Miles Think

Hello, Is This Thing On

2011-12-11T07:34:00.001-08:00

Two years and four days since my last post? Really? And I haven't even been in the klink during this time. Time passes, Facebook happens. But now, it's election season, so maybe I'll post a little more often than every 24 months. Or not.

Talismen or Talismans?

2009-12-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

I've been married legally to my husband for almost 14 months, but we've been together a little more than 19 and a half years. Yeah, I know. We don't look that old. Gays don't age like straights, so sue us. You get everything else.

Anyway, last month we were in Palm Springs for a weekend, where Carl picked up a used book of Irish short stories. He's from Ireland, he writes short stories, it was meant to be. Tonight, in front of the tv and the gin and the tonic and the red wine - really, just one drink each - Carl mentions that the book is filled with papers.

One falls out. It's a ballot receipt from Palm Springs dates, April 4, 1990. The first day we became a couple (I'll leave the rather sordid and amusing details to your imagination). The second drops out. It's a handwritten tag which reads "God Bless the business of wine forever."

WTF? Well, ok, then. Duely noted.

LAPD Atwater Community Relations Officer

2009-12-04T13:12:00.001-08:00

Kenneth Aragon crashed his motorcycle at Larga and Fletcher yesterday and died shortly thereafter. RIP.

Holiday Fireworks at the Americana?

2009-11-19T20:38:00.001-08:00

That better be or Armageddon has come. Last year they didn't warn anybody either. Jesus.

Soupy Sales

2009-10-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

I well remember watching repeats growing up. RIP.

Atwater Police Activity

2009-10-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

Holy shit. Piddling around facebook, all of a sudden I heard sirens and a helicopter and for the next 45 minutes, my house was under surveillance for some reason. Helicopter lights all over it, police and detective cars parked in front, people with flashlights running back and forth and just me and the doggies. Lights out, sit in front, watch in dark and hope for the best and be grateful for the half a xanax I popped half an hour before. And now it's mostly silent. Not sure how I can possibly sleep soundly tonight.

Los Angeles Times

2009-10-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Though the LA Times has been actively disminishing itself over the last few years, today's edition proved once again that there are some really amazing writers working there. Read these three articles.

Dan Neil's review of a new Mazda is splendid and proof he deserved the pullitzer. Kenneth Turan's review of "Education" is also spectacular. And, of course, Bill Plaschke does a tremendous job at summing up the Dodgers victory.

I think I'll keep my delivery - it's money well spent.

Best. Poll. Question. Ever!

2009-10-07T20:48:00.001-07:00

OMG, in the middle of my franks n beans dinner (no lie, I had a craving), the NRA called ME for a poll. A woman asked me to listen to a message from Wayne LaPierre (sp?) - about the UN forcing the world to ban guns - and then a guy got on the horn and asked me (I shit you not): "Do you think third world dictators AND Hilary Clinton should dictate our gun policy?" My response: "Absolutely." He gasped, chuckled and said ok and hung up. I think they may have gotten the wrong number.

Best. Poll. Question. Ever!

Police Activity

2009-09-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

With helicopters hovering nearby for hours, I figured either the expected Santa Anas were engulfing Silver Lake or something else. It's something else, alright.

milesandhisdog

2009-09-17T17:23:00.001-07:00

milesandhisdog
Originally uploaded by sardrinks ©

Ah, Hot Dogs. A love story.

Be Prepared

2009-08-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

With fires raging around Southern California and the ever-present threat of a terrible earthquake, now is good time to remember to create an emergency kit, if you haven't already. Find out how.

Ted Kennedy

2009-08-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

Rest In Peace.

LA Dogs Need Rescue

2009-05-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

If you live in LA and you're hunkering for a senior German Shepard (or 3), the West LA Animal Shelter is looking for families to adopt them. Contact Samantha Westbrook at West LA Shelter

213-485-0494 (or 0495/0496)if you are interested.

Different Book Ends

2009-05-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

With work reaching a crescendo today and tomorrow, I couldn't sleep very well. Not very unusual, but still worth noting. So, I got up relatively early after squeezing another hour of blood out of the rock that is my sleeptime and headed off for a walk around the Silver Lake Resevoir.

About a 1/6 of the way around, on the east side, I heard an impact and picked up head to search for the cause. I saw a kid on the street, his bike lay flat on the street and an older gentleman in the car right in front of them. The kid had a friend, also on his bike, who stood looking at him. Now, I don't know if the impact I heard was the car hitting the boy on his bike or the boy on the bike falling to the pavement just before almost getting hit by the car. All I know is everyone looked dazed. There even was a man in car behind the other car -- all seemed frozen, but I kept walking towards them.

The boy picked himself up, picked up his bike, moved off the street and after looking at what seemed like a couple scratches, hopped back on his bike and joined his friend on his way to school. The man in the car remained dazed and the car behind him slowly moved on. I felt like I wanted to call across to the kid, "Are you alright? If you're head hurts, go see the nurse." But, I didn't. It actually reminded me of a time when I was a kid and got hit riding my bike to school. I was shaken, but I picked myself up and rode on to school (after getting the person's info). I had a term paper due or something.

So, that was bookend number one. Bookend number two happened near the end of my walk where I encountered that very old lady, who's always dressed to the nines, walking around the resevoir. She clearly has some kind of dementia, but everytime she sees somebody, she could not be more ecstatic to see them. Today, it was a middleaged african-american woman and her dog. The old woman cooed at the dog and gave a wonderfully warm embrace to the other woman.

I guess the bottom line is I hope the kid is alright and I wish I could be as sweet and loving as that older woman is now.

Neglecting Blog

2009-04-20T22:14:00.001-07:00

Man, I've been bad about keeping up with the blog. I've been pretty well focused on Facebook, but will try to turn my attention back here this week.

Meanwhile, do check out the Militant Angeleno who has (always) some interesting posts up...

Cancer

2009-03-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

Leroy Sievers is hopefully resting in peace, but what he started, continues. Read more.

Little League Celebrates 70th Anniversary

2009-03-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, at least steroids haven't spoiled little league...yet. Beverly Hills celebrated in style, says the once great L.A. Times, and I tip my hat to the B.H. Cardinals, a team I once belonged to so many years ago.

Earthquakes

2009-03-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

With the big swarm down south in Imperial Valley and the Alaska Volcano and the other earthquakes, I've gotta say earthquakes are definitely on my mind.

It's been 15+ years since the last "big one" in L.A. (it was huge if you were here, but not huge compared to how big it can be) and I can't help but think we've been experiencing earthquake weather (L.A. natives, you know it, you've sensed it).

Pack up the water and batteries, that's all I'm saying.

Natasha Richardson and Defamer

2009-03-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

With all due respect to the late brilliant actress Natasha Richardson (R.I.P.), I cannot help but be befudddled by Gawker/Defamer's very poor (hopefully accidental and not contextual) same page advertising. Oy. There are systems in place to avoid something like this, people.

Gay Rights Are Civil Rights

2009-03-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Atwater Village

2009-03-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

Lord, I do love Atwater Village. We've lived here ten years this coming May, and it has changed remarkably. On Saturday afternoon, I just loved that we were working on our front yard, staining our gate and our neighbors were out in force, planting new plants, working on their cars, just being present. We all were present and out in the street and it felt great.

Getting Interviewed By The New York Times

2009-02-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

Ah, so that happened. A few weeks ago, out of the blue, a NY Times reporter gave me a buzz at work. I was so flummoxed by it, I actually asked him to prove that he was a reporter for the Times. Somehow, I believed him.

Anyway, he was doing a story on Gay Marriages and Engagements and wanted to know more about our relationship. I gave him a brief rundown of our lives together, when we got engaged (on the day the California Supreme Court announced the legality of marriage, in front of cheering strangers) and our actual marriage ceremony. A good story. No. Really. He was intrigued and we arranged to be interviewed by him the following week.

We spoke to the man for about an hour one morning. We shared a lot, were engaging, were funny and had the guy just seemingly really interested. After the hour, he said he'd call back in the next week or so if he had any further questions and said that if the paper wanted to, they'd send a photographer. We were thrilled.

Then, no call. No photographer. And, this evening in the Times, the article and no Miles and Carl. We're on the cutting room floor on the NY Times.

And it really doesn't matter because we still have each other and it's Valentine's Day and we're going out in our little L.A. neighborhood for some so-so Mexican food and some really fantastic margaritas and that's just gonna be great.

Silver Lake Violence

2009-02-04T23:12:00.001-08:00

Apparently, there's been a noticeable uptick in violent crime in Silver Lake and all those who walk in the neighborhood should be aware. It's a big city. Be aware.

The Los Angeles Times Is Dead.

2009-01-30T09:07:00.000-08:00

Long live the L.A. Times. Today it was announced that the local news section was being discontinued and would be observed into the front section, making the front section more focused on local news rather than national and global. Other than a few remaining columnists and photographers, the paper is dead to me.

Next time I get a subscription notice, I will not renew. Well done, Tribune Company and Sam Zell. You killed an institutuion in less than a decade.

Obama Inauguration and the L.A. Times

2009-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

As much as I detest what Sam Zell and the Tribune Company have done to hack away at the once really great Los Angeles Times, today's Times reaffirms my belief that the Times can still be a great newspaper and, in fact, today it is one, once again...at least for the day.

The Times sent several of their remaining top-notch reporters and columnists to DC and is fairly bulging with exhaustive coverage -- from a personal perspective, a local perspective, a national perspective and an international perspective. It's the kind of coverage that really only a big metropolitan paper can deliver.

More than that, though, is the the photo on page A25 by the Times' Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Carolyn Cole -- it's black and white, expands across the width of the paper and is absolutely timeless. There is no possible way this image can be conveyed any better than in a newspaper.

So, kudos to the Times and Ms. Cole and, maybe, we can say that there now is also some hope for the Times. I encourage you to go out and buy it today.

* Corrected for grammar, etc.

President Obama

2009-01-20T09:48:00.001-08:00

Proud To Be An American

2009-01-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

It's been almost 8 years and, now, finally, I am proud to be an American again. May Obama have the wind at his back, for he will need it. Fingers crossed.

Middle East Horror

2009-01-17T13:16:00.000-08:00

This poor palestinian doctor who worked both for Israelis and Palestinians came home to discover his daughters all killed by Israeli bombs. Absolutely dreadful. When will both sides have enough of this madness? Ever?

More here.

Fix It!

2009-01-09T08:19:00.001-08:00

Campbell's Soup Stands Up Against Hate

2008-12-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-11T07:50:00.001-08:00

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

Jim Morrison

2008-12-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

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

Bob Baker Marionette Theatre

2008-12-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Give Back

2008-11-23T20:19:00.001-08:00

Governor Palin Oblivious To Turkey Carnage Over Her Shoulder

2008-11-21T14:20:00.001-08:00

Watch and make sure you note the graphics.

Big Pro Gay Marriage Rally Saturday

2008-11-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

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

Gay Marriage

2008-11-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

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

Transit

2008-11-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T12:56:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

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

Stand Up

2008-10-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Dodgers Tonight

2008-10-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-14T10:08:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Only thing missing is bacon.

Dodgers Win!

2008-10-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-03T17:43:00.001-07:00

Paul Newman

2008-09-27T11:45:00.001-07:00

RIP

Gay Marriage

2008-09-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday. We miss you.

Yankee Stadium

2008-09-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

As usual, Atrios speaks. You listen

Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine

2008-09-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

(h/t Steve)

I Love The Internets Part 7,896

2008-09-16T11:29:00.001-07:00

Eddie Murphy's Giant Head.

The Banking Mess Brought On By Greed

2008-09-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T14:18:00.001-07:00

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

Obama

2008-09-15T11:43:00.001-07:00

9/11

2008-09-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-10T17:38:00.001-07:00

Lipstick on a pig...for sale.

Lipstick on a Pig

2008-09-10T05:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Rest in peace.

Erick Burdette

2008-08-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Genuis.

Openly Gay Athelete Wins Gold

2008-08-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

Rest in peace.

Looking Young

2008-08-14T15:00:00.001-07:00

Ernest Borgnine shares my secret.

Atwater Village Philippino Market

2008-08-13T22:52:00.001-07:00

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"

2008-08-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-05T18:35:00.001-07:00

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

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Adfunny videosFunnyOrDie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

House of the Rising Sun

2008-08-05T14:50:00.001-07:00

For Carl, From Jared.

Silver Lake Egrets, Black Balls and Choppers

2008-07-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-26T13:34:00.001-07:00

Mortgage Crisis Blues

2008-07-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

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

Capturing A Moment In Time

2008-07-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-23T21:59:00.001-07:00

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

Vote for John McCain

2008-07-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

(hat tip atrios)

The McCain Poster

2008-07-23T15:32:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-21T15:19:00.001-07:00

saving the la times

2008-07-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Always worth another look-see.

Olympics

2008-07-11T17:13:00.001-07:00

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

Shirley

2008-07-11T10:40:00.001-07:00

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

Ted Kennedy

2008-07-09T14:38:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-08T09:51:00.001-07:00

(h/t Steve)

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

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...