The prom was off to a bad start, thought Dennis. His sweaty palms were making a mess of his pristine uniform, and a hush had fallen over the gym as soon as he walked in, leaving only the sound of Dennis’s labored breathing and the angsty crooning of the Kings of Leon. He quickly realized that he must have misheard his friend Bacon, who had told him the theme of the prom was “Tarts and Hitlers.”

Lounge singing is one of the perennial occupations of pop culture. Most elegantly embodied by Frank Sinatra, and most cheesily realized by karaoke, lounge singing is a cultural touch-stone, a greasy but instantly recognizable symbol. What is it about the sight of a man leaning up against a piano, tie slightly askew, a once primo cocktail disintegrating into the watery dregs, that digs so deeply into the soul? It is every man’s dream to prowl a softly-lit stage, tossing off harmonic platitudes to a crowd of clingy drunks?

I fell three feet and into a puddle of grape-flavored Juicy Juice. Not too much juice, it was probably just from one carton. But this was no ordinary puddle; there was something different about it. I knew that because it told me. “Hey you! I’m no ordinary puddle!” it said.

Time to add another toy to my collection! Renowned artist Coop unveiled his first vinyl toy, LIL MORT, at one of my favorite spots Munky King.

It was yet another successful night at the monthly First Friday Art Opening at the La Luz De Jesus Gallery, tucked in the back of one of my favorite historic shops, “Wacko” at 4633 Hollywood Blvd. The two artist’s in the spotlight that evening where Mitch O’Connell and John Puglisi. The unique style and complete contrast of work of these two individuals side by side made an interesting stew of onlookers and showcase.