Speakin out

IT.... IS.... ALIVE!!!!

Lokiloki — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:24:23 GMT

Just a quick note: Cloud 9 lives again! For all those interested, we will have a group clean n paint party on August 9th... Should be fun!

To catch a thief!

Lokiloki — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:47:08 GMT

Ok, so what happened was: Last Thursday I went to Gadget’s shop in Culver City to check on the Cloud. I took my friend Mel with me, cause he was curious to see the car, and I was loaning him gear for a shoot that weekend. After poking around in the back for about 10 minutes, we left Gadget’s shop through the front door only to see a latino kid abot 19 years old exit the building through the front window. He was only about 10 feet from us, and I couldn’t help but notice he had a laptop under his arm. This was more than a little weird, so I interrogated him. He claimed his buddy “Derrick” was renting a space in the back - that “Derrick” had sent him to pick up his laptop. But “Derrick” told him to go through the window? “Yeah, how else would I know which window was open,” he replied. I didn’t buy it, and tried to keep him talking while I called Gadget. It was at this point that I noticed how sweaty this kid was, I mean pouring sweat from his forehead! I asked the kid to turn on the computer, but he said the batteries were dead. Failing to reach Gadget, I tried Charlotte but couldn’t reach her either. The kid told me he was going home, that he lived right around the corner and that we could go to his house if there was any problem. We decided to let him go, but as soon as he took off, we decided to follow him in my car. So, we jumped in my car and followed him down Jefferson as I rang Charlotte again. She picked up just as the kid reached two other skateboarders about a block from Gadget’s shop. I quickly asked if they knew a Derrick, and when she said no, we called 911. In the meantime, the kid noticed we were following him. Grabbing his balls, he crossed Jefferson acting all tough. He came up to my window demanding to know why we were following him. I pretty much ignored him while describing him to the police. Mel got out of the car and distracted the kid for a minute or two at which point the kid tried to give the laptop to him. When he refused to take it, the kid went back across the street and proceeded to skate down Jefferson. Less than a minute later, he was surrounded by three squad cars and two undercover units. The 911 operator instructed us to identify ourselves to the cops, and they in turn had us identify the suspect. And off he went to jail! hehehe Of course, then the real fun began. We were questioned by the Culver City police, repeatedly. They separated us and got Mel and I to recount our story several times. One detective tried to trip me up in my story by telling me I had said things that I had not… I felt like I was in an episode of “Adam 12”. Then a few hours later, I had to do it all again, only this time with the LAPD. Wheee! But it was actually kind of fun, and definitely exciting. All in a day’s work, ma’am. ;)

Grade A Friday Night Entertainment.

Lokiloki — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:20:49 GMT

Ok... shameless advertising warning: My friend Cat is a budding comedian and she is playing the BIG ROOM at the Comedy Club for the FIRST TIME this weekend. She really is funny! And she needs 10 people to say they are there to see her, or they won't let her go on stage. So THAT's how it works! #@$@# Comedy bastards!! Well, I can't go. I have to work in SD on Saturday. But I believe in her, and I thought I'd let all you fine folks know that she is 100% grade A Friday night entertainment. So come one, come all, come on! Begin advertisement... really. ======================================================================================= A friend of mine will be performing at the Comedy Store this Friday. She could really use our support! The more people she has under her name, the better she looks to the producer of the show. Vargus Mason will be performing as well- he is HILARIOUS!! It will be fun! ==================================================================== Get there early and Please say you are there to see Cathy Zukimoto Da Nappy Fro Show The Comedy Store- main room 8pm 6/27/08 8433 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 $15tik Two drink Min http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEPUqbfLXlc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7q0Lmf4RBE Thanks!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...!

Lokiloki — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:51:20 GMT

Well, my Christmas at any rate. I've officially registered the Cloud for 2008 Playa Duty! woohoo! Although I hope I won't have to do anything major to the vehicle this go around (it DID work last year!) I am toying with the idea of making the surface INFLATABLE...! Yup! Wouldn't it be neat to float on bouncy air across the playa? Trouble is, that stuff is frightfully expensive to execute... unless... Anyone have any experience fabricating inflatables?? Know someone in the business? An uncle, or aunt bouncy?? C'mon! If we all pool our resourses... who knows? We could be floatin great in '08. :)

Come see my trailer!

Lokiloki — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:02:59 GMT

The trailer for my documentary is being featured at the South Eastern European film fest next week! I know... I know... They're showing a TRAILER at a film festival?! Weird! But its true... I guess we impressed the organizers with our promo (its 5 minutes long) enough that they want to show it as a "first look". For those of you who don't know, I've been working on a documentary about the Kosovo War and America's impact on their lives and culture. We follow a genial former Texas Ranger as he revisits the family and friends he made over there shortly after the war and try to understand the conflict through the eyes of the people who lived through the war. So any interested parties who will get a free admission via my guest list, let me know! It is screening next Friday at 6:30pm at the Goethe Institute: 5750 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 100, L.A., CA 90036. There is free underground parking after 6! More info? http://www.seefilmla.org Hope to see you there!

Call now.. operators are standing by!

Lokiloki — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:40:42 GMT

Hey yall! Wednesday night I'm answering phones for KCRW's pledge drive, so call in anytime from 8 to midnight and ask for Matt... I'll sign ya up! C'mon and support one of the coolest radio stations on the planet! I promise I won't spend it all in one place... errr... I mean... Loki is standing by! ;)

Great in '08

Lokiloki — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:57:21 GMT

Well, here it is. A brand new sparkly new year all freshly unwrapped like a gift splayed out before me. The cheers and jeers of last year are finally subsiding and the last of the confetti is swept away with the tears of days gone by. Will this be good one? Will it break before the first week is even past? Can I get my money back if it does? I say: absolutely! Last year sucked, and I can safely say it was 90% my fault. Sorry to all you out there that had crappy years as well... I hadn't realized the overarching impact of my influence until now! But rest assured, dear friend. All will be great in '08 for the same reason '07 was such a bummer. Its because I hold the universe by the tail. Sure, it seems big and imposing (impersonal too!) but in reality this tiger is just a little pussy-cat in need of a good ear scritch. And who wouldn't want to make the universe purr a little? Sure beats making it growl. ;) So relax! Enjoy! No need to fear a repeat this year of last year's insanity. I've got it under control! And if you feel inclined, give that sweet universal pussy a little lovin your own self this year. It will be worth it for sure ;)

Its beginning to look a LOT like....

Lokiloki — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:37:30 GMT

... *that* time of year.... And its been a chore getting into the spirit of the season this year. Well, maybe a chore isn't the right choice of words... I just haven't felt it. My Xmas spirit is at an all-time low. Thankfully, it's not into the negative, rather just non-existent! Just goes to show ya how subjective it all is. However, I am grateful to my family and friends for sticking by me in a difficult year. I have had tough years in the past, but none have felt so full of loss and sorrow... Ironic for a year that started with such promise and happiness! But rather than wallow in the disappointing and heart-wrenching aspects of the past, I am resolving to see the positive and look ahead to the coming year with an open heart and mind. And its so important to look to the great spiritual leaders of our time for the perspective and lessons we need to learn.... And so, I give you Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. When all the other kids wanted a big, gaudy, aluminum tree, and expected Charlie Brown would bring back the "best one on the lot. Instead he brought back the homeliest, most pathetic twig on the lot. Because it was the most "sincere". At first the other kids were furious but when they gave it a little love, they transformed the little tree into a thing of beauty. And it brought them all together. And so it is with this year for me. On the surface, its been a horrible mess! But applying a little love to it (and me) and forgiving us for our shortcomings might just redeem this mess and turn it into a thing of beauty. The parable of Christ, whether you believe the religious stuff or not, centers around loving one another, admitting our imperfections, and forgiving. If we can see the beauty in that homely little tree within us and those we love, every day can be Christmas... Much love and happiness to all, ~Loki

Videos up!!

Lokiloki — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:07:33 GMT

Hey peeps... The winners of the 40th Annual Loki Awareds are up and active on my tribe page, as well as all the nominees! I am still waiting for some of the photogs to send me their pix for the ultimate posting on www.thelokiawards.com - so if you know (or are) one of these artists, poke them, prod them, cajole them into sending me the pix ;) You're all winners to me! ~L PS- Videos are up on www.thelokiawards.com as well!

Thanks everyone!!!

Lokiloki — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 06:55:28 GMT

For helping me create the best durned birthday extravaganza a boy could ever hope fer. :) Extra special thanks to: * Brett & Tim who operated the recording booth and edited your dialog so well. * Dank for bein the best MC fur could buy. * Cupcake Kitty for bringing miles and miles of smiles and helping so much with the food (and Costco!) * Andrea, Vegan Skater for greeting and bringing Scott to light up our bar zone. * Victor and Quest and Paynie for the excellent paparazzi action & killer photos * Lecter for his brute lighting strength and excellent security in a pinch * Arcana for her incredible costume, her fabulous meatballs, support & much appreciated cleaning skillz! * Brooke & Brett again for the mashups brainstorms & providing most of the DVD's we ripped * Jae for helping all around & hours of exhile in the limo * Jefferson for the excellent graphic & animated version I never used (sorry!!) * Mel, Teague, Brett, Brooke, & daBomb for script inspiration & brainstorms * Bruce for workin on a Saturday and only complaining a little tiny bit (that bourbon really helps, no?) * And especially daBOMB - without whom I would have skipped this party altogether and just cried in my milk... waaah! :) LOVE YOU ALL! THANKS FOR MAKING THIS SUCH A SPECIAL NIGHT!!! And LOVE to all you who came, and participated in our show & celebration. None of this would be possible without all of you... truely. I really appreciate you guys!! xoxox Loki PS- Photos will be posted soon!

No Cloud at Decom..!

Lokiloki — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:24:24 GMT

Sorry folks... Just got too much to do to put it together this year. And it really is kinda silly to unpack the cushions, charge the batteries, pin up the canopy, string out the rope lights, load it on the dolly, drive it down there, unload, put on the wings, insert the blacklights and fire up the disco ball, mount the sound system, and plug 'er all in all just to park it on the street. Especially if it rains. So, regretably (sorta) the Cloud will not be attending this year. But you can still give me hugs if ya want ;)

Cleaning house...

Lokiloki — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:38:15 GMT

A friend pointed out to me that I've become one of "those people" who can't escape the wrongs - real or imagined - they think they have caused in the past. Someone who has a hard time forgiving themselves, will have a difficult time moving on and leaving the past behind. Sad to say, I had to agree. I have become one of "those people". Ick! Life is WAY too short to dwell on the past. Even pleasurable pasts are not to be dwelt upon when there is soooo much life out there to explore and appreciate! I acknowledge that I have had some tragedy in my life recently and that it is okay to mourn and be sad. But there is a lot of love and happiness out there for all of us, if we can just open the door within. I've done a lot of great work recently stopping some bad habits and taking positive steps in the right direction. And today I clean my closet of some hopes and memories I have been holding onto and take another few steps forward. I've fucked up, but I have to forgive myself now and ease on down the road. No regrets! Love, Loki

Holy Crap, Batman! I'm 40!

Lokiloki — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:14:22 GMT

How the hell did THAT happen? I swear, I never thought I'd make it past 33... I mean, if Christ couldn't do it, why should I? Well here I am, and today I'm just going to be nice to myself. No need for gifts. Just a day to enjoy being alive. Oh yeah, and I hope to ride some rollercoasters on the way ;) BTW- Everybody... my party has been delayed to the 20th of October! Please save the date! It will be well worth it ;)

Save the date: >> Oct 20th <<

Lokiloki — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:48:43 GMT

Loki turns 40! And to celebrate daBomb and Loki will host the 1st ever 40th annual Loki Awards... www.thelokiawards.com

One step..

Lokiloki — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 19:01:23 GMT

I'm feeling better. Thanks to everyone who sent me a word or more of encouragement. I love you all. Seriously. I have decided to make some big changes in my life. Some of them are like closing the barn door long after the horses have escaped, and some are goals I've had for a long time, but never fully commited to. But its time to shake things up in my life. Otherwise things will just be business as usual... and that, my friends, would be the end of me. So... As my first big step I am pledging a year of sobriety. No pot. No drugs. No drunkeness. I do this, not because I believe I am addicted to any of these substances, but rather to honor my own intelligence and stop avoiding what I need to do. Plus, the thrill is gone. I have never been a big drinker, so I am allowing myself a social drink or two for now - as long as it doesn't get out of hand. As for the other substances - I just don't need 'em. I don't and won't judge my friends who want to imbibe the stuff they wanna do. More power to ya! And I certainly won't avoid people or places because I am on the wagon... This is a personal choice. So there. I've said it. It is written. Let it be done. ~L

Green to Blue

Lokiloki — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:16:30 GMT

Ah. Back home again. Returning to reality after being on the Playa is alway a bit of a letdown. There is so much love and joy going around at the Burn that I usually have withdrawals if not outright D.T.'s But this year I return home to an empty home. A broken heart. A void in my soul so large, you could park and giant oil derrick there complete with fireball. I am trying to let go. I am trying to let go. I am trying to let go... But if I do, I feel I will have truly nothing. No direction. No future. And the past just makes me sad. I don't mean to discount what I do have: great friends, great home, relative stability, a good family. Its just that I miss my loved ones soooo bad! And to make matters worse, I face my 40th b-day in 18 days. What a milestone! I should be celebrating life! I should be gathering my friends for hugs and merrymaking. But my heart is just not in it.... So. I plaster on a smile and struggle to take the next breath. I grit my teeth and brace for the next volley the Universe has to throw at me. I breathe. I do my work. I begin to change my life. I hope for a sunny tomorrow. And I pray that everything will be alright.

Kilo Valentine R.I.P.

Lokiloki — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 02:11:58 GMT

I'm so sad. And numb. And angry, but there's no one to blame. Such a good boy. So smart. Athletic. A gentle and sweet soul. Did I give you a good life? Were you happy? Did I do everything for you that I could? Rest in peace, little guy. Love, love, love you. He was my special friend. ------ Kilo chased a squirrel into the street right in front of a moving car. He was struck, but managed to limp across the street. Some kind people called me after witnessing the accident, and I was with him 2 minutes later. We took him to the animal hospital across the street, but he stopped breathing within a few minutes. He was bleeding internally and out of it, and when his heart began skipping beats, I asked the vet to put him out of his misery rather than risk radical surgery. I hope I made the right decision.

Costume Xchange - This Saturday!

Lokiloki — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:55:03 GMT

Hey Peeps! Don't forget about the AWESOME costume Xchange party this Saturday! It's the 3rd annual, don'tcha know? Follow this link for details: http://web.mac.com/switchstudios/iWeb/Costume/Costume%20Xchange%2007.html Bring us your tired, your cold, your costumes longing to be free!! 6-10pm Sat July 28th in West LA! xox Loki

Some thoughts on Love

Lokiloki — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 21:23:15 GMT

While on my recent journeys I have had lots of time to reflect on life, love, and heartbreak. Fortunately a good friend loaned me, "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran which crystalizes what I am feeling these days. So I thought I'd share and hear how this affects you, my friends. ------ When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. ------ Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself. He threshes you to make you naked. He sifts you to free you from your husks. He grind you to whiteness. He kneads you until you are pliant; And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast. ------ But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears. -------- But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstacy; To return home at eventide with gratitude; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise on your lips. - Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Reporting LIVE from Kosovo

Lokiloki — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 19:11:17 GMT

Hello friends... Just a quick note to say I am safe and sound in Kosovo having arrived late Sunday night. Everyone is friendly and happy to see me! (woohoo!) and the weather is lovely. If you like rain. The shoot is going well, and we've got 16 hours in the can in only 3 days. Too bad I only brought 26 tapes! Getting some great material though and all is well. I am just finishing up a 20 hour day and quite exhausted, but I will write soon to update you on things. Just one quick message to spread, especially with the continually depressing news from Iraq: People still love Americas, and the idea of America is as strong in the imaginations of the oppressed as it ever was. Here is a country with 95% Muslim population and they are GRATEFUL we stepped in to help them. They recognize that the US is always helping other countries - something we ourselves forget. But take a moment and research how many millions of dollars we spread around the globe in foreign aide, and how many times we have come to the rescue of other people in times of disaster. Not only as a nation, but as a people we are generous and good willed. No one can accuse me of being a Bushie, or a supporter of the Iraq fiasco, but remember that even there - there is some good being done. Love and peace and sending good vibes...

Shufflin' off to Kosovo...

Lokiloki — Tue, 22 May 2007 17:16:01 GMT

Well gang, I'm headed back to the Balkins next week... Some of you may know that two years ago I followed my "uncle" Archie to Kosovo for a month of exploration, interviewing, and shooting. Didn't really have much of a plan back then, other than to go, observe and record. All I knew then had come from CNN and that was mainly examples of our fine military hardward blowing things up. Archie wanted me to go partly because he knew it would be a good distraction from the death of my father, and partly because he thought Americans should know there is a place very near the middle east with a 90% muslim population that absolutely loves Americans. Archie's a retired Texas State Trooper, more than a little conservative, and one of those convinced that the news media only shows stories that paint the US in bad light. He hoped I could shoot something that would convince people in this country that we are not perceived as villans in other countries... just our own. So... with less than a month of planning, I went off to Kosovo in March of 2005 and leapt with both feet into the unknown. It was fascinating, grueling, and more than a bit over- whelming but I met some great people, saw a fascinating slice of human existance and got some perspective on my own life... I also returned with about 26 hours of HDV footage and interviews. Then the real work began. What the heck was the story? Was I trying to tell the story of the war? Of the survivors? Of the post-war wrangling to make Kosovo an independant country? Was it a story of the folly of the "us vs them" attitude humanity is plagued with? Or was it an examination of American foreign policy? Does "nation building" work? And how do you explain a conflict between two ethnic groups that goes back over 1300 years? Usually, making a documentary is much like writing an essay in school: You start with a thesis, and you make a series of arguements that support or conflict with that thesis, then draw up a conclusion that is the synthesis of thesis+arguements. I shot the arguements first, then had to figure out the durned thesis! Not recommended for the faint of heart. Fast forward two years: I've been tinkering with the material for a while now, had a chance to do an audio-interview with Archie, and he's headed off to Iraq to do a mission over there. With the help of some great editors, we've narrowed down the thematic elements and some really cool threads have emerged. But the third act is still a little underbaked. And in the two years since I've been there, a lot, and also very little has changed. The ethnic Albaninans still want Kosovo to be an independant state, the Serbs want it to stay a part of Serbia, and the U.N. is still in control. Our troops are still there. Most of NATO has their troops there. It is a collosal stalemate 8 years in the running. And tensions are on the rise. From today's NPR we have this gem: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10259437 Just about two weeks ago, out of the blue, I get word Archie is headed back to Kosovo when his tour in Iraq has been completed. He leaves Iraq today. So I've been up to my ear-holes planning, booking, editing, writing... scrambling to get to the Balkins before he leaves there on the 10th of June. It has been a drop everything you're doing and start running sort of experience. I generally like those! So its off I go on the 1st for a couple of weeks to (hopefully) finish my film. The next 9 days promise to be almost too full for comfort, so I apologize in advance to my friends who have invited me to their fun fun fun Memorial Day bashes. If I could, I'd go to them all, but as it is I will have to take several rain checks. :) Interested in seeing some clips? Work in progress at http://www.switch-studios.com/documentary2.htm

Thanks for uncorkin me

Lokiloki — Tue, 15 May 2007 17:52:35 GMT

To my friends and family: Thanks for comin to "Loki in a Bottle!" It was a blast and you all really lifted my spirits and made me feel loved. :) And to all yall who wanted to come, but couldn't... We'll do it again next month in some form or another. Now if anyone has pix from this weekend, send 'em my way as I'm makin a slideshow.

Ok... So who's going to LIB?

Lokiloki — Wed, 09 May 2007 21:16:51 GMT

I need some FRIENDS if I'm going to ante up and goooooo! Last year was such a blast. One of the best (and sweatiest) times of my life! I was really interested in returning, but I've been going through some pretty heavy times :/ A lot of self-examination and soul-searching. I am longing for some fun feel I don't in many ways deserve it... But the thought occurs to me that maybe I should take a break from my thought and reconnect with my friends. So who's goin?

OMG! More flotsam in the internet stream!

Lokiloki — Wed, 09 May 2007 21:02:24 GMT

Well friends, its official. I am now a blogger. Now you will be able to bask in the glory of my most intimate and arcane thoughts. Are we excited yet? :) Don't think of this as self-agrandizing shameless self-promotion. There will always be plenty of shame! Just think of this as my little gift to you, my friend... a wish that we can grow closer. Awwww :)