Lupe A - Plinky Answers

Who needs Target music when there's Amoeba Music-Hollywood?

2009-10-18T14:23:24-06:00

Can't find that new one by Tiesto or how about that film by Audrey Tatou at Target? Well of course you can't. You have to go to a specialty store (which are rare these days) or order online. Well if you live in L.A., SF, or Berkeley, you are in luck my friend because you will definitely find that and more at Amoeba Music.

You'll find original Beatles' vinyl, all foreign films, all genres on vinyl, all genres on CD, adapters (aka spiders) for 45 rpm records, gear, and much more. It's a candy store for all music enthusiasts. DJ's come here to supply their collections.

Because you can trade in your stuff, lots of hard to find gems can be found. I haven't had the privilege of seeking for a gem, but I have heard stories. They also have in-store performances by different musicians.

They have two other locations in NorCal (San Francisco & Berkeley) which I haven't been to; odd considering how many times I go up there throughout the year. Go figure.

Amoeba Music is definitely an excellent place to find all kinds of sweets and treats. I heart Amoeba. http://www.amoeba.com/

Urth Caffe, DTLA is great for food & drinks with any friend

2009-10-09T16:04:00-06:00

If you ever been to Urth Caffe in SaMo or WeHo, you know how fabulous it is. The downside to the one in WeHo is that the parking is terrible on Melrose & traffic is kinda bad near there. The SaMo one is great, but sometimes it's a little too far. For a while I've been wanting to find the one in DTLA (Downtown L.A.) and I finally found it last weekend. It's great overall (esp. parking & distance).

I live near DTLA as a matter of fact (15-20 min) and I've been spending lots of time in DTLA lately. I was doing jury duty, Burrito Project Silverlake distribution, walking through Olvera Street, the wholesale district, the Broadway district and driving all around Alameda St. (Chinatown, Homegirl Cafe, Union Station, Little Tokyo, 4th Street & L.A. Regional Food Bank).

Anyway, Urth is known for their fabulous organic coffees and teas. They also offer a delicious cafe style menu (food, salads, desserts, etc) along with free Wi-Fi. The setting lends itself as a place to be and to be seen at. It has a really nice outside dining patio area with umbrellas & heat lamps. A lot of artsy locals and Hollywood types (and wannabes) go there. Urth DTLA is nestled in the Arts District area of DTLA on Hewitt between Alameda, 4th, 5th, and Palmetto Streets.

Hop the bus to Mission San Juan Capistrano...

2009-10-09T01:51:06-06:00

Well 1st of all that is an unfair question because 50 miles isn't far enough and I have a car so getting driving to any place is easier and faster. It's not like I live the fucking boonies (or in the middle of know where). Plinky, that is such a dumb question. I would have liked to have gone to Santa Barbara but that is 100 miles one way.
I certainly don't want to take the bus to the I.E. because, no offense, it's not that exciting. Kevin & Bean (from KROQ) best describe it; it's all dirt and it's super hot all the time. (so why would anyone one go out there via the bus, you have to be nuts to do that).
In that case, I'd rather go the Mission in San Juan Capistrano. Why? I never been. I am Catholic (well not all that religious, just understanding). And I hear it's really pretty and therefore I want to go. So why not use that bus pass that I found to go there, esp. since the traffic on the 5 freeway (into the OC) can be bad.

I can trust my BFF's with my secrets...

2009-10-09T01:31:25-06:00

So Plinky asks, "Who can you trust with your Secrets?" Well that's easy, the dynamic trio, other wise known as the BFF's (BFF1, BFF2, and BFF3).

BFF1, BFF2 & BFF3
These three are my best friends forever. They are there for me through thick and thin & they all know my most deepest & darkest secrets. No one else knows me best like they do. They know the real Lupe. While others think they have figured me out or have drawn conclusions about me, only the BFF's know what is up and who am I.
I know this sounds crazy, but they are the only ones that I can trust regardless of how psycho or angry they are on any given day. Those 3 got my back. And I count on them for anything. Most importantly, I love them to death (literally, j/k...LoL) Now that is true love. LoL

I'd make a lovely Ikea Malung chair

2009-09-21T22:19:59-06:00

If I were a piece of furniture, what would I be? Well that's easy. I'd be my leather recliner from Ikea. Everyone including me loves that chair. It'd be great because everyone would relax on me, watch their favorite television program on me, and they can even carry a conversation all in the comfort of me. And if someone sitting at the dining table behind me said something, then the person would just swivel back and reply without getting up. AH! What a great feeling to be loved and be someone's favorite piece of furniture. By the way, this chair comes with a foot rest/stool. So the foot stool would be the extension of me. Wow! I sure would be a great piece of furniture. Oops, I mean, my leather recliner with foot rest/stool is a great piece of furniture.

My dream team & my dream vacation...

2009-09-21T21:14:24-06:00

So plinky.com asks: You've just won a dream vacation for four. Who are your three companions? Easy: BFF1, BFF2, and my sista. All three are like me; we like to travel and we all like a good adventure anytime. And probably the dream vacation would take place in Europe because we all love Europe and can't get enough of it. *sigh* So here is why these three individuals would be part of my dream team. Awesome!

BFF1
Because she is BFF1 and she is great! I like that most of the time she is willing to do stuff and has an open mind. As a matter of fact, Lisa & I have taken lots of trips together; Chicago, WA, Sac-town, etc.

BFF2
BFF2 is great as well. She likes spontaneous stuff and is constantly on the go, like me. Eileen and I have gone to a lot of music shows and it would be great to go on a trip with her.

My sista
Liz always willing to go anywhere anytime. She loves trips; that is why she's a flight attendant. She will tag along anytime. She, like BFF2 is always on the go. It helps that she is open minded like Lisa.

Music sounded better on record..

2009-09-12T17:42:19-06:00

By answering "record" that doesn't make me like 100 years old or a grandma because I'm none of the above. I'm only 35, so yeah. I grew up in the 80's. Most teens now are into the 80's and dress it. I went to the Coachella Music & Arts Festival and was trippin' at the crazy flashback right before my eyes. All these kids dressed in 80's garb. I was like WTF! I know I had been inhaling all this weed, but I know this wasn't 1987, I was quite aware it was 2009 (and stll is, duh!)

Whoa! It was so crazy seeing all these kids dressing like I used to do so. Anyway, it wasn't too long ago that music was available on records aka vinyl and were available in 2 formats: 33 & 45 rpm. It was great. I remember the console my parents had. I still have my records and miss playing them. *sigh*

I also listened to music on cassettes and then on CD (compact disc) format; kinda reminiscent to vinyl, but only digital. When I used to visit one of my aunts (who is quite wealthy), she used to play her 8-tracks. The player & the fat cassettes were weird looking to me, but whatever.

Yes, times have changed and so has music. And now finally (almost 2 years ago), I'm up to date with the current digital revolution, the mp3 player. Gotta love technology. Though I still buy CD's at my favorite music store, Amoeba in Hollywood (a candy store for music enthusiasts) b/c I've been burned when my laptop has crashed; so at least I got my CD's as backup to all my music. Yeah, I'm still kinda old school that way. LoL

Wow, I just realized I know what each music format mentioned above is, but that doesn't make me old. It just makes me more knowledgeable. Most kids only know CD's (if that) and mp3 players only. Well, whatever. =)

Lisbon, Portugal is surprisingly delightful

2009-06-14T03:10:21-06:00

Lisbon (or how the locals pronounce it, Leesh-boa) & near by towns are so underrated in comparison to Paris, Barcelona, etc. You get more bang for your buck and it's so clean. The people are awesome and if you know Spanish you can get by okay as far as communication is concerned. It's such a hip city and so different. I was there in 2004 for the Euro Cup which was coincidentally being hosted in Portugal that year. My group went to this nearby beach side town called Santarem. The neighborhood was so beautiful along with the scenery. I remember being calm and really happy. I would love to go back and experience that euphoria. I felt right at home walking through Santarem because I love the beach and the smell of the sea.

'The Breakfast Club' deserves to be watched over and over

2009-05-27T07:43:16-06:00

The time period (80's), the music, the cast, and the story line. It's a typical Saturday morning detention session. Five teens with different personalities and different upbringings are stuck together in the library. Fun times and is reminiscent of detention, high school, cliques, adolescence. I can easily relate to all the characters. Plus I like Molly Ringwald movies.

Being hyper got me into trouble all the time.

2009-05-27T06:22:52-06:00

Being hyper got me in trouble as a kid. Back in the 70's and 80's, ADHD or hyper activity was seen as lack of discipline in the home or just being special aka retarded. Luckily my behavior was seen as lack of discipline so I was always grounded as a kid; my parents were always called in for a conference. In high school, I always had to serve detention. To this day, I'm still hyper, but have learned to control my behavior. I still have problems focusing and need to be on the go all the time. It is something I will live with forever. It's just who I am. I'm glad I was never on Riddlin.

'At any party these need to be blasted to set the mood...

2009-05-23T07:57:52-06:00

Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode

Every party I've been to and has played this, everyone starts dancing and singing to this catchy tune.

Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses

Who ever doesn't enjoy this song must be stupid. This is an all time party favorite.

Magic Stick by Lil" Kim

Ok, this is way off from the other 2 (genre-wise), but it is an awesome song to get everyone all crazy. Luv it.

To the class of 2009...blah, blah!

2009-05-22T20:48:36-06:00

Heh! who are you kidding? Not me that's for sure. No matter what people tell you you're going to end up doing what you want anyway. Not only am I wasting your time (and so is the valedictorian), you are wasting mines as well. So all I'm gonna say is Life is short so live it to the fullest. Take responsibility for your actions and make the most of your lives because no one gives a fuck about you. I sure don't or your teachers, for that matter. So yeah, congratulations you made it so go home and party and get drunk. (oh wait you're not 21 yet, LOL)

My childhood arch enemy

2009-05-16T20:03:55-06:00

This guy at school named Frank. At the tender age of 10 I experienced full on racial discrimination. I was so hurt that his racial slurs defined who I am today. He called a "wet back" among other things. The contradicting part is that he is 1/2 Caucasian-1/2 Mexican. But because he was super light skinned and had hazel colored eyes, he thought he was full on Caucasian. I have never forgotten nor forgiven him to this day (25 years after the fact) and I don't think I ever will even if he would apologize to me now. It was an uncalled for remark.
Because of his hurtful words, I vowed never to embrace my culture and to deny I am "Mexican" even though I have dark hair and dark eyes (and was born in the U.S.). Interesting thing happened 5 years ago, I saw Frank and a strong feeling of rage overcame me. I was debating if I wanted to tell him something, but decided not to. He indeed saw me, but froze and said nothing as well. I guess it was for the best.
I can honestly tell you that no matter what, I will never forgive him. I will take this grudge with me to the grave.

'Tis better to have loved and lost

2009-05-16T19:42:38-06:00

Love is what makes everyone stay alive and set goals for the future. Love makes people happy and try out new things and go to new places. It makes us mature and or childish. Sure we have to suffer a heart break, but that is what makes us different and better person. Love, in my opinion, is like food. It nurtures the body, mind and soul. Both love and loss defines every human being now and forever. Of course, everyone will remember that first love, that first kiss and that first heartbreak, but aren't memories worth a million dollars regardless of how joyful or painful they may be?

When the rescue ship comes, I'll tell 'em: No Thank You!

2009-04-26T21:07:21-06:00

If I was stuck w/ a lover, food, a relatively stress-free life, HELL YEAH I wanna stay stranded. Why would I want to go back to responsibilities, job and all kinds of drama, when I can be away from it all and not be held accountable. We all need a get away every so often; for me it's once a year, or else I'll go insane (and get sick). Wow, being stuck in this island sounds so enticing and a dream come true. Take me there! Where do I sign up?

The Getty Center in L.A., CA is lovely this time of year

2009-04-26T19:40:03-06:00

I am not much of nature person because I have seasonal allergies. Plants make me sneeze and itch. That is why I don't like to hike, go to parks, or go camping. Instead the closest thing to nature and beauty are the gardens at the Getty Center. The decor is very minimalist (just my style). Not only does one enjoy nature, but you can also enjoy some fabulous art. You get the best of both worlds. An added bonus admission is free, but parking is $10. So if 4 of you go, then each of you will pay $2.50. Where in L.A. can you get that much for $2.50? the Getty, duh!

I can explain

2009-04-26T19:23:25-06:00

Why I have been sick a lot lately and seem aloof? Yes, I know it's been an issue lately and I've been doing some thinking. And the only reason why I think this is happening is probably STRESS! You've got to admit that a lot of shit is been happening, and as much I try to not let things bother me (or ignore them), they start taking a toll on my over all well being. You can't expect me to be all la-di-da all the time. I am human after all.
In addition, people want to treat me like crap, then they should expect me to lash out. How would you react or feel is someone was on your case for no reason? I AM POSITIVE you would react accordingly because no one deserves to treated like crap.
So, having to clean up other's messes, being treated like crap, and having to do double (more like triple) work has taken it's toll on me. So yes I'm aloof and yes I'm sick because I'm stressed out.

Leave a party if you see too many wallflowers

2009-04-20T15:15:36-06:00

too many wallflowers
When everyone starts clinging to the wall that is a sure sign that the party is going to suck. Wallflowers tend to cling on to the wall all night and keep to themselves. How awful! If you are going to do that then why go to parties? I don't like to be around boring people, as well as Debbie Downers & introverts. Sorry! I'm an outgoing person who loves to be around people like her.

only beer is served
Beer is not my drink of choice. I hate it when only beer is served. Hello! not everyone loves beer. How about some wine or hard cider or other hard liquor or soda, for that matter.

no snacks or munchies
Come on now! How cheap can you be if you aren't willing to serve something to munch on or only serve 2 bags of chips? Why go through all that trouble if you aren't willing to fully entertain? The point of entertaining is to make yourself and your guests happy so that they really want to be around you often.

Stuck in an elevator with Ryan Reynolds

2009-04-07T00:58:26-06:00

Ryan Reynolds
OMG he is so hot. Who wouldn't want to be stuck in the elevator with him or any other place for that matter. If I were to get stuck with him somewhere I would surely hope we'd find ways to entertain each other (which I will not mention b/c they are too x-rated)...um, um, I am so speechless right now. lol.

Stuck in an elevator with A-Rod

2009-04-03T02:50:51-06:00

A-Rod
Who wouldn't want to get stuck with him? Well maybe prudes or lesbians. Getting stuck with Mr. Hunk would give a new meaning to boring non-eventful elevator rides. I would be in heaven if I'd be stuck with him. The thought is orgasmic...oh A-Rod!

I get my news from the Internet

2009-04-02T00:53:42-06:00

Whether at work, home, or anywhere else, I have the internet at the "tip of my fingers." I also listen to NPR (KCRW) while driving, so I'm informed except for when I'm sleeping...lol.

My bucket list starts with: Live in Provence

2009-03-28T01:41:27-06:00

Live in Provence
I've seen many films that take place in Provence or in the Italian countryside. I've visited Southern France (which includes Provence) and it was so beautiful and peaceful. I would luv the idea to waking up to smelling lavender, breathing fresh air once in a while, waking up late and buying your food fresh from the farmers' market. I would be content living in France for a summer.

Learn Mandarin
I like to meet new people from different parts of the world and be able to communicate in their language. When I was in college, I wanted to learn Mandarin because I figured it was the ideal "2nd language" to learn since Americans do business with China.

Learn French
Always wanted to learn French because it's such a cool language. It sounds so romantic and sophisticated. Like the word "shit" in French is "merde," Merde totally sounds better than shit.

Drag racing
I luv sports cars, I drive fast, and I would luv to race anyone. The adrenaline rush would be awesome.

Be my own boss!
Entrepreneurship runs in my veins. I've had many business ideas and almost carried out one with 2 friends, a dating service, but things happened and it fell through. I luv to plan parties and consider myself and expert. I've had lots of experience and would luv someday to carry this idea through.

Live in Spain
Some years I got the crazy idea of moving abroad like Spain. When I went I fell in love with that country. I love all things Mediterranean, I luv flamenco, I luv the topography and I luv the night life. So I would luv to live at some point there for at least a year.

Own some fabulous art
I luv art, but mainly abstract art. There is this cool artist out of Montreal, I think her name is Francois Issaly (not sure of the spelling). I like modern decor and her art is perfect for this style.

Earn a Culinary degree
When given the opportunity, I luv to cook. I'm very interested in different ingredients and how they can be married with different dishes. I can cook, but I can't bake. I'm awful at it. And by taking culinary classes, I would like to learn how to get baking right.

Traveling to India
The journey is so long and I can't handle long flights though I'm better now in comparison to the 1st time I went to Europe. I wasn't prepared for limited leg room and forgot to bring stuff to entertain myself. I was bored and a bit claustrophobic. So India is much further and who knows what state I'll be in later on in life.

I'll spend my golden years in Monaco

2009-03-20T19:34:44-06:00

One doesn't have to worry about paying income taxes and that is always fabulous. Monaco is such a fabulous city (cosmopolitan, as how Europeans refer to it) and it's along the Cote de Azur (even that has a fabulous sound to it). One may have a chat with a member of the Grimaldis or the Hanovers. Plus Cannes isn't too far from there and I can just hop on a boat or helicopter and attend the Cannes Film Festival. Doesn't that sound ideal and FABULOUS? Well I think so.

Where can I park my Lamborghini darling?

2009-03-20T19:15:35-06:00

How about, None of these! I prefer a Lamborghini “Murcielago!" Both cars (Prius & Escalade) are accessible and not fabulous anymore. Whereas a Lamborghini is a cause for fascination and coveted; and not to mention fast...VROOM VROOM darling!

These "Gwen" girl power songs will help you through a break-up...

2009-03-13T16:30:05-06:00

Don't Speak by No Doubt

Happy Now by No Doubt

Ex-Girlfriend by No Doubt

Lola is my name..

2009-03-13T15:39:31-06:00

Lola. Some of my co-workers decided to give that name because I always get what I want and I guess I'm a flirt. Listen to the song by Sarah Vaughan entitled "What ever Lola wants, Lola gets." This song is so my anthem.

Seattle, WA made me homesick!

2009-03-11T01:34:54-06:00

My BFF and I had decided to go on two 2-week long trips back in 2002. Week one was spent in Chicago and 2 other friends had joined us. We had so much fun we didn't want to leave. I loved everything about it that I've been back a 2nd time since.

Week two was spent in Seattle (with 2 side trips to Canada; Victoria & Vancouver). Seattle was SO BORING, it was awful! I can see why Seattle is the suicide capital of the nation. I hate it! On the other hand, I really did like our side trips to Victoria & Vancouver. We had so much fun in Vancouver. And in Victoria we caught a cool free concert by Vancouver resident Bif Naked. FYI, Bif Naked was famous during the grunge era.

In Seattle, I really wanted to leave early, but it was too much of a hassle to switch flights. We decided to wait it out and was so missing L.A. Don't get me wrong, Seattle is a beautiful city, but it's NOT a FUN city. I wouldn't mind going back, but only for a few days.

My favorite line from 'In Bruges'

2009-03-07T00:56:29-06:00

Ralph Fiennes arrives in Bruges, Belgium and meets with these mobster guys to buy some guns and amo. While he's browsing for guns he gets pissed off and says, "An Uzi? I'm not from South Central Los Angeles. I didn't come here to shoot twenty black ten year olds in a drive-by. I want a normal gun for a normal person." These lines are so hilarious and the way he says it with his British accent is awesom. And for him to say this in the middle of nowhere and out of the blue (so irrelevant). I love it! These film is a definite MUST SEE!

Two Buck Chuck would go in my care package to an overseas friend

2009-03-04T01:32:47-06:00

Two Buck Chuck
It's the all time fav wine of the new century. All 2 buck Chuck varieties are good for drinking and cooking. Wine, does give food that nice texture and or flavor. And I think it's only available in the states.

Kettle Corn
Not only do I luv this, but it's another all-American staple. It's so unique that I don't think it's available abroad, though I could be wrong.

See's Chocolate
Any of my friends would appreciate this all-American confection. It also would go well this 2 buck Chuck.

bath bombs
For those who love to take that occasional bath (for relaxing purposes), I would send them bath bombs from Essential Addictions. They are homemade, smell good, and are good for you.
Wow, eat chocolate, drink wine while taking a nice hot relaxing bath...NICE!!!

Alcove is great for drinks with a friend

2009-02-25T17:16:00-06:00

The Alcove is the place to be and to be seen. A lot of locals and Hollywood types (and wannabes) go there. It has a really nice outdoor dining area. The Alcove is nestled in the hip area of Los Feliz. The food is so California and fabulous! I absolutely LUV, LUV this place.