No Way, L.A.
Responding to our item below on how the fires are tailor-made for the local TV news, a couple of readers point out that, in contrast, local NPR outfit KCRW is doing virtually nothing at all.
Alas, the fires point out the huge weakness in KCRW's armor: Despite pulling in millions of dollars in annual pledge drives, the station still has no local news operation to speak of. (Apparently it costs a lot to send ol' Nic Harcourt to New York to broadcast from the Museum of TV and Radio, where he seems to be half the time these days.)
Warren Olney, while one of the few local media class acts out there, mostly interviews pundits. He has no reporters at his fingertips, filing reports from the field. And... well, that's it. Outside of NPR news feeds and Olney's pundit chats, KCRW pretty much sticks to what it knows best, its music programming.
This weakness wasn't really noticed during the whole gubernatorial recall mess because that story was pundit-ready. It's easy to line up twelve talking heads to ramble on and on about Gray vs. Schwarzie. But those pundits are useless when it comes to local tragedy: "Whaddyuh think, Sherry Bebitch Jeffe?" "Mmm...fire bad!"
As a result, as the readers below note, KCRW has been stunning in its virtual silence regarding the biggest natural disaster in some time to hit the region. (No, Schwarzie getting elected doesn't count.) But at least they're playing that new Belle and Sebastian song!
Friday, October 31, 2003
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Traffic Update
Interesting mix of people stumbling upon Franklin Avenue in recent days: The usual fans of KCOP-UPN13's Lauren Sanchez and Maria Quiban (sorry, disappointed readers, no nudie shots of your favorite fluffy news anchors here) have been joined by "24" fans (my fear of another season of a near-annihilation of Los Angeles is below, scroll down) and one odd web surfer, who came here looking for "John Ritter's favorite foods."
Huh? For the record, I'm not sure. Maybe sushi.
Interesting mix of people stumbling upon Franklin Avenue in recent days: The usual fans of KCOP-UPN13's Lauren Sanchez and Maria Quiban (sorry, disappointed readers, no nudie shots of your favorite fluffy news anchors here) have been joined by "24" fans (my fear of another season of a near-annihilation of Los Angeles is below, scroll down) and one odd web surfer, who came here looking for "John Ritter's favorite foods."
Huh? For the record, I'm not sure. Maybe sushi.
This Decade's Tawny Kitaen Update
Yeah, yeah, fires in L.A.... but did you see that 80s video vixen Tawny Kitaen is in the news?!
So sez the L.A. Times: Kitaen, accused of pummeling husband Chuck Finley — a former Anaheim Angels pitcher then playing for the Cleveland Indians — with her fists and high-heel shoes, had agreed to plead guilty and undergo counseling. The case was to be dismissed when she completed counseling, which she did.
But Judge Pamela L. Iles had a change of heart this month when she was told that Kitaen had appeared on Stern's popular morning radio show and told the shock jock that she'd been forced to plead guilty. She also denied having a drug problem.
Angered, Iles refused to dismiss the case until Kitaen wrote a letter of apology to the court.
Yeah, but what about her penance for appearing in some of the cheesiest hair band music videos of the 80s? (Dating Whitesnake's David Coverdale may have been punishment enough. Never mind. Fine, but I still haven't forgiven her for starring in the horrible syndicated update of "WKRP in Cincinnati" in the early 90s.)
Yeah, yeah, fires in L.A.... but did you see that 80s video vixen Tawny Kitaen is in the news?!
So sez the L.A. Times: Kitaen, accused of pummeling husband Chuck Finley — a former Anaheim Angels pitcher then playing for the Cleveland Indians — with her fists and high-heel shoes, had agreed to plead guilty and undergo counseling. The case was to be dismissed when she completed counseling, which she did.
But Judge Pamela L. Iles had a change of heart this month when she was told that Kitaen had appeared on Stern's popular morning radio show and told the shock jock that she'd been forced to plead guilty. She also denied having a drug problem.
Angered, Iles refused to dismiss the case until Kitaen wrote a letter of apology to the court.
Yeah, but what about her penance for appearing in some of the cheesiest hair band music videos of the 80s? (Dating Whitesnake's David Coverdale may have been punishment enough. Never mind. Fine, but I still haven't forgiven her for starring in the horrible syndicated update of "WKRP in Cincinnati" in the early 90s.)
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
He Won't Be Comin' On Down Any More
Veteran "Price is Right" announcer Rod Roddy, he of the shiny jackets and "Come on Down" yell, died Monday at Century City Hospital of colon and breast cancer at age 66.
Believe it or not, that makes two announcers that host Bob Barker has now outlived. Apparently neutering pets keeps you young. RIP, Rod!
Veteran "Price is Right" announcer Rod Roddy, he of the shiny jackets and "Come on Down" yell, died Monday at Century City Hospital of colon and breast cancer at age 66.
Believe it or not, that makes two announcers that host Bob Barker has now outlived. Apparently neutering pets keeps you young. RIP, Rod!
Why Couldn't it Have Been Paul Moyer?
Fire! Fire! Whoo-hoo! If there was ever a story tailor-made for our shoot-video-first-ask-questions-later local news teams, it's the big L.A. inferno. We're talking about news agencies that will drop everything and cover "BREAKING NEWS" when a few flames are shooting out of a small warehouse in Downey, after all.
Of course, the inferno also means an onslaught of LA reporters aiming for fire bragging rights. Like dear, dear Chuck Henry. Chuck got a little too close to the flames and had to be rescued, along with his cameraman. Their KNBC news van was totaled. Did someone forget to tell Chuck that, umm, maybe he should step back from the flames a few more feet?
"The truck is nothing," Chuck told... his own news team. (Easy for you to say, Chuck, that's not your truck!) "What we did was part of work... and we were watching this person's house, and they had tried their best to save it. I feel so badly for the people who lost their possessions."
Fire! Fire! Whoo-hoo! If there was ever a story tailor-made for our shoot-video-first-ask-questions-later local news teams, it's the big L.A. inferno. We're talking about news agencies that will drop everything and cover "BREAKING NEWS" when a few flames are shooting out of a small warehouse in Downey, after all.
Of course, the inferno also means an onslaught of LA reporters aiming for fire bragging rights. Like dear, dear Chuck Henry. Chuck got a little too close to the flames and had to be rescued, along with his cameraman. Their KNBC news van was totaled. Did someone forget to tell Chuck that, umm, maybe he should step back from the flames a few more feet?
"The truck is nothing," Chuck told... his own news team. (Easy for you to say, Chuck, that's not your truck!) "What we did was part of work... and we were watching this person's house, and they had tried their best to save it. I feel so badly for the people who lost their possessions."
Pass the Vermin!
Courtesy the L.A. Times, it's September's roster of restaurant closings!
More often than not, such a move will seal the fate of a marginal restaurant... for example, earlier this year, Cadillac Cafe (on La Cienega) was closed. It never opened. Last year, the same thing happened to Caffe Luna -- a Melrose staple (and popular latenight haunt) that never saw the light of day again after its health department closure in August 2002.
Courtesy the L.A. Times, it's September's roster of restaurant closings!
More often than not, such a move will seal the fate of a marginal restaurant... for example, earlier this year, Cadillac Cafe (on La Cienega) was closed. It never opened. Last year, the same thing happened to Caffe Luna -- a Melrose staple (and popular latenight haunt) that never saw the light of day again after its health department closure in August 2002.
Falling Down... In The Valley
Evil driver experience the other day in Northridge, as I was driven off the road by a crazy driver looking to turn into a strip mall parking lot... without noticing the big, gray Honda CRV (yes, that would be me) in the lane next to her.
I had to swerve into the parking lot to avoid missing her... and nearly plowed into a large post. Luckily, the CRV's turning radius is amazingly sharp, and some quick steering wheel action saved the day. Otherwise, considering the speed we were going at, not only would the poor CRV have been toast... but Maria and I might have been as well.
Said evil driver simply turned the corner and drove into the strip mall parking lot's other entrance. It was then that I was steamed. No wave, no sheepish "sorry" look, nothing. So I did what any other helpless-yet-angry driver would do: I honked in her direction and gave her the stink eye.
Yeah. That'll show her. Seriously, short of road rage, I'm never sure what to do in a situation like that. (Drive away and move on? Hmmm, yes, that's the mature route, but I'm looking for that vindictive, immature avenue.) Any ideas?
Evil driver experience the other day in Northridge, as I was driven off the road by a crazy driver looking to turn into a strip mall parking lot... without noticing the big, gray Honda CRV (yes, that would be me) in the lane next to her.
I had to swerve into the parking lot to avoid missing her... and nearly plowed into a large post. Luckily, the CRV's turning radius is amazingly sharp, and some quick steering wheel action saved the day. Otherwise, considering the speed we were going at, not only would the poor CRV have been toast... but Maria and I might have been as well.
Said evil driver simply turned the corner and drove into the strip mall parking lot's other entrance. It was then that I was steamed. No wave, no sheepish "sorry" look, nothing. So I did what any other helpless-yet-angry driver would do: I honked in her direction and gave her the stink eye.
Yeah. That'll show her. Seriously, short of road rage, I'm never sure what to do in a situation like that. (Drive away and move on? Hmmm, yes, that's the mature route, but I'm looking for that vindictive, immature avenue.) Any ideas?
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Why the Inferno?
Pure and simple: God's angry at us for making Clay Aiken's album No. 1. I warned you all.
Pure and simple: God's angry at us for making Clay Aiken's album No. 1. I warned you all.
Hollywood Crack of Fame
So much for Hollywood revitalization. Even the stars on the Walk of Fame are crumbling faster than ever.
Reports the LA Times: The problem has become serious enough that Councilman Eric Garcetti introduced a motion this month calling for a study of what is ailing the silver-flecked terrazzo that surrounds each of the 2,240 stars on the world-famous stretch of sidewalk.
Hollywood "mayor" Johnny Grant -- hey, can we recall an honorary "mayor" who's never actually been elected? -- blames the MTA. Of course. The problem, he believes, started after the subway tunnel was built below Hollywood Blvd.
So much for Hollywood revitalization. Even the stars on the Walk of Fame are crumbling faster than ever.
Reports the LA Times: The problem has become serious enough that Councilman Eric Garcetti introduced a motion this month calling for a study of what is ailing the silver-flecked terrazzo that surrounds each of the 2,240 stars on the world-famous stretch of sidewalk.
Hollywood "mayor" Johnny Grant -- hey, can we recall an honorary "mayor" who's never actually been elected? -- blames the MTA. Of course. The problem, he believes, started after the subway tunnel was built below Hollywood Blvd.
L.A.! L.A.! L.A. is on Fi-yah!
Sez the L.A. Times: California's incoming and outgoing governors toured charred areas; both appeared sobered. "They say these are the most devastating fires that have happened in the last decade," Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger said during a visit to Simi Valley. "What the firefighters are doing here is extraordinary. This is why I'm out here visiting, to let them know what great heroes they are. It kind of reminds me of the time my family was killed in a horrible fire, and I became a vigilante for justice. Wait, that was 'Collateral Damage.'"
OK. Last part was made up. But he probably said it.
Of course, Gray is no better: Davis, at Scripps Ranch in San Diego County, said he was reminded of scenes of devastation that he saw as a soldier in Vietnam. Wait, Gray? You're still here?
Sez the L.A. Times: California's incoming and outgoing governors toured charred areas; both appeared sobered. "They say these are the most devastating fires that have happened in the last decade," Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger said during a visit to Simi Valley. "What the firefighters are doing here is extraordinary. This is why I'm out here visiting, to let them know what great heroes they are. It kind of reminds me of the time my family was killed in a horrible fire, and I became a vigilante for justice. Wait, that was 'Collateral Damage.'"
OK. Last part was made up. But he probably said it.
Of course, Gray is no better: Davis, at Scripps Ranch in San Diego County, said he was reminded of scenes of devastation that he saw as a soldier in Vietnam. Wait, Gray? You're still here?
Friday, October 24, 2003
Rise of the Machines
It started with the komodo dragon chomping Phil Bronstein's toe. More recently, Roy of Sigfried fame was brutally bit by one of his tigers. And there was the case of the loner who loved camping near bears--until he was mauled to death this month.
Seems to me the world's animals have finally organized-- and are already beginning to revolt.
But animals are only half of the story. The L.A. Times points out a creepy, can't-be-coincidental series of recent auto accidents in Orange County. Three people have been killed when they were pinned by their own vehicles in recent weeks -- puzzling experts, the paper says.
One example:
On Wednesday, a 50-year-old man died after he was run over twice by his 1987 Jaguar, which witnesses said was circling in reverse in a Brea parking lot. Quoc Nguyen of Pomona was chasing the car when it hit him.
You laugh. But once our autos turn against us, we're screwed.
It started with the komodo dragon chomping Phil Bronstein's toe. More recently, Roy of Sigfried fame was brutally bit by one of his tigers. And there was the case of the loner who loved camping near bears--until he was mauled to death this month.
Seems to me the world's animals have finally organized-- and are already beginning to revolt.
But animals are only half of the story. The L.A. Times points out a creepy, can't-be-coincidental series of recent auto accidents in Orange County. Three people have been killed when they were pinned by their own vehicles in recent weeks -- puzzling experts, the paper says.
One example:
On Wednesday, a 50-year-old man died after he was run over twice by his 1987 Jaguar, which witnesses said was circling in reverse in a Brea parking lot. Quoc Nguyen of Pomona was chasing the car when it hit him.
You laugh. But once our autos turn against us, we're screwed.
Memory Lane
Check out the Dia De Los Muertos festivities in Olvera Street on November 2nd.
It's always fun going down to Olvera Street, the place is bustling with life. Check out Mr. Churro when you're there or grab a margarita at La Golondrina. For a little history lesson visit the old Firehouse Museum or the oldest mission church in L.A., Nuestra Señora Reina De Los Angeles, where Mike and I got married almost one year ago. Happy Anniversary Mike!
Check out the Dia De Los Muertos festivities in Olvera Street on November 2nd.
It's always fun going down to Olvera Street, the place is bustling with life. Check out Mr. Churro when you're there or grab a margarita at La Golondrina. For a little history lesson visit the old Firehouse Museum or the oldest mission church in L.A., Nuestra Señora Reina De Los Angeles, where Mike and I got married almost one year ago. Happy Anniversary Mike!
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Goodbye Elliot Smith
Sad news... Elliot Smith passed away at 34 of an apparent self-inflicted knife wound.
Smith gained public interest after his songs was featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Good Will Hunting" and his song "Miss Misery" was nominated for an Academy Award.
"I don't really have any goals as a songwriter," he once said, "other than to show what it's like to be a person - just like everybody else who's ever played music does."
Smith had recently spoken in interviews about his struggles with alcoholism. "When I lived in New York I was really a bad alcoholic for a few years," he told Under the Radar magazine in an interview published in June 2003.
Sad news... Elliot Smith passed away at 34 of an apparent self-inflicted knife wound.
Smith gained public interest after his songs was featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Good Will Hunting" and his song "Miss Misery" was nominated for an Academy Award.
"I don't really have any goals as a songwriter," he once said, "other than to show what it's like to be a person - just like everybody else who's ever played music does."
Smith had recently spoken in interviews about his struggles with alcoholism. "When I lived in New York I was really a bad alcoholic for a few years," he told Under the Radar magazine in an interview published in June 2003.
Corporate Sponsorship Hits L.A.'s Landmarks
Passed by The Wiltern Theatre last night, just as I do every evening, driving home from work.
Only it's not called "The Wiltern Theatre" anymore. Nope, the 1931 theater -- saved from the wrecking ball in the early 80s, restored in 1985 and again in 2002 -- is now "The Wiltern LG."
LG Electronics has signed on as a corporate sponsor, and will install video projection equipment inside the venue. Fine and dandy. But in exchange, the company's "LG" logo now features prominently on the Wiltern's marquee.
You won't be shocked once you hear who brokered the deal: Our old friends at Clear Channel, which happens to manage the facility. Man, they really are everywhere, aren't they!
"This partnership with LG Electronics will enable The Wiltern to retain its historic character," Alan DeZon, vice president, operations for Clear Channel Entertainment, said in the release. Hmm, by altering the venue's name?
Listen, I suppose it's just the sign of the times, and I've got to get over it. Maybe corporate sponsorship is what's needed to save some of our other L.A. landmarks. Anyone want to pitch in to subsidize the cost of turning the Ambassador Hotel into an LAUSD high school? Honestly, I suppose I'd rather see the "Cingular Wireless Ambassador High School" if it was the only way to prevent the school district from taking a wrecking ball to the building.
Passed by The Wiltern Theatre last night, just as I do every evening, driving home from work.
Only it's not called "The Wiltern Theatre" anymore. Nope, the 1931 theater -- saved from the wrecking ball in the early 80s, restored in 1985 and again in 2002 -- is now "The Wiltern LG."
LG Electronics has signed on as a corporate sponsor, and will install video projection equipment inside the venue. Fine and dandy. But in exchange, the company's "LG" logo now features prominently on the Wiltern's marquee.
You won't be shocked once you hear who brokered the deal: Our old friends at Clear Channel, which happens to manage the facility. Man, they really are everywhere, aren't they!
"This partnership with LG Electronics will enable The Wiltern to retain its historic character," Alan DeZon, vice president, operations for Clear Channel Entertainment, said in the release. Hmm, by altering the venue's name?
Listen, I suppose it's just the sign of the times, and I've got to get over it. Maybe corporate sponsorship is what's needed to save some of our other L.A. landmarks. Anyone want to pitch in to subsidize the cost of turning the Ambassador Hotel into an LAUSD high school? Honestly, I suppose I'd rather see the "Cingular Wireless Ambassador High School" if it was the only way to prevent the school district from taking a wrecking ball to the building.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
cLAssic
The November issue of Los Angeles magazine seems tailor-made for Maria and I, and our obsession with old time L.A. culture.
The mag visits downtown's Clifton's Cafeteria, the creepy Broadway cafeteria made up to feel like you're dining in the wilderness -- complete with stuffed wild game and the like. It's one of the last two remaining Clifton's locations; other spots, like Clifton's Pacific Seas cafeteria -- made up to look like a tropical paradise -- shut down long ago.
The "Classic L.A." section also includes items on matchbooks for current and former local bar/restaurant haunts; the Griffith Park Southern Railroad; the neon art above seversal classic apartment building in Los Angeles (I'm especially in love with the Royale Wilshire and Bryson apartment signs); L.A.'s oldtime movie palaces, including a glorious shot of the Pantages lobby; the 1953 Downey McDonald's (which just missed being a part of the Birthday Race); and even an ode to those boxy apartment buildings with names like "The Copa" scribbled on the front in classic 50s script.
Then there's the mag's profile of Huell Howser, the Tennessee expat who has created a booming business out of his PBS series ("California Gold," "Visiting with Huell Howser") on all things SoCal. Howser comes off as a mystery, and kind of creepy. You don't come out of the article feeling like you know much more about the guy, other than no one seems to know much about the guy. Still, he's got one of those jobs I'd love to have: Spending his days walking around California, microphone in hand and trailed by a single cameraman, exploring the state's quirks and crannies.
And... holy crap, turn to page 32! It's Los Angeles magazine's coverage of... Mike's Birthday Race! Yup, L.A. mag scribe Mary Melton last month stumbled upon this here blog, called me up and said she wanted to do a piece on the race.
Filling a page and a half in the mag's Buzz section, it's pretty damn cool! Even if a few things are a tad off: For some reason, I'm quoted as saying I've been in L.A. since 1999--I've actually been here from the summer of 1996. And Maria deserves more of a shout out for planning the race along side me.
But I shouldn't complain. Mary wrote a pretty cool story -- and yes, I am buttered up by her description of me ("soft blue eyes") and agree with her assertion that I'm a "TV geek." Not a bad first year for the Race -- wait 'til next year!
The November issue of Los Angeles magazine seems tailor-made for Maria and I, and our obsession with old time L.A. culture.
The mag visits downtown's Clifton's Cafeteria, the creepy Broadway cafeteria made up to feel like you're dining in the wilderness -- complete with stuffed wild game and the like. It's one of the last two remaining Clifton's locations; other spots, like Clifton's Pacific Seas cafeteria -- made up to look like a tropical paradise -- shut down long ago.
The "Classic L.A." section also includes items on matchbooks for current and former local bar/restaurant haunts; the Griffith Park Southern Railroad; the neon art above seversal classic apartment building in Los Angeles (I'm especially in love with the Royale Wilshire and Bryson apartment signs); L.A.'s oldtime movie palaces, including a glorious shot of the Pantages lobby; the 1953 Downey McDonald's (which just missed being a part of the Birthday Race); and even an ode to those boxy apartment buildings with names like "The Copa" scribbled on the front in classic 50s script.
Then there's the mag's profile of Huell Howser, the Tennessee expat who has created a booming business out of his PBS series ("California Gold," "Visiting with Huell Howser") on all things SoCal. Howser comes off as a mystery, and kind of creepy. You don't come out of the article feeling like you know much more about the guy, other than no one seems to know much about the guy. Still, he's got one of those jobs I'd love to have: Spending his days walking around California, microphone in hand and trailed by a single cameraman, exploring the state's quirks and crannies.
And... holy crap, turn to page 32! It's Los Angeles magazine's coverage of... Mike's Birthday Race! Yup, L.A. mag scribe Mary Melton last month stumbled upon this here blog, called me up and said she wanted to do a piece on the race.
Filling a page and a half in the mag's Buzz section, it's pretty damn cool! Even if a few things are a tad off: For some reason, I'm quoted as saying I've been in L.A. since 1999--I've actually been here from the summer of 1996. And Maria deserves more of a shout out for planning the race along side me.
But I shouldn't complain. Mary wrote a pretty cool story -- and yes, I am buttered up by her description of me ("soft blue eyes") and agree with her assertion that I'm a "TV geek." Not a bad first year for the Race -- wait 'til next year!
Yeah, Yeah, We Get It, It's a Cool Building
Should I? Hmm... yeah, why not. Until further notice, Franklin Avenue has been declared a Disney Concert Hall/Frank Gehry-free zone.
Given that we write about living in Los Angeles, I figured we should probably weigh in on the building (which I do like) at some point. But nah. Enough hullabaloo can be found elsewhere. One sign that the L.A. Times has gotten caught up in the hype? Its pages about the Disney Concert Hall appear on the CalendarLive portion of the paper's site, yet are free to view -- unlike the rest of CalendarLive, which is subscription-only.
Should I? Hmm... yeah, why not. Until further notice, Franklin Avenue has been declared a Disney Concert Hall/Frank Gehry-free zone.
Given that we write about living in Los Angeles, I figured we should probably weigh in on the building (which I do like) at some point. But nah. Enough hullabaloo can be found elsewhere. One sign that the L.A. Times has gotten caught up in the hype? Its pages about the Disney Concert Hall appear on the CalendarLive portion of the paper's site, yet are free to view -- unlike the rest of CalendarLive, which is subscription-only.
Sunday, October 19, 2003
Homehunters
I can't look... I can't look... ARGH! I looked.
It's time for the L.A. Times monthly median home prices survey.
And, as usual, it's wrenching. In our Los Feliz zip code, the median home price in September was $800,000 -- up 33 percent from September 2002. That's $380 per square foot, the paper says.
Of course, that's nothing. In my old West Hollywood neighborhood, the median price last month was $1.3 million. You read that right. That was up a staggering 66 percent from the year before. No wonder why I rented there -- and why I moved.
Highest median price on the list? The 90402 zip code in Santa Monica. Median price: $2.025 million. Happy house hunting!
I can't look... I can't look... ARGH! I looked.
It's time for the L.A. Times monthly median home prices survey.
And, as usual, it's wrenching. In our Los Feliz zip code, the median home price in September was $800,000 -- up 33 percent from September 2002. That's $380 per square foot, the paper says.
Of course, that's nothing. In my old West Hollywood neighborhood, the median price last month was $1.3 million. You read that right. That was up a staggering 66 percent from the year before. No wonder why I rented there -- and why I moved.
Highest median price on the list? The 90402 zip code in Santa Monica. Median price: $2.025 million. Happy house hunting!
Saturday, October 18, 2003
Friday, October 17, 2003
"It's Aloha Friday, No Work 'Till Monday!"
If we were in da islands right now, I'd be wearing some low-key aloha shirt... and probably heading to Palomino's for a li hing mui martini or Indigo for happy hour by now.
Ahhh... one can dream. Anyway, the L.A. Times swoons over the versatile Aloha shirt in today's paper.
If we were in da islands right now, I'd be wearing some low-key aloha shirt... and probably heading to Palomino's for a li hing mui martini or Indigo for happy hour by now.
Ahhh... one can dream. Anyway, the L.A. Times swoons over the versatile Aloha shirt in today's paper.
Curses!
Being mildly interested in sports at best, both curses on the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs, and the superstitions that the die-hard fans are attached to, just fascinate me.
My friend Wendy tells me that in 1945 some guy wanted to bring his billygoat in to Wrigley Field to see a game and was denied access, so he put a curse that the World Series would never again play in Wrigley Field.
Tuesday night's game was not only marred by the Steve Bartman incident, but (according to Money on KROQ) when Bernie Mac lead the 7th inning stretch song, he said "root, root root for the champs" instead of "the Cubbies." At that moment, Money knew that things will go awry. Apparently, when one is a Cubs fan, one is not supposed to predict good things during a game -- just follow along until they actually win. Don't get cocky. Wendy's sister was blamed for tuesday night's loss as well: When she mentioned how good the team was playing during the game, her husband later blamed her for saying that and causing the big loss.
My friend Brian said that the Red Sox was cursed after they traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees, also known as "The Curse of the Bambino." After last night's loss, he mentioned that the curse was especially potent when the Red Sox play the New York Yankees. Thankfully, Brian is a Yankees fan, and all was right in his world.
Whenever I see a game (any game), I always root for the underdog 'cause I don't know any better, and I just feel bad for that team. These past few days, I was rooting for the Cubs and the Red Sox because of their fans. I'm in awe of their superstions, rituals and love for their teams.
Being mildly interested in sports at best, both curses on the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs, and the superstitions that the die-hard fans are attached to, just fascinate me.
My friend Wendy tells me that in 1945 some guy wanted to bring his billygoat in to Wrigley Field to see a game and was denied access, so he put a curse that the World Series would never again play in Wrigley Field.
Tuesday night's game was not only marred by the Steve Bartman incident, but (according to Money on KROQ) when Bernie Mac lead the 7th inning stretch song, he said "root, root root for the champs" instead of "the Cubbies." At that moment, Money knew that things will go awry. Apparently, when one is a Cubs fan, one is not supposed to predict good things during a game -- just follow along until they actually win. Don't get cocky. Wendy's sister was blamed for tuesday night's loss as well: When she mentioned how good the team was playing during the game, her husband later blamed her for saying that and causing the big loss.
My friend Brian said that the Red Sox was cursed after they traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees, also known as "The Curse of the Bambino." After last night's loss, he mentioned that the curse was especially potent when the Red Sox play the New York Yankees. Thankfully, Brian is a Yankees fan, and all was right in his world.
Whenever I see a game (any game), I always root for the underdog 'cause I don't know any better, and I just feel bad for that team. These past few days, I was rooting for the Cubs and the Red Sox because of their fans. I'm in awe of their superstions, rituals and love for their teams.
Best of the Best
Picked up the copy of this year's L.A. Weekly "Best of L.A." issue. First impression: I like the perfect bounding! For once, it may lend to actually keeping the issue on hand for the whole year.
You know how it goes. You pick up these plump editions, thumb through, but never really get a chance to thoroughly read it. But you don't want to throw it away -- after all, some undiscovered gem of an L.A. attraction might be hidden inside, so you hold on to it.
But it's still a newspaper. It eventually yellows, and simply leaves a pile somewhere, since you can't really file it away. And eventually, out of frustration, you throw it away. And wait for the following year's edition.
Which is now here. And quickly answers the question, "How many Best Video Store categories can the Weekly fit into one 'Best of LA' issue?"
The answer: 7. Best Westside Video Store (Vidiots), Best Cult Videos (Jerry's Videos), Best Video Store for Chantal Akerman Buffs (Cinefile), Best Neighborhood Video Store (Video Journeys), Best Hong Kong Video Shopping (San Gabriel Square), and... Best Video Store (Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee).
Some familiar faves make the list, like everyone's favorite Thai Elvis, Kavee Thongpricha, whose car is named "Best Shrine to Elvis."
And although it's been several, several years since I last did this, I remember the sneaky thrill of going to a test audience screening ("Best Reason to Approach a Man Wielding a Clipboard"). The movie was "A Life Less Ordinary," the forgettable Ewan McGregor flick. I remember writing some real nasty comments. Still wonder if the 20th execs who read my rants actually did something about it -- 'cause I sure never saw it when it actually came out.
For "Best Gas," the paper discovers a site Maria wrote about several months ago: losangelesgasprices.com.
"Best Regular Comedy Gig"-- Kathy Griffin, Wednesday nights at the Laugh Factory, which I still need to see. "Best Radio Show," Garth Trinidad's "Chocolate City" on KCRW...hmmm... perhaps. I especially still love the way Garth says "Chocolate City." ("Phil Hendrie Show" fans, no sweat, his KFI gig was named "Best Talk Show.")
Actually like the choice of "Best New Walking Neighborhood," the stretch of Cahuenga Blvd. between Sunset and Hollywood. Anything that includes Amoeba Music and the Hotel Cafe has potential.
And our favorite place to learn how to make yummy dishes, Culver City's New School of Cooking, came away with the bizarre "Best Place to Sharpen Your Knife Skills" nod.
On the food tip, the L.A. Weekly discovers lechon, naming Toto's Lechon Manok as its "Best Pig on a Stick." ("Best Halo-Halo," meanwhile, goes to Max's of Manila -- the fried chicken joint in Glendale, while even Jollibee makes the list, landing "Best Fast-Food Breakfast." I still think they have the best fast-food spaghetti, and ube shakes.)
Our neighborhood House of Pies is named "Best Coffee Shop in Which to Write a Screenplay." The Weekly totally gets it wrong by naming Xiomara the "Best Mojito," something we disagreed with in our Rate-a-Restaurant review.
Caffe Latte, down the street from the office on Wilshire, is named "Best Coffee Bar for Hotties." And the downtown Standard? "Best Depravity Among the Stars."
Picked up the copy of this year's L.A. Weekly "Best of L.A." issue. First impression: I like the perfect bounding! For once, it may lend to actually keeping the issue on hand for the whole year.
You know how it goes. You pick up these plump editions, thumb through, but never really get a chance to thoroughly read it. But you don't want to throw it away -- after all, some undiscovered gem of an L.A. attraction might be hidden inside, so you hold on to it.
But it's still a newspaper. It eventually yellows, and simply leaves a pile somewhere, since you can't really file it away. And eventually, out of frustration, you throw it away. And wait for the following year's edition.
Which is now here. And quickly answers the question, "How many Best Video Store categories can the Weekly fit into one 'Best of LA' issue?"
The answer: 7. Best Westside Video Store (Vidiots), Best Cult Videos (Jerry's Videos), Best Video Store for Chantal Akerman Buffs (Cinefile), Best Neighborhood Video Store (Video Journeys), Best Hong Kong Video Shopping (San Gabriel Square), and... Best Video Store (Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee).
Some familiar faves make the list, like everyone's favorite Thai Elvis, Kavee Thongpricha, whose car is named "Best Shrine to Elvis."
And although it's been several, several years since I last did this, I remember the sneaky thrill of going to a test audience screening ("Best Reason to Approach a Man Wielding a Clipboard"). The movie was "A Life Less Ordinary," the forgettable Ewan McGregor flick. I remember writing some real nasty comments. Still wonder if the 20th execs who read my rants actually did something about it -- 'cause I sure never saw it when it actually came out.
For "Best Gas," the paper discovers a site Maria wrote about several months ago: losangelesgasprices.com.
"Best Regular Comedy Gig"-- Kathy Griffin, Wednesday nights at the Laugh Factory, which I still need to see. "Best Radio Show," Garth Trinidad's "Chocolate City" on KCRW...hmmm... perhaps. I especially still love the way Garth says "Chocolate City." ("Phil Hendrie Show" fans, no sweat, his KFI gig was named "Best Talk Show.")
Actually like the choice of "Best New Walking Neighborhood," the stretch of Cahuenga Blvd. between Sunset and Hollywood. Anything that includes Amoeba Music and the Hotel Cafe has potential.
And our favorite place to learn how to make yummy dishes, Culver City's New School of Cooking, came away with the bizarre "Best Place to Sharpen Your Knife Skills" nod.
On the food tip, the L.A. Weekly discovers lechon, naming Toto's Lechon Manok as its "Best Pig on a Stick." ("Best Halo-Halo," meanwhile, goes to Max's of Manila -- the fried chicken joint in Glendale, while even Jollibee makes the list, landing "Best Fast-Food Breakfast." I still think they have the best fast-food spaghetti, and ube shakes.)
Our neighborhood House of Pies is named "Best Coffee Shop in Which to Write a Screenplay." The Weekly totally gets it wrong by naming Xiomara the "Best Mojito," something we disagreed with in our Rate-a-Restaurant review.
Caffe Latte, down the street from the office on Wilshire, is named "Best Coffee Bar for Hotties." And the downtown Standard? "Best Depravity Among the Stars."
"24" Reasons to be Spooked
Last year, hit Fox drama "24" started out as a race against time as Kiefer Sutherland's character, Jack Bauer, attempted to stop terrorists from exploding a nuclear bomb in Los Angeles.
This year, "24" starts out as a race against time as Kiefer's Jack Bauer attempts to stop terrorists from unleashing biological warfare in Los Angeles.
Nice. Just what all of us living in Los Angeles need. Another year of "how-to" episodes for Osama and the Gang to hit our city. Not that I'm freaked out or anything. But I am.
Memo to "24" executive producers Joel Surnow, Robert Cochran, Brian Grazer and Howard Gordon: Why, oh why, do you want to scare the living Bejeebus out of the city you live in? How about unleashing some of that whoop ass on Toledo? Tallahassee? San Diego?
Last year, hit Fox drama "24" started out as a race against time as Kiefer Sutherland's character, Jack Bauer, attempted to stop terrorists from exploding a nuclear bomb in Los Angeles.
This year, "24" starts out as a race against time as Kiefer's Jack Bauer attempts to stop terrorists from unleashing biological warfare in Los Angeles.
Nice. Just what all of us living in Los Angeles need. Another year of "how-to" episodes for Osama and the Gang to hit our city. Not that I'm freaked out or anything. But I am.
Memo to "24" executive producers Joel Surnow, Robert Cochran, Brian Grazer and Howard Gordon: Why, oh why, do you want to scare the living Bejeebus out of the city you live in? How about unleashing some of that whoop ass on Toledo? Tallahassee? San Diego?
Thursday, October 16, 2003
The Blechelor
I don't like Bachelor Bob anymore. He kisses way too many girls and that laugh is creepy.
I want chubby, lovable, cabbage-patch dancing Bob back.
I don't like Bachelor Bob anymore. He kisses way too many girls and that laugh is creepy.
I want chubby, lovable, cabbage-patch dancing Bob back.
Alternate World Headlines
Cubs Set To Face Red Sox in World Series Game One
Gov.-Elect Coleman Taps Conrad Bain to Lead Economic Summit
Season Three Premieres of "Undeclared," "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" Top Nielsens
Carson Daly Discovers He May Be a Tool, Announces Retirement
Bush Admits, "Sorry 'Bout Those Last Two Years. My Bad."
Murdoch to FCC: "I Own Too Much. Seriously, Take Some of It Back. Anyone for KCOP?"
Beyonce: God Gave Me Permission to Be Sexy
(Actually, that last one is real. God bless Beyonce!)
Cubs Set To Face Red Sox in World Series Game One
Gov.-Elect Coleman Taps Conrad Bain to Lead Economic Summit
Season Three Premieres of "Undeclared," "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" Top Nielsens
Carson Daly Discovers He May Be a Tool, Announces Retirement
Bush Admits, "Sorry 'Bout Those Last Two Years. My Bad."
Murdoch to FCC: "I Own Too Much. Seriously, Take Some of It Back. Anyone for KCOP?"
Beyonce: God Gave Me Permission to Be Sexy
(Actually, that last one is real. God bless Beyonce!)
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
This Morning, It Sucks to Be...
...a poor Angeleno who just wants to ride the bus to pick up groceries at Albertson's, Vons or Ralphs
...a Cubs fan, after last night's debacle -- particularly Steve Bartman, the fan many blame for Tuesday night's Cubs loss because he reached out and touched a foul ball that Moises Alou was trying to catch
...me, because my left ear still is blocked from Monday morning's plane ride
..."Monday Night Football," which posted its lowest ratings ever Monday night
...Arianna Huffington, who's now facing $235,000 in campaign debts
...do you have any entries? E-mail 'em to mikemaria@sbcglobal.net (or Shout Out below!)
...a poor Angeleno who just wants to ride the bus to pick up groceries at Albertson's, Vons or Ralphs
...a Cubs fan, after last night's debacle -- particularly Steve Bartman, the fan many blame for Tuesday night's Cubs loss because he reached out and touched a foul ball that Moises Alou was trying to catch
...me, because my left ear still is blocked from Monday morning's plane ride
..."Monday Night Football," which posted its lowest ratings ever Monday night
...Arianna Huffington, who's now facing $235,000 in campaign debts
...do you have any entries? E-mail 'em to mikemaria@sbcglobal.net (or Shout Out below!)
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
The Cubs As a Next-Door Neighbor
Should the Cubs clinch a World Series berth -- and it looks like they just might tonight -- sis Ann is gonna be none too pleased.
Ann lives right across from Wrigley Field. Seriously -- right across the street. Look out her window, and the Wrigley marquee is right there. So she's had to put up with a little more rowdiness than usual in her 'hood. Fans urinating on the front yard. Yelling out "Go Cubs!" at 3 in the morning. People on game day packed so tight that she can't get to the red line "L." That kind of stuff.
Writes Ann: I just want my parking space back! (And also for people to stop honking thier horns incessantly in the middle of the night and shouting "Woooooooo Cubs!") (Oh yeah, her landlord rents out her space on Game Days.)
My other sis, Melanie, is probably stoked tonight that the Cubs look to win... but she's also probably a tad bummed. She and her friend somehow managed to land tix for Game 7. Which, by the looks of it now, ain't happening.
Update: Oops. Never mind. Melanie, enjoy Game 7.
Should the Cubs clinch a World Series berth -- and it looks like they just might tonight -- sis Ann is gonna be none too pleased.
Ann lives right across from Wrigley Field. Seriously -- right across the street. Look out her window, and the Wrigley marquee is right there. So she's had to put up with a little more rowdiness than usual in her 'hood. Fans urinating on the front yard. Yelling out "Go Cubs!" at 3 in the morning. People on game day packed so tight that she can't get to the red line "L." That kind of stuff.
Writes Ann: I just want my parking space back! (And also for people to stop honking thier horns incessantly in the middle of the night and shouting "Woooooooo Cubs!") (Oh yeah, her landlord rents out her space on Game Days.)
My other sis, Melanie, is probably stoked tonight that the Cubs look to win... but she's also probably a tad bummed. She and her friend somehow managed to land tix for Game 7. Which, by the looks of it now, ain't happening.
Update: Oops. Never mind. Melanie, enjoy Game 7.
Hotel-O-Rama
Had a chance to check out the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and The Crescent recently and both seem to be at the cusp of something big.
The Hollywood Roosevelt is undergoing renovations, and being there feels like you're in between two worlds. The first Academy Award was held there and you can see its history posted along the walls on the second floor. There's a distinct odor around the hotel, that old smell you can't quite put your finger on. Lit up, the big ballroom feels like a Las Vegas lounge with no windows and some faux exterior finish; but when the lights are low, the place takes you back in time. The reservation/front desk was relocated to the back of the building and is nicely decorated, it almost feels like you are in a W Hotel -- but only if the lights were dim.
I didn't stick around for the lunch they were offering: the combination of Mexican buffet and a sandwich & cold cut spread was a weird one, and was enough to send me off to Hollywood & Highland to safely eat a salad at CPK.
The Crescent is a very modern hotel off Burton Way in Beverly Hills. The front desk is similar to a ticket booth or that of a hostess station at a restaurant. The lobby is small but littered with comfortable seating areas and shares a fireplace with the outdoor patio in front. If you want food with your drink, you have a three choices: seating outside, at the lobby, or -- if you have a crowd and it's available -- at the big table with a very modern crystal light fixture by the lobby.
We chose to eat at the lobby and wound up sitting on the most comfortable shag carpet as we enjoyed tapas-style cuisine. The tapas were a variety of street food from around the world and they were all surprisingly tasty. Sharing is a must, so you can try as many things on the menu as you can.
Had a chance to check out the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and The Crescent recently and both seem to be at the cusp of something big.
The Hollywood Roosevelt is undergoing renovations, and being there feels like you're in between two worlds. The first Academy Award was held there and you can see its history posted along the walls on the second floor. There's a distinct odor around the hotel, that old smell you can't quite put your finger on. Lit up, the big ballroom feels like a Las Vegas lounge with no windows and some faux exterior finish; but when the lights are low, the place takes you back in time. The reservation/front desk was relocated to the back of the building and is nicely decorated, it almost feels like you are in a W Hotel -- but only if the lights were dim.
I didn't stick around for the lunch they were offering: the combination of Mexican buffet and a sandwich & cold cut spread was a weird one, and was enough to send me off to Hollywood & Highland to safely eat a salad at CPK.
The Crescent is a very modern hotel off Burton Way in Beverly Hills. The front desk is similar to a ticket booth or that of a hostess station at a restaurant. The lobby is small but littered with comfortable seating areas and shares a fireplace with the outdoor patio in front. If you want food with your drink, you have a three choices: seating outside, at the lobby, or -- if you have a crowd and it's available -- at the big table with a very modern crystal light fixture by the lobby.
We chose to eat at the lobby and wound up sitting on the most comfortable shag carpet as we enjoyed tapas-style cuisine. The tapas were a variety of street food from around the world and they were all surprisingly tasty. Sharing is a must, so you can try as many things on the menu as you can.
Cholesterol Be Damned!
Had my annual physical a month ago. But finally called my doctor -- the physician whose answer to everything is "You're young! Shake it off!" -- to get the test results back today.
Everything's fine. Cholesterol level: A low 198. (Good cholesterol 64.5, bad cholesterol 108).
But on a related health note, I'm still deaf in my left ear. Yup, I flew back Monday from Houston with a raging cold, and my left ear has still not unblocked. Thanks to Google, I found this remedy for "Airplane Ear":
Hold your nose closed, open the back of your throat as if you're yawning, bear down, then blow--but very gently. That forces air into the back of your throat and through your eustachian tubes. But you definitely don't want to try this if you have a sinus infection or think you might be getting one: When you bear down, you could force bacteria-laden mucus into your inner ear.
Tried it. Didn't work. But the person in the cubicle next to me sure got a kick out of it.
Had my annual physical a month ago. But finally called my doctor -- the physician whose answer to everything is "You're young! Shake it off!" -- to get the test results back today.
Everything's fine. Cholesterol level: A low 198. (Good cholesterol 64.5, bad cholesterol 108).
But on a related health note, I'm still deaf in my left ear. Yup, I flew back Monday from Houston with a raging cold, and my left ear has still not unblocked. Thanks to Google, I found this remedy for "Airplane Ear":
Hold your nose closed, open the back of your throat as if you're yawning, bear down, then blow--but very gently. That forces air into the back of your throat and through your eustachian tubes. But you definitely don't want to try this if you have a sinus infection or think you might be getting one: When you bear down, you could force bacteria-laden mucus into your inner ear.
Tried it. Didn't work. But the person in the cubicle next to me sure got a kick out of it.
Read the TV Bible
TV junkies, rejoice. You've been waiting five long years, but the latest edition of "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV shows 1946-Present" is out!
If you don't know about the book, from Tim Brooks and Earle Marsh, then you don't understand. This is the definitive listing of every TV show ever aired in primetime. You could spend hours thumbing through the book, reading about current shows or series long forgotten. Even shows that lasted just one episode-- CBS' "Public Morals," for example--get an entry.
According to the Chicago Tribune, which writes about the book in today's paper, the eighth edition of "The Complete Directory" clocks in at 1,592 pages long, 228 longer than its predecessor. It includes 500 new listings.
TV junkies, rejoice. You've been waiting five long years, but the latest edition of "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV shows 1946-Present" is out!
If you don't know about the book, from Tim Brooks and Earle Marsh, then you don't understand. This is the definitive listing of every TV show ever aired in primetime. You could spend hours thumbing through the book, reading about current shows or series long forgotten. Even shows that lasted just one episode-- CBS' "Public Morals," for example--get an entry.
According to the Chicago Tribune, which writes about the book in today's paper, the eighth edition of "The Complete Directory" clocks in at 1,592 pages long, 228 longer than its predecessor. It includes 500 new listings.
Monday, October 13, 2003
Yummy KCOP
We get way, waaaaay too many hits from people looking for photos of Channel 13 newsbabes Lauren Sanchez and Maria Quiban. I'm sure most of them are disappointed to find me and Maria -- not Quiban -- discussing Pho restaurants, rather than pix of their favorite newscaster and weatherperson.
The hits have landed on our doorstop because we have, on ocassion, referenced local media watchdog Ron Fineman, who frequently refers to the absurd KCOP-Channel 13 "newscast" on his website.
For those of you looking for nudie shots of the KCOP duo, sorry. But here's Ron's latest rant:
"Few things are more inappropriate than inside jokes on the air. If the audience isn't going to get it, why say it? I can only assume that some people like being on the 'inside' of something. Maybe it makes them feel important.
Last week, KCOP weather anchor Maria Quiban said it could be a 'yummy' weekend. Lauren Sanchez then says 'Remember that word Maria?' To which Quiban said 'hah? what?' Sanchez again asks 'Remember that word?' Then Quiban says 'Oh yummy, that's right. Inside joke. Brings back memories....won't go into it.' As Quiban started to do the weather, Sanchez interrupted her some more, but Quiban didn't respond. Sanchez said 'she's ignoring me again.'
Good idea Maria.
We get way, waaaaay too many hits from people looking for photos of Channel 13 newsbabes Lauren Sanchez and Maria Quiban. I'm sure most of them are disappointed to find me and Maria -- not Quiban -- discussing Pho restaurants, rather than pix of their favorite newscaster and weatherperson.
The hits have landed on our doorstop because we have, on ocassion, referenced local media watchdog Ron Fineman, who frequently refers to the absurd KCOP-Channel 13 "newscast" on his website.
For those of you looking for nudie shots of the KCOP duo, sorry. But here's Ron's latest rant:
"Few things are more inappropriate than inside jokes on the air. If the audience isn't going to get it, why say it? I can only assume that some people like being on the 'inside' of something. Maybe it makes them feel important.
Last week, KCOP weather anchor Maria Quiban said it could be a 'yummy' weekend. Lauren Sanchez then says 'Remember that word Maria?' To which Quiban said 'hah? what?' Sanchez again asks 'Remember that word?' Then Quiban says 'Oh yummy, that's right. Inside joke. Brings back memories....won't go into it.' As Quiban started to do the weather, Sanchez interrupted her some more, but Quiban didn't respond. Sanchez said 'she's ignoring me again.'
Good idea Maria.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Lookin' Sharp
Buzznet -- the pre-eminent photoblog on the web -- has redesigned its look. It's even more functional, the pictures are bigger... and it's still free!
Marc Brown and company have created a site that lets you create a personal photo gallery by uploading digital photos or phonecam shots. The site already has 904 users at last count; growing mostly by word of mouth, Buzznet seems to add about 20 new users a day.
We most recently updated our main Franklin Avenue page on Buzznet with the recall election shots you see on the right.
You can also access the main Birthday Race pics, as well as the race pics from Louie and Tom via Buzznet.
Keep looking for shots from our Houston trip later this week.
Buzznet -- the pre-eminent photoblog on the web -- has redesigned its look. It's even more functional, the pictures are bigger... and it's still free!
Marc Brown and company have created a site that lets you create a personal photo gallery by uploading digital photos or phonecam shots. The site already has 904 users at last count; growing mostly by word of mouth, Buzznet seems to add about 20 new users a day.
We most recently updated our main Franklin Avenue page on Buzznet with the recall election shots you see on the right.
You can also access the main Birthday Race pics, as well as the race pics from Louie and Tom via Buzznet.
Keep looking for shots from our Houston trip later this week.
Hip-Hop Nation vs. An Alternative World
Just a tenth of an audience share point separates No. 1 KPWR ("Power 106") from No. 2 KROQ in the Summer 2003 Los Angeles Arbitrons, according to Radio and Records, which reports the ratings on its site.
Both stations have dominated the local ratings for over a year. That's quite a change from the majority of the 1990s, when Spanish-language stations ruled the roost. Either the Spanish stations started cannibalizing each other, or a change in Arbitron methodology continues to have impact.
And here's your odd statistic of the summer: Despite the fanfare and intrigue surrounding the recall election -- particularly Schwarzenegger's entry -- talk radio leaders KFI and KABC were actually down versus their performance in spring, before recallmania erupted. (KFI was down only slightly, but KABC dropped more.)
Also, listeners have for some reason rediscovered classic rock. Both KCBS-FM ("Arrow 93") and KLOS-FM saw healthy gains from spring.
Just a tenth of an audience share point separates No. 1 KPWR ("Power 106") from No. 2 KROQ in the Summer 2003 Los Angeles Arbitrons, according to Radio and Records, which reports the ratings on its site.
Both stations have dominated the local ratings for over a year. That's quite a change from the majority of the 1990s, when Spanish-language stations ruled the roost. Either the Spanish stations started cannibalizing each other, or a change in Arbitron methodology continues to have impact.
And here's your odd statistic of the summer: Despite the fanfare and intrigue surrounding the recall election -- particularly Schwarzenegger's entry -- talk radio leaders KFI and KABC were actually down versus their performance in spring, before recallmania erupted. (KFI was down only slightly, but KABC dropped more.)
Also, listeners have for some reason rediscovered classic rock. Both KCBS-FM ("Arrow 93") and KLOS-FM saw healthy gains from spring.
Thursday, October 9, 2003
The Gray Davis Sympathy Tour
When Al Gore gave his final speech conceding the contested 2000 election, his grace and emotion made many wonder-- where was this Al Gore on the campaign trail? That guy would have won.
Now, it looks like Gray Davis may start to convey an actual personality vs. the robot he came off as even while fighting for his political life:
NEW YORK, Oct. 9 – California Gov. Gray Davis presents the Top Ten List on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Friday, Oct. 10 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Gov. Davis was recalled in California’s historic gubernatorial recall election, in which actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected to replace him. The LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated. Maria Pope, Barbara Gaines, Rob Burnett and Jude Brennan are the executive producers.
Gray Davis? Poking fun at himself? Perhaps (gasp) showing some emotion? We'll wait and see.
When Al Gore gave his final speech conceding the contested 2000 election, his grace and emotion made many wonder-- where was this Al Gore on the campaign trail? That guy would have won.
Now, it looks like Gray Davis may start to convey an actual personality vs. the robot he came off as even while fighting for his political life:
NEW YORK, Oct. 9 – California Gov. Gray Davis presents the Top Ten List on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Friday, Oct. 10 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Gov. Davis was recalled in California’s historic gubernatorial recall election, in which actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected to replace him. The LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated. Maria Pope, Barbara Gaines, Rob Burnett and Jude Brennan are the executive producers.
Gray Davis? Poking fun at himself? Perhaps (gasp) showing some emotion? We'll wait and see.
Rate-A-Restaurant, #26 in a series
Restaurant: Pho 2000
Location: 667 S. Western Avenue (Western/Wilshire)
Type of restaurant: Vietnamese noodle ("Pho") shop
They stipulated: Seat yourself.
What we ordered: Summer Roll: Goi Cuon (appetizer: Shrimp, dried onion, vermicelli noodle wrapped in a softened rice paper served with lettuce and special peanut sauce dip); Pho Ga: Chicken (broth with Shredded chicken, cilantro, onion and green onion)
High point: Pho 2000 is open 21 hours a day -- from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. Perfect place when you've got late night hunger pangs, but don't want something too heavy. The location we visited was right across the street from the Wiltern, where we had just seen the Short List Concert.
Low point: The wrapper on the summer roll was just too tough for my teeth, which are super-sensative right now because of my braces.
Overall impression: If you haven't had Pho, it's a natural Vietnamese cousin to ramen or Saimin. Which means there's a little more kick. Pho 2000's chicken was nice and tender, while the broth was even good on its own. A definite late-night choice, along with BCD Tofu down the street on Wilshire.
Chance we will go back: Yes.
Restaurant: Pho 2000
Location: 667 S. Western Avenue (Western/Wilshire)
Type of restaurant: Vietnamese noodle ("Pho") shop
They stipulated: Seat yourself.
What we ordered: Summer Roll: Goi Cuon (appetizer: Shrimp, dried onion, vermicelli noodle wrapped in a softened rice paper served with lettuce and special peanut sauce dip); Pho Ga: Chicken (broth with Shredded chicken, cilantro, onion and green onion)
High point: Pho 2000 is open 21 hours a day -- from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. Perfect place when you've got late night hunger pangs, but don't want something too heavy. The location we visited was right across the street from the Wiltern, where we had just seen the Short List Concert.
Low point: The wrapper on the summer roll was just too tough for my teeth, which are super-sensative right now because of my braces.
Overall impression: If you haven't had Pho, it's a natural Vietnamese cousin to ramen or Saimin. Which means there's a little more kick. Pho 2000's chicken was nice and tender, while the broth was even good on its own. A definite late-night choice, along with BCD Tofu down the street on Wilshire.
Chance we will go back: Yes.
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
Here's a Jury You Probably Wouldn't Want to Be On
A Torrance jury has just started deliberations in a case revolving around a man accused of attempted murder.
The man, Timothy McDonald, is a member of the Mob Piru Bloods and an associate of everybody's favorite scary rap lord, Suge Knight.
Memo to jury members: Move. Now. And change your identity while you're at it. Good luck.
A Torrance jury has just started deliberations in a case revolving around a man accused of attempted murder.
The man, Timothy McDonald, is a member of the Mob Piru Bloods and an associate of everybody's favorite scary rap lord, Suge Knight.
Memo to jury members: Move. Now. And change your identity while you're at it. Good luck.
Gary Coleman Comes in Eighth!
A solid 12,514 votes for Gary, giving him a spectacular 0.2 percent tally from yesterday's recall.
Oh yeah, Arnold Gropenegger is our new Guv.
The California Secretary of State web site has the latest results. Larry Flynt, for example, got 15,112 votes, good enough for seventh place.
Then there's George B. Schwartzman, whose name looks enough like Schwarzenegger's to put him in ninth place -- with 10,758 votes. Oops.
My favorite candidate -- Mike Schmeier, whose name was closest to mine on the ballot -- took 1,314 votes.
Governor Schwarzenegger. It was probably inevitable the second he chose to ran. Although Davis and Bustamante didn't help things out by running half-assed campaigns. Davis' political career was on the line, but he never acted like it. And Bustamante never rose to the ocassion.
Jay Leno last night introduced the new Gov, who spoke from his election headquarters in Century City. Leno, not only are you not funny, but now you're a political tool. Go away.
A solid 12,514 votes for Gary, giving him a spectacular 0.2 percent tally from yesterday's recall.
Oh yeah, Arnold Gropenegger is our new Guv.
The California Secretary of State web site has the latest results. Larry Flynt, for example, got 15,112 votes, good enough for seventh place.
Then there's George B. Schwartzman, whose name looks enough like Schwarzenegger's to put him in ninth place -- with 10,758 votes. Oops.
My favorite candidate -- Mike Schmeier, whose name was closest to mine on the ballot -- took 1,314 votes.
Governor Schwarzenegger. It was probably inevitable the second he chose to ran. Although Davis and Bustamante didn't help things out by running half-assed campaigns. Davis' political career was on the line, but he never acted like it. And Bustamante never rose to the ocassion.
Jay Leno last night introduced the new Gov, who spoke from his election headquarters in Century City. Leno, not only are you not funny, but now you're a political tool. Go away.
Tuesday, October 7, 2003
Los Angeles: Proclamations 'R' Us
Press release from ABC:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, PROCLAIMED “10-8” DAY BY LOS ANGELES MAYOR JAMES HAHN
ABC-TV’s new action drama, “10-8”, will be honored this Wednesday, October 8, when Mayor James Hahn officially proclaims it “10-8 Day” in Los Angeles in recognition of the series’ extensive use of L.A. locations and the national exposure “10-8” is giving the city.
“I am honored to proclaim this Wednesday, October 8, as ‘10-8 Day’ in the City of Los Angeles,” said Mayor Hahn. “By filming in L.A., Aaron Spelling, along with the cast and crew of the show, have contributed greatly to our community by helping ensure that our city remains the entertainment capital of the world.”
C'mon, UPN, time to convince Riverside and/or San Bernardino to declare "The Mullets" Day!
Press release from ABC:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, PROCLAIMED “10-8” DAY BY LOS ANGELES MAYOR JAMES HAHN
ABC-TV’s new action drama, “10-8”, will be honored this Wednesday, October 8, when Mayor James Hahn officially proclaims it “10-8 Day” in Los Angeles in recognition of the series’ extensive use of L.A. locations and the national exposure “10-8” is giving the city.
“I am honored to proclaim this Wednesday, October 8, as ‘10-8 Day’ in the City of Los Angeles,” said Mayor Hahn. “By filming in L.A., Aaron Spelling, along with the cast and crew of the show, have contributed greatly to our community by helping ensure that our city remains the entertainment capital of the world.”
C'mon, UPN, time to convince Riverside and/or San Bernardino to declare "The Mullets" Day!
NO ON THE RECALL!
Seriously. The recall circus has been fun. I love the fact that Gary Coleman and Angelyne are on the ballot.
But Governor Arnold Frickin' Schwarzenegger?!! This is a joke, right? We've all been "Punk'd," yes? Ashton? I know you're hiding back there. We're on to you.
There are so many unanswered questions to this whole affair. Like, why could people who didn't vote in the fall 2002 elections suddenly get to add their names to the petition to recall the governor? Why isn't anyone upset that Arnold seems to have a problem with women? Or that he seems to have told us nothing about how he would resolve California's budget crisis?
I know, I know. Gray's horrible. And still lacks basic charisma, even when its political career hangs in the balance. Bustamante's arrogant. And McClintock has scary eyes.
But whatever. It's too late for that. The polls may be close, but Schwarzenegger will win in a landslide Tuesday. Call it the "Jesse Ventura Effect." Thousands of people who never vote will cast a ballot today, because (in my best Beavis & Butthead impersonation): "Huh-huh. Yeah. Schwarzengger! Huh-huh!"
Ahnuld will become governor. At least we'll have a fairly interesting show for the next few years, as our new chief exec realizes it's a lot harder to "Terminate" the deficit than simply offering up a few quips for the media. And with Ahnuld still in the hotseat, sex/car chase crazed local TV news outlets may have to keep caring about state politics.
Seriously. The recall circus has been fun. I love the fact that Gary Coleman and Angelyne are on the ballot.
But Governor Arnold Frickin' Schwarzenegger?!! This is a joke, right? We've all been "Punk'd," yes? Ashton? I know you're hiding back there. We're on to you.
There are so many unanswered questions to this whole affair. Like, why could people who didn't vote in the fall 2002 elections suddenly get to add their names to the petition to recall the governor? Why isn't anyone upset that Arnold seems to have a problem with women? Or that he seems to have told us nothing about how he would resolve California's budget crisis?
I know, I know. Gray's horrible. And still lacks basic charisma, even when its political career hangs in the balance. Bustamante's arrogant. And McClintock has scary eyes.
But whatever. It's too late for that. The polls may be close, but Schwarzenegger will win in a landslide Tuesday. Call it the "Jesse Ventura Effect." Thousands of people who never vote will cast a ballot today, because (in my best Beavis & Butthead impersonation): "Huh-huh. Yeah. Schwarzengger! Huh-huh!"
Ahnuld will become governor. At least we'll have a fairly interesting show for the next few years, as our new chief exec realizes it's a lot harder to "Terminate" the deficit than simply offering up a few quips for the media. And with Ahnuld still in the hotseat, sex/car chase crazed local TV news outlets may have to keep caring about state politics.
Monday, October 6, 2003
The Face of The OC
The L.A. Times reports Tuesday on the death of nutty, ultra right-wing talk show host Wally George, who passed away Sunday in Fountain Valley.
You may not know the name, but you know the face -- and the voice. His talk show, "The Hot Seat," continues to air late at night on small time Orange County TV station KDOC/Channel 56. (You know, the station that airs "Saved by the Bell" repeats during the day.)
George's talk show was mesmerizing for how bizarre it was. It would usually consist of Wally, sitting in front of a flag, insulting his guests -- most of whom, you wondered, seemed to be acting. Then there was his audience -- angry white college kids, their heads shaved and foam sometimes dripping from their mouths.
It was the face of Orange County. Not the face of Fox's "The OC," but the face of the so-called "Orange Curtain," the face of the John Birch Society, the face of the OC Reg.
But it was also a hoot. Unlike some of today's scary Bill O'Reilly brand of talk show hosts -- who truly believe that they're educating America -- Wally's brand of shock talk was ultimately harmless. It was so over the top, you got the punch line (even if you weren't quite show whether Wally was in on his own joke).
"The Hot Seat" had already run its course, and most episodes that air on KDOC appear to have been taped in the 1980s, when the show had a rabid following. New episodes were few and far between in the last decade.
George, by the way, was the estranged father of actress Rebecca DeMornay.
The L.A. Times reports Tuesday on the death of nutty, ultra right-wing talk show host Wally George, who passed away Sunday in Fountain Valley.
You may not know the name, but you know the face -- and the voice. His talk show, "The Hot Seat," continues to air late at night on small time Orange County TV station KDOC/Channel 56. (You know, the station that airs "Saved by the Bell" repeats during the day.)
George's talk show was mesmerizing for how bizarre it was. It would usually consist of Wally, sitting in front of a flag, insulting his guests -- most of whom, you wondered, seemed to be acting. Then there was his audience -- angry white college kids, their heads shaved and foam sometimes dripping from their mouths.
It was the face of Orange County. Not the face of Fox's "The OC," but the face of the so-called "Orange Curtain," the face of the John Birch Society, the face of the OC Reg.
But it was also a hoot. Unlike some of today's scary Bill O'Reilly brand of talk show hosts -- who truly believe that they're educating America -- Wally's brand of shock talk was ultimately harmless. It was so over the top, you got the punch line (even if you weren't quite show whether Wally was in on his own joke).
"The Hot Seat" had already run its course, and most episodes that air on KDOC appear to have been taped in the 1980s, when the show had a rabid following. New episodes were few and far between in the last decade.
George, by the way, was the estranged father of actress Rebecca DeMornay.
The Short List Gets It Right
Maria and I headed to the Wiltern on Sunday night to check out The Short List Concert, featuring eight of the ten artists nominated for this year's third annual Short List prize.
The music prize is awarded by a panel of musicians, record producers, and music journalists (the "Listmakers"), who come up with lists of their favorite albums of the year that have sold less than 500,000 copies. The lists are then whittled down to ten -- with the "Listmakers" meeting one last time to pick the winner.
Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice won this year's prize -- and rightfully so. Where so many (David Gray, I'm looking at you) have failed to live up to their promise, Rice delivers as an energetic, soulful singer/songwriter.
Rice was the highlight of Sunday night's four-hour-plus concert, which also included performances by nominees Cat Power (who's got an amazing drawl, in the vein of Rickie Lee Jones -- as Maria pointed out -- and who's even nuttier than Tori Amos) and The Streets (who comes off better on CD than in person, since the key to his music are his wild stories about life in Brixton -- stories that you can't make out via loud soundsystem).
Also on stage: The Black Keys (solid garage rock), Bright Eyes (lead singer won me over with an anti-Clear Channel tirade), Cody ChesnuTT (smooth!), Floetry (even smoother!) and Interpol (the band Crispin Glover would be in, if he were in a band).
Every performance had their plus -- but Rice clearly deserved to win. Ugh, Nic Harcourt is right. He's good.
Beck, Musiq, producer/remixer Dan The Automator and Macy Gray helped introduce the performers; MTV2 will broadcast the concert as a one-hour television special on October 25th.
Maria and I headed to the Wiltern on Sunday night to check out The Short List Concert, featuring eight of the ten artists nominated for this year's third annual Short List prize.
The music prize is awarded by a panel of musicians, record producers, and music journalists (the "Listmakers"), who come up with lists of their favorite albums of the year that have sold less than 500,000 copies. The lists are then whittled down to ten -- with the "Listmakers" meeting one last time to pick the winner.
Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice won this year's prize -- and rightfully so. Where so many (David Gray, I'm looking at you) have failed to live up to their promise, Rice delivers as an energetic, soulful singer/songwriter.
Rice was the highlight of Sunday night's four-hour-plus concert, which also included performances by nominees Cat Power (who's got an amazing drawl, in the vein of Rickie Lee Jones -- as Maria pointed out -- and who's even nuttier than Tori Amos) and The Streets (who comes off better on CD than in person, since the key to his music are his wild stories about life in Brixton -- stories that you can't make out via loud soundsystem).
Also on stage: The Black Keys (solid garage rock), Bright Eyes (lead singer won me over with an anti-Clear Channel tirade), Cody ChesnuTT (smooth!), Floetry (even smoother!) and Interpol (the band Crispin Glover would be in, if he were in a band).
Every performance had their plus -- but Rice clearly deserved to win. Ugh, Nic Harcourt is right. He's good.
Beck, Musiq, producer/remixer Dan The Automator and Macy Gray helped introduce the performers; MTV2 will broadcast the concert as a one-hour television special on October 25th.
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Off My Lazy Ass
Blog's been pretty quiet this weekend, I know. But a few of you have been wondering when, oh when, would I finally change the "recent playlist" feature at the bottom of the right-hand bar.
Wonder no more. You can finally carry on: I've got a new mix of music, in random order, down there for you. Yes, it's probably looking a little too much like a KCRW playlist, with a dose of cheesy 103.1KDL dance thrown in. So be it.
Random observations, from the remainder of the weekend:
--Darrell Hammond seems to be the only man in America who can't do an Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation. But yet he's the one doing it for "Saturday Night Live." Jack Black, who's now officially the most unlikely movie superstar in the universe (taking over Sandler's crown), made the premiere watchable.
--Pies are $5.99 this month at Marie Callender's.
--"Mallard Fillmore" is possibly the least funny comic strip ever created. And I'm including "Rex Morgan M.D." in the mix.
--You have one last weekend to take in the LACMA's "French Masterworks" exhibit of works from Moscow's Pushkin Museum. If you know nothing about art, even better. (That includes me, by the way.)
Blog's been pretty quiet this weekend, I know. But a few of you have been wondering when, oh when, would I finally change the "recent playlist" feature at the bottom of the right-hand bar.
Wonder no more. You can finally carry on: I've got a new mix of music, in random order, down there for you. Yes, it's probably looking a little too much like a KCRW playlist, with a dose of cheesy 103.1KDL dance thrown in. So be it.
Random observations, from the remainder of the weekend:
--Darrell Hammond seems to be the only man in America who can't do an Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation. But yet he's the one doing it for "Saturday Night Live." Jack Black, who's now officially the most unlikely movie superstar in the universe (taking over Sandler's crown), made the premiere watchable.
--Pies are $5.99 this month at Marie Callender's.
--"Mallard Fillmore" is possibly the least funny comic strip ever created. And I'm including "Rex Morgan M.D." in the mix.
--You have one last weekend to take in the LACMA's "French Masterworks" exhibit of works from Moscow's Pushkin Museum. If you know nothing about art, even better. (That includes me, by the way.)
Saturday, October 4, 2003
Pizza, Wine and a Movie, part 1
Following our friends Tom and Louie's tradition, we've made Friday night pizza, wine and movie night at home. I thought I'd share some information...
Pizza: Meatballs and Mushrooms from Palermo's
Wine: Cabernet Savignon by Blue Rock
Movie: Kissing Jessica Stein
Thoughts/What We Learned: The wine tasted better a day after it was opened (we opened it on Thursday). Kissing a girl feels softer than kissing a boy.
Following our friends Tom and Louie's tradition, we've made Friday night pizza, wine and movie night at home. I thought I'd share some information...
Pizza: Meatballs and Mushrooms from Palermo's
Wine: Cabernet Savignon by Blue Rock
Movie: Kissing Jessica Stein
Thoughts/What We Learned: The wine tasted better a day after it was opened (we opened it on Thursday). Kissing a girl feels softer than kissing a boy.
Friday, October 3, 2003
Boyz N the Hood
Heartbreaking story in the L.A. Times today. It's cliche to admit, but sometimes, as we're wrapped up in our lives up here in Los Feliz-Beverly Hills-Miracle Mile proper -- having fun with the goofy recall election or keeping track of which new TV shows are Nielsen bombs -- it's easy to forget life in Los Angeles south of the 10 freeway.
Times reporter Jill Leovy reminds us of that world, writing about the Aug. 23 shooting of 16-year-old Daniel Fitzgerald.
Daniel was walking to a store on West 104th Street when a gang member approached him and demanded to know his gang affiliation.
But he wasn't in a gang -- and the story recounts the necessary steps he and his older brother, David, had to take in order to remain neutral in gangland:
Theirs was the burden of trying to stay neutral where young black men are not permitted to be neutral. The two boys adopted a variety of strategies: David was a soft-spoken negotiator, who sized up each situation carefully, tried to gain allies where he could, and fled when he judged it necessary.
"I don't want to endanger my family," he would explain patiently to gang members who questioned his neutrality.
Daniel, nearly 6 feet 3 and muscular, tended to attract more attention — and more aggression, his brother said. He more often adopted the pose of a fighter, trying to stand down those who threatened him or blithely ignoring them.
Some measures were second nature. David described how he and his brother nearly always wore white T-shirts and black pants to avoid appearing in gang colors. Each had a mental map of South Los Angeles — places where one gang territory ended and another began, the areas they had to avoid. At night, they never left the house.
Despite all those precautions, Daniel still ended up dead. Even being neutral can make you a target, Leovy writes.
Heartbreaking story in the L.A. Times today. It's cliche to admit, but sometimes, as we're wrapped up in our lives up here in Los Feliz-Beverly Hills-Miracle Mile proper -- having fun with the goofy recall election or keeping track of which new TV shows are Nielsen bombs -- it's easy to forget life in Los Angeles south of the 10 freeway.
Times reporter Jill Leovy reminds us of that world, writing about the Aug. 23 shooting of 16-year-old Daniel Fitzgerald.
Daniel was walking to a store on West 104th Street when a gang member approached him and demanded to know his gang affiliation.
But he wasn't in a gang -- and the story recounts the necessary steps he and his older brother, David, had to take in order to remain neutral in gangland:
Theirs was the burden of trying to stay neutral where young black men are not permitted to be neutral. The two boys adopted a variety of strategies: David was a soft-spoken negotiator, who sized up each situation carefully, tried to gain allies where he could, and fled when he judged it necessary.
"I don't want to endanger my family," he would explain patiently to gang members who questioned his neutrality.
Daniel, nearly 6 feet 3 and muscular, tended to attract more attention — and more aggression, his brother said. He more often adopted the pose of a fighter, trying to stand down those who threatened him or blithely ignoring them.
Some measures were second nature. David described how he and his brother nearly always wore white T-shirts and black pants to avoid appearing in gang colors. Each had a mental map of South Los Angeles — places where one gang territory ended and another began, the areas they had to avoid. At night, they never left the house.
Despite all those precautions, Daniel still ended up dead. Even being neutral can make you a target, Leovy writes.
Thursday, October 2, 2003
God Bless the WWW
Not to go all "Site of the Day" on you, but stumbled by accident (honest!) upon the site Urinal Dot Net last week while doing a Google search for El Coyote.
The site boasts pics from around the globe of... urinals. Urinal Dot Net is especially heavy with California bathroom shots, including several Los Angeles establishments: Phillipe's, LACMA, El Coyote, Zen Sushi, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Noshi Sushi, Union Station, The Standard, Beauty Bar, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, The Dresden, CBS TV and the Getty Center, to list some.
Not to go all "Site of the Day" on you, but stumbled by accident (honest!) upon the site Urinal Dot Net last week while doing a Google search for El Coyote.
The site boasts pics from around the globe of... urinals. Urinal Dot Net is especially heavy with California bathroom shots, including several Los Angeles establishments: Phillipe's, LACMA, El Coyote, Zen Sushi, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Noshi Sushi, Union Station, The Standard, Beauty Bar, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, The Dresden, CBS TV and the Getty Center, to list some.
From Fluffy Lahala to Lucy T. Slut
About ten years ago, back in college, a bunch of us worked on a student video project created by one of our dormmates. "Freeform" was like no other student film you've seen, starring an assortment of puppets -- a sort of "Sesame Street" on acid. It was a pretty cool piece of work, and even wound up winning a student Emmy.
Flash forward a decade: That dormmate (and Emmy winner), Stephanie D'Abruzzo, has quickly become a Broadway sensation, thanks to the breakout smash musical "Avenue Q." Steph operates and interacts on stage with puppets such as "Kate Monster" and "Lucy T. Slut."
When a publicist I know recently mentioned that he had seen "Avenue Q," I mentioned Steph. His response: SHE IS BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to www.playbill.com and type in Avenue Q in search...there is a great story on her. She will be nominated for a Tony.
Indeed, Playbill raves:
Stephanie D'Abruzzo, in her Main Stem debut, is currently offering two of the finest performances on Broadway. D'Abruzzo is one of the stars of what may be the funniest musical to ever grace the stage: Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty's Avenue Q, which began life at Off-Broadway's Vineyard Theatre last season before transferring to its current home, the intimate Golden Theatre...You might say her work is puppetry perfected. D'Abruzzo manages to bring each of her characters to full life, easily navigating between the show's hysterical and touching moments.
It's not clear whether there are plans to launch a touring company of "Avenue Q," which means us Angelenos will have to get to New York sometime soon to check it out. If you do, make sure you see it before July 4... that's when Steph's contract is up.
About ten years ago, back in college, a bunch of us worked on a student video project created by one of our dormmates. "Freeform" was like no other student film you've seen, starring an assortment of puppets -- a sort of "Sesame Street" on acid. It was a pretty cool piece of work, and even wound up winning a student Emmy.
Flash forward a decade: That dormmate (and Emmy winner), Stephanie D'Abruzzo, has quickly become a Broadway sensation, thanks to the breakout smash musical "Avenue Q." Steph operates and interacts on stage with puppets such as "Kate Monster" and "Lucy T. Slut."
When a publicist I know recently mentioned that he had seen "Avenue Q," I mentioned Steph. His response: SHE IS BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to www.playbill.com and type in Avenue Q in search...there is a great story on her. She will be nominated for a Tony.
Indeed, Playbill raves:
Stephanie D'Abruzzo, in her Main Stem debut, is currently offering two of the finest performances on Broadway. D'Abruzzo is one of the stars of what may be the funniest musical to ever grace the stage: Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty's Avenue Q, which began life at Off-Broadway's Vineyard Theatre last season before transferring to its current home, the intimate Golden Theatre...You might say her work is puppetry perfected. D'Abruzzo manages to bring each of her characters to full life, easily navigating between the show's hysterical and touching moments.
It's not clear whether there are plans to launch a touring company of "Avenue Q," which means us Angelenos will have to get to New York sometime soon to check it out. If you do, make sure you see it before July 4... that's when Steph's contract is up.
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Press Release of the Day
DIDDY RUNS THE CITY - THE MARKETING OF SEAN COMBS
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs announced plans yesterday to run in the NYC Marathon and raise $1 Million for charity and behind the announcement, a team of executives are working around the clock to coordinate sponsors (including NIKE, Mcdonald's and others), continually update the official marathon website (www.diddyrunsthecity.com), and work with the celebrity host committee, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Harvey Weinstein, Magic Johnson, Derek Jeter and Calvin Klein to ensure that the event goes off without a flaw.
By run in the NYC Marathon, I'm sure Diddy actually means have the cast of "Making the Band 2" run in the NYC Marathon on his behalf.
DIDDY RUNS THE CITY - THE MARKETING OF SEAN COMBS
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs announced plans yesterday to run in the NYC Marathon and raise $1 Million for charity and behind the announcement, a team of executives are working around the clock to coordinate sponsors (including NIKE, Mcdonald's and others), continually update the official marathon website (www.diddyrunsthecity.com), and work with the celebrity host committee, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Harvey Weinstein, Magic Johnson, Derek Jeter and Calvin Klein to ensure that the event goes off without a flaw.
By run in the NYC Marathon, I'm sure Diddy actually means have the cast of "Making the Band 2" run in the NYC Marathon on his behalf.
The Station Agent
Saw The Station Agent last week -- and it was such a fine film. Our friend Jeff invited us to the screening and did a great job in the Q&A after the showing.
Peter Dinklage and Bobby Cannavale, two of the three main actors, were there, as well as director Tom McCarthy.
It's interesting to note that Tom McCarthy visualized this film as a Western -- although on the surface, it is nothing like that. But the Western genre pushes through with main character Fin (Dinklage) as a loner who does not say much, Olivia (played by the talented Patricia Clarkson) as the character with a past, and Joe (Cannavale) as the funny sidekick who brings them all together.
This film won a bunch of awards at Sundance and left audiences speculating over what may have really happened with its climax. Even Mike and I had differing thoughts on this, but I won't let anything out of the bag. As Tom McCarthy said in the Q&A, he'd rather let people draw their own conclusions.
Anyway, good film and a big thumbs up from Franklin Avenue. It comes out on limited release this weekend, but Jeff warns that the trailer looks nothing like the movie. Miramax is marketing it as a quirky, funny film -- but go see it for its good story and talented cast members. This is one of those movies that'll have you thinking about it long after you've seen it.
Saw The Station Agent last week -- and it was such a fine film. Our friend Jeff invited us to the screening and did a great job in the Q&A after the showing.
Peter Dinklage and Bobby Cannavale, two of the three main actors, were there, as well as director Tom McCarthy.
It's interesting to note that Tom McCarthy visualized this film as a Western -- although on the surface, it is nothing like that. But the Western genre pushes through with main character Fin (Dinklage) as a loner who does not say much, Olivia (played by the talented Patricia Clarkson) as the character with a past, and Joe (Cannavale) as the funny sidekick who brings them all together.
This film won a bunch of awards at Sundance and left audiences speculating over what may have really happened with its climax. Even Mike and I had differing thoughts on this, but I won't let anything out of the bag. As Tom McCarthy said in the Q&A, he'd rather let people draw their own conclusions.
Anyway, good film and a big thumbs up from Franklin Avenue. It comes out on limited release this weekend, but Jeff warns that the trailer looks nothing like the movie. Miramax is marketing it as a quirky, funny film -- but go see it for its good story and talented cast members. This is one of those movies that'll have you thinking about it long after you've seen it.
What's New, Pussycat?
Driving by Sunset and Western in recent days, I realized that an icon of the area's sleazy past is no more: The Pussycat Theater, one of the area's last remaining porn houses, is currently being torn down (along with adjacent businesses, such as a former karate studio and shoe store).
Now, I don't know of anyone who actually ever went inside. But everyone remembers the theater's marquee. Every day, a different porn star's first name would be featured on the sign -- preceeded by the words "Come see..."
As in, "Come See Jenna," "Come See Tara" or "Come See Ginger." (I drive by the area every day on the way home from work. So yes, I noticed.)
In its place, a new shopping/housing complex (it's the new hip thing!) will be erected. "Views at 270," the development's name, will feature (scroll down) 56 affordable housing units, as well as a Walgreens drug store. (Where perhaps former Pussycat regulars can fill out a prescription for that nagging rash.)
Driving by Sunset and Western in recent days, I realized that an icon of the area's sleazy past is no more: The Pussycat Theater, one of the area's last remaining porn houses, is currently being torn down (along with adjacent businesses, such as a former karate studio and shoe store).
Now, I don't know of anyone who actually ever went inside. But everyone remembers the theater's marquee. Every day, a different porn star's first name would be featured on the sign -- preceeded by the words "Come see..."
As in, "Come See Jenna," "Come See Tara" or "Come See Ginger." (I drive by the area every day on the way home from work. So yes, I noticed.)
In its place, a new shopping/housing complex (it's the new hip thing!) will be erected. "Views at 270," the development's name, will feature (scroll down) 56 affordable housing units, as well as a Walgreens drug store. (Where perhaps former Pussycat regulars can fill out a prescription for that nagging rash.)
Time to Make the Donuts... And Doublecheck Your Facts
Dunkin' Donuts recently announced plans to add espresso to its menu -- a move SoCal author Joseph Wambaugh ("Fire Lover") has fun with in Tuesday's L.A. Times. The former cop-turned-scribe wrote a short, whimsical op-ed piece, describing how the shocker might impact his old LAPD buddies (thanks to L.A. Observed for pointing it out).
Tongue in cheek, Wambaugh -- who lives in Rancho Mirage -- imagines the reaction of one black-coffee LAPD lifer, who calls Dunkin' Donuts' decision "the apocalypse."
One problem: Dunkin' Donuts doesn't operate in Los Angeles. Or the entire state, for that matter. Oops.
Dunkin' Donuts recently announced plans to add espresso to its menu -- a move SoCal author Joseph Wambaugh ("Fire Lover") has fun with in Tuesday's L.A. Times. The former cop-turned-scribe wrote a short, whimsical op-ed piece, describing how the shocker might impact his old LAPD buddies (thanks to L.A. Observed for pointing it out).
Tongue in cheek, Wambaugh -- who lives in Rancho Mirage -- imagines the reaction of one black-coffee LAPD lifer, who calls Dunkin' Donuts' decision "the apocalypse."
One problem: Dunkin' Donuts doesn't operate in Los Angeles. Or the entire state, for that matter. Oops.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)