THANKS to everyone who participated in THE GREAT LOS ANGELES WALK 2009!
More than 250 walkers joined us as we hiked down Adams and Washington Boulevards, from Downtown Los Angeles to Venice Beach. Read the recap (and see pics -- including a cameo by Magic Johnson!) here!
Franklin Avenue's Twitter feed was the first news source ANYWHERE to report David Letterman's extortion scandal. For TV scoops, L.A. news and random musings, follow us here.
Press Release of the Day: Is There Anything That Talented Wilmer Valderrama Can't Do?
Wilmer Valderrama making his singing debut: Set the VCR.
Wilmer Valderrama making his singing AND directorial debut: Activate the TiVo.
Wilmer Valderrama making his singing AND directorial debut for something with the vaguely creepy name "Handy Manny": Sit home and watch the magic live.
Wilmer Valderrama making his singing AND directorial debut for something with the vaguely creepy name "Handy Manny," along with a second, JUNIOR Valderrama: That's TV gold, baby! Sign me up for Time Warner Cable's top digital tier and put that show On Demand, pronto!
WILMER VALDERRAMA MAKES SINGING AND DIRECTORIAL DEBUT WITH MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW DISNEY CHANNEL ANIMATED SERIES, "HANDY MANNY"
-- Valderrama's Six Year Old Brother, Christian Valderrama Makes Acting Debut in the Video --
BURBANK, August 8, 2006 -- Wilmer Valderrama makes his singing and directorial debut in a music video for Disney Channel's new multicultural animated series "Handy Manny" which stars Valderrama in the title role of Manny Garcia, a cheerful handyman, who, along with his eccentric team of trusty tools, is always available to help others. Valderrama's six- year-old brother, Christian Valderrama, makes his acting debut alongside his big brother in the music video, which is set to premiere on THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 during Disney Channel's learning-focused Playhouse Disney programming block (6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET/PT).
The video, which combines live action and animation, features the Valderrama brothers interacting with the animated characters from the "Handy Manny" series. Valderrama sings one of the series' Latin-flavored songs, "We Work Together," which reinforces for preschoolers the importance of cooperation and teamwork. The song was co-written by the series' Emmy Award-winning executive producer, Rick Gitelson and noted feature film composer, Randy Miller.
"Disney Channel has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to pursue two of my interests -- music and directing -- while working on 'Handy Manny,' a project I'm very proud of," said Valderrama. "It was also great fun being able to work with my little brother, Christian, who is already a big fan of the show!"
Led by Valderrama, the "Handy Manny" series, which premieres SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 with two back-to-back episodes (10:00 and 10:30 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel's learning-focused Playhouse Disney programming block, features a voice cast of colorful characters and catchy music by legendary Latin artists Los Lobos.
Rate-A-Restaurant
Franklin Avenue's complete list of restaurant reviews, plus links and more.
Lemon Tart
Maria's collection of cooking tales and recipes. Yum.
The Great Los Angeles Walk
Complete coverage of our 2009 hike down Washington and Adams, our 2008 hike down Santa Monica Blvd. and our 2007 hike down Pico Boulevard.
Choice Cuts
Mike's music playlists, from 2001 to present.
