Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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.

Monday, July 21, 2008

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!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

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?

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

The Intertubes

Always worth another look-see.

Friday, July 11, 2008

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.

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

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.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Friday, July 04, 2008

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."

Thursday, July 03, 2008

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...

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Saturday, June 28, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

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.

Monday, June 23, 2008

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.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

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?"

Monday, June 16, 2008

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

Friday, June 13, 2008

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Back from Costa Rica

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

Monday, May 26, 2008

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)

Sunday, May 25, 2008

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.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Funny

(hat tip, sonyl)

Monday, May 19, 2008

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!)

Thursday, May 15, 2008

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)

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Monday, May 12, 2008

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!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

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.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

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?

Monday, April 28, 2008

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!


Saturday, April 26, 2008

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.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

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.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

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.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Saturday, April 12, 2008

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.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

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.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

The Militant Angeleno

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

Sunday, March 30, 2008

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.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

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...

Sunday, March 23, 2008

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.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

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)

Sunday, March 16, 2008

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!


Saturday, March 15, 2008

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...

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Club Fuel

Looks like the LA Times online entertainment Guide (in beta) has stumbled across Club Fuel in Studio City. Do enjoy this picture of the lovely Carl, who made up the Absolutely Fabulous drink in front of the writer's very eyes that day and which is now the "signature" drink at Fuel.

Now, maybe the LA Times can fix the fact that when they spotlight a bar in Studio City, they should not put it in the category of Anaheim. Are there any editors left at the LA Times?

Just wondering.

Anyway, Fuel is particuarly fun on Mondays (karaoke), Wednesday Happy Hours and Friday nights. Yeah, that's when Carl will serve you an Absolutely Fabulous cocktail.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Los Angeles Times

Another sad day at the once great Los Angeles Times. More than 2 dozen well-respected writers have taken the buy out. Isn't there any local wealthy person or corporation willing to step in to save the Paper? So sad.

Jim Murray is spinning in his grave.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Photo of the Month!

Yes, it's an honor just to be nominated, but somehow, without even knowing I was in the running, my photo of snowcapped mountains behind Atwater Village won the very coveted Atwater Village News Photo of the Month award.

I'd like to thank the academy, Michael, who bought me my first Konica oh-so-many years ago, my mom -- happy birthday, by the way, Carl...Is that the music I hear, rushing my acceptance speech?

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Monday, February 18, 2008

55 Degrees in Atwater Village

55 Degrees is finally open. Not sure what time it opens in the day, but its wine bar in the basement is open 7 days a week from 5p - 10p. The staff is incredibly nice, the owners outgoing and the look and feel of the place is quite inviting. It's a great addition to the neighborhood. Here are a few pics from their opening.







Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Monday, February 04, 2008

Capitol Records Building

Every once in a while, I am blessed with the chance to really do something that is, well, too cool for school. Today was one of those days.

As part of my job, I occasionally have to interview people on camera. Sometimes they're famous, most of the times less famous and, either way, it typically happens in relatively benign location. Not this time.

Called on to interview young recording artist Ferras, his EMI team originally suggested doing the interview at the Grove. For several reasons, this became a non-starter, so the record company suggested doing the interview at the Capitol Records building. I thought great, it's more than half way home, I get to leave early, I'll do the interview instead of my producer, blah blah blah.

Then, they email back and ask if I wanted to do the interview on the Capitol Records building rooftop. Ah, yes, please.

Now, inside the building was more than cool enough. It really is just a small round building, crammed to the rafters with nostalgia and rich in music history. But on the rooftop, with very short walls, with the sun setting on a wind-blown, clear Los Angeles winter twilight: FUCK YEAH.

Of course, I wasn't smart enough to bring a real camera, but what follows are a few snapshots from my cell phone (click to magnify).





Sunday, February 03, 2008

Obama for President

Yes, We Can. After 7 long years of unamerican leadership, it's time for a change. Obama, I think, will bring that change. He offers us hope in a time of growing despair.

Do yourself and your country a favor and whatever you do, give it some thought and make sure you do vote. You can vote to continue the policies of war and violence, inequality and insecurity or you can vote for change and hope. Vote for Obama.

55 Degrees Wine Shop in Atwater Village


At long last, the time has arrived. I just received a bulletin from the Atwater Village News blog that 55 Degrees is finally opening. Hark, the angels do sing! Here's the brief note:

"Join friends and neighbors for complementary wine tasting at Atwater’s newest “wine cellar” on Saturday, February 16th, from 11am to 11pm. "
I know I'll be there...probably from 11a to 11p.

Friday, February 01, 2008

No More Plastic Bags

Well, now, Ireland has done it and even the semi-reputable NY Times has recognized it. Who's next? For me, I do like those plastic bags for doggie doo pickup, but am open to suggestions for alternatives...