Casandra Armour

Hey Pretty: The Impact of Street Harassment

[Originally shared at LadyClever.com] MY GREASY HAIR is slicked back by a shiny black headband and pulled into a ponytail. No makeup, just a giant pair of dark sunnies to obscure that fact, and the sickly sheen of high SPF sunscreen. I have on black leggings and a tank top, and over that an army-green tee with the … Continue reading →

The Post-Thirty Pregnancy Scare

[This essay first appeared at LadyClever.com.] “Did you think,” my boyfriend laughed, “that they’d think you came in to buy dish soap, but just decided to pick up a pregnancy test?” It was a valid point. But standing in line late that night at CVS, I couldn’t handle being that girl with a store brand box of pregnancy … Continue reading →

Artist Spotlight: Tegan and Sara

[This Artist Spotlight is originally hosted at ReDigi’s blog.] First picking up guitars and writing earnest expressions of emotions at only fifteen, over more than a decade identical twins Tegan and Sara Quin have developed a distinct and dynamic signature sound amid the often overwrought indie pop scene. After a few successful demos, the duo made their official … Continue reading →

Fonda: Transatlantic Recording with a Vintage Touch

[Originally printed in Performer magazine’s February 2013 issue.] Though they shine behind the scenes in Hollywood, putting music to television and film, David Klotz and Emily Cook have been back in the studio with their L.A. indie rock outfit, Fonda, and they’re primed to take center stage again. The band’s fourth LP Sell Your Memories is hitting shelves via … Continue reading →

A Bon Vivant Brunch at NoHo’s Bow and Truss

[For Short and Sweet LA, I reviewed a beautiful brunch we enjoyed at nearby Bow and Truss.] Delicious, not pretentious; delicate and light without being too precious: a Sunday morning in the NoHo Arts District gets a boost from a daring desayuno (brunch), at the region’s handsome hideaway, Bow & Truss. Behind tall Game of Thrones-style gates, the generous porch … Continue reading →

Childfree on Social Media: I’m Not A Mommy, But I’m Not A Monster

THE EPITHETS are endless. Crotch droppings, snowflake, semen demon — from sophomoric to salacious, these are just some of the names used to refer to kids by a faction of childless citizens of the web who aren’t just fruitless and fancy-free, but are ruthlessly anti-reproduction. Unwittingly, I joined a social media group that doesn’t just discuss or celebrate … Continue reading →

Pandora: Drop the Right-Wing, Pro-Life Ads

TUNE IN: An alert was issued yesterday afternoon by growing women’s rights organization Ultra Violet that popular free streaming radio service Pandora is running political ads that prey on pregnant women. While the messages in question are documented as having been “on air” since May of this year, they’re just now getting the attention they deserve. “These deceptive … Continue reading →

Koch Brothers’ Anti-Obamacare Propaganda Vid Victimizes Women

The Republicans once again enjoyed the spotlight this week not for their sparkling rhetoric (maybe someday, Steve Doocy) but because of a hideous anti-Obamacare propaganda viral video, which depicts a young woman visiting a reproductive health clinic and getting sexually assaulted by Uncle Sam. [Scroll down to watch the full clip] The Maddow Blog wrote, … Continue reading →

Comedian Sarah Silverman Says Goodbye to Her Best Friend

Always self-deprecating, sunny but acerbic comedian Sarah Silverman shrugged off her heartfelt goodbye to her pet simply an “obituary type thing” when she shared it on her blog. But it was a befitting fond farewell that she bid to her best friend. Sarah’s nineteen year-old Chihuahua-Pug mix, whose given name is apparently Doug Silverman but went by the nickname “Duck,” … Continue reading →

“Girls” Star Adam Driver’s Sexy Snaps In September Vogue + Gap Ads

Selling shirts might not exactly be his strong suit, but Adam Driver definitely has a look that will turn the pages of a magazine. From merely the resident shirtless twitchy perv hookup, Adam became the barefoot hero sprinting shirtless through Brooklyn to Lena Dunham’s rescue on HBO’s ‘Girls’, and now he’s adorning the pages of Vogue, … Continue reading →

Pearl of Wisdom: Oyster Offers Netflix-Like Service for Books

Get ready to shell out for your new obsession. A mobile app called Oyster offers avid digital page-turners a sea of unlimited books for just $9.95 a month and its members will enjoy access to more than 100,000 titles, “available with a single tap, anytime, anywhere.” Readers can access and read over 100,000 titles across every … Continue reading →

More Women Dying From Drug Overdose Than Car Accidents

[LadyClever.com originally hosted this post.] Buckle up. The well-kept secret of dangerous drug abuse by American women has been exposed in a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2007, more women have died each year from drug overdoses than from motor vehicle-related injuries, and deaths and hospital visits due to overdose continue to … Continue reading →

Out of the Closet Thrift Does Good For Charity, But Doesn’t Come Cheap

[Originally shared at LadyClever.com] I’ll go ahead and admit it, I’m scared to post this review for three reasons: first, I hate to speak ill of an institution that distributes free condoms and promotes free HIV testing; secondly, because it will truly reveal how cheap I actually am; and lastly, because I love thrift stores. Maybe I was too pumped up … Continue reading →

Why Are Parents Pressured to Put Children’s Gender on Display?

[This piece first appeared at WeeklySauce.com.] Critics are really cutting into designer and reality television star’s Rachel Zoe for her son Skyler’s hairstyle, or lack thereof. Her impossibly handsome two year-old is getting a lot of negative attention for his tumbling auburn curls, being mistaken for a little girl as well as being called one … Continue reading →

On April 22 Our Apartment Building Caught On Fire

[This essay is originally hosted at LadyClever.com. Spolier alert: we were grateful to have made it out safely. We lost nothing, had generous family and caring friends to rely on, made new friends, and are happy in our new home. ] We knew we had to get out. My boyfriend was going to rush to the … Continue reading →

A Bad Day For Equal Pay: Rick Perry’s Snub + Miss Utah’s Flub

[This article was orginally written for LadyClever.com.] Women currently earn only 77 cents for each dollar a man earns for the same work. And it often doesn’t feel like enough women are sufficiently enraged by that income disparity between the sexes in the U.S. For example, while civil rights leader and Texas Rep. Senfronia Thompson toiled toward … Continue reading →

Funny Business: The Fresh Feminism of “Inside Amy Schumer”

[Originally hosted at LadyClever.com.] The potty-mouthed, pouty-lipped ladies cracking wry jokes about how lazy, smelly, gross, and generally sleazy they are, wore thin for me just a few disappointing episodes into “Two Broke Girls” and “Whitney”. As such, I definitely did not expect to dig comedienne Amy Schumer’s new sketch-comedy show, “Inside Amy Schumer”, chalking it up as … Continue reading →

Her-Story: Documenting Wonder Woman’s Legacy

[LadyClever.com orginally hosted this post.] “Change their minds and change the world,” the old Wonder Woman theme song reminded little girls glued to the TV at home. Now, a team of filmmakers has harnessed that same spirit to showcase the story of the lasso-wielding lady and her impact on our culture, comic book and otherwise, with their documentary “Wonder Woman! … Continue reading →

A Super Hero’s Journey: Siike Donnelly’s Solestar Kickstarter

For April’s crowdfunding edition of Purple Curve magazine, put together by Purple Curve Effect co-author Jeff “Ski Kinsey, I introduced a KickStarter helmed by our enterprising friend Siike Donnelly. — Casandra Armour

Gender Through Comics #SuperMOOC Art

This spring, I had the distinct privilege of taking part in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) promoted by the Generalissimo Stan Lee and led by esteemed Professor Christina Blanch via Ball State University, aptly dubbed the Super MOOC. Prof. Blanch is a doctoral candidate well-versed in women’s studies, who happens to also be a comic book … Continue reading →

Designer Donte Livingston’s Successes and Strife in the Fashion Industry

[This interview initially appeared at LA Splash.com.] Incredible luck seems to have lead Donte “Luxe” Livingston down a successful path, but it’s his own inextinguishable innate talent that’s taken Donte from a fashion passionate Philadelphia boy to head designer at his own ready-to-wear costume line. His mother nurtured his early crush on clothes, and especially appreciated … Continue reading →

Naked Ambition: Is Lena Dunham’s Nudity Liberating or Distracting?

[LadyClever.com originally hosted this blog.] I’ve been on board throughout Lena Dunham really sticking it to the man on her HBO show Girls this season; intentionally instigating the naysayers by flaunting her “famous” family, disregarding racial quotas, and bearing her breasts and belly shamelessly. [Season two spoiler alert, don’t read on if you’re not caught up to episode five of season two.] … Continue reading →

The Federal Bar’s Premium Prixe Fixe Dinner

[This review originally appeared at LASplash.com.] The extraordinary daily offerings at The Federal Bar are among the most choice California cuisine The NoHo Arts District has to offer. Mini-Stuffed Bleu Cheese Burgers top the appetizers as one of my go-to’s, especially since they’re available in both premium Angus beef and veggie varieties. The generous Greco Burger has none of the gamey aftertaste that … Continue reading →

Bowie Debuts New Single & Video “The Stars” (Are Out Tonight)

[An abridged version of this post can be viewed at ReDigi’s music blog.] “Stars are never sleeping,” David Bowie mourns on his new track “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)”, “They’ll burn you with their radiant smiles, trap you with their beautiful eyes”– a chilling criticism of celebrity and fame, though its far from the first … Continue reading →

#sorryimnotsorry: No, I Don’t Own A Fixie

[This essay was originally hosted at LadyClever.com] Counterculture king Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes everything look cool. And in the 2012 film Premium Rush, JoGo plays a bike messenger in bustling Manhattan, named Wilee. Other riders have a laugh at his expense because he’s nerdily fascinated with what’s colloquially known as his “fixie”: a fixed-gear, steel-frame bicycle … Continue reading →

Retreat From Retail: The Thrill of the Thrift Shop

[The newly launched LadyClever.com originally hosted this post.] I’m late to the party, but Seattle hip-hop hottie Macklemore’s single “Thrift Shop” is kind of my anthem. (I won’t say it’s my jam, but if I were the sort of person who said that sort of thing, you’d know I was serious.) In the second verse when he … Continue reading →

Dan The Automator: Pillowfight & Other Projects

[ReDigi’s blog originally hosted this music news feature.] If you loved the Lovage, baby, you’ll love Pillowfight. Serial collaborator and super producer Dan the Automator is poised to make an impact with indie ingenue Emily Wells, a sort of sultry torch singer and violinist with hip-hop sensibilities. Last year her debut album Mama was acclaimed by outlets like NPR and … Continue reading →

Prince Teases New Album and Collaboration With Girl Group

[Originally posted at ReDigi‘s blog.] Though no formal album announcements have come from his camp, pop royalty Prince continues to tease loyal fans with new tracks and surprise performances. The latest, “Screwdriver,” debuted on his website via an eight-minute video that will set viewers back two bucks to watch. He previously released another sultry appetizer, “Breakfast Can Wait.” In addition … Continue reading →

The Federal Bar’s Decadent Four-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner

[Originally shared at LA Splash] The Knitting Factory‘s cozy cosmopolitan hideaway in North Hollywood, The Federal Bar, boasts an inventive gourmet menu, a comprehensive collection of craft beers, top shelf spirits including the finest in bourbon and scotch, as well as a diverse wine list. For Valentine’s Day, the chic space is wooing guests with a sweetheart … Continue reading →

Idiosyncratic It-Girl Zooey Deschanel Fiercely Defends Feminism

LadyClever.com hosts the original posting of this article.] Hold on to your peculiar hats manic pixie dreamgirls! Idiosyncratic it-girl Zooey Deschanel rang in the new year by giving the ax to the ol’ ‘adorkable’ act, speaking out in the February issue of Glamour magazine regarding society’s narrow perception that a feminist can’t be, well, feminine. The often out-spoken doe-eyed darling … Continue reading →

Throwback: Five John Lennon Milestones

[“John Lennon” original oil painting by Leonid Afremov. Post initially hosted at ReDigi.] While early December honors John Lennon‘s life on the anniversary of his death (December 8) and his haunting sociopolitical commentary turned Christmas song “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” floods the airwaves for the holidays, it’s actually the apt transitional season of fall that holds many milestones for … Continue reading →

Art: “The Privileged Series”, A Provocative Depiction of Classism

[Originally shared on LA Splash.] A successful creative career over a decade long has culminated in Anthony Dortch’s current mélange of multimedia art; a provocative exhibit that mirrors life while incorporating it. Based in Washington, D.C., he grew up with artistic inclinations and found inspiration in the culture around him. “My mom would say that I’ve always … Continue reading →

Gratitude Art

I really set out this month to do the whole “Thankful Thirty” prompt, writing on things I’m grateful for daily. But I’m just not accustomed to the intimate narrative style of sharing in blogging yet. The years that I’ve been working online have been journalistically. Ha, well– that is, at least focused on topics that weren’t … Continue reading →

Throwback: Feminist Tracks to Impact the 2012 Election

With the 2012 election looming, it’s critical that women are being heard and music is a great place to start. The “War on Women” is a blanket term for the innumerable ugly ways the politicians and talking heads prove again and again that they find the fairer sex to also be the more feeble sex. Women have to listen … Continue reading →

SNL’s Cheeky Spoof of Brad Pitt’s Chanel No. 5 Ad

[Originally posted to Gather.com] This weekend, acerbic sketch-comedy show Saturday Night Live took a jab at legendary luxury brand Chanel No. 5’s misguided new ad campaign. The scent’s attempt at subtle sophistication kind of stunk, and the funny franchise got a whiff of a wonderful opportunity for parody. The original ad for the titillating fragrance is titled “There You Are.” Harkening classic … Continue reading →

Film: “The Prosecution of an American President” Puts Bush on Trial

[Originally posted at LA Splash.] The new documentary film The Prosecution of an American President presents the premise that the U.S.’ 43rd president George W. Bush should stand trial for the murders of over 4,000 soldiers and countless Iraqi civilians killed throughout the Iraq War. The movie is built on the book of the same name, penned by famed Charles Manson prosector … Continue reading →

Throwback: Top Five David Fincher-Directed Music Videos

[My Throwback music columns are originally hosted on the ReDigi.com blog.] Auteur David Fincher, known for such dark and engrossing directorial endeavors like Fight Club, Se7en, and more recently The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, got his start in the now nearly lost art of music videos. From pillars of pop music like Paula Abdul, Michael Jackson, and Madonna, to … Continue reading →

‘Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon’ the Unexpected Play From Author Kimball Allen

[Originally hosted at LA Splash.] Through his play Secrets of a Gay Mormon Felon, fascinating Seattle playwright Kimball Allen has found unexpected relief in reenacting painful moments from his life and sharing their impact with his audience. Raised a devout Mormon, at 13 years-old he was subjected to a traumatic event that shattered his young spirit. Kimball carried on dutifully … Continue reading →

Measure for Measure at The Whitmore Theatre in NoHo

[Originally written for LA Splash.] Hosting another bold production of the Bard, The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Company is currently staging Shakespeare‘s problematic comedy, otherwise known as one of his ‘broken’ dramas, Measure for Measure. The literal cautionary tale begins with two young lovers prosecuted for their acts of love and resulting child out of wedlock, which presents itself … Continue reading →

Throwback: Five Classics for Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month

[It’s the ASPCA‘s Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, so for ReDigi this week I put together five tracks to encourage folks to adopt not shop, and give a good dog a second chance!] October is officially Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month and the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is urging animal lovers to do their part in raising awareness about … Continue reading →

Throwback: Five Great Movie Trailer Tracks

[In this week’s Redigi Throwback, I talked about movie trailers and their music. ] Director David Fincher knows how to pair music with movies. The haunting Scala & Kolnacy Brothers chorale cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” in the trailer for his film The Social Network perfectly evoked the ironic loneliness of modern means of connection. While Trent Reznor and Karen O‘s wonderfully writhing … Continue reading →

Abingdon Co.’s Elegant Approach to Aviation Watches

[My interview with entrepreneur and aviatrix Chelsea ‘Abingdon’ Welch for LA Splash.] The Abingdon Co.’s distinctive brand name reflects precisely the sophistication, style, and efficiency of their chic line of timepieces for savvy female pilots and travelers. “Its origins, though, are not as glamorous perhaps as what the name evokes,” its founder explains. “I was born in England, … Continue reading →

Chelsea Manor’s Top Five Fresh Sexy Costume Concepts

[An article I wrote for Chelsea Manor Intimates‘ Sexy Lingerie Blog, about taking a fresh approach to the sexy costume craze and making it really work for you. ] Halloween is not a night to be ordinary! Steer away from shopping off the rack at a tacky costume shop and fading into the crowd with … Continue reading →

Throwback: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Soundtrack Top Five

[A favorite novel’s transition from page to screen prompted me to discuss its music for this week’s Redigi Throwback.] Stephen Chbosky’s 1999 critically-acclaimed novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower showcases a shy suburban freshman, known only as Charlie, narrating the formative experiences of his life by penning intimate letters to an anonymous individual. Sociological issues such … Continue reading →

Throwback: Back to School Top Five

[For back-to-school season I picked five fun songs to discuss in this week’s Redigi Throwback.] Back to school. It makes you both cringe and smile a little each time you see it on TV or in a movie; kids eagerly picking out new threads or dreading hand-me-downs, stocking up on school supplies, contemplating ”Who will … Continue reading →

Film: “Hello I Must Be Going” Hits Home

[My review of the new film ‘Hello I Must Be Going’ for Short and Sweet LA.] Hello I Must Be Going features familiar face Melanie Lynskey (Up In the Air, Two and a Half Men) as timid thirty-something Amy, a reluctant divorcée returned home to lick her wounds. More despondent than bitter, she is blind-sided by her husband’s decision … Continue reading →

Darrell Wayne’s KTHO Radio Showcases Classic FM Rock

[I was fortunate to interview old school KROQ icon Darrell Wayne for LA Splash.] Best known to FM rock aficionados as “Insane Darrell Wayne” on L.A.’s world famous KROQ, Darrell Wayne is now an entrepreneur using modern media to find a new home for that classic FM format, founding his own successful station, KTHO. After decades of riding the airwaves, no one … Continue reading →

Throwback: Freddie For a Day Top Five

[For my Redigi Throwback this week, I wanted to encourage Freddie For A Day participants and fans with a top five list.] Queen frontman Freddie Mercury‘s early-autumn birthday inspires legions of fans to celebrate his life by dressing in one of the musician’s iconic styles, known as Freddie For A Day. What a way to get away with wearing white after … Continue reading →

Walking Wolf Productions TV Launches Web Series Contest

Premiere creative enterprise Walking Wolf Productions has announced the addition of a new branch of media to the company’s award-winning repertoire. Debuting in 2013, the new Walking Wolf Productions TV will launch its own original programming, including a new web series which will give aspiring creative professionals the chance to see their ideas come to life. The company has … Continue reading →

Throwback: The Gen-X Rock of My So-Called Life

[For my Redigi Throwback this week, I give props to the Generation-X gem ‘My So-Called Life’.] The demands of school work, hovering parental figures, annoying siblings, finding someone who’ll make out with you today but love you for-ever, and trying to fit in in a cruel world where non-conformity can either be social suicide or a … Continue reading →