Thisfunktional
Issue 01 Jan. 07, 2014 ISSN 2334-346X
Meet the Editor-in-Chief:
Vixen DeVille:
The confidence it takes to be fierce and respected
Talking about the magazine, the purpose, idea
Creating with heart: Anima É Cuore Studios artist Laura Dickenson
LACMA9 Art+Film Lab Community Art collaboration
Red Carpet Fashion: What was hot and what was not premiere night
Mike’s Movie Mayhem
Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ reviews, podcast and more
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To the reader:
This is usually the spot where an editorial would be posted, but seeing as this is the first issue I just wanted to take a brief moment to introduce the magazine to our readers. I’ve had the idea for a magazine for awhile now and I guess the biggest reason for actually starting this would be ambition. I have been fortunate enough to come across many talented writers, publicists, bloggers and reporters. So, I say let us join together to show the world what we can do. I offered a few people the chance to help in the production of what I was calling issue 00, not intended to be a masterpiece but hopeful that it may have been. Some people jumped at the chance and some people did not quite follow through. Those who did helped make this an incredible accomplishment that I hope many of you will enjoy. Eli Kay from Greece helped out in the creation of fashion commentary and in bringing to my attention an incredible documentary, “This American Journey” by British actor Paul Blackthorne. Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Pierce has been an inspiration for more than a year. He has pushed me not work harder, be attentive and start of my own site www.thisfunktional. com. Pierce has done it all and done it well. I am fortunate to have him as a menthor and friend. Vixen DeVille who I met in 2013 has helped in keeping a variety of content flowing. Her busy work schedule and her passion have made her one of my inspirations. Anima É Cuore artist Laura Dickenson keeps me grounded and appreciating art and the artist who struggles to produce these glimpses of aesthetic beauty art enthusiast admire. I hope you all enjoy the fruits of our labor. 2014 marks the debut year for Thisfunktional magazine.
About Me: There’s not much to know about me. I have lived in the United States my whole life, but not always on the west coast. I have made my journey on the east coast and made my way back to the west coast, where I am now. I am out of Los Angeles, Calif. where I live and go to school. I write for several publications including my school newspaper and iwatchmike.com. Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ took a chance on me as a movie reviewer and continued to work with me to help improve my writing style. I started my site thisfunktional.com less than a year ago and quickly have gotten more hits per month than I ever thought I would. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some amazing people who provide me with opportunities to meet and interview celebrities as well as attend red carpet premieres. I am constantly on the look for the next project to take part of. This magazine is a dream come true and I hope many more writers, bloggers and reporters help me in keeping this a well-rounded diverse magazine. Thank you all for reading this and please share it with your friends.
Jesus Figueroa Editor-in-Chief of
Thisfunktional
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Thisfunktional Table of Contents Page 3 - Anima É Cuore: Laura Dickenson Written by Jesus Figueroa Page 5 - Red Carpet Fashion Written by Eli Kay and Jesus Figueroa Page 7 - Mike’s Movie Mayhem Written by Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Pierce Page 9 - Vixen DeVille takes the stage Written by Jesus Figueroa Page 11 - Thisfunktional’s Playlist Written by Jesus Figueroa Page 12 - Concert Corner Photos by Ashley Weinfield and Jesus Figueroa Page 13 - “This American Journey” Written by Eli Kay and Jesus Figueroa Page 14 - LACMA9 Art+Film Lab Written by Jesus Figueroa
Staff Editor-in-Chief Jesus Figueroa Writer Eli Kay Columnist Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Pierce Photographer/Photo Journalist Ashley Weinfield
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Artist Laura Dickenson cr Jesus Figueroa
Writer
The strange and fantastic works of art that are created by Anima É Cuore Studios artist Laura Dickenson are a testiment to the struggles she’s faced. Early in 2013 Dickenson’s college science professor diagnosed her as being color blind to red and blue, which Dickenson had suspected for some time. Dickenson previals as an artist through her strong conviction for her passion as a creative person. From a young age she enjoyed the calm serenity of art but had never really felt encouraged to pursue it as a career choice. Dickenson says her family
did not support her choice to be get a fine arts major in college and prefered she take more practical classes towards a major tht would help her be self-relient. The need to express herself through any creative mean – drawing, painting or music – brought Dickenson to surpass most challenges presented to her. Through high school she excelled in all art classes. Teachers saw her potential and some helped her progress in her artistic journey to find her voice as an artist. In 2012, Dickenson took it upon herself to work dilligently in testing out different drawing styles to better understand herself as an artist. She took up a
strenous challenge which she struggled to complete. The 2012 drawing-a-day challenge proved to be an experience that Dickenson would not forget. The daily drawing challenge was not only drawing and completing drawings, but it would include switching styles and finding inspiration from different sources. Nature and wild life have always fascinated Dickenson and so it was no surprise to her that the movement and different characteristics of each of her cats would be the majority of the 365 drawings she produced. (The 365 drawing a day challenge can be seen on www. animaecuorestudios.com) Many pieces of art were
also ruined by the cats. The year 2013 broug Dickenson many struggle but also a new way showcase her work. In Apr www.animaecuorestudio com went live with a pho gallery of many of th challenge artwork piece which. “People would not consid me religious, but art is m religion,” Dickenson sai She dedicates her tim practicing her talent. She not only enjoy practicing drawing an creating art but observing as well. Among some of the artist sh has most enjoyed are Vince Van Gogh and Leonardo d Vinci who she believes sh shares many things in como
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reates with heart and soul
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with. “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen,” da Vinci has been quoted as saying. Dickenson believes this to be true because she paints with so much emotion. Dickenson says that she decided to paint under the Anima É Cuore Studios title because thats what she paints with, her soul and heart. She continues to go to school and study fine arts as well as environmental sciences because she believes that to become an artist she must be well rounded. She has studied psychology but found that she would rather work on making the world cleaner and safer.
Dickenson hopees that she can work hard and be accepted into the Pasadena Art Academy where she wants to continue her journey as an artist. You can find Laura Dickenson’s art at all of the following places:
Online Gallery: www.animaecuorestudios.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/anime.e.cuore.art
Blue Canvas:
http://www.bluecanvas.com/ animaecuore
Laura Dickenson
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Fashion fitting o
Eli Kay and Jesus Figueroa “
Contributors
Tom Hiddleston Actor Tom Hiddleston at the Global Premiere for “Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World” at Odeon Leicester Square in London, England on October 22. (courtesy of Disney Publicity)
Eli Kay: What can I say about Emma Watson, I adore the essence of her creativity and boldness when it comes to fashion. I have never seen her with an outfit I didn’t like. Thisfunktional: Just wow. Emma Watson steps out to the premiere of “Gravity” with a headturning outfit that is a good fit for this young lady. Good color, good shoes and good choice.
Emma Watson Actress Emma Watson at Warner Bros. Pictures New York Premiere of “Gravity” on October 1. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Publicity)
Eli Kay: Tom Hiddleston with the smokey bow tie suit with the look I’d like to call ‘The blues brothers look,’ take the cake. Thisfunktional: Hiddlestone wore an elegant suit that made him stand out among the stars in attendance during the premiere of “Thor: The Dark World.”
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of the r ed car pet
“Thisfunktional” Eli Kay: Robert Downey Jr goes with the classic suit, and who says that classic isn’t sexy? I’d say he can wear Speedos and still look hot as hell. Thisfunktional: As Tony Stark or Iron Man the suit is always a good fit for Robert Downey Jr. Great actor and fantastic look.
Robert Downey Jr. Actor Robert Downey Jr. at the Russia Tour for “IRON MAN 3” MARVEL’s “Iron Man 3” Moscow Press Tour at the Ritz Carlton, Moscow on April 10. (courtesy of Disney Publicity)
Jennifer Aniston Actress Jennifer Aniston at Warner Bros. Pictures World Premiere of “WE’RE THE MILLERS” in New York on Aug. 1. (courtesy of Warner Bros. Publicity)
Eli Kay: Such a strange look for Jennifer Aniston at the premiere of “We’re the Millers.” One thing to say Aniston should be a bit more careful with a pensil dress. Thisfunktional: For such a hot stripper scene in “We Are the Millers” this just doesnt cut it. This dress looks awkward on Jennifer Aniston for such an event.
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Mike's Movie 'MOVIE GIRL OF THE MONTH'
Julia (19)
“If you could be a character in ANY movie, who would it be? and why? Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly, she’s been my all time favorite character since I was a young girl, I love her attitude towards life, she’s so care free, and so reserved, but she love’s so fiercely. It’s beautiful.” twitter.com/explodedgalazy facebook.com/dreadedoll instagram.com/exploded_galaxy exploded-galazy.tumblr.com/ Check out more photos at: http://iwatchmike.com/ iwatchmike-com-movie-girl-of-the-month-julia/
ATTENTION FEMALE MOVIE FANS! Want to be my ‘MOVIE GIRL OF THE MONTH?’ Just answer the questions below and send 12 or more photos of yourself to mikethemovieguy@gmail. com. Name: Age: City: What’s your favorite action movie? What’s your favorite comedy? What’s your favorite drama? What’s your favorite horror? What’s your favorite sci-fi & fantasy? What’s your favorite chick flick? What was the last movie you saw? What movie are you looking forward to seeing? If you could be a character in ANY movie, who would it be? and why? What’s the perfect movie snack? What the one movie everyone should have in their DVD collection? What movie should have NEVER been made? What’s your Twitter? What’s your Facebook? What’s your Instagram? What’s your Website?
Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Pierce Columnist
3 out of 5 Popcorns Watch the video review at: http://iwatchmike.com/mike-the-movieguy-movie-review-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug-video/
Please send 12 or more photos – they can be any type. Just CUT & PASTE the questions and answers – Watch the reaction review at: and send everything to mikethemovieguy@gmail. http://iwatchmike.com/the-amazing-spider-man-2-trailer-trailer-reaction-video/ com.
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Mayhem “The Hobbot: Desolation of Smaug” has been making a lot of money at the box office but it has not left me impressed. I don’t know how to feel about this film. It takes place right after the first “The Hobbit: An Uncanny Adventure” movie, which I was not a total fan of. Gandalf gets his hobbits together to go reclaim their land which they lost to the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they fight orcs, don’t think they had to fight any goblins. They meet elves, they meet humans and finally they meet Smaug. Smaug was probably the only thing I liked about this movie because he is just massive on the screen The film ends abruptly, since it is a trilogy, and it just cuts off. It is worth going to watch it in theatres because of Smaug the dragon. I did not watch it in 3D because I did not think it was going to be worth watching in 3D. The movie could have been longer as long as it was a full story.
Trailer Review
“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” explodes into the theaters on May 2 and I’m totally ready. It looks like Spidey’s got his hands full in this one – - some serious villains. Spider-man’s just cool. Andrew Garfield . I don’t really like Emma Stone but she was good in the last “The Amazing Spider-Man” movie. Sally Fields playing Aunt May is awesome. Jaime Foxx looks cool as Electro. It’s not what I expected from the trailer. I thought there was going to be more “WOW” moments but Jaime Foxx looks pretty awesome. I’m guessing the Green Goblin is in it but I’m not sure, I really liked the other Green Goblin from the previous movies. Then there’s Rhyno which I didn’t see much of but I don’t know if I’m feeling that metal rhino outfit. I like the trailer, I’m excited for the movie and I’m a big Spider-Man fan. I have to watch more trailers. “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” comes to theaters May 2.
Psychic Wednesdays with Sandra Logan
Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, Mike goes live with Psychic/Medium Sandra Logan to talk about a variety of things.
Episode 4 Dreams and Listener Emails Psychic/Medium Sandra Logan of SandraLogan.org and Mike ‘the movie guy’ Pierce discuss dreams and what they mean and they take listener emails. Sandra Logan gives a complimentary reading to a listener.
Pierce’s Playground with Jenny ‘Fly’ Treviño
Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ and co-host Jenny ‘Fly’ cohost a weekly show about movies, entertainment, gossip, and news. Email questions and comments to mikethemovieguy@gmail.com.
Episode 51 with Jenny Fly
In today’s podcast: New DVD Tuesday, In theaters Friday, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones review, Giveaways, Trailer Reactions, Fast & the Furious 7 and Paul Walker, Dating, Flu Myths Debunked, Social Media, Jay-Z Crazy Gals, Weird News, Celebrity News, and more! Next Monday - they’ll review ‘THE LAST STAND’ on Netflix streaming. If you watch it or have seen it - please email them your thoughts to mikethemovieguy@gmail.com
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DeVille looks to pr esence known Jesus Figueroa
Writer Vixen DeVille, better known as Cat LaCohie, is a burlesque show performer, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg to this talented woman. Last March LaCohie won the title of Miss England and competed in the Queen of the Universe pageant in Los Angeles, Calif. this Feb. Those who wish to cheer her on can buy tickets to attend the pageant. “I really want the work I do to inspire others, in whatever way that may be, Im a huge advocator of people being able to reach their full potential, achieve that which they thought would be impossible,” LaCohie said. The pageant is just
one of many projects that LaCohie is participating in. Aside from the pageant, LaCohie has been hard at work in progressing her As part of Only the New Breed Productions, she hopes to help in the rebirth of British action films. Being one of the lead characters in “301 Troop,” the first of a series of projects in the works for Only the New Breed Productions, she hopes to help in bringing back the classic action style of British action films – original stories with logical storylines and thourough plots. “I was doing amatuer stuff from around age 10 but my very first paid performance job was a voiceover for a
TV commercial when i was 15,” LaCohie said, “My entry into the burlesque/circus world came from when I trained as an actor in London and part of my training included a class called Solo Performance taught by the aforementioned comedy tutor.” That tutor ended up being invaluable as many of the skills she learned she keeps using in her performances. “I ended up doing a piece which essentially involved controlling/ conducting an audience as a character was an early prototype of Vixen DeVille,” LaCohie said, “A year later I used my act as an audition piece a year later to join the newly formed burlesque troupe The Kitten
Club in 2005/2006 as a result of joining this troupe i found my way into fire, glass walking, aerial hoop, magic and all the stuff Vixen plays around with today.” LaCohie works hard on being physically fit almost as much as she work her performances on a daily basis. LaCohie said says she enjoys staying busy so that people understand that she works hard at what she does and if they work hard too they can do anything they put their mind to. LaCohie said her message to everyone is, “If you dont like your life you can change it, humans are powerful creatures you just have to tap into it, re-channel it, and believe.”
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Thisfunktional PLAYLIST Jesus Figueroa
Writer
These playlist will include 5 to 10 artist which inspire and will be chosen by different members of staff or contributors who want to take the time to search for and write about at least 5 artist. There may arise special occations where one artist may get a spotlight playlist for several song, but for now it’s a spotlight for several artist who stand out. One of the most respected and known writers William Shakespear once wrote in “Twelth Night,” ““If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” Philosopher Fredrich Nietzche wrote in “Twilight of the Idols, Or, How to Philosophize With the Hammer,” “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Singer/songwriter Taylor Swift said in an interview, “People haven’t always been there for me, but music always has.” Three diverse pay their respects to music. Music may be one of the most universal mediums in the world. From country to pop, from heavy metal to classical, and from R&B to rap, the music can be listened to in any language, if it is done correctly, and the message is felt and understood even if the lyrics are not understood. This list is in no particular order. Each artist is incredible in their own respect and are equal.
Emilie Autumn
Both album and live Emilie Autumn is spectacular. Her music is inspirational and delivers a positive message. Her latest album “Fight Like A Girl” is an incredible album that shows how her “Goth” style has continued to evolve. Recently she performed for Rob Zombie’s “Great American Nightmare.”
Otep
Lights
Last year Otep released the band’s final album and began a tour that has had much success. The band’s final album includes songs which shows the bands Nu Metal influences and style which has helped provide them notablilty. Otep Shamaya recently releaased a new book entitled “None Shall Sleep.”
Canadian electropop singer Lights blew me away when I recently heart her song “Peace Sign” in a canadian TV series which I began to watch. The song is beautiful and got me to look Lights up and listen to more songs. The music she produces is great and every song has sonmething that stands out.
Samantha Darnell
Bright Eyes
For a few years now I have been listening to the music of Samantha Darnell. Her debut album “The Art of Breaking Hearts” is available on iTunes and has some of her best songs. Aside from the album a few singles are also available on iTunes and some Vlogs and older songs are on YouTube.
Bright Eyes has some of the most depressing and brilliant songs I have ever heard. The manner in which Conor Oburst plays and the tone of voice are well contrasted to intensify the lyrics. The songs may not be the most melodious or the greatest vocals to listen to but the lyrics are great.
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Concert Corner Ashley Weinfield
Photographer
Jesus Figueroa
Photographer
UNTAMED- Singer Andy Beirsack, left, and Bassist
SEEING RED- Rob Zombie passionately delivers his
CARRY-ON- Bassist Ashley Purdy, left and Guitarist
ILLUMINATING- Rob Zombie, left, and guitarist
BLAST- Band Young Guns perform up front on stage at
LEGENDARY- Latin singer Jose Feliciano plays songs
Ashley Purdy of Black Veil Brides perform side by side at the Church of the Wild Ones Tour.
Jake Pitts of Black Veil Brides play riffs harmoniously at the Church of the Wild ones tour.
the Hard Drive Tour for hardcore fans who rush the stage to get the best possible spot to stand and watch.
vocals at Rob Zombie’s “Great American Nightmare” at the FEARplex, Fairplex, in Pomona on Nov. 1,
John 5 play center stage giving a magnificent performance at “Great American Nightmare.”
that span his career at a special performance at the L.A. Auto Show 2013 in the Lincoln Motor Company area.
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Eli Kay and Jesus Figueroa
Contributor
The view from an American
The view from a foreigner
The journey across America is incredible but most grabbing was the diversity of opinions American citizens shared. From New York to California, British actor Paul Blackthorne and photographer Mister Basquali speak with real people about the issues that most affect them during these hard times in America. It was shocking to see how open people were to talking to a stranger with a camera and even more so when it came to the strong opions of Barak Obama, guns and religion. As an American, this film shows much of what makes America great, the freedoms many take for granted. Being able to hold different opinions but live well in communities side by side shows what a magnificent country we live in. Heartfelt stories gave insight to the hardships that the recession has caused the American citizens. Through it all, the message that the american people can get through these tough times united came clear. As Blackthorne said by the end of the film, this film and the people in it have shown why so many people have fallen in love with America.
British actor Paul Blackthorne and Australian photographer Mister Basquali decide to go on a road trip across America with the purpose of finding out what the people think of all the changes that occurred over the past years, especially the recession. This simple idea gave birth to an inspirational concept. Together they explored the country they both fell in love with as children. The film begins with the business issues, but it quickly moves on to deeper, more personal areas – sociology, racism and religion. Through hearing these stories the truly wonderful colors of people’s souls are revealed. It shows how willing they are to work to make the country they live in, better, how smart and extraordinary characteristics they have and how open, honest and compassionate they can be. What it has left in my mind and in my heart is that we should embrace variety and diversity, we should get up, dream and achieve. One by one come together and contribute to make a change and help make a better world.
POWERFUL- An array of photos, including Actor Paul Blackthorne, top right photograph, holding his newly found puppy friend, from Blackthorne’s cross-country trip taken for documentary film “This American Journey.”
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LACMA9 Art+Film Lab makes its way to Monterey Park Jesus Figueroa
Writer
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art brings it’s Art+Film Lab to East Los Angeles College for the community of Monterey Park, Calif. to share their oralhistory. An Opening-Night Party to be held on Jan 10 starting at 6 p.m. kicks off the five week residency of the film lab on the ELAC campus, in Monterey Park, Calif., adjacent to the Vincent Price Art Museum. The event starts with an open house from 6 to 8 p.m., live music performance by Buyepongo starting at 7 p.m. and a special screening of “Searching for Sugarman” starts at 8:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Complex Recital Hall of the ELAC campus. The Art+Film lab will bring free art, film programming and a space for the members of the community to learn and experiment with art and the filmmaking processes. Among the activities during the five weeks are an opening-night celebration, hands-on art and filmmaking workshops, a diverse selection of weekly film screenings and a gathering of oral-history from community members. After the program’s run, Monterey Park residents will be invited to a special community day at LACMA on April 6. Visitors will receive free admission to the museum on that day. The free workshops will show participants how to use technology to record their personal expression. Workshops will include creating soundtracks, cinematography, in-camera editing, and more. The lab will provide equipment, tools and materials for these projects. The Art+Film Lab launched last June and brings engaging programs to nine communities throughout Southern California – Redlands, San Bernardino, Altadena, Monterey Park, Hacienda Heights, Montebello, Compton, Inglewood, and Torrance. The Art+Film Lab is a collaboration with acclaimed artist Jorge Pardo and Nicole Miller and offers unique perspectives about community, design, and space. Acclaimed artist Pardo created the mobile structure that houses the art, film and the areas for recording oral-history. Installation artist Nicole Miller works with residents in each city to gather oral history that explore subjectivity and self-representation as tools for the possible reconstitution of lost history. Contributors from the community have an opportunity to contribute to Miller’s work by sharing personal anecdotes or interviewing friends and family members on camera. Participants are encouraged to bring a thumb drive to take home an audio copy of the recording. LACMA9 Art+Film lab will have a special Valintine’s Day celebration on the final day at the ELAC campus when contributors will be encouraged to share a sweet story of love, or confess one’s true feelings in the Oral-History Workshop. Miller’s series of works will be exhibited at LACMA on the Monterey Park Community Day on April 6. Residents of Monterey Park can visit the museum for free for the entire day, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., participate in family-friendly art activities, explore the galleries through tours, and view a new video artwork by Nicole Miller that features Monterey Park area community members. The Art+Film lab structure travels to partnering communities where it remains for a five weeklong residency. Alongside the structure, a wide range of films, from Hollywood classics to foreign films, will be screened every weekend. The LACMA9 Art+Film Lab is supported by a grant from The James Irvine Foundation.
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