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).