A Day at the Hot Rod Races in Pomona

The rain nearly put a stop to this weekend's National Hot Rod Association Winternationals in Pomona -- and indeed, the event's Friday races had to be canceled. But luckily things were back in gear on Saturday, as we stopped by the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona to catch some of the action.

It was a little too cold and a little too loud for the kiddies, but we stayed long enough to see the "funny car" elimination round. The event also featured plenty of classic race cars on display and a tribute to one-time hot rod champ Don Prudhomme.

Some pics:


Considering how fast they're going, this was the best I could do in capturing a car.






A bonus License Plate of the Day: "Two Old Farts"

Snowpocalypse: Los Angeles

We got a bit of sleet at Franklin Avenue HQ, but not enough for it to stick (or even show up in photos)... but it looks like other portions of L.A. and Burbank got a real noticeable amount.

For the most part, today was actually beautiful -- sunny skies and low snow levels in the mountains. Above, the scene atop Mt. Wilson via webcam, at about 5 p.m. this evening.

Retro Friday: Marineland of the Pacific

Remember Marineland of the Pacific? It's been nearly 25 years since the attraction, located on the Palos Verde Peninsula, was shut down by new owners Sea World (which moved its killer whales to San Diego. Many of the buildings remained, abandoned, until five years ago, when the land was cleared to make way for the Terranea resort.


Cheesy 1981 ad featuring Willie Aames


"L.A.'s Own Marineland"


Video shot of Marineland's ruins.

Read more about the history of Marineland here.

Seriously, KTLA and KCBS/KCAL: Gross.

There may be a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world right now... but at the moment, both KTLA and KCBS/KCAL are leading their websites with news about a man convicted of ejaculating into his co-worker's water bottle.

Yes, gross. But really? Top news story?

'Glee' Sectionals Head Back to Wilshire's Saban Theatre

Regular "Glee" viewers (yes, I know, the show is frequently frustrating to watch, but we still are) can frequently spot Los Angeles locations doubling as Ohio. This week, the show has been filming its "regionals" episode right across the street from my office, at the Saban Theatre on Wilshire (where last year's 'regionals' episode was also shot.

The base of the production has actually been stationed at my office building this week -- hence the yellow signs denoting "WMHS" (above). That's code, of course for "William McKinley High School" -- the name of the school on "Glee."

Funny enough, the "Glee" cast will be back at the Saban on March 16 for their Paley Fest event.

Below, here are extras lined up, I assume to play audience members at "regionals."



If you're curious about other "Glee" location shoots in Los Angeles, we've written about some in posts such as this one, while the site GleeFilmingLocals has an operation here.

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: Auto Racing in Pomona

Drag racing's National Hot Rod Association Winternationals, a February tradition since 1961, is back -- and we've got a pair of tickets for you to catch the motor action this Saturday.

The event, held at the AutoClub Raceway in Pomona from Feb. 24 to 27, promises drivers hitting 300mph in less than a quarter mile.

More info:

Fans flock to Southern California for one of drag racing’s grandest traditions: the unveiling of new cars, drivers, teams, and sponsorships at the season opener, where teams hope to use the season kickoff as a springboard in their pursuit of a spot in the Countdown to the Championship at the fabled Pomona facility known for its outstanding traction, smooth surface, and record performances.

At this 51st annual Winternationals, the NHRA will be honoring Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, prominent member of the Burbank Road Kings and legendary drag racer, with a showcase of his race cars.

Read all about it here.

Food trucks including the Greasy Wiener, Calbi, Ragin’ Cajun and The Street will also be there.

Wanna go? We're thinking of buying a new car (hey, relevant!) and could use some advice on what to get. Email us your suggestion over at franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com. Winner gets a pair of tix plus parking! Not bad.

License Plate of the Day: Meow Wars Edition

I'm hoping this is who's driving the "Jedi Kat" mobile.

(Thanks to Nanette! Send in your License Plate of the Day submissions as well!)

Los Angeles Ad Town: Puppets in Pershing Square Edition

Ventriloquist and his dummy perform on the steps of downtown's Pershing Square, while a mime performs in the background.

Craziest Los Angeles: Ad Town yet? The spot is for Volkswagen. Here's another image from the ad, with the downtown skyline in the background:

January 2011 Arbitron Ratings: With Christmas Over, KIIS Back at No. 1

With the holidays over -- and KOST's annual wall-to-wall Christmas format back in storage alongside the tinsel and ornaments until November -- top 40 KIIS is back at the top of the Los Angeles market radio ratings.

According to Arbitron, KIIS dominated the market among listeners 6+ in January, averaging a 5.7 percent share of the audience (and a cume of more than 4 million listeners).

Adult contemporary KOST, still enjoying a holiday halo, was second, with a 5.0% share. Oldies KRTH ("K-Earth") was third, with a steady 4.4 share. That was followed by talker KFI-AM, which rebounded to a 4.1 share (having dipped during the holidays).

Spanish KLVE (3.9), hip hop KPWR (3.5), top 40 KAMP (3.5), alternative KROQ (3.3), smooth jazz KTWV (3.2), AC KBIG (3.0) and variety hits KCBS (3.0) rounded out the top 10.

KPCC led all public radio stations in January.

Read the full report here. And keep in mind that these 6+ ratings are for bragging rights and nothing more, as radio uses demo info in selling ad time.

This Is Winter in Los Angeles: Snow and Palm Trees (PIC)

This weekend's heavy rains at least left us with a spectacular view this morning: Heavy snow-covered mountains amidst blue, sunny skies. This is winter, Los Angeles style.

KCBS' Serene Branson Makes The Media Rounds

KCBS reporter Serene Branson made the interview rounds on Thursday, chatting with her own station's Pat Harvey, as well as joining Julie Chen on the set of CBS' daytime chat show "The Talk."

I suppose it makes sense that KCBS/Channel 2 would play up the return of Branson; her Grammy night speech flub has been seen around the world, making the reporter one of the Internet's latest viral sensations. The possibility that she experienced a minor stroke on air added to the bizarre nature of the event, although doctors now say Branson's speech was the result of a migraine incident.

There's definite interest in her story... still, it's strange to see KCBS go from being tight-lipped about Branson to touting their exclusive (of course) interview with her (the station led its newscast on Thursday with Harvey's sitdown with Branson). It's also a bit strange that KCBS mentions how the Branson news clip went viral on YouTube without adding that CBS invoked its copyright to pull those clips down.

KCBS says of Branson's 'medical emergency':

“My head was definitely pounding and I was very uncomfortable and I knew something wasn’t right,” Branson told Harvey. “I was terrified and confused. Confused. What had just happened? At that point they sat me down, then my right cheek went numb. My right hand went numb and I lost some sensation in my arm.”

Tests conducted by Branson’s doctor confirmed that she had suffered a migraine and that the symptoms — dizziness, nausea and garbled speech – mimic a stroke. Since the broadcast, Branson has also learned that the migraines are hereditary and that her mother also suffers from them.

Retro Friday: Here's How Journalism Was Portrayed to Schoolchildren in 1967

This is a fun find: A 1967 filmstrip, produced by Encyclopaedia Britannica and the Washington Post Co., on how news is produced. The Post newsroom, as well as WTOP radio and WTOP-TV (now WUSA) are featured -- as is a young Sam Donaldson.

Oh, the idealism... and this film pre-dates Watergate, obviously.

Justin Bieber Tackles The Issues You Care About Most

Inspired by Rolling Stone's cover story on Justin Bieber -- in which the world finally learns the teenybopper's stance on subjects such as abortion -- I uncovered a few more Bieber factoids.

Compiled from my Twitter feed yesterday:

BIEBER ON HOMELESSNESS: "Can't they just, like, get an apartment or something?"

BIEBER ON TRAFFIC: "Can't people just, like, drive faster?"

BIEBER ON GAS PRICES: "Can't they just, like, dig up more gas?"

BIEBER ON WEATHER: "Can't they just, like, extend summer one more month?"

BIEBER ON THE BORDERS BANKRUPTCY FILING: "Can't they just, like, sell more books?"

BIEBER ON THE COLA WARS: "I'm, like, too young to fight."

BIEBER ON AIRPORT SAFETY: "Should you, like, fly with a beard?"

BIEBER ON BORDER SECURITY: "Didn't you, like, already ask me about Borders?"

BIEBER ON OUTSOURCING: "I, like, support India. I played at their Morongo casino."

BIEBER ON THE AUTO BIZ: "I'm, like, a big fan of Eminem."

BIEBER ON MOVIE PIRACY: "I'm, like, totally a Captain Jack Sparrow fan."

BIEBER ON SPACE POLICY: "I so think we need to blow up asteroids."

BIEBER ON HUMAN RIGHTS: "I totally think humans are the best. Suck it, animals!"

BIEBER ON GLOBAL WARMING: "I wear SPF 50, so I'm all good."

Borders to Close Key Glendale, Pasadena, Century City Locations

It's going to be pretty impossible soon to find a Borders book store in Los Angeles.

The once-mighty chain's La Cienega and Westwood stores are already gone. Now comes word that several more key Borders locations here in Southern California will soon be closed, as part of the troubled company's bankruptcy filing.

LA Biz Observed has the local list, including:

Long Beach
2110 BeSlflower Blvd

Glendale
100 S Brand Blvd

Los Angeles
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.

Pasadena
475 S. Lake Avenue

Sherman Oaks
14651 Ventura Blvd.

Los Angeles
6081 Center Dr, Suite 118

I think the better list would be, are there any Borders locations left here? Looking at Borders' store locator, it truly is going to be tough to find a Borders going forward. The new-ish Hollywood location will remain, as will stores in Arcadia, Northridge and Canoga Park.

The filing, of course, is no surprise. While being bombarded with increasingly generous coupons last fall (including several offering 50% off an item), the desperation was obvious.

James Ellroy's L.A.-Based TV Series Pulled From Investigation Discovery

Bad news, crackheads, perverts, trailer trash and hippies: Investigation Discovery has temporarily yanked "James Ellroy's LA: City of Demons" off its schedule.

You may remember the bus tour narrated by Ellroy that I took last month during the TV Critics Assn. press tour. Ellroy, of course, was a hoot, and he promised an out-there look at some of Los Angeles' seediest crimes.

To give you an idea of the show's eccentric touches, "City of Demons" is narrated by both Ellroy and an animated, corrupt city police dog named Barko. (Read more about the show here.)

According to Investigation Discovery, the show was pulled due to low ratings but will hopefully be relaunched at another point: "We fully stand behind the strength and uniqueness of the show though and are hoping to find a new home for it later this year," a spokeswoman said.

Three episodes have already run, with three more still on the shelf. Rob Owen first reported news of the show's disappearance here.

Maybe we should get Barko on the case.

Serene Branson Update: Feeling Better; KROQ Gagged From Talking About Her (VIDEO)

UPDATED

It's sometimes strange what ends up going viral; this video (above) of KCBS reporter Serene Branson suffering some sort of health-related speech issue quickly went around the world after its initial Sunday night broadcast. CBS eventually had YouTube take the video down, but Mediaite made a copy, which is what you see above.

KCBS has given Branson some time off in order to weather the Internet storm; the reporter also took that time off on Monday to meet with doctors.

CBS has been tight-lipped about the incident, other than releasing a statement. The company even blocked CBS Radio-owned KROQ morning DJs Kevin and Bean from referencing the Branson clip -- according to a Tweet by Bean, who was not too pleased. ("Yes, our company believes in supressing information that is available EVERYWHERE ELSE," he later added.)

Insiders said that a call was placed to CBS Radio asking that Branson's gaffe not be discussed; apparently some inside the TV station felt that the Kevin & Bean show was insensitive on Monday while discussing the reporter.

Meanwhile, according to LA Observed, KCBS addressed Branson's news clip and her health during one of the station's Monday night newscasts:

The statement read by the anchors noted that Branson went to the doctor for follow-up medical tests on Monday. "Serene, we love you, we support you and we hope you are feeling better," Sharon Tay ad-libbed on KCAL's 8 p.m. broadcast.

Here's video of that statement:

Spotted: The Most Humorously Explicit Restroom Signs, Ever

As spotted at the Blue Fish sushi restaurant (see the Rate-A-Restaurant review here), some rather specific descriptors for the eatery's restrooms.

Bruno Mars: From Hawaii's Young Elvis Impersonator to Pop Superstar

I completely remember this 1990 cover (above) of Midweek, a free weekly newspaper mailed to homes in Honolulu. The idea of a pint-sized Elvis impersonator performing in Waikiki was enough of a novelty that this kid made an impression (so much so that he even appeared in the movie "Honeymoon in Vegas").

That kid? Bruno Mars.

As I watched live at the Staples Center as Bruno performed with B.o.B. and Janelle Monae, I couldn't help but think about how cool it was to see this local boy done good. And I also thought about how his upbringing in Hawaii influenced Mars' music -- including his R&B and reggae influences, two genres that dominated Hawaii's radio airwaves in the early 1990s.

It also got me to thinking about other Hawaii pop stars through the years. Bette Midler, for example, remains the most famous (and successful) graduate of my alma mater, Radford High School. A few more Hawaii stars:


Yvonne Elliman, "If I Can't Have You"


Kauai's own Glenn Medeiros, "She Ain't Worth It," featuring, yes, a rap by Bobby Brown. (Hey, that was a big thing in 1990.) This song hit #1, but Glenn is probably still best known for -- "Nothing's Going to Change My Love for You." That video has 6.6 million views on YouTube -- that's just insane.


Hoku (yes, the daughter of Don Ho), "Perfect Day"

New Radio Station 'Playlist 92.7' Promises to 'Play Everything'

Valentine's Day ushers in a new L.A.-area radio station: "92.7 Jill FM" has now rebranded itself "Playlist 92.7," featuring the slogan "We Play Everything."

"Playlist 92.7" is actually a combo of four signals, broadcasting around L.A. (with spotty reception inside the market proper), which is why you might not have heard of predecessor "Jill FM." As "Jill," the station was modeled as a female version of CBS Radio's popular "93.1 Jack FM." The Variety-based station was really a female-skewing adult contemporary station with only a slightly broader playlist.

The new "Playlist 92.7" doesn't feel all that different. In a release, KJLL-FM execs confirm that the format switch is really more of a tweak:

KJLL Operations Manager/Program Director Rick Shaw says, “market research told us that our existing target audience of Women 25-54 wanted a broad mix of eras and styles…everything from 70s classics to today’s hits. So we’ve put together an extra wide variety – a big playlist – that will help us build on the audience that has been increasing over the last six months. This isn’t a format change...it’s a playlist expansion.”

“We’re excited about this new brand” said Playlist 92.7 General Manager Matthew Rodriguez. “From the research we’ve seen we know that both h listeners and advertisers will love it.”

Playlist 92.7 will define what 92.7-FM has been predicated on since it signed on-air; a deep love and passion of music, featuring an eclectic upbeat mix of music from the 70s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s and some of today’s biggest songs. “A format that we feel the listeners in Southern California have demanded for years,” says Shaw.

Here's a sample playlist from this morning:

Keep On Loving You/ REO Speedwagon 8:34am
Don't Speak/No Doubt 8:25am
Crazy Little Thing Called Love/Queen 8:22am
Tiny Dancer/Elton John 8:13am
Caught Up in You/.38 Special 8:09am
All Summer Long/Kid Rock 8:01am
Just Can't Get Enough/Depeche Mode 7:58am
Hold the Line/Toto 7:50am
Uptown Girl/Billy Joel 7:47am
Smooth/Santana7:39am
Human/The Human League 7:36am
Rock 'N' Me/Steve Miller Band7:29am
Let's Go/The Cars7:25am
Drift Away/Uncle Kracker7:18am
Holiday/Madonna 7:14am
You Sexy Thing/Hot Chocolate 7:06am
Unbelievable/EMF 7:02am

Most of these songs have been so overplayed through the years that this list could be described as "burnt to a crisp." There's an audience out there for extremely familiar songs... but that "We Play Everything" slogan is a bit of a misnomer. Perhaps "We Play Everything... That You've Heard Hundreds of Times Before!"

Grammy Recap: Janelle Monae, The Roots and Yes, Mick Jagger, Own the Night

Maria and I were able to attend last night's Grammy ceremony, and I don't know how it played at home (live music is tough to translate on the small screen), but there were some pretty great performances at the show. The Janelle Monae/B.o.B./Bruno Mars mashup and the acoustic corner led by Mumford & Sons and the Avett Bros. (joined by Bob Dylan) were my favorites, while Maria enjoyed Mick Jagger's tribute to Solomon Burke. And Rihanna's performance with Eminem was standout.

Afterward, we were treated to the Roots, Philly's legendary hardworking crew who put on quite a show for the industry crowd.


The Roots' Black Thought on the mic at the Grammys afterparty.

A few more thoughts, as sent via Twitter last night:

-- "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum beats out some great tracks for record of the year. Sorry, but it's not the best record of the year by a long shot.

--What will it take to make you smile, Eminem?

-- Wow, I guess the "people we've heard of" vote was split between Bieber, Florence, Drake and Mumford. (At least winner Esperanza Spalding put the beat down on Mr. Bieber.)

--So did Gaga grab that ponytail at a Madonna "Blonde Ambition" yard sale?

--This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. This is Lady Gaga wearing your brain while walking the Grammys red carpet.

And yes, here's that KCBS clip of reporter Serene Branson that is flying virally around the world right now. Cue autotune remix in 3, 2...



UPDATE: Here's the KCBS statement on Branson's condition: "Serene Branson was examined by paramedics on scene immediately after her broadcast. Her vital signs were normal. She was not hospitalized. As a precautionary measure, a colleague gave her a ride home and she says that she is feeling fine this morning."

Boomer Admits He's 'Embarrassed' That He's Paying Lower Property Taxes

Regular Franklin Avenue readers know I'm not a fan of Proposition 13, mainly because of the generational inequity. While boomer generation homeowners enjoy dirt cheap property taxes, young Gen X and Gen Y are playing three to four times (or even more) as much for the same size (or even smaller) homes.

It's personal: I know I'm paying more property tax on my tiny house than older folks who own mansions in Hancock Park.

At least one boomer is embarrassed. Glendale resident Gerry Rankin wrote this op-ed in today's Glendale News-Press:

My wife and I are living in the house we bought in 1966, 45 years ago. Maybe I’m supposed to feel smug, but I’m actually embarrassed when I think of the property taxes my neighbors on either side must pay. Both are young families with children whom the parents will be putting through college soon. One family bought five years ago; the other, five months ago. Their property tax bills are probably three or four times higher than mine. Is that fair?

One of the most frequently heard complaints from my age-bracket friends involves children or grandchildren moving back into my friends’ homes because they no longer have good enough jobs to pay for their own housing. Are we serious about wanting our children and grandchildren to enjoy a better, not poorer, lifestyle than we’ve experienced?

Perhaps opponents of Prop. 13 need to adopt the rhetoric of organizations like the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association -- and start referring to Prop. 13 as an unfair tax on young adults. Rankin suggests making an even playing field and lowering the property tax rate -- but making sure everyone pays the same amount. For the majority of young adults who bought their house after 2002, this would represent a big tax break. And aren't the Howard Jarvis folks all about tax breaks?

Retro Friday: Local News Investigates Punk Rock, Circa 1983

Quite a surprisingly balanced five-part series (I say "surprising" because this is local TV news, after all) from KTTV in 1983 on punk rock and the punk rock movement. The report begins (above) with a confrontation between concert goers and police at Mendiola's Ballroom in Huntington Beach. KTTV's camera crew happened to be there -- and the reporter ends his segment by defending the punkers.



Here's part two...



Part three.



Part four.



Part five.

Rate-A-Restaurant #239: Lola's Peruvian

Restaurant: Lola's Peruvian

Location: 230 N. Brand (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Peruvian



We stipulated: We had a Groupon for Lola's Peruvian, and an evening without the older kid (who was having a sleepover at his cousin's house). So Maria and I decided to bring the toddler along and check out the restaurant.



What we ordered:
Jalea de mariscos ($19) Calamari, shrimp, octopus and fish lightly battered and marinated with peruvian spices

Saltados de pollo ($11) Peruvian entree marinated in vinegar and soy sauce, and then stir fried with red onions, tomatoes and served with french fries and white rice.



High point: Even without a Groupon, Lola's is quite a deal. Most entrees are reasonably priced. And although the jalea de mariscos is more expensive, it's worth it.

Low point: Service was slow at times, despite a half-empty restaurant.

Overall impression: Nothing spectacular, but decent Peruvian fare at a good price. And a nice, not too hectic Friday night vibe.

Chance we'll go back: I can see us returning when we're looking for a dinner close to Franklin Avenue HQ.

Los Angeles Ad Town: Rooftop Views Edition

This TD Ameritrade spokesman is working on his finances with quite the spectacular vista behind him. Anyone know what building's rooftop offers up this view of Downtown Los Angeles?

Choice Cuts, Ol' Skool Edition

Meeting up with friend of Franklin Avenue JustJenn yesterday, I knew that she would be bearing gifts of the delicious variety. And she did: Those red velvet cupcakes (above) are as tasty as they look.

I had to come up with something to return the favor: And so I decided to bring along the Gift of Old Skool.

Here's the rundown of my brand-new Ol' Skool mix, of which Jenn got the first copy yesterday:

YES, THIS IS OL’ SKOOL. mix by mike

1. Crossover EPMD

2. Treat 'Em Right Chubb Rock

3. Expression (Half-Step) Salt-N-Pepa

4. Express Yourself N.W.A.

5. Do For Love 2Pac Feat. Eric Williams

6. Strobe Light Black Sheep

7. Hand On The Pump Cypress Hill

8. L.A.’s Hottest Music is on Power 106

9. Poison Bell Biv DeVoe

10. Say No Go De La Soul

11. I Left My Wallet In El Segundo A Tribe Called Quest

12. It's A Shame (My Sister) Monie Love featuring True Image

13. Case Of The P.T.A. Leaders of the New School

14. Principal's Office Young MC

15. You'z A Ganxta DJ Quik

16. Around The Way Girl LL Cool J

17. Regulate Warren G

18. Children's Story Slick Rick

19. No More Lies Michel'le

20. I Wish (LP Version) Skee-Lo

21. It Was A Good Day Ice Cube

Mayor Villaraigosa's NFL in LA Pitch

"Are you ready for some FOOTBALL, Los Angeles?"

"Huh? Oh, I guess."

"ALL RIGHT! LET'S BRING FOOTBALL TO L.A.!"

"Uh, sure."

Above, Mayor Villaraigosa's video pitch to the NFL.

(via LA Observed)

'In Los Angeles, They Eat Something Called Tacos'

One of the cool things about by new job? I'm sitting right next to a bound-copy collection of every TV Guide issue ever published, dating back to its 1953 launch. Every once in a while, when I have a spare moment, I can't resist flipping through an old issue or two.

The old listings are fascinating -- but so are the features. Take this page from 1954: As TV Guide began highlighting regional cuisine, here's their entry on Los Angeles. Yes, in 1954, tacos were still considered quite the exotic dish. The word "tacos" is even awkwardly capitalized here. Check out the heavy-on-the-frying recipe; it's pretty much how tacos are still made at retro spots like El Coyote.

Los Angeles Ad Town: Super Bowl Edition

Watching so many back-to-back automotive ads during Sunday night's Super Bowl, I began playing the game "Spot the Downtown Los Angeles image." Downtown Los Angeles has long been a frequent setting for car ads, but this brought it home.

Here's a sampling of last night's Super Bowl car ads, all of which below were shot in downtown:



Kia Optima ad ("One Epic Ride")



Chevy Camaro ad ("Miss Evelyn")



Mercedes Benz ad ("Welcome") In case you miss it: There's a scene where the cars go through a tunnel, with neon on the right-side wall. That's in downtown.



BMW Advanced Diesel ad ("Changes")



Chevy Cruze ad ("Status")



Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ad ("Anachronistic City")

Retro Friday: Johnny Carson in Burbank Edition

Back before he permanently moved "The Tonight Show" out to Burbank in the early 1970s, Johnny Carson would frequently take the show on the road here. Here's a 1969 special episode (in color!) that features Johnny riffing on the West Coast and beautiful downtown Burbank.

Koreatown's California Market Set to Close; Discounts Remaining Inventory

(Flickr pic by LA Wad

Bargain hunters: Friend of Franklin Avenue Hunter Walker reports that the California Market on Western in Koreatown is selling off its inventory in advance of shutting down. (The branch will be temporarily closed as it waits to reopen inside a sleek new mall.)

"Sad to find out the supermarket behind my house is closing, but I just got one hell of a deal on a big bottle of patron silver," Hunter wrote via Twitter. I asked him for more details; apparently all liquor at the location is now 30% off.

"Lots of patron, great scotches, and woodford reserve still left. Also 2 bottles of dom discounted from 199," he wrote.

The California Market is located at 450 S. Western Avenue.

'Chaplinfest' Comes to Santa Clarita This Weekend

The William S. Hart Museum in the Santa Clarita Valley will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Charlie Chaplin’s "Modern Times" with a two-day event this Friday and Saturday.

Event includes a screening of the 1992 Robert Downey Jr. film "Chaplin," as well as an all-day screening on Saturday of Chaplin's early Keystone Comedies. More info:

Staff from the Natural History Museum and the Hart Museum will display objects including the camera with which Mack Sennett filmed the comedies, and a Keystone Kop’s billy club and helmet.

Later, there is a special Chaplin dinner and screening in Hart Hall, along with a one-time display of movie posters, memorabilia, and original props from the film — donated by Chaplin himself in the late 1930s — including his striped overalls, the oil can, and wrenches from the film’s famous factory scene.

It is the first time these Modern Times artifacts have been on display together. On hand will be movie critic Leonard Maltin and actress Tippi Hedren (who appeared in Chaplin’s last film, A Countess from Hong Kong).

The William S. Hart Park and Museum is located at 24151 Newhall Avenue in Newhall, and was built by silent film star William S. Hart. The 230-acre property, which includes a 22-room mansion, is now jointly operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The Giant Cow of 6th Street

It's not every day you encounter a giant cow in someone's front yard. But that's what i've seen for a handful of days now as I drive to work.

What's the story of this "Cash Cow" (as the wording on the side reads)? Is it a TV property? A restaurant mascot? Or someone's extremely large lawn ornament? All I know is that I hope it stays; it's now something to look forward to as I approach my new job every morning.

KCET Airs Live Al Jazeera English Coverage of Egypt

Al Jazeera English, not widely distributed in the U.S., is nonetheless gaining fans here thanks to its online streaming coverage of the unrest in Egypt.

Los Angeles TV viewers can catch Al Jazeera coverage live on TV via one of KCET's digital channels, MHz Worldview. Here are the details from KCET:

MHz Worldview, one of KCET's outstanding digital channels, is airing an expanded schedule of Al Jazeera English newscasts several times daily. (Time Warner subscribers see MHz Worldview on Channel 239.)

MHz Worldview's expanded reports on the crisis in the Middle East can be seen at these times (Updated: KCET is now airing these newscasts live):

5:00-5:30 AM PT Al Jazeera English News

5:30-6 AM PT coverage from Egypt

7:00-8:00 AM PT coverage from Egypt

11:00-11:30 AM PT coverage from Egypt

4:00-4:30 PM PT Al Jazeera English News

Press Release of the Day: Tackiest Release Ever?

Wow, this may very well win the prize for most tasteless press release -- and I get a lot of questionable press releases.

While Egypt citizens take to the streets to protest and even die in the name of their country, a company called Bookmaker.com has turned this real-life drama into sport. Read on:

With the media and political analysts in mind, CEO Mickey Richardson and his team at Bookmaker.com, one of the leading sportsbooks, have calculated the odds on what’s to come for the political turmoil in Egypt. Full odds below:

NEXT COUNTRY TO HAVE CIVIL UNREST IN 2011

YEMEN +180 35%

JORDAN +200 33%

TURKEY +300 25%

ALGERIA +300 25%

IRAN +300 25%

LIBYA +500 16%

ERITREA +700 12.5%

DJIBOUTI +700 12.5%

MOROCCO +600 14.3%

PAKISTAN +1000 9.1%

OMAN +1200 7.7%

QATAR +1200 7.7%

BAHARAIN +1200 7.7%

KUWAIT +2000 4.8%

UAE +3000 3%

SYRIA +4000 2%

TAJIKISTAN +4000 2%

TURKMENISTAN +4000 2%

UZBEKISTAN +4000 2%

IRAQ +7000 1.3%

AFGHANISTAN +5000 2%

SAUDI ARABIA +6000 1.5%

ISRAEL +350 22%

PALESTINE +180 35%

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT TO HOSNI MUBARAK ?

HE WILL RESING AS EGYPT ’S PRESIDENT +100 50%

HE WILL RESING AS PRESIDENT AND LEAVE THE COUNTRY -195 66%

HE WILL STAY AS PRESIDENT +130 43%

Bonus tacky points for misspelling "resign." Sheesh. Tacky.