HANNE'S ART AND CULTURE BLOG

Ida has a show up in Paris! It is called Febermalerier and it takes place at the great great gallery Gaudel de Stampa. If you have not seen the pictures of the show yet, you can see them and read a great review about it on the Frieze website. Go there or be square.

Yes, yes, yes. This is going straight on top of my wish list and reading list (two lists which are already pretty extensive). On sale since April 14, and I did not know about it. Well, now you all know. And you should not miss this:

"In fast-food corporate America, In-N-Out Burger stands apart. Begun in a tiny shack in the shadow of World War II, this family-owned chain has stead fastly refused to franchise or be sold. It is a testament to old-fashioned values and rem­iniscent of a simpler time when people, loyalty, and a freshly made, juicy hamburger meant something. Over time, In-N-Out Burger has become nothing less than a cultural institu tion that can lay claim to an insanely loyal following.

Perman uses her investigative skills to uncover the story of a real American success story. It is not only a tale of a unique and profitable business that exceeds all expectations, but of a family's struggle to maintain a sustainable pop empire against the industry it helped pioneer, internal tensions, and a bitter lawsuit that threatened to bring the company to the brink.

This is a lesson in a counterintuitive approach to doing business that places quality, customers, and employees over the riches promised by rapid expansion. In-N-Out Burger is a keenly observed narrative that explores the evolution of a California fad that transformed into an enduring cult of popularity; it is also the story of the conflicted, secretive, and ultimately tragic Snyder family who cooked a billion burgers and hooked a zillion fans. As the story of In-N-Out Burger unfolds, so too does the cultural history of America as influenced and shaped by car culture and fast food."

Also, a great article on In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles Times.

Also starring Susan Sarandon and Patricia Clarkson.

I'm hereby launching a new section on my blog; 'Hanne's TV tip of the day', because I just got cable TV! Besides of House, which I've been watching four and five hours in a row (the reason why I haven't posted very much in a while), I'm watching a lot of Yo Gabba Gabba. The above video is a classic! Watch a Yo Gabba Gabba clip every morning, and you're sure to have a happy happy day!

Oh yes. This is what I've been waiting for during my whole Ebay "career". Remember when we were all wearing pants like these, back in the days? (No?) This brings awesomeness, coolness, and sexyness to a whole new level! Price is $140, but I promise you that there will be a long time coming until you'll find another one of these. Go here to buy it now.

Remember Flat Eric? Here are the hard facts: Built by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, Flat Eric was a low-tech, yellow puppet character from Levi's commercials for Sta-Prest One Crease Denim Clothing. He would ride with his friend Angel in California, wanted by the police. His name comes from an idea for a commercial that included having a car run over his head and flattening it. The idea was not used but the name stuck.

Flat Eric was featured in the music video for "Flat Beat" by French artist Mr. Oizo (above) and he also appeared as a prop in series 1 of the 2001-2003 BBC comedy The Office. In 2004, he co-starred with David Soul in a TV advert for Auto Trader magazine. He was based on a puppet called Stephane that was similar but with ears. Stephane appeared in some short films by Mr. Oizo. I remember that Flat Eric gave an interview once, to The Face. I guess it's time to dig out those good old The Face magazines from storage...

Also, several Guardian articles on Flat Eric here..