License Plate of the Day: Gnarly Edition

Someone loves to surf… and watch “The Simpsons” (although, yes, then it should be “Mmm… surf…”)

License Plate of the Day: Moe’s Tavern Edition

This one comes courtesy Chris Nichols, who says he can’t help but think of “The Simpsons’” Moe Szyslak. “Whaaaaa?”

Retro Friday: Hollywood Village People

Back one summer when my family was living in the Philippines, one of the Manila TV stations would play music videos every morning before signing on. Thing is, they were the same videos every single day. If I remember, the videos included “Suddenly,” from Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richards, and “In the Navy” from the Village People. I still remember my sister and I marching around the house to this video when we were kids… hey, at the time, we really did assume it was just a song about the joys of the Navy.

I bring up the Village People because they’re among this year’s Hollywood Walk of Fame recipients. Also receiving stars: Ben Kingsley, Hugh Jackman, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Cameron Diaz, Robert owney Jr., Tim Burton, Leslie Caron, Charles Durning, Ralph Fiennes, William Petersen, Kyra Sedgwick, John Stamos, Mark Burnett, Chuck Lorre, Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds, Dave Koz, The Miracles, Doug Morris, Rush, Shakira, Tinkerbell (!), KFI’s Bill Handel and Harry Shearer, who’s receiving his star for his KCRW show, not “The Simpsons” or “Spinal Tap.” also provides voices for characters on “The Simpsons.”

Retro Friday: Hollywood Village People

Back one summer when my family was living in the Philippines, one of the Manila TV stations would play music videos every morning before signing on. Thing is, they were the same videos every single day. If I remember, the videos included “Suddenly,” from Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richards, and “In the Navy” from the Village People. I still remember my sister and I marching around the house to this video when we were kids… hey, at the time, we really did assume it was just a song about the joys of the Navy.

I bring up the Village People because they’re among this year’s Hollywood Walk of Fame recipients. Also receiving stars: Ben Kingsley, Hugh Jackman, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Cameron Diaz, Robert owney Jr., Tim Burton, Leslie Caron, Charles Durning, Ralph Fiennes, William Petersen, Kyra Sedgwick, John Stamos, Mark Burnett, Chuck Lorre, Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds, Dave Koz, The Miracles, Doug Morris, Rush, Shakira, Tinkerbell (!), KFI’s Bill Handel and Harry Shearer, who’s receiving his star for his KCRW show, not “The Simpsons” or “Spinal Tap.” also provides voices for characters on “The Simpsons.”

Get Your Squishees and Buzz Cola While You Still Can

Blogger Toddler, Meet Ralph Wiggum.

We finally hit the 7-Eleven-turned-Kwik-E-Mart in Burbank on Thursday morning. At 7 a.m., there’s no line to get in, and the donuts are fully stocked. (And yes, it’s true, someone did steal the “Bank of Springfield” ATM sign in front. How’d they do that?)

See what I mean? We picked up two donuts — one of which Evan promptly inhaled, with little warning (we just asked him to hold it for a second) — as well as a package of Simpsons candy and two coffees. I already have a can of Buzz cola at home, and sadly, Krusty-O’s cereal is long gone.

When we asked if we’ll still be able to buy Krusty-O’s again, the guy behind the counter told us “Sure — just go to eBay.” Ha, ha.

This same guy told us later we should get Evan into soccer now, that he has Beckham-style heartthrob soccer player potential when he gets older. Kinda weird, but since I like it when people gush over the B.T., I didn’t let it bother me.

I’m glad we finally got there, and it was a good way to end my “Simpsons”-drenched week. And a way to eat more bad stuff on top of all the bad stuff I’ve downed this week.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times wrote about the successful “Simpsons” / 7-Eleven marketing campaign:

“I never thought we were going to do this kind of business,” said Swarn Sahni, who owns the 7-Eleven franchise at 1611 W. Olive Ave. in Burbank that will operate as a Kwik-E-Mart through the end of the month (the other local store is at 11143 Venice Blvd. in West Los Angeles). ” ‘The Simpsons’ fans are spending money like crazy.”

Sahni said the line outside the store has been near constant and his business has shot up about 300% since putting up the Kwik-E-Mart signage June 30.

Most of that comes from the movie-related merchandise (which is stocked in non-Kwik-E-Mart 7-Elevens as well) — and more than a few hot dogs. “I usually sell 800 hot dogs a week,” Sahni said. “Now I’m selling about 3,000 a week.”

As for that most quintessential of Simpson edibles, the doughnut, the Burbank store had sold 57,510 of the Sprinklicious variety in July (they’re the ones, as every “Simpsons” fan knows, with the pink icing and multicolored sprinkles), according to a 7-Eleven spokesman.

Hurry there– once the movie opens, the Kwik-E-Mart is pretty much history. Thank you, come again.

Get Your Squishees and Buzz Cola While You Still Can

Blogger Toddler, Meet Ralph Wiggum.

We finally hit the 7-Eleven-turned-Kwik-E-Mart in Burbank on Thursday morning. At 7 a.m., there’s no line to get in, and the donuts are fully stocked. (And yes, it’s true, someone did steal the “Bank of Springfield” ATM sign in front. How’d they do that?)

See what I mean? We picked up two donuts — one of which Evan promptly inhaled, with little warning (we just asked him to hold it for a second) — as well as a package of Simpsons candy and two coffees. I already have a can of Buzz cola at home, and sadly, Krusty-O’s cereal is long gone.

When we asked if we’ll still be able to buy Krusty-O’s again, the guy behind the counter told us “Sure — just go to eBay.” Ha, ha.

This same guy told us later we should get Evan into soccer now, that he has Beckham-style heartthrob soccer player potential when he gets older. Kinda weird, but since I like it when people gush over the B.T., I didn’t let it bother me.

I’m glad we finally got there, and it was a good way to end my “Simpsons”-drenched week. And a way to eat more bad stuff on top of all the bad stuff I’ve downed this week.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times wrote about the successful “Simpsons” / 7-Eleven marketing campaign:

“I never thought we were going to do this kind of business,” said Swarn Sahni, who owns the 7-Eleven franchise at 1611 W. Olive Ave. in Burbank that will operate as a Kwik-E-Mart through the end of the month (the other local store is at 11143 Venice Blvd. in West Los Angeles). ” ‘The Simpsons’ fans are spending money like crazy.”

Sahni said the line outside the store has been near constant and his business has shot up about 300% since putting up the Kwik-E-Mart signage June 30.

Most of that comes from the movie-related merchandise (which is stocked in non-Kwik-E-Mart 7-Elevens as well) — and more than a few hot dogs. “I usually sell 800 hot dogs a week,” Sahni said. “Now I’m selling about 3,000 a week.”

As for that most quintessential of Simpson edibles, the doughnut, the Burbank store had sold 57,510 of the Sprinklicious variety in July (they’re the ones, as every “Simpsons” fan knows, with the pink icing and multicolored sprinkles), according to a 7-Eleven spokesman.

Hurry there– once the movie opens, the Kwik-E-Mart is pretty much history. Thank you, come again.

Scenes from "The Simpsons Movie" Premiere and After Party

Marge’s hair looms over the Fox Westwood Village Theatre, where “The Simpsons Movie” premiered on Tuesday night.

Finally — 18 years after “The Simpsons” bowed in 1989 (I’d been a fan since first seeing the shorts on “The Tracy Ullman Show”) — there I was Tuesday night, enjoying the long-awaited “The Simpsons Movie” in a crowd that included the voice actors, Matt Groening, exec producers like James L. Brooks and Al Jean, execs like Peter Chernin, producers extraordinaire like Brian Grazer, writers like Judd Apatow, and more.

Security was tight: Those who weren’t able to sneak their phones in the door (and there were a lot who pulled off this feat) had to check them in. I was standing behind Brian Grazer, who, with Blackberry in hand, was trying to figure out where to go.

I brought along my friend Tony, who writes for “King of the Hill” (animation fight!) and we plopped down in the front row balcony. Premieres never start on time, and this one finally got going about 40 mins. after its 7:30 start time.

Then, the movie. What a fun ride. Some of the story points are semi-familiar (after 400 episodes, how could they not be?). But finding a big enough story to make it worthy of a “Simpsons Movie” couldn’t have been easy — and yet, the writers pulled it off. The jokes are on-target and the animation is beautiful. The action focuses mostly on the family — so although all of your favorite characters are there, few of them play major roles. (Good parts for Flanders and Comic Book Guy, however.)

Afterward, the party at the Wadsworth Theatre (on the VA grounds in Brentwood) was big enough that it never felt crowded. Food was on the not-so-healthy side (Mac and cheese, pot roast, tacos, etc.) — but what else would you expect from the Simpsons. Celebs sighted included Joe Mantegna (who voices Fat Tony), Fred Willard, Michelle Kwan, B.J. Novak (“The Office”), Rex Lee (“Entourage”), Masi Oka (“Heroes”), Nancy Cartwight (voice of Bart)…

And yes, there were donuts. Some pics:

Homer’s head, meanwhile, hung over the Bruin, where “The Simpsons Movie” was also screening.

The Duff Beer blimp flies over the yellow carpet festivities.

A gospel chorus sings “Spider-Pig.” (See the movie — you’ll understand.)

“Marge-a-rita,” anyone?

Dancing Lisa and Marge silhouettes.

Bart’s chalkboard gag.

Bartenders pour drinks inside a massive fake donut.

“Simpsons”-style donuts: Pink frosting on Krispy Kremes. A sugar explosion. I’m still bouncing off walls.

Fried Candy Bars. Mmmmm…. grease!

Fried Milky Way. I tried a few bites, but it was a little too doughy and the Milky Way wasn’t melted enough. Yes, I should probably throw up now from all the junk I ate last night.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Film’s Chris Petrikin for squeezing a couple TV guys into the screening and shindig.

Scenes from "The Simpsons Movie" Premiere and After Party

Marge’s hair looms over the Fox Westwood Village Theatre, where “The Simpsons Movie” premiered on Tuesday night.

Finally — 18 years after “The Simpsons” bowed in 1989 (I’d been a fan since first seeing the shorts on “The Tracy Ullman Show”) — there I was Tuesday night, enjoying the long-awaited “The Simpsons Movie” in a crowd that included the voice actors, Matt Groening, exec producers like James L. Brooks and Al Jean, execs like Peter Chernin, producers extraordinaire like Brian Grazer, writers like Judd Apatow, and more.

Security was tight: Those who weren’t able to sneak their phones in the door (and there were a lot who pulled off this feat) had to check them in. I was standing behind Brian Grazer, who, with Blackberry in hand, was trying to figure out where to go.

I brought along my friend Tony, who writes for “King of the Hill” (animation fight!) and we plopped down in the front row balcony. Premieres never start on time, and this one finally got going about 40 mins. after its 7:30 start time.

Then, the movie. What a fun ride. Some of the story points are semi-familiar (after 400 episodes, how could they not be?). But finding a big enough story to make it worthy of a “Simpsons Movie” couldn’t have been easy — and yet, the writers pulled it off. The jokes are on-target and the animation is beautiful. The action focuses mostly on the family — so although all of your favorite characters are there, few of them play major roles. (Good parts for Flanders and Comic Book Guy, however.)

Afterward, the party at the Wadsworth Theatre (on the VA grounds in Brentwood) was big enough that it never felt crowded. Food was on the not-so-healthy side (Mac and cheese, pot roast, tacos, etc.) — but what else would you expect from the Simpsons. Celebs sighted included Joe Mantegna (who voices Fat Tony), Fred Willard, Michelle Kwan, B.J. Novak (“The Office”), Rex Lee (“Entourage”), Masi Oka (“Heroes”), Nancy Cartwight (voice of Bart)…

And yes, there were donuts. Some pics:

Homer’s head, meanwhile, hung over the Bruin, where “The Simpsons Movie” was also screening.

The Duff Beer blimp flies over the yellow carpet festivities.

A gospel chorus sings “Spider-Pig.” (See the movie — you’ll understand.)

“Marge-a-rita,” anyone?

Dancing Lisa and Marge silhouettes.

Bart’s chalkboard gag.

Bartenders pour drinks inside a massive fake donut.

“Simpsons”-style donuts: Pink frosting on Krispy Kremes. A sugar explosion. I’m still bouncing off walls.

Fried Candy Bars. Mmmmm…. grease!

Fried Milky Way. I tried a few bites, but it was a little too doughy and the Milky Way wasn’t melted enough. Yes, I should probably throw up now from all the junk I ate last night.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox Film’s Chris Petrikin for squeezing a couple TV guys into the screening and shindig.

Back to the Future, But Soon History

(Flickr pic by Gary Bembridge.)

It was long overdue: Slashfilm reports (by way of Blogging.la) that the “Back to the Future” ride at Universal Studios Hollywood will shut down in September.

It was time. The ride, fifteen years later, feels remarkably dated. After all, when the ride opened in 1993, the web and the Internet were still fringe elements in society (all the LED displays and “flux capacitor” designs now seem very… well, 20th century). It’s still a well-done ride… but “ET” was better, and they already eliminated that one several years ago. (“ET” is also more evergreen… This new generation probably knows little about “Back to the Future” — look to that scene in “Knocked Up” where Katherine Heigl’s character doesn’t get the Doc Brown references).

(Flicker pic by D. Rodriguez.)

But does that mean the horribly punny “Snack to the Future” eatery will close too?

I’m also not shedding much of a tear, because Back to the Future: The Ride will be replaced by a “The Simpsons”-themed attraction, as this press release notes:

Universal City, California – After thrilling over 61 million visitors with wild rides across “the space-time continuum,” the ground-breaking “Back to the Future: The Ride” attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will soar into the future for the very last time on Labor Day, September 3, 2007. Fans of the attraction will also have an opportunity to take the last ride and drive off as the owner of one of the stainless steel 1981 DeLoreans that served as inspiration for Doc Brown’s flux capacitor-equipped time machines.

“Back to the Future: The Ride” blends breakthrough simulator technology with a cutting-edge Omni-max 70mm film to create a total sensory experience. A signature attraction at “The Entertainment Capital of L.A.” for over 14 years, the ride is being closed to make way for the introduction of a new thrill ride based on the enormously popular “The Simpsons” TV series and movie. The Simpsons ride is slated to debut in Spring 2008.

“Back to the Future: The Ride” was introduced in 1993 as a continuation of the Oscar®-winning blockbuster “Back to the Future” film trilogy directed by Robert Zemeckis and executive produced by Steven Spielberg for Universal Pictures. The attraction features an eight-seat convertible DeLorean Time Travel Vehicle that elevates the theme park ride experience to an unprecedented level of detail, beginning with an artfully staged queue line experience that helps set up the ride’s narrative storyline.

At the center of “Back to the Future: The Ride” is an original film, masterfully designed to interface with the simulator’s technology by an award-winning team of filmmakers, including Oscar-winning and three-time Oscar-nominated director Douglas Trumbull, Oscar-nominated cinematographer David K. Kennedy and Oscar-nominated writer Bob Gale.

(Flickr pic by Paul Mannix.)

Hmm, not sure what I’d do with a DeLorean.

Back to the Future, But Soon History

(Flickr pic by Gary Bembridge.)

It was long overdue: Slashfilm reports (by way of Blogging.la) that the “Back to the Future” ride at Universal Studios Hollywood will shut down in September.

It was time. The ride, fifteen years later, feels remarkably dated. After all, when the ride opened in 1993, the web and the Internet were still fringe elements in society (all the LED displays and “flux capacitor” designs now seem very… well, 20th century). It’s still a well-done ride… but “ET” was better, and they already eliminated that one several years ago. (“ET” is also more evergreen… This new generation probably knows little about “Back to the Future” — look to that scene in “Knocked Up” where Katherine Heigl’s character doesn’t get the Doc Brown references).

(Flicker pic by D. Rodriguez.)

But does that mean the horribly punny “Snack to the Future” eatery will close too?

I’m also not shedding much of a tear, because Back to the Future: The Ride will be replaced by a “The Simpsons”-themed attraction, as this press release notes:

Universal City, California – After thrilling over 61 million visitors with wild rides across “the space-time continuum,” the ground-breaking “Back to the Future: The Ride” attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will soar into the future for the very last time on Labor Day, September 3, 2007. Fans of the attraction will also have an opportunity to take the last ride and drive off as the owner of one of the stainless steel 1981 DeLoreans that served as inspiration for Doc Brown’s flux capacitor-equipped time machines.

“Back to the Future: The Ride” blends breakthrough simulator technology with a cutting-edge Omni-max 70mm film to create a total sensory experience. A signature attraction at “The Entertainment Capital of L.A.” for over 14 years, the ride is being closed to make way for the introduction of a new thrill ride based on the enormously popular “The Simpsons” TV series and movie. The Simpsons ride is slated to debut in Spring 2008.

“Back to the Future: The Ride” was introduced in 1993 as a continuation of the Oscar®-winning blockbuster “Back to the Future” film trilogy directed by Robert Zemeckis and executive produced by Steven Spielberg for Universal Pictures. The attraction features an eight-seat convertible DeLorean Time Travel Vehicle that elevates the theme park ride experience to an unprecedented level of detail, beginning with an artfully staged queue line experience that helps set up the ride’s narrative storyline.

At the center of “Back to the Future: The Ride” is an original film, masterfully designed to interface with the simulator’s technology by an award-winning team of filmmakers, including Oscar-winning and three-time Oscar-nominated director Douglas Trumbull, Oscar-nominated cinematographer David K. Kennedy and Oscar-nominated writer Bob Gale.

(Flickr pic by Paul Mannix.)

Hmm, not sure what I’d do with a DeLorean.