Campbell's Soup Stands Up Against Hate

Yep, soup is mmm mmm good, especially when the leading maker and American icon of soup, Campbell's stands up against the hate-mongering assholes of the ironically named American Family Association.  You see, the AFA requested that Campbell's stop advertising in the Advocate, the long-running Gay and Lesbian News Magazine.  Well, Campbell's basically told them to go fuck themselves, but somewhat more diplomatically.  Perhaps, this could be another turning point where corporate America realizes that there's more profit in inclusion than exclusion.  Suck on that, haters.

Abandoned Animals

As the economic crisis that the Bush administration has tragically lead the nation into worsens daily, people more and more are abandoning their animals. It's really sad for the animals and for them.  Other than the city pound or simply abandoning them to the street, I wonder if there is any city or private service that will take them in until things get better.

Anyway, Will Campbell has seeing a lot more of it and he's been trying to help,one animal, one person at a time.

Obama Inauguration

There's no denying that a lot of people are upset by Obama's choosing Rick Warren to give the opening benediction at his inauguration, but, perhaps, he is thinking bigger picture. After all, now with all the protests about it popping up, Warren has already begun to make changes in the language he uses to speak of the "others" (read: gays and women who value choice, muslims, et al). Just by asking him to be part of the big show, Warren has had to move to the center, however slightly, and that, I think, we can agree, is a good thing.

Meanwhile, Obama has decided to take the oath of office using the bible that Lincoln used...and he's the first president to do that. Now, that's just effing cool.

DWP: Do As I Say Not As I Do

Even though we've had some good rain in the last couple weeks doesn't mean we still shouldn't conserve water. In fact, the L.A. DWP will be the first to encourage its clients to do so by buying low flush toilets, planting more trees to absorb water and installing drought tolerant landscaping (among many other things).

That's all fine and good and reasonable advice, but just a look at the front lawn of the DWP station in Atwater Village will reveal that they don't really practice what they preach.

Shouldn't they?

Obama Is Time's Man of the Year

During a year when print journalism seems to matter less and less, it's still nice to see this positive recognition. It may help in building more momentum to move his agenda forward. Lord knows he'll need it.

Atwater Village

Atwater Village has an anthem and the Newbie has the scoop!

Jim Morrison

This small editorial piece in the NY Times today is reflective of what newspapers do better than most.  It also speaks to what is now, more often then not, lacking from the LA Times -- a good nugget of a story, told from an interesting angle that makes people think about life in a somewhat different way. 

That this really LA story was told by the NY Times and not the LA Times is indicative of so much.

Los Angeles Times

The great many people who Zell has had shitcanned this year have had their severance checks frozen!  I'm not shocked, but I am appalled.  Until now, I've been a loyal (though surely disappointed) subscriber to the Times.  Now, though, I think it may be time to cancel my subscription, until the people who made the paper what it was, are fairly reimbursed.

Now, Eli Broad or David Geffen or Ron Burkle or somebody else out there, won't you please save the Times?  The Paper will (probably) never achieve 20% annual growth, but it's still profitable and relative and important to the city.

Help!

City of Angels Half Marathon

It's been a busy week in Atwater Village.  First, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which was well-attended with 1,400 people enjoying the festivities (though, I still don't know why they can't start things later in Atwater on weeknights -- a lot of people have to work, you know!) 

Then, last night, many shops and galleries stayed open late, offered beer and wine and showcased local bands and dancers. 

And, finally this morning, the third annual City of Angels Half Marathon ran down by the river and over the Hyperion Bridge. It was a glorious site.

After it all, I walked back through our weekly Farmers Market, picked up some flowers and headed home.

I think our little Village is quite nice.

Israel: The Jewish State

I don't think this is what my grandparents' and their parents' generation had in mind. For shame.

Bob Baker Marionette Theatre

Sure, these are tough times and there are lots of people, groups and companies suffering.  Still, it makes me sad to think that the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre may go away.  Any person born and raise in L.A. has been there, seen that.  Here's a call to those who were entertained as kids, whose kids were entertained, whose grandkids were entertained -- help keep this Los Angeles tradition alive.

Since the L.A. Times no longer covers news, find out more from the New York Times.

World AIDS Day

Honoring those who have died, those who living with it and those who are fighting to find a cure. This is the 20th anniversary (!) of World AIDS Day and a good time to think about what we can do differently to help those with AIDS as well as millions of others afflicted with other terrible diseases (Cancer) and inflictions (hunger).

Love and Respect

Give Back

Governor Palin Oblivious To Turkey Carnage Over Her Shoulder

Watch and make sure you note the graphics.

Big Pro Gay Marriage Rally Saturday

Hey, if you have a jonesing for equality and you want to shout it at City Hall, Saturday's your chance. There's a giant rally planned at L.A. City Hall, starting at 10:30a on Saturday.  Rallies are happening across the country at exactly this time and, hey, why not let your voice be heard.  Oh, and do us a favor, and take Metro there.  Show the world that we cherish equality and conservation. Take Metro.

Change We Can Believe In

Electing Obama really really really is going to have a positive impact. Washinton Monthly has the deets.

Gay Marriage

10,000 protesters took to the streets of Silverlake in Los Angeles tonight to protest the bigotry of the Proposition 8.  Unfortunately, I couldn't be there as I have to work all weekend, but I support their efforts wholeheartedly.  In the long march to equality in modern times, rights have never been actually stripped from a constitution.  And, the silver lining of the this is, well, magical.

Here's a photo of us as documented by LAIst.com on the Wednesday following the election.

The Militant Angeleno

Where art thou?  He seems to be in hiding...like the city nerd.  Come back, MA!

Transit

Despite the bad news in regard to Prop 8, there was other good news besides Obama's momentous win. Angelenos supported the sales tax hike for public transit. Build those lines, bitches!

Rally For Marriage Equality Tonight

Tell your friends.  Here's the info.

Proposition 8 Protest Rally & Street Closures


Wednesday, November 5th

As deeply disappointed as we all are that California voters passed Proposition 8, we must not allow that disappointment to linger. This vote is a temporary defeat in the long march toward equal rights for all citizens in America.

Please join me for a protest rally tonight at 7 pm on San Vicente Blvd between West Hollywood Park and the Pacific Design Center (647 N. San Vicente Blvd. West Hollywood CA 90069) as we move forward towards restoring equality for all in California.

San Vicente Blvd, between Santa Monica Blvd and Melrose Avenue will be closed tonight starting at 6 pm. San Vicente south-bound traffic will be directed to make left or right at Santa Monica Blvd. Signs have already been posted to help divert traffic.

For more information about tonight's rally, please contact (323) 848-6460.

Barak Obama

To echo my favorite political blogger, atrios, holy. fucking. shit.

It's a great day to be an American. Let freedom ring again.

Greatest Moment in Baseball in Last 20 Years

Listen to the play by play by Don Drysdale.
(h/t laobserved)

Stand Up

Dodgers Tonight

And whether they win or lose, we relish in the history of this great Dodgers day, when 20 years ago, a battle-weary, injured veteran came to the plate late in the game and knocked the effin shit out of the ball.

Best. Dodgers. Memory. Ever.

Go Blue!

Barbra at the Dodgers

Doyers Playoffs
Originally uploaded by sardrinks ©.
Well, they lost last night, but they're hopefully gonna win on Wed. (Thanks for the photo, Sarah!)

The Greatest Thing I've Ever Seen

Only thing missing is bacon.

Dodgers Win!

The last time I went to a post-season playoff game was 1978. 30 years ago. I was 11. Ok, so now you know how old I am. When the Dodgers had their amazing run in 1988, I was living in Boston, finishing my last year at Brandeis (I celebrated along the night Gibson hit his homerun by jumping so high I hit the ceiling and then calling every Yankee fan I knew and rubbing their faces in it -- I was a kid, but I'd probably do the same thing today).

So, it was special enough going. And, I got tickets for today's game, but a friend from college, Howard, emailed me Tuesday from NY and offered me free tix to Saturday's game instead, field level, to the left of home plate. What was I to do? I had to go.

And it was amazing. Amazing crowd, amazing team, amazing atmosphere. Last night's game will be remembered for a long time.

Let's Go Dodgers!

Hot Dog Heaven

Paul Newman

RIP

Gay Marriage

After 18 years of being together, the state has finally seen fit to give us "permission" to marry. We are thrilled and encourage all our friends and family to vote NO on Proposition 8 in November so other couples in California can enjoy the experience of equality.

Mike Marmer

Happy birthday. We miss you.

Yankee Stadium

As much as I've hated the Yankees all of my life, I lament the last days of Yankee Stadium.  It's a shame and I hope the Dodgers don't take the same path.

No Deal

Consensus has been reached among most progressives.  The deal to bailout wall street banks, as it stands now, should not pass.  It doesn't address the core issues, is a bandaid and helps only corporations that gambled but not individuals. Good (barely and temporarily) for corporate America, bad for individual America.

No deal.

Brad PItt and Gay Marriage

Yeah, he's hot and he rocks equality!

What of the gay celebs?  Why aren't they giving?

Come on, Ellen. It's not just about puppies, is it?

The Economy Is Tanking

As usual, Atrios speaks. You listen

Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine

(h/t Steve)

I Love The Internets Part 7,896

Eddie Murphy's Giant Head.

The Banking Mess Brought On By Greed

As usual, Atrios has the best and most concise summary of what the hell went wrong:

Through this crisis, there's this underlying narrative that something can be done, that there's just a wee liquidity problem. But underlying all of this is the fact that banks made a bunch of stupid loans which aren't being repaid. A bunch of people made highly leveraged investments in securities backed by those loans. A bunch of other people sold insurance on those securities and related debt.

Lots of money is being lost and there isn't any way to fix that.

It's not quite money in the mattress time, but it's not that far away. Next up: AIG, WaMu and who knows what else.

Get Out The Vote

If you haven't registered to vote yet, it's not too late.  And, this may be the most important election in almost 150 years.  It's quick, it's easy, it's your obligation as a citizen.  Register to Vote...and then VOTE!

Sarah Pallin

You've probably seen this already, but you haven't yet, here's another chance...it's brilliant.

Obama

9/11

Remembering those who lost their lives and those who lost their loved ones.  Wishing that our country hadn't lost thousands more lives and spent hundreds of billions of dollars on needless, ego-fueled, oil-mad wars over the seven years since.  It's all senseless and criminal.

Reason #8,754 Why I Love The Internets

Lipstick on a pig...for sale.

Lipstick on a Pig

As Obama wisely noted, you can put lipstick on a pig and it's still a pig.  Or, of course, one of my favorite sayings is that you can polish a turd, but it's still a turd.  Frankly, if these were my two choices and I was McCain, I would go for the pig.  Either way, I'm voting for Obama.

Del Martin

Rest in peace.

Erick Burdette

Genuis.

Openly Gay Athelete Wins Gold

Matthew Micham from Australis won a gold medal in diving at the Beijing Olympics and in this Olympics media event where NBC has found personal backstories so important, they did not once mention Matthew's. He is the first openly gay person to ever compete, let alone win a gold medal. Why would NBC not find this compelling?

Leroy Sievers

Rest in peace.

Looking Young

Ernest Borgnine shares my secret.

Atwater Village Philippino Market

The for sale sign has finally come down (and I assume it's not going to become a middle eastern restaurant) and construction has begun. Does anybody know what's happening there?

My Birthday Dinner AT Osteria Mozza or "God, These Testicles Are Delicious"

So, yesterday was my birthday and because we had a $150 gift certificate from my father and stepmother (from xmas last year), we decided to visit one of my favorite restaurants ever -- Osteria Mozza.

Now, Carl had never been there and I had only been there twice, but we both knew it was going to be a treat. I had called only the day before, so the only time available was 6p or 9:30p. As I am heading rapidly toward the senior home, we opted for 6p. We were seated immediately in a crowded two top area near the bar and, thus, requested a quieter table against the wall on the side. Wish granted.

But, we seemed to be ignored our first few moments. My first two times, the service was impeccable from the moment we got there to the sweet end. This time, maybe they were a smidge off. When the waitress did come over, she took our drink orders, answered a few questions and then told us that the chef requested we place our complete orders all at once.

Yeah, right. I'm sure it had nothing to do with wanting to move the table. Anyway, we deferred as we still had to make our decisions.

The drinks arrived and decisions were made and communicated. And, the ride began.

For our appetizers, I ordered the Pig Trotter and Carl got the butter lettuce. The butter lettuce was as if each cup of butter lettuce was hand selected for the salad. It came with roquefort, grapes and walnuts. Now, Carl thought the grapes were olives, but only the best tasting sweetest olives he ever had. I think he did it to dissuade me from having more of his. My pig trotter was fried and delicious in a mustard sauce perfectly juxtaposed with cool field grees. Both really delectable.

Next up was primi. Carl ordered the Maccheroni alla Chitarra with guanciale, tomato & spicy pickled peppers and I took on the Fresh Ricotta & Egg Raviolo with browned butter, which I have had twice beofre. Carl's pasta was absolutely magnificent with the deliciously combined flavors of pork jowl, tomatoes and pickled peppers. I mean it was breathtaking. And my Raviolo was just as spectacular as ever, as the egg yolk, cracked, spread over the raviolo. Jesus.

Secondi. A friend had previously ordered the sweet breads and insisted that I do so this time, and, so I did, while Carl got the pork loin. The sweet breads (not actually testicles -- more thymus glands -- but still looking like your average balls) came in a wine/lemon/caper berry picata. They were poached then fried and then, with every bite, took on the flavor of the picata more and more. The pork loin was done exquisitely as well. We even got rosemary potatoes on the side, but each could only finish one spear.

Finally, we finished up with Torta della Nonna, which is but the simplest dessert but so incrediby tasty. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a small scoop of homemade vanilla.

After the meal, it was a race home to see if we could get our clothes off before they actually were burst off my our growing happy bellies.

Can't wait to go again.

John McCain Sucks Balls

I hate Paris Hilton, but, damn, this is funny.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

House of the Rising Sun

For Carl, From Jared.

Silver Lake Egrets, Black Balls and Choppers

I'm not really going to say anything much about the earthquake except, yeah, that happened. I've experienced many of them over my decades, but never one up on a 20th floor. Long after the quake, we were still moving from side to side like a ship in heavy seas. One of the paintings on my wall just went side to side for what seemed like forever. Weird. Still, I got that feeling that I always get after a moderate to big ass scary mofo quake: delighted to be alive.

Now, in reverse order to the above title. Sunday, we were coming back to Atwater from Cliff's Edge Restaurant and saw a helicopter hovering directly over the Resevoir. We tried to pull around to grab a shot, but by the time we got there, it had taken off. At the time, we thought it was odd because there was no local brush fire...but indeed, there was, right by the zoo. Luckily, it seemed most escaped unscathed.

Then, this morning, while taking a constitutional around the resevoir (too lazy to make it to Runyon and too tired because the dogs were acting strangely all night, no doubt due to the upcoming quake), and, lo and behold, I saw an egret flying overhead until it perched in a tree on the west side of the lake. Perhaps, they're back.




Or, perhaps, they're attacted by the black balls they continue to dump in to Ivanhoe. I caught this in action just after the egret. And I thought they were done, but apparently they won't be until it looks more like an oil slick...whichI guess is appropriate given these end days.




At least the egrets are back -- at least one. That is all.

Cool

Mortgage Crisis Blues

(via curbedla) Current TV explains the crisis, as interpreted by Schoolhouse Rock.

Capturing A Moment In Time

This is an amazing portrait of two young, good looking twins who lived in a different world at a different time. Insert yourself into the Factory circa 1978.

Hello

(Thanks Paul) I love the internets, I do. I really do.

Vote for John McCain

(hat tip atrios)

The McCain Poster

If you haven't seen it yet, you just gotta. It's really the equivalent of Dukakis in the Tank. If only the fighter jets were being shot out of his orifices. That's the only way it would be better. Take a look.

Facebook Friends

I get messages. Today was a doozy:

Eric says, "So the score is 30-0 and there's a basehit to left, simpson comes up with a long throw from the outfield and crakow tags him out at the plate to preserve the shutout. Oh those beautiful summer softball days.".

This is from a guy I literally haven't seen or heard from in almost 30 years and the message was right on the money. I saw his name and I immediately wondered if it was him. I read the request and I knew it was.

I was 12 at the time, I couldn't have been over 5 feet tall and our playground was on asphalt. No grass. I remember distinctly that we were kicking ass and we wanted to keep the shutout. The guy hit the ball hard. He rounded all the bases. Eric -- who had an amazing arm -- hurled it at me and the hitter, who must have been ten feet tall and ten feed wide, came charging at me. The ball reached me first and i caught it. Then the hitter. He barreled over me like the five foot tall kid I was and...and...and I held the ball.

Hitter out. Game over. Shutout preserved. Team rejoiced.

Totally one of my favorite childhood memories and all brought back to me out of the ether on Facebook.

Yay Internets!

saving the la times

what if 2-3000 concerned Angelenos forms a cooperative partnership and invested 1-2 thousand dollars and bought back the times? Could it be saved? Reinvigorated? Rebuilt? Damn right. Who's on board?!!

Anyone care to put money where their mouths have been?

The Intertubes

Always worth another look-see.

Olympics

Well, here's some good news for animal lovers going to the Beijing Olympics.

Shirley

How I should start my drive into work every day and how I intend to. Listening to this.

Ted Kennedy

He returned to the Senate today to cast an important vote. As noted before, despite his personal failings, this is a man who cares deeply for his country. We're lucky to have him around.

McCain Excitement

(h/t Steve)

Happy 4th of July

from the NY Times editiorial today (and I couldn't agree more):

"This is a good day to be sitting on an ice chest full of something cold to drink in your own backyard, watching the grill smoke and waiting for the fireworks off in the distance that say high summer has finally come. That’s how much better it is to be celebrating the Fourth of July than the Ninth of December or the Eleventh of February."

Los Angeles Times

Zell is cutting back the Time staff further and reducing its page output by another 15%. How much more can it and the city and world that it used to serve proudly take? That's a reduction in staff over the past few years of 50%. 50% editorial! When will somebody step in? The fact is newspapers, combined with the web, are still profitable. Will they turn insane profits like they used to? No, but should that really matter? Aren't they as much a public service as a "profit center"?

There are a lot of uber rich people in Los Angeles who allegedly care about the city and the Times. Anybody out there care enough?

Here's what the blog-la-sphere is saying...

Carol Channing, Liza Minelli, Larry King

Brilliant (hat tip, Simon)

Joe Cocker Translated

Shits And Giggles

Apparently, the gay nightlife downtown is starting to blossom. Just one cursory look at the weekly club, Shits & Giggles, makes me want to put my little party shoes on. Check out their myspace page and ask yourself why you shouldn't enjoy yourself as we head into the end times.

McCain's Finally In Vogue

Karl Rove's Not-so-subtle Racism

Recently, Rove asked if we would want Obama as President when he seems like the kind of guy who would be standing aloof in a country club, with a drink and a cigarette and a stunning date, making snide comments. What was this about? Elitism? Not so much. Talking Points has an interpretation and it should give us all pause.

George Carlin

Carlin was one of the first comics that I really really loved growing up. My pal Doug (son of a comedy writer) and I (stepson of a comedy writer) would play is albums over and over again. He was that good. I'll miss him.

Franklin Avenue found a pre-"7 Words" clip from the Tonight Show in 1966.

Neighbors

I love my little village of Atwater, but I really don't know my neighbors very well. I know the one on my right, but not even really know the older gentleman's name on my left and, except for a few cases up and down the block (and blocks), I know faces but no names at all. I've always wished this to be different, but haven't put in the effort to change it. I'm thinking maybe I should.

Gay Royal Marriage

Or what happens when somebody has too much time on his hands. Well done, Andrew.

Happy Gay Marriage Day Continued

At least in California. And the LA Times -- sadly declining under Tribune -- manages to get it right with an Editorial today. The question, the paper poses, comes down to this: "How can the state's blessing on these acts of love in any way diminish us?"

Happy Gay Marriage Today

Today, at 5:01pm Pacific Time, equal marital rights came to gays and lesbians in California. And the people rejoiced. Let freedom ring.

Blaintastic

Turn Around

Treadmills

Please remember to get plenty of exercise.

Let's Get This Party Started

Go Shirley!

(Hat tip Cuban Jon.)

Back from Costa Rica

Congratulations Obama, nice job (finally) bowing out, Hilary, and fuck you, Tom Delay.

The War Prayer

Mark Twain wrote this after the Spanish American War, but it was considered so controversial, that his publisher convinced him not to publish it. It was published a day after his death, as Twain noted, "none but the dead can speak the truth".

Watch the War Prayer.

(hat tip Kevin Drum)

No comment

Somethings are unavoidable.

Runyon Canyon

It's been unsually cloudy and stormy these last few days in May in Southern California. On Saturday morning, after bringing Sabrina to the vet for bloodwork -- she needs Rimadyl for doggie arthritis and needs to have her blood checked bianually -- I headed over to Runyon. Though, storm clouds gathered and looked ominous, I made it up and down with just one drop falling on me at the end. And the views of the city were something out of the noir-world -- especially with the unusual construction going on around the trails. Definitely worth the hike (but it always is).

Click the pics to make 'em nice and big...

Hollywood Farmer's Market

Happy 17th anniversary to the Hollywood Farmer's Market. It brings people from across ethic and economic divides, young and old, gay and straight, into the heart of Hollywood and offers them the chance to mingle, to sample, to live. It's a good thing and something that probably has played a big part in the renaissance of Hollywood. So, very happy anniversary indeed. Here's to 117 more years.

HIlary Clinton

Keith Olberman has the tear down...it is brutally harsh and truthful.

Funny

(hat tip, sonyl)

Gay Marriage

We're going to the chapel...gonna get married...Well, not really the chapel, but we are gonna get married. Yeah, that's right. See if you can find us in this...(hat tip, April in Salt Lake!)

Serial Mom

Just cause.

Equal Rights Milestone

Gays can now marry in California. Equality marches onward.

And, you know what, families won't be hurt by this, they'll be helped.

(so, this is what it feels like to not have to sit in the back of the bus. gotta tell you, it feels pretty fucking right and good.)

The city celebrates today and tonight.

(above image from Defamer)

Bill O'Reilly Is An Asshole

It's official.

Steve and Kathy Got Married

Congrats to Steve, a friend and work colleague, and his lovely bride Kathy. These photos capture a gorgeous southern california wedding!

HIlary Clinton is Psycho Ex-Girlfriend of Democratic Party

(hat tip jennifer)

Read and be amused.

News Story of the Day

Great Tits Handle Global Warming No. really.

Janitors Protest In Century City

I was walking out of Fox Plaza for my afternoon constitutional and lunchgrab and I thought something was out of whack. There were three cones outside 3 of the 4 main doors to the building. There was a cop car parked in front with it's lights on and just down the street, there was a SUV parked on the sidewalk. Traffic was stopped ahead for no discernible reason with traffic cops belligerently directing traffic Some odd things. I thought nothing more of it.

Then, walking back from the mall, with salad in hand, before me stretched what seemed like thousands and thousands of red-shirted janitors and janitor allies marching in front of the Century Plaza (proudly flying some southern state's confederate bars/stars flag in front), in front of the new super expensive condo tower going up ($25 million for the penthouse apparently) and circling good ol' Fox Plaza.

What's a bleeding liberal to do but to sympathize, take a few pics and agree:

Si, Se Puede.

Tomorrow's May Day rallies, I think, are going to be huge.

Happy Birthday L.A. City Hall

From the long-lost and now Facebook-arisen L.A.City Nerd, comes this message to other L.A. city nerds:

City Hall was dedicated April 26, 1928 at 10am. That makes City Hall, the 3rd such building to bear the moniker, 80 years, 2 days, 14 hours and 37 minutes old as of the posting of this message.

Become a friend the L.A. City Nerd because you can never have too many friends, right?

Los Angeles in the Spring

Yeah, near 100 degrees on Saturday. How best to take advantage of it? Martini, Los Angeles Short Story collection focused on Noir and sunset next to a pool. Kinda makes you forget about the world's troubles just for a little bit.

Artwater

The second annual Artwater in Atwater Village was great fun. It was bustling and hot in the afternoon and bustling and much cooler in the evening. In fact, compared to the first year, there was actually quite a lot of activity in the evening and it was fun. Kudos to the planners!

1974 Dance Party

As one commenter over at FranklinAve noted, this may be the best thing you'll ever see on the interwebs...complete with spots featuring a very young Farrah, Neet hair removal and the beauty of a full size Pontiac.

Watch it now.

Funny

File under: Somethings write themselves.

Dodger Stadium

I went to my first regular season game of the year a couple of Sundays ago and, though the hometown bums (little known fact, L.A. reporters were encouraged not to call the Dodgers "dem bums" once they moved from Brooklyn in order to encourage fandom. it worked) lost to the Padres, we had a nice day in the shade of the beautiful ballpark on a very warm Sunday in spring.

The ballpark was as spectacular as ever, however, the walkways/ramparts/whatever-you-call-its that you walk around the stadium through were all gussied up. In fact, each of the concession stands -- even the much talked about addition of Canter's -- had a really spiffy mid century modern gloss.

Unfortunately, this clearly lead to a massive increase in price. Also, since I haven't been much of a beer drinker since college and would always prefer a glass (or ten) of wine (so, sue me), there is now only one location in the field level (unless you belong to the special clubs on either side of home) that you can buy an alcoholic beverage other than beer. Yeah, it's a bar. And, a glass of wine is...

wait for it...

still wait...
$12 mofo 50 a glass.

WTF

Spirit drinks are only something like $8. What gives?

I'll still go, of course, but I think I'll bring in my own special vintage from home.

Here are some pics of the park, anyway.

Funny

Go Viral

Glengary Glenn Ross

Sales ain't easy.

Brewster Rockit

His comic world has been rocked by photoshop and it's kinda funny. Start here.

Elevators

File under: I think I'll take the stairs.

Mike Marmer

Dodgers Sunday

Can't wait to be sitting in aisle 1...again. Tickets have been inthe family since 1962. yeah.

Odd

Via Will Campbell.

The Phrase That Pays

One in a series...well, today, two...

1. You can tie a bow on it, it's still a piece of shit.

and

2. Dogs barked and the caravan moved forward.

Martin Luther King

It's a little late, but I've been meaning to post this. Wonder where would we be if he had not been killed.

The Militant Angeleno

What gives? Has he been kidnapped? The site has been commandeered by a rude New Yorker.

The Dodgers Play at the Coliseum

A lot of people drove, we didn't. We took the 754 down Vermont and were hassle free and we didn't have to pay $50 for parking. So we saved that money for outrageously priced food and drink, but it still was worth it.

Overall, it was just remarkable to be in such a historic venue celebrating a team and a city that has changed so much in 50 years. The last time I was at a sporting event in the Coliseum was the 1984 Olympics. Before that, Rams football...

This event, if nothing else, proves to the country that the Coliseum is still a viable venue for professional sports and that a football team can easily play here. Sure there aren't enough or any luxury boxes, but the Coliseum is the people's arena and people will come. Moreover, for those who bitch about lack of parking, the expo line is coming soon and will be able to drop you off right in front of the majesty of the Coliseum, instantly making it one of the most accessible arenas in the country.

An awesome experience...Let's hope they do this every year.

More pics here.

Let's Help End Discrimination

Chuck Norris thinks it's ok to bash gays. Sad old man. Show why it's not, why don't you?

This is so bad it's good

Not exactly the Obama song...and the whole thought of raining McCain suggests some kind of Depends endoresement...

The Dodgers at the Coliseum

I got my tickets. This is going to be a great event. I just hope that my seats come with a bench because Ticketmaster has politely indicated that these seats don't come with chairs. Seats without seats. Well, at least it isn't the "standing room only" seats. Right? Anyone out there know if seats without chairs means benches? Anyway, I'm psyched. Love the Dodgers. Love the Coliseum.

The Tranny Awards

Franklin Ave has the hilarious details.

Dodger Stadium or Wrigley Field (West)

The Dodgers are celebrating their 50th year in LA and there's bound to be all sorts of hooopla. I, for one, am very excited about the preseason games in the Coliseum. Anyhoo, before Dodgers Stadium was a glimmer in O'Malley's eye, the Dodgers minor league team played at Wrigley Field -- where CBS Television City is now. And Franklin Avenue has discovered that their were plans on making the ballpark much bigger.

See the model here. How cool would that have been?

UPDATE: Hmm, maybe I'm thinking of another park. All evidence points out that this park seems to have been located much further south. Anybody (yes, I can be this lazy) remember the name of the ballpark where CBS is now?

UPDATE #2: Thanks to Dave and Mike, Wrigley Field was in South LA, while Gilmore Field is where CBS Television City is right now.

Atwater Park

I've lived in Atwater for 9 years and LA most of my life and I've never heard of Atwater Park.

Anybody else? Sounds like Xanadu.

A Child Lost

Read this heart rendering story of another Southern Californian kid cut down pointlessly by gunfire and ask yourselves what the fuck is wrong with our society.

(via LAObserved)

Canele Brunch

Yeah, so we couldn't wait. We walked down our tree-lined street in Atwater Village on a blustery pre-spring morning and ambled into warm and inviting small storefront restaurant of Canele. Not too many customers were there, but the place was very well staffed. So many people with so little to do until the crowds came...and they will come.

We sat down in theback, admired the large black and white photos on the walls and noticed the soft paneling in the ceiling which must cut back the noise quite a bit (take note, malo). We didn't sample too many things -- we both ordered the same exact meal -- but it was delicious and well made. We had omlettes made with goat cheese which came with delicious rosemary potatos and a small salad (kale maybe?).

It was all very fresh, light and delicious. The omlette could have been a tad warmer as could the waiter, but the busboy, hostess and everybody else were simply fantastic.

It's not the cheapest place in town, but for a smart little restaurant that we can walk to, it's well worth the price. Here's hoping they add sidewalk tables soon!

We'll be back!

Canele in Atwater Village

News Alert: Canele (I can't believe it's almost a year since the first time we ate there) opened for brunch today!!!! It will be open Saturdays and Sundays 10-2. What a great new addition. I popped in this morning and it was already buzzing and people were radiating with happiness. The food looked nice too. I'm going tomorrow.

On a separate note, the old porn producers have moved out next door and the space is ripe for a new restaurant or bar. Anyone out there game?

Atwater Village Baptist Church

Not a lot on the agenda, I guess.

Balls

For my friends at Franklin Avenue. Seen driving one morning on the way to work this week...