Los Angeles

I died laughing. Was resuscitated and died all over again. - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

"Which, of course, brings us to Metblog’s Grinch of the Year, now open for nominations. Its your chance to commemorate the worst of Angelenos, or any individual who has somehow made life for residents difficult, of not miserable. This could be a politician, CEO, a bad neighbor, or even some out of towner who speaks ill of the City of Angels. For inspiration, take a peek at previous year’s losers: * 2008: Tribune Company CEO Sam Zell, for ruining the LA Times. * 2007: Pasadena Mayor Bogaard, for kicking a Chinese grandmother out of city hall for protesting Pasadena’s inclusion of China into the Rose Bowl Parade (she cited the country’s human rights violations). * 2006: Zuma Dogg, for being a thorn in the side of L.A. City Council. To nominate, simply leave their name and the reason in the comments below. The Whos at Metblogs HQ will filter them down to the top 5 or so and put them up for reader’s vote in a couple weeks." - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

"When you think Rolling Stone, the first thing that comes to mind isn't usually food. But the iconic music magazine is hoping to leverage some of its cool cache with the launch of the first Rolling Stone restaurant in Los Angeles, planned to open in the Hollywood and Highland Center -- down the block from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theatre. The multi-level 10,000-square foot venue will be host a bar, restaurant, lounge and private-event space. The decor will try to evoke the magazine's edgy style with exposed black brick, tufted leather and vaulted ceilings around an antique iron staircase. The restaurant is slated to open in summer 2010." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

"This little old lady in her Christmas sweater looked like a sweet, grandma type who’d probably give you homemade cookies if the Dept. of Health would let her. Instead, she choose to make my friend’s little girl cry. See, the girl wasn’t comfortable in her skates. So she took them off and put on her shoes. The lady said that everyone must wear skates…unless they didn’t pay to skate. If you paid to skate you can not take off your skates. If you’re a kid, then you must wear skates because it’s safer. Yeah. It didn’t make sense to us either. There there was The Strange Drama of the Fallen Soda; or Let’s Put This Huge Yellow Warning Cone on Carpet and Give Dirty Looks to Customers As I Clean Up a Small Bit of Soda in which the older lady above was the writer, producer, director and star of said drama." - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

Music was fine, I guess. Mostly R&B, good mix of old stuff and crappy new stuff. At any rate, you can skate to it and that's all that matters. - Captain Bubbles

"We had a little meetup at Moonlight Rollerway. 12/04/09" - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

Ooh, that could be fun. Oh, but that 4th is that Friday, right? I already have plans. :( I'll definitely keep this in mind though, should the other plans fall through or something. I haven't been skating in ages. - Jandy, ConcertMaven of FF

sorry not to be skating with y'all. hope you post pictures! - Marie is merry.

"Mary Poppins wafted into the Ahmanson Theatre on her magic umbrella Sunday evening, and even those who think they’ve outgrown her carpetbag of enchantment will have to admit that her timing is, to use one of her pet phrases, “practically perfect.”" - Derrick from Bookmarklet

Go go go! it's so wonderful! - Anna Lynn M.

"Paul Krekorian recently mailed out a flier depicting political opponent Chris Essel as a marionette alongside text reading, “Chris Essel. Brought to you by the union bosses who are raising your DWP rates.” (original here) Just a few days before voters Los Angeles City Council District 2 will decide which of the two will be their next Councilperson, Essel responded with a flier of her own, alleging that the image of her having her strings pulled is “sexist” and “insensitive of women.” One quote on her flier even has a Sunland resident quoted as saying, “I’d kick his butt if that was my wife.” (see it here)" - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

There's more on the site, of course. But I do not see this as sexist at all. I'm kind of sick and tired of female politicians crying sexism when there isn't any, yet staying silent when another woman is attacked for being a woman. - Captain Bubbles

As far as I know, comparing a politician to a marionette (or other type of puppet) isn't necessarily sexist. It still might be unfair or dishonest in some other way, but I don't know these politicians. - John (a.k.a. dendroica)

"On Wednesday, in the middle of cram week, a bunch of puppies will be stationed outside the university library for students to pet and play with. The event, called "Furry Friends for Finals" is being organized by the university’s Active Minds club, which promotes mental awareness. "It has been proven that having a dog helps relieve stress, so we thought it would be a cute idea if we brought some furry friends on campus," said Jennifer Heinz, a sophomore and integrated educational studies major who helped organize the event. Heinz said her poodle-and-Maltese mix, Bindi, helps her relax. "I love my dog," she said. "Dogs are always so happy and want to play, and that helps make you happier."" - edythe from Bookmarklet

:-)) love it! - Anna Haro

i have many times thought that this should be a business of some kind. - edythe

"An outdoor ice skating rink at L.A. Live will open Thursday with performances by LeAnn Rimes, Shelia E. and the E Family and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The 70-foot-by-50-foot rink can accommodate 200 skaters and will remain open through Dec. 31. The LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight weekdays and 11 a.m. to midnight weekends though Dec. 17 and 11 a.m.- midnight daily from Dec. 18-31." - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

Ugh. I was going to go to this just to see Sheila E. Instead, I think I'm going to nap. - Captain Bubbles

"A holiday performance at the Beverly Center mall ended in horror as an aerialist fell about three stories to the ground floor, injuring her wrists and pelvis. The 26-year-old woman was hospitalized and the "Hunky Santa and the Candy Cane Girls" shows -- featuring aerialists suspended from rings as much as 80 feet above the ground floor -- were halted until Friday as a result of the accident." - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

:-0 That's awful! I'm glad her injuries weren't worse (though pelvic injuries are plenty bad). - vicster

Stacey Coleman calls his Pasadena gallery Gold Bug "a contemporary cabinet of curiosities,” but after its recent expansion, the description seems an understatement in many ways. After taking over an adjacent storefront, Coleman, wife Shelley Kimball and daughter Theodora Coleman have filled tables and covered walls with dozens of artists’ work that is beautifully crafted and often delightfully odd. Lisa Wood’s miniature dioramas, above, include cicadas sitting down for tea with gold-rimmed china and soldier ants building a sandcastle — scenes that seem at once a parody of natural history displays and a celebration of them too. (And, yes, those are real insects.) The offerings range from large sculpture costing thousands of dollars to acid-washed concrete figurines (including the two-faced doll heads above) that sell for less than $20. - Derrick

This is a weird little gallery in Pasadena...I walk past it often and they have the strangest stuff in the windows. I'll have to build up the courage to walk in sometime. - Derrick

Oh, I didn't know it was a gallery. It's a lot like that store on Melrose, but less crammed and dark. - Captain Bubbles

Bike events - Spidra Webster from Bookmarklet

"A whopping one in every six people in the Los Angeles region is employed in a creative field--and often quite comfortably, say the authors of the recently-published 2009 Otis Report on the Creative Economy of the Los Angeles Region. Creativity in Los Angeles, they add, "generates a huge number of jobs and tax flows with little or no encouragement." The third annual report, which is conducted by the Otis College of Art and Design (and thanks to a hefty gift of $1.85 million from Mattel) positions L.A. at the center of a perfect storm when it comes to competitiveness: powerhouse colleges and universities, the cultivation of new industries like gaming which bring highly-trained workers to the area, and a relatively economically-stable talent base that continues to pump money into the economy." - Amani from Bookmarklet

They choose Wilshire (Lafayette to Western), West 3rd (Farmers Market to Beverly Center), Sunset Junction in Silver Lake, Mission Street in South Pasadena, and Abbot Kinney in Venice. What do you think? - Jandy, ConcertMaven of FF from Bookmarklet

I think scale helps to make an area walkable. Having many and diverse shops. Having an infrastructure that supports modes of transportation besides just cars. Mission is actually walkable now. It was not when I was growing up. That part of town was nearly a ghost town. Scale is where LA really fails the walkability test. Only the older parts of LA still have that more dense walkable... more... - Spidra Webster

"I’ve just learned from Griffith Park Wayist that two ranger-led hikes to the Hollywood Sign are planned for Thanksgiving weekend, and if I wasn’t going to be in Death Valley climbing sand dunes and biking some bad roads between craters and playas then I most certainly wouldn’t miss such a rare opportunity to do something I did tons of times as a punk growing up in the shadow of the landmark. Seriously, the last time was maybe 25 years ago, long before they fenced everything in and made it a felony to do so. I’d scramble up from Mulholland Highway with some snacks and perhaps Pink Floyd or some Dvorak on my walkman, and I’d just chill beneath a 50-foot letter of my choosing, marveling at the spectacular views and working out all sorts of bullshit up there on Mt. Lee. Led by Park Ranger Ernie Ybarra, the four- to six-mile intermediate hikes are scheduled for November 27 and 28, from 8 – 11 a.m. Meet at the Griffith Park Visitor Center next to the Ranger Station at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive (map). Additional information: 323/644-6661 x1549; ernie.ybarra@lacity.org" - edythe from Bookmarklet

I like them! I don't think I've ever seen them in use. Any bike would probably get stolen anyway. #hood - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

"It took me 1 year to notice the windows, then it was another year before I realized one was real and one was painted! It's made the last year driving by the store so much more fun. Another cool thing, is that in the painted window, the reflection is exactly what you'd see." - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

"JOIN US SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 2009! We're walking from Downtown Los Angeles to Venice Beach, via Adams and Washington Boulevards (and through historic West Adams). To join in, just EMAIL US at greatlawalk@mail.com Event kicks off at 9 a.m. SHARP; meet at the Shrine Auditorium (specifically, on Jefferson). Parking can be found across the street at USC Lot D -- just $8 for all day." - Captain Bubbles from Bookmarklet

Yes, they've been doing it yearly for 3 or 4 years now, IIRC. Anna, I'll see you there, then. I'm planning on having my husband drop me off, then catching the bus back afterward. - Captain Bubbles

"Joey Arias and Basil Twist: Arias with a Twist West Coast premiere “Eat your heart out, Madonna… Goes the distance, all the way over the rainbow.” The New York Times “A delightfully transgressive lysergic fantasia.” Time Out New York In this deliriously madcap fantasy revue, the soaring song stylings of drag artist Joey Arias are surrounded by an eye-popping theatrical extravaganza conjured by a team of puppeteers directed by the legendary Basil Twist. Channeling lurid celluloid dreams, macabre nightmares and bizarre premonitions on a stage transformed into a bigger-than-life cabinet of curiosities, the adventure begins with an alien abduction and concludes with a stupendous Busby Berkeley-esque finale. Along the way, the throaty chanteuse belts out pop, rock and jazz standards—including Billie Holiday’s “You’ve Changed”—as Twist and company work their magic with vintage marionettes, anatomically correct puppets and fantastical scenic elements. Arias was the longtime “Mistress of... more... - edythe from Bookmarklet

"CLASSES ON CREATING COMICS FOR BOTH WRITERS AND ARTISTS! Each 13-Class Session Makes Up A “Miniseries!” Join this weekly workshop where you can accomplish your goals as a comic book writer, artist or both. In the class, participants bring in their work, exchange useful and honest criticism, and share ideas while being led and instructed by an experienced, passionate comics professional. Honest feedback is encouraged as well as support and a focus on what the participant is doing well. The most desired critiques are specific and detailed without being cruel or unnecessarily negative. Learn the most important aspect of writing how to structure a story as it relates to the medium of comics and graphic novels. Cartoonists will often take art classes to improve their drawing, but not enough take the time to hone their skills as a writer. In this workshop, writers and cartoonists learn the essential knowledge needed to write a story with interesting characters, an engaging plot, and a... more... - Spidra Webster from Bookmarklet

"We're doing our best to keep up with the Twittering Food Truck Trend, and we're always working on the list. Here's what we've got, and the stories we've done to help you navigate the streets of eats:" - Amani from Bookmarklet

Ruth's Chris in Woodland Hills, Arroyo Chop House in Pasadena, Bandera in Brentwood... - Drew

Fogo would've broken my bank; but we also ordered a few drinks each and dessert, which added a bunch to the $56/person fixed price. For a special occasion, though...the meat was amazing, and there was so much of it and of all kinds. - Jandy, ConcertMaven of FF

Wow! - Spidra Webster

It can be yours for $349! Actually, I think this was the $279 one. - Captain Bubbles

"Nearly 10 years ago, a group of Silver Lake residents began a campaign for a public library branch in their quirky community, long noted for its modern architecture, indie rock scene and general air of hipness. The long wait ends today with the grand opening of the Silver Lake branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, a $12-million facility that, with its sleek modern facade, eco-friendly design and cutting-edge technology, embodies the neighborhood zeitgeist. The branch is the first to use an automated book check-in and sorting system with a computerized conveyor belt that will speed book returns. The 13,600-square-foot building also features low-flow plumbing and irrigation to reduce water use by 30%, a photovoltaic skylight system that will increase energy efficiency by 20%, renewable materials such as bamboo, and drought-tolerant landscaping." - Derrick from Bookmarklet

LOOK INTO IT!!! HAHAHA!!!!!!!!!! zzzz - Andrizzle Gizzle

"Two moderate earthquakes have struck under the ocean near the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast. The U.S. Geological Survey reports a magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck the sea floor about 14 miles east of San Nicolas Island at 2:45 p.m Sunday. A magnitude 3.6 quake hit three minutes later in the same spot, 56 miles west of Santa Catalina Island, in an area where the sea floor is about 2,000 feet below the surface. A sheriff's dispatcher in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island says he did not feel the quake and there have been no reports of damage or injury." - Spidra Webster from Bookmarklet

"That name graces his producer/director son’s Rib joints. The third and latest is a very welcome addition to Manhattan Beach, especially the night scene. Open until 2am Thurs-Sat, Cecil’s gives the bar a crowd another choice besides the Kettle" - Amani from Bookmarklet

You can bet I am going to try this place out! - Amani

there's like 2 or 3 people left in that town that still eat meat...so i'll do my part and visit this place sometime soon - Morgan Haley

As much as I dislike transplanted hipsters who co-opt "Eastside" to describe what is properly the central city, I don't want to cede the central city to the Westside, either. To me and a lot of Angelenos, West L.A. means west of La Cienega, or even west of the 405. - Victor Ganata

HAHA That's very true. WeHo, BH and SM better be kicking in some serious cash. - Captain Bubbles