to respect ourselves. Over 40 percent of all pregnancies are to unwed mothers. (CDC, 2012) If you can’t afford birth control, why are you having a baby? If you are celibate, why should you fund someone else’s abortion? As for STD STATS, they’ll make you a cat lady for life. It is not up to society to fund our poor decisions. Self respect shows we deserve respect.

So instead of bitching about the problem, how do we solve it? Women can access free birth control at Planned Parenthood. People living below poverty level receive Medicaid. America needs more non-profit women’s centers. We need the ability purchase insurance across state lines. We need to limit special interests, lobbyists and pharm-agendas. We also need to limit wasteful spending and abuse of services. It’s up to us to look out for one another, not the government.

I’ll take four years of bush over what’s to come. Government dependence is slavery. Personal accountability is freedom. Ladies, are we really free to choose?

♥ BB

A lot of exciting changes are happening here at the MADE Cafe.

While I don’t want to go into too many details, I will say some administrative changes and a new location are just a few things to come in 2013.

Friends, make sure to save the date on November 29th. I’ll be sending you invites shortly.

In the interim, make sure to check out our cafe on 4th and San Pedro. It’s hands down the happiest place on Skid Row!

♥ BB

What if Bush lost $1.2B taxpayer dollars to political donor MF Global?

What if Bush didn’t prosecute Jon Corzine, head of MF Global, for the missing money?

What if Bush called the Fort Hood shooting “work place violence” instead of terrorism?

What if Bush let guns walk in Operation Fast and Furious and a border patrol agent died?

What if Bush refused to release documents regarding Brian Terry’s murder?

What if Bush lost $500M taxpayer dollars to Solyndra, another big campaign donor?

What if Bush blamed the sodomy and murder of our Libyan ambassador on an anti-Muslim film?

What if Bush refused to send help during the Libyan attack, then lied to Americans about it?

What if Bush signed NDAA?

What if Bush accrued $6T debt in four years?

What if Bush doubled our nation’s dependence on food stamps?

What if Bush blew off Israel’s PM for appearances on The View, Letterman, etc.?

What if Bush sealed his college transcripts?

What if Bush’s birth certificate had PDF layers?

What if Bush had connections to domestic terrorist Bill Ayers?

What if Bush received $1.5M in campaign donations from George Soros?

What if Bush signed an executive order, granting millions of illegals the right to vote, right before a presidental election?

What if the Bush Administration chose to not prosecute Black Panthers for voter intimidation?

What if Bush expanded our wars into Syria and Libya without Congressional approval?

What if Bush passed up hurricane victims to campaign in Vegas?

What if Bush said America has 57 states?

What if Bush promised to close Gitmo, and failed to do so?

What if Bush told Russian President Medvedev “I will have more flexibility after the election.”

What if Bush appointed open communists, socialists and progressives to various “Czar” positions.

What if Bush bowed to foreign leaders?

What if Bush let unemployment reach eight percent, even after an almost trillion dollar stimulus?

What if Bush fudged numbers, not including a major state, to improve his unemployment rate?

What if Bush extended unemployment benefits for up to two years?

What if Bush used the communist slogan “Forward” as his campaign slogan?

What if Bush forced you to pay for birth control, even if it went against your religion?

What if Bush forced you to buy health care, unless you’re too poor, exempt for political reasons, or an illegal immigrant?

What if Bush didn’t produce a balanced budget for 1,000 days?

What if Bush went golfing during the BP oil spill?

What if Bush squashed the Keystone Pipeline?

What if Bush passed a healthcare bill, even if a majority of Americans didn’t want it?

What if Bush blamed Clinton for everything going wrong?

What if Bush killed Bin Laden, then dumped his body at sea 24 hours later in accordance to Muslim burial rights?

What if Bush gave Sony Pictures classified information to produce a film?

What if Bush sat in the pews of Reverend Wright for 25 years?

What if Bush falsely claimed his father served in WWII?

What if Bush’s Jobs Czar, GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt, outsourced jobs to China instead of brining manufacturing home?

What if Bush wore a wedding ring that acknowledges his love for Allah?

What if Bush were never vetted by the MSM?

What if Bush openly believed in the redistribution of wealth?

What if…

If you wouldn’t vote Bush for the aforementioned reasons, why vote Obama?

♥ BB