Mike and Maria in the now-demolished Ambassador Hotel lobby, 2003
Ten years ago, on the evening of July 3, 1999, I was lounging in my West Hollywood apartment -- flipping through channels -- when the phone rang.
It was my friend Pang-ni. She and a few friends were heading to the Good Luck Bar on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. They were also hanging out with some off-beat guys, and well, they needed to be rescued. Would I join them?
Hmm. I was already in for the night. And Los Feliz was a hike from West Hollywood. But I had promised myself to make more of an effort to get out and meet new people. Plus, it was the July 4th weekend, I thought to myself, and I oughta be out having a good time.
So I got dressed, hopped on the surface streets and headed to this "Good Luck Bar."
Inside, Pang-ni and Brenda -- two friends from my college dorm -- were there.. and yup, I saw what they meant by these guys. It was a busy holiday weekend night at the Good Luck Bar, but the group had managed to snag one of the last seating areas -- which had just been occupied by two girls. Pang-ni had struck up a conversation with one of them, and I wound up sitting next to Pang-ni.
Before long, I was talking to Pang-ni and the new girl to her left. And later, I wound up talking to that girl a little bit more. She seemed pretty cool, and we talked about all sorts of nonsense. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Where we grew up. And what we did for a living. She told me she designed CD packages at Rhino Records. Oh -- and her name was Maria.
She was there, having a mini "girls night out" with her friend Andrea. (Turns out she was in a similar "what the hell, I'm gonna go out into the world, and if I meet someone, I meet someone" phase as well.) At the end of the night, she wouldn't give me her number. But I gave her my card. I was intrigued.
Later, while leaving the bar, Pang-ni asked me what I had thought about another one of her female friends who had been there that night. But all I could think about was this girl I had just met.
I didn't want to be too eager, and I didn't want to be Creepy McStalker. But I knew her first name, and I knew where she worked. I was going to wait a week, and then call Rhino. (Probably too long in hindsight -- but again, I wanted to play it cool and not scare her off.)
But before I finally got the nerve to call... I was in the office on Thursday night (back at my old gig at the now-late Electronic Media) when the phone rang.
"What were you doing giving your number to a drunk girl?" laughed the voice on the other end.
It was her. I couldn't believe it. Honest, to this day, she teases me that I was never going to call -- but I was. She just beat me to the punch. And thank God she did, because it gave me a bit more confidence to push hard for a first date. Soon.
We arranged to meet the following week at Lola's on Fairfax for drinks. And that led to our first full-fledged date: Drinks at 360 (now long gone) and dinner at the old Luna Park (also long gone), where Pancho Sanchez also performed. That led to another date at Campanile's Grilled Cheese night. And so on.
It all led to now -- marriage, home and Evan -- plus another addition, just a few weeks away.
And to think it all started that night, ten years ago. It's crazy to think how so much has resulted from that phone call from Pang-ni -- and that split-second decision to get off my lazy ass and drive all the way to Los Feliz. And ditto Maria's decision to meet up that night with a friend at a bar that, like me, she'd never been to. (And yes, we've felt cheesy for years that we met in such a cliched fashion -- at a bar, and a bar named "Good Luck," no less.)
Here's to decade number one -- and the awesome fact that there are still several more to go.
TNT is plastering images of Los Angeles all over New York, all to promote the upcoming series "Dark Blue."
Brandfreak has the details, calling it "Woody Allen's worst nightmare":
TNT is bringing the West Coast city famous for car congestion on stagnant streets to New York City's biggest transportation hub to promote the launch of Dark Blue, a Left Coast-based police drama.
It won't be all sunshine and granola-topped Pinkberry parfaits. Throughout July, New York's Grand Central Terminal commuters will find themselves walking through L.A.'s gritty underbelly as part of the promo. Across the terminal, some 100 different pieces of creative—posters, column wraps, staircase signs and video motion boards—will inform commuters, "Now entering Underground L.A.," hip them to the July 15 premiere and introduce show characters such as Carter Shaw (Dylan McDermott).
Even the No. 7 shuttle that runs between Grand Central and Times Square won't be spared an L.A. makeover. The outside of the cars will be wrapped to depict the Los Angeles skyline, while the inside will be tricked out as warehouses with cops peeking in windows.
Anything that rubs L.A. in the noses of Gothamites is fine by me...
Former MTV VJ and Fox Reality Channel "Reality Remix" host Kennedy (real name: Lisa Kennedy Montgomery) is taking over mornings at alternative rock station KYSR-FM (98.7). She'll be paired with Darren Rose, who will provide entertainment tidbits and news.
The morning show will still be music-intensive; 98.7 (the station formerly known as "Star 98.7") has been all music in the mornings since shutting down its Ozomatli experiment last year.
98.7 has actually been surprisingly competitive vs. KROQ in dayparts outside of mornings, where KROQ is still dominant, thanks to "Kevin & Bean."
Kennedy has already been working at KYSR parent Clear Channel; she's also regularly heard on KFI-AM with host Brian Suits.
Event takes place 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the fireworks at 9. Event is free, but parking is $10.
Hansen Dam Park 11770 Foothill Blvd Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
:: If you've got a Bank of America card, their monthly Museums on Us promotion includes free entry to LACMA, the Autry, or Long Beach's Museum of Latin American Art.
ALSO:
The Los Angeles Times has a full list of fireworks shows in Southen California here.
and
Citysearch has put together a full list of 4th of July weekend events here.
We stipulated: For our last night in New York, we didn't want to stray too far from our Battery City hotel. With no obvious choices there, we scoped out Tribeca. Maria was in the mood for Italian -- and Max popped up high on our search.
They stipulated: "Most pastas are already finished with cheese. Please inquire when ordering."
What we ordered: Spaghetti del Marinaio (homemade black spaghetti with shrimp in spicy tomato sauce; $14.95); Fettuccine al sugo Toscano (homemade fettuccine with Max's tomato meat sauce; $11.95); for Evan, Pollo Capriccioso (breaded chicken cutlet; $7.95)
High point: They definitely don't skimp on the sauce. Meanwhile, the seating was immediate, the service was quick, the environment was great and the food decent -- not the best Italian we've ever had, but it hit the spot.
Low point: Some attention to detail was missing, however; we asked for butter early on, but it never came. Also, the dessert selection was disappointing.
Overall impression: Time Out NY has called Max the best affordable Italian restaurant in New York, and I believe it. The prices are strong, and it's a great environment without being too upscale. We were happy to see a children's menu, and pleased with the service.
Chance we'll go back: If we were there, it'd be a great place to return again with Evan -- a nice adult restaurant that is still kid-friendly.
For a complete list of our more than 200 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant website.
Thanks to my colleague Cynthia for finding this one in the Los Angeles Times. It's a doozy:
Fresno arrest: An article in Sunday's California section about the arrest of businessman Krikor "Kirk" Vartanian in a beating case said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer was being held on felony charges. Vartanian is being held in Fresno County Jail. Dyer announced the arrest.
Wednesday Poll: The Three L.A. Eats That Keep You From Moving Away
Whenever we visit Hawaii (where I went to high school), Chicago (college) or even New York (spent a lot of time there through the years), there are always a handful of eateries that are on the "must" list... mostly for nostalgia sake, yes, but also because it's just damn good food.
So what if we ever had to --gasp -- leave Los Angeles? What three places would be on our list to hit when we returned?
That's a tough one. But here goes:
1. Carnitas tacos at Yuca's 2. Pastrami at Langer's 3. Sausage/mushroom pizza at Casa Bianca
OK, maybe that wasn't too tough afterall. I could probably think of more, but it's time to turn it over to you.
What are your picks for the three L.A. food items you'd immediately go seek out the second you touched down at LAX? Comment below.
The latest spot for the Honda Insight takes place on top of a parking garage in Downtown Los Angeles. As the action progresses -- centered on quick reveals of people and cars hidden behind... other people and cars, you can see other shots of the skyline:
That includes the still-unfinished hotel tower at L.A. Live.
Is this the USC parking garage just east of the 110 and south of the 10? Or is it another one entirely? Can any of you place it?
Is Quincy Jones Double-Dipping with the L.A. Times and Newsweek?
For all I know, Quincy Jones was upfront with both the L.A. Times and Newsweek in giving them the same first-person piece on his relationship with Michael Jackson. And perhaps they both knew that they'd be running virtually identical first-person accounts (Newsweek's being more heavily edited-down, due to space).
If they didn't, well, I suppose that would explain why the same piece (just differently edited) appeared in both publications. Here's a taste of Jones' piece in the L.A. Times, which ran it first:
For some reason I have had the honor of meeting young performers when they reach the age of 12. There was Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Tevin Campbell and, of course, Michael Jackson. I was fully aware of Michael and impressed by the achievements that he'd reached with the Jackson Five, but it never crossed my mind that we would eventually work together. But as is always the case, divinity interceded into the process.
In 1978, Sidney Lumet pulled me kicking and screaming into doing the music for "The Wiz," and in hindsight I'm so glad he did. As the scarecrow, Michael dove into the filming of "The Wiz" with everything that he had, not only learning his lines but those of everyone in the cast. Prior to filming, Michael and I were working at my home and he asked if I could help find him a producer to work with him on his first solo album from Epic.
At rehearsals with the cast, during the part where the scarecrow is pulling proverbs from his stuffing, Michael kept saying "So-Crates" instead of "Socrates." After about the third time, I pulled him aside and told him the correct pronunciation. He looked at me with these big wide eyes and said, "Really?" and it was at that moment that I said, "Michael, I'd like to produce your album."
For some strange reason, I have a history of meeting young performers when they reach age 12. There was Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Tevin Campbell, and, of course, Michael Jackson. In 1978 Sidney Lumet pulled me kicking and screaming into doing the music for The Wiz, starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael as the Scarecrow. Michael dived into the filming, learning not only his lines but everyone else's. There was only one problem: there's a scene where the Scarecrow starts pulling proverbs from his stuffing and talking about Socrates. Michael kept saying "So-crates." It was really interesting to watch; either because of his age or his fame, no one wanted to correct him. After about the third time, I pulled Michael aside and told him the correct pronunciation. He looked at me with the big, wide eyes of a child opening a present under the Christmas tree and said, "Really?" It was at that moment that I said, "Michael, I'd like to produce your solo album."
All Access reports that Los Angeles' Ateret Israel and Netan Eli Hebrew Academy have been cited by the FCC for running an unlicensed radio station from 1518 S. Robertson in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Office received information that an unlicensed broadcast radio station on 92.1 MHz was allegedly operating in the Los Angeles, CA area. On May 28, 2009, agents from this office confirmed by direction finding techniques that radio signals on frequency 92.1 MHz were emanating from 1518 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. The Commission’s records show that no license was issued for operation of a broadcast station at this location on 92.1 MHz in Los Angeles, California.
As you can see from their website above, the school has been pretty brazen about the unlicensed station, even promoting it on their website. Because the pirate runs on 92.1, it could be causing interference to KHHT-FM (92.3) "Hot 92.3."
Check out our past posts on pirate radio in Los Angeles here.
... David Guetta and Kelly Rowlands, "When Love Takes Over"
The song barely beat out Madcon's "Beggin" (which was my pick)... I find "When Love Takes Over" to be pretty boring myself.
Overall, voting was low for the poll, which makes me assume that none of the picks excited you that much. Here's how the poll wound up:
"Other" picks included "Who's Got Your Money?" by Tina Parol, "Blame It on the Alcohol" by Jamie Foxx (really? Really?), "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga (probably too old to be a summer song), "Love Game" by Lady Gaga, and "Gimme Sympathy" by Metric.
Eagle Rock Welcomes New Kids Store, while Atwater Village Loses a Boutique
(Photo by Luis Lopez)
Given the state of the economy, we've been trying harder lately to support the local businesses close to us, including the boutiques in Atwater Village and Eagle Rock. Even in the best of times, small, specialized stores will sometimes struggle -- so during recession times, I'm not sure how any of them stay in business. Hence our desire to help.
I've hit Atwater Village's Amelia Fitzwater many times for birthday and holiday presents... and was sad to learn that the store is closing its doors next month. Writes owner Imara:
The decision was not an easy one to make, however, with the slow economy, loss of a partnership, low sales and now with the much anticipated arrival of my first child, it seems like the time for a change is now!
The doors will closing Sunday, July 26th. We will be having our Final Sale July 7th-26th. This will be a store wide sale. EVERYTHING in the shop - from all merchandise to fixtures, tables and bookshelves, everything is for sale! 25%-50% off. Bring cash and you never know what extra deals can be made!
In happier retail news, we're happy to welcome the new Kumquat Outlet to Eagle Rock's string of toddler/kid-friendly stores at the corner of Colorado and Eagle Rock Blvds.
As we wrote three years ago, that short stretch of Eagle Rock is possibly the most toddler-friendly location in town. After all, there's Swork Coffee (with its kids play area) at the corner, as well as kids stores Twerps and Rockin' Kids (which also has a small play area) close by. Indoor kids playground Peekaboo Playland is also down the street, having just relocated into a larger space on Colorado.
It was that proximity to those like-minded stores that led the designer behind the baby/toddler clothing designer Kumquat Baby to open a store in the 'hood as well.
Kumquat is selling a ton of back stock at relatively cheap prices -- we managed to get a pair of baby pants for $6.
The owner's brother writes on his blog:
The inside is bright and airy... Among the products for sale at a reduced price include many of Wendy's classic patterns such as the elephants and pandas. As for the fixtures, most are stock Ikea, but arranged in a really clean, smart manner. It was really important for the space to be both kid and parent friendly, with space for strollers as well as a bunch of toys and books and mini-sized furniture in the front area.
Kumquat Outlet is located at 5054 Eagle Rock Blvd. Call for hours: 323-254-5074. (Kumquat Outlet pics by Martin Wong.)
FREE L.A.: More on the Summer Concerts at Pasadena's Leavitt Pavilion
As we wrote last week, one of the best Summer deals in SoCal happens virtually every night at Pasadena's Levitt Pavilion, where free music and dance performances take place. Grab a picnic and watch from the lawn.
Wednesday nights are geared toward the kids, and last week Maria and the Blogger Preschooler headed over there to watch Bob Baker's Marionettes. A true living L.A. treasure, Baker (above) was there to perform, along with several proteges.
The kids were enthralled. And unlike the last time we caught the show, when Evan was just a baby, this time the puppets didn't freak him out.
Not every show is nearly as crowded, but parents and kids were out in force last week to catch a rare free show from Baker and his marionettes.
It's different shows each week. Here's what's on tap for this week:
Childrens Night (every Wednesday at 7): Aaron Nigel Smith and The FUNdamentals Band
A few months ago Maria decided to do something with a patch of dirt that has sat, untouched, in our backyard for a few years.
Now, if the bottom falls out, at least we know we'll be able to live off of cucumbers and tomatoes. The strawberry plant hasn't yielded nearly as much.
License Plate of the Day: Are We Dancer, or Are We Uman?
Franklin Avenue reader Kevin submitted this one, which seems to answer the Killers' recent question, "Are we dancer, or are we human?" In this case, a vote for "I Am Uman."
Secondary explanation: This plate is actually much deeper than we think, as this motorist makes the bold statement that "I am you, man."
Whoa.
Third possibility: There's nothing deep to this plate at all. Quite simply, this car is owned by a dude named Uman.
Above, the 1980s Pepsi commercial featuring Michael and his brothers... as well as Alfonso Ribeiro. (Yes, pretty sad to see Michael replace the words to "Billie Jean" with lyrics pimping Pepsi.)
Footage from the 1984 Grammy Awards when Michael Jackson, with Brooke Shields and Emmanuel Lewis in tow, cleaned up with the trophies.
And here's the ad that ran in the U.K. on ITV1 to promote the upcoming "This Is It" series of 50 concerts in London... which will now never happen.
An Early Look at the New School on the Ambassador Hotel Site
They destroyed Los Angeles' landmark Ambassador Hotel. Now, if there's any consolation, the LAUSD is at least making an effort to pay tribute to the legendary hotel by re-creating the famed Paul Williams coffee shop, as well as modeling the school's auditorium after the Cocoanut Grove.
I guess it's something. LA Mag's Chris Nichols was contacted (he has a rare color photo of what the coffee shop looked like) and filed this report (at the LAMag site) on his visit to the Ambassador site:
The main building was demolished in 2006, but vestigal remains (very vestigal) were retained and are being restored. Other elements are being recreated, and that’s why I got a call.
Being a collector of vintage Los Angeles ephemera, I had what turned out to be the only color photograph of the Paul R. Williams-designed coffee shop at the hotel in its prime. South Pasadena-based restoration architect Mark Stankard is rebuilding this lost dining area as a teacher’s lounge in the new school and planned to match its 1940s colors and finishes.
During our visit Mark showed off the west wall of the Cocoanut Grove, the entrance canopy, and the original driveway pylons that have been retained and are being restored. The main auditorium, modeled after the Cocoanut Grove nightclub, will be on the same site as the original. Along Wilshire, workers swarmed all over the sign tower, which will once again feature elaborate water jets and a replica of the classical nude sculpture that welcomed visitors. This time she’ll be draped in a “negligee” added by the Denver-area sculptor. Much of the Wilshire frontage, including the driveway, will become a pocket park complete with art installations of tile and benches inspired by the hotel that feature a repeating soundtrack of music from the Grove and ghostly, disembodied memorials from long ago visitors.
Go to the site (scroll down) to read more -- including a bizarre-o Sharon Stone story.
R.I.P. Michael Jackson: Make Sure You Mourn The Right Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
RIGHT Michael Jackson -- the singer, who passed away today at the age of 50.
WRONG Michael Jackson -- the radio personality, who's still very much alive.
Sadly, though, you're gonna have to wait a day before you can actually visit the REAL Michael Jackson's star. It's currently covered up by "heavy equipment" -- because of tonight's premiere of "Bruno."
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is suggesting that mourners head to the Jacksons' star instead:
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF- Flowers will be placed on the Walk of Fame star of entertainer Michael Jackson tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. at 6927 Hollywood Boulevard. Due to an event occurring at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre where his star is located, the star for Jackson is covered. Because of heavy equipment near the area and for safety reasons press and fans will not be allowed in the area this evening. Anyone who would like to pay their respect to Michael Jackson can visit The Jacksons star which is located at 1500 Vine Street near Sunset.
The Chamber of Commerce, though, adds that you shouldn't start congregating around the star of the OTHER Michael Jackson:
The star located at 1541 Vine street is NOT the star of recording artist Michael Jackson who passed away today. The star at that address is for Radio Personality Michael Jackson.
The star for The Jacksons IS located at 1500 Vine Street.
FRANKLIN AVENUE IN NEW YORK: Dreaming of Shake Shack
The hotel we usually stay at in New York is just around the corner from Madison Square Park -- the home of the famed Shake Shack.
Think In-N-Out style burger -- but with a buttery, toasted bun. Add a black-and-white shake to the mix, and you're set.
Yes, you have to wait in line for quite a while -- but head there during non-peak times. Oh, and bring one back for me. I don;t care if you have to cart it all the way back to L.A. Thanks!
FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: Lucha VaVoom, This Thursday at the Mayan
Lucha VaVOOM is coming back to The Mayan on June 24 and June 25 -- tonight and tomorrow night. Some details on this round of shows:
The glorious debut of mini Cassandro, a death-defying aerial pole dance routine by Gypsy Roze, and enough luchadores and ladies to make any jaded Angeleno want to strip down and jump in the ring: Lucha VaVOOM is back!
Fresh off the heels of their sold-out Cinco de Mayan fiesta, Lucha VaVOOM is gearing up for their 21st show, the summer spectacular “We Got The Beat,” taking place at the celebrated Mayan Theater in Los Angeles June 24 and 25. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketweb.com or at Wacko in Los Feliz or Brat in Santa Monica.
Wanna see the "sexed-up, adrenaline-fueled collision of the finest in Mexican wrestling, titillating striptease and cunning linguistics"? We've got a pair of tix for ya for Thursday's show -- but since we're running short on time, email us ASAP at franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com. Winners will be informed Thursday morning. Go, go, go!
FREE L.A.: If You're Hungry for Dessert, It's a Good Time to Be Here
:: New "Spanish fritter" shop Xooro -- pronounce it "Sure-oh" -- is opening its second location, on Melrose. (The fledgling chain is also in Santa Monica.)
For you and me, "Spanish fritter" = "gourmet churro." Good enough for me. Even better: The new store will be handing out FREE CHURROS TONIGHT, June 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Xooro is located at 8360 Melrose, #107, West Hollywood.
:: Pinkberry is introducing two new flavors for Summer: Coconut and Passion Fruit.
To introduce the new swirls, Pinkberry is handing out free samples on FRIDAY, June 26, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
:: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf had been running a contest to determine which special Ice Blended drink its stores should feature over the Summer.
The winner was "Instant Karma," described as a "Nutty Creme Caramel." To celebrate the pick, Coffee Bean stores will be passing out free 12 oz. samples of "Instant Karma" on JULY 1 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Return of Summer Concerts at Pasadena's Leavitt Pavilion
If you're looking to save a few bucks but still get that Hollywood Bowl-style experience, Pasadena's Leavitt Pavilion concert series has just gotten underway. The outdoor band shell features live jazz, world, folk and Latin performances all summer long.
The best part: It's free. Pack a picnic.
Maria and Blogger Preschooler frequently visit the Leavitt on Wednesday nights for the weekly Children's night. Tonight, the famed Bob Baker Marionettes take the stage. Show starts at 7 p.m.
The Leavitt Pavilion Pasadena is in Old Pasadena at Memorial Park, right off the Fair Oaks exit from the 210 freeway, and on the corner of Walnut and Raymond. There's a Gold Line stop right there at Memorial Park (as well as a playground, in case the kids get bored).
Wednesday Poll: What's the Pop Song of Summer 2009? (Part II)
Last week, we asked you to submit finalists for Pop Song of Summer 2009. This week, we'll find our winner. Vote above! And there's still a space to add your own pick.
I must admit, I resisted Twitter as long as possible. But now that I'm hooked, I've finally realized that it's the perfect home for my inane observations.
If you're not following Franklin Avenue on Twitter (and why not? Go over and follow us right now!), here are a few highlights from the past week:
E! anounces that it "will no longer cover the misadventures of 'Speidi,' until the pair does something truly newsworthy." So never, right? 5:10 PM Jun 22nd
Resolutions today with Villaraigosa, Chris Brown and Jon & Kate. Egads, what will we talk about the rest of the summer?! 2:12 PM Jun 22nd
Villaraigosa not running for governor. Had Googled the bios of Sacramento's local TV news reporters. Not interested. 1:29 PM Jun 22nd
We'll find out in a moment whether Villaraigosa is running for govern...zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Oops, sorry. Don't care enough to finish this Tweet. 1:00 PM Jun 22nd
Just got the latest copy of EW. Ryan Reynolds is now the mag's "new favorite leading man." Really, EW? I mean... really? 4:30 PM Jun 19th
Good Morning America has hired "The Bachelor's" Melissa Rycroft. Wait.. oops, GMA just changed its mind. Can't catch a break, huh, Melissa! 2:00 PM Jun 17th
Turns out those are "Grey's Anatomy" fans there at the Coliseum throwing things at police. Man, are they PISSED that T.R. Knight is leaving. 1:55 PM Jun 17th
Was the crowd at the Laker Rally booing Mayor Villaraigosa, or shouting "LU! LU!" in honor of his KTLA galpal? 1:04 PM Jun 17th
"Lost" exec producers Cuse/Lindelof on Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" tonight. Strangely, this episode was actually taped seven years from now. 11:50 AM Jun 17th
It's a real end of an era: According to Radio-Info's Tom Taylor, radio legend Casey Kasem will end his final countdown show, the Adult Contemporary-targeted "American Top 20," on the July 4th weekend.
He writes:
The current Adult Contemporary American Top 20 will wind up over the July 4th holiday weekend – a meaningful anniversary for Casey. His quintessentially “American” show debuted on a July 4, back when he created the franchise in 1970.
L.A.-based Eric Weiss has repped Casey for years and he tells me that "Casey and Premiere agree" that this is the time to end the AC show. That gives Casey time to do his other work – voiceovers, cartoons, you name it.
Eric says "Casey has turned down a lot of stuff over the last few years" that he can now look at. From Premiere's side, it can re-deploy the fairly large production staff behind AT-20 into other gigs – and save a few bucks.
Weiss says Kasem has maintained his high standards up to the end of production – "He's worked as hard doing this week's countdown as he did 29 years ago." I just wanted to pay tribute to one of the great radio pros ever, and a guy who inspired countless people to think "Gee, maybe I could be on the radio, too."
Casey was one of my childhood heroes -- yep, I was always a radio/TV geek, and thought he had the best job ever, counting down the hits. As a kid, I'd religiously listen to "American Top 40" each week, writing down the chart position and title and artist of each song on the countdown. (These days, you can just look that stuff up on the Internet. Gah, I feel old.)
Casey left "AT40" in 1989 after a contractual dispute with the show's owner, ABC Watermark. Shadoe Stevens took over, while Casey launched his own show, "Casey's Top 40." It wasn't quite the same, though -- and Shadoe's "AT40" was gone by 1995.
Later, in a twist of luck, the ownership of "AT40" reverted back to Casey (as one of "AT40's" founders) after ABC Radio failed to keep its copyright on the show current.
Casey rightfully once again became the host of "American Top 40" -- but handed the show over to Ryan Seacrest in 2003. Gah, again. At the time I wrote:
Thanks to my job, I had the chance to meet and have lunch with my childhood idol years later. I even have Casey's home number tucked away somewhere. And even though he's a little slower with age, he remains a true class act.
Now, I'm not delusional. I know Casey's gotta give up the mike at some point. But Ryan Seacrest?! The idea of the Star 98.7 afternoon guy/ "American Idol" host taking over my beloved "AT40" pains me to no end.
Of course, top 40 radio is very different than it was back in Casey's heyday. The good news is Premiere Radio Networks continues to distribute those classic 1970s and 1980s Casey "AT40" countdowns to radio stations and satellite radio.
In other words, even though he won't be recording new countdowns anymore, Casey's voice will always be there, reminding us to keep our feet on the ground -- and to keep reaching for the stars.
Just a few days after the Los Angeles Times wrote about the new Sprinkles Cupcakes van, we got to experience it first hand Monday afternoon outside the Variety Tower.
Parked on Wilshire (and looking in particular to target Los Angeles magazine, also in our building), the Sprinkles Mobile was passing out free cupcakes -- and I couldn't pass on that.
In addition to some regular flavors, the Sprinkles Mobile was offering up special seasonal flavors: Key Lime and Raspberry. I tried the Key Lime -- nice, with a tinge of tartness. (By the way, a reminder: Those signature Sprinkles dots are edible. But don't. They taste horrible.)
The cupcakes disappeared like, well, hotcakes. Free will do it every time.
The one downside: The cupcakes cost more than they would in the store, notes the L.A. Times:
Cupcake fans will pay a premium for the service. Individually boxed, the treats will sell for $4 each, 75 cents more than what Sprinkles charges at its stores.
The van, which can hold 1,500 cupcakes, will also hit some malls and places like the Malibu Country Mart. It will do Hollywood events -- it took a test run to the set of the HBO television show "Entourage" -- and will be available for hire by private parties.
Sprinkles plans to announce most of the stops via the bakery's Twitter account.
Indeed, it seems like Sprinkles regularly enjoys giving away cupcakes -- keep up with their Twitter account for more details.
FRANKLIN AVENUE IN NEW YORK: Loving the Kati Roll Co.
I may have to put my Dunkin' Donuts pursuit in order to lobby for something even more pressing: We need to introduce the Kati Roll Co. to Los Angeles.
After all, we gave them Pinkberry (for better or for worse; I don't mind the stuff, even though it's horribly overpriced), so it's time for a return gesture.
The Kati Roll is a street food that is simple to produce, but is quite elaborate in taste. According to the New York-based chain, a Kati Roll is "a spicy mixture of meat and vegetables rolled in Indian flat-bread." It's great for a quick snack or a meal. And the locations are open late.
Our friends Hank and Lisa turned us on to The Kati Roll Co. while in New York last month; we were immediately sold. The partha flat-bread was nice and thin, and the fillings had a nice, flavorful kick. Most fillings could come with or without egg; although the egg added more flavor and heft to the fillings, i was actually fine without.
Varieties we chose included the Aloo Masala roll (spicy potato mix), $4.25 (or two for $7.50); the Achari Paneer roll (Indian cottage cheese marinated in spicy pickle), $5.25 (or two for $9.50); the Chicken roll ($4.75, or two for $8.50).
The Kati Roll Co. has been around since 2002, so I'm embarrassed I'm only learning about it now. Coming back to Los Angeles, I checked all over the Internet to find a similar joint. Pasadena's Akbar Cuisine claims to a Chicken Kati Roll... but we haven't investigated to see if it's similar just yet.
So far the chain has just three locations: Two in New York and one in London. C'mon, folks, let's speed it up. Los Angeles is waiting!
The Mystery of Those Shipping Containers at the Sepulveda Dam
(Photo by Michael Owen Baker/Daily News)
Rest easy -- the city didn't decide to start storing empty shipping containers at the Sepulveda Dam (although, given its past assaults on Los Angeles' historic sites, I wouldn't have been surprised).
You've probably seen it while passing by the Sepulveda Dam near the 101/405 interchange: Piles and piles of shipping containers, with scaffolding on top. It almost looked like the set up to a music festival stage to me. Thankfully, it's just temporary, according to the Daily News.
The paper writes that the stack of containers -- at least five stories tall -- is a part of a top-secret film shoot there, known only by its code name: "Rasputin." Most believe that "Rasputin" is code for the real movie shooting there: "Iron Man 2."
Writes the paper:
Hollywood insiders, masters of cinematic deception, have refused to even acknowledge the colossus next to one of the busiest freeway interchanges in the nation.
"If I can comment I'll let you know," said an email sent by a not-for-attribution official of Paramount Pictures, distributor for the "Iron Man" films. "But for the most part they haven't let me say a word about anything."
However, another person familiar with the set said it will support a massive "green screen," used to film actors in front of digitally produced backgrounds for special-effects filmmaking.
For the past week, motorists driving through the 101/405 interchange have craned their necks to see the growing block of containers just south of the Art Deco bulwark.
The Army Corps of Engineers, which administers the dam, issued a film permit for "Rasputin Locations." Many movie bloggers view that as code for "Iron Man 2," a Marvel Comics superhero action sequel starring Robert Downey Jr., set for release next May.
"They do have a permit," said Jay Field, an Army Corps spokesman in Los Angeles. "They are working with FilmLA. We have had our environmental, our engineering and our safety staffs review the permit application and have agreed there would be no problem.
"There will be no impact to the dam structure, or its operational capability, as well as an environmental impact."
But like a typical Hollywood mystery, FilmLA, which supplies local permits for TV and film productions, said it had not green-lighted a Sepulveda Basin shoot.
The shoot will continue until August, the paper wrote.
Partying Like It's 1885 at Glendale's Historic Ard Eevin House
The invite not only promised a trip back to 1885, but a trip back to 1885 Louisville. Yep, it was time for the annual theme party thrown by Los Angeles magazine's Mr. L.A., Chris Nichols (yes, two posts within a week!)
This time out, Glendale's historic Ard Eevin house doubled as the site of a 19th century Kentucky Derby celebration.
Built in 1903, the Ard Eevin is the sister to El Miradero -- which now houses the Brand Arts Library. The house, which is still occupied and privately owned, was designed by Nathaniel Dryden.
One of the great things about Chris' party is that the majority of attendees commit to the theme. (Sadly, not me -- I didn't come dressed in period garb. But I was in the minority.) As Eating L.A.'s Pat notes, trying to come up with a circa 1885 outfit was much tougher than last year's 1940s theme. Yet most pulled it off. Had I planned, I would have grown a Chase Carey handlebar moustache for the occasion.
Besides Pat, I also ran into Friends of Franklin Avenue Ellen Bloom and Scott Lowe. Maria opted to stay alone
Mint Juleps were the drink of choice on the porch, while various meats (ham, fried chicken, corn bread, etc.) could be found in the dining room.
In the back, hand-churned ice cream.
Also popular: Horse-drawn carriage rides around Ard Eevin.
Talk of the party? Well, there was a lot. But when I arrived, everyone kept asking me one thing: "Did you see the Ghostbusters?" And here they are: Decked in full ghostbuster gear, circa 1885. (Below too.)
Why Ghostbusters? Well, these creepy period ghosts, of course.
Thanks to Chris for the invite. How does one top this? We'll find out next year...
I don't know what blows my mind more about this release: A) That they just completely made up this stat without any sort of proof whatsoever or B) that they misspelled "recent."
The release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Breast Jobs Rank Number One As The Best Graduation Gifts For Girls
As the bell rings and school lets out many high school grads are headed to the doctor’s office to recoup their graduation present.
Breast enlargements have become the most popular graduation gift in resent times, even surpassing requests for a car, as young women use the summer vacation period to go under the knife before college.
No longer are females requesting expensive jewelry, European summer vacations, or other trinkets to commemorate the completion of school. They instead wish to fulfill a long term dream of undergoing a breast augmentation and feeling more self confident.
Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most sought after cosmetic enhancements globally. Breasts are one of the only parts of the female physique which do not allow for natural improvement, shape or enhancement. You can’t change the size with diet or exercise and there is only so much you can achieve with a push-up-bra, but a breast augmentation gives a woman the chest she has always desired.
Cosmetic surgeon, Dr Lloyd Landsman, has experienced this growing trend first hand at his New York clinic.
“I have definitely had more requests for breast graduation gifts of late. This is nothing new but this type of procedures is becoming more popular among this age bracket. In the 1990’s the big thing was nose jobs, now it is breast augmentations. It’s been especially busy now that school has just let out for the summer. This is something young ladies have put a lot of thought into and discussed with their parents and then, after careful consideration, parents agree to pay for the surgery as a graduation present.”
Dr Landsman is happy to be interviewed and provide his expert medical opinion on this topic.
Wait, shouldn't he be busy right now shoving breast impants into the cavities of thousands of graduating high school seniors?
