Just Another Day

Odds -n- ends:

:: Conducted a phone interview with someone on Friday... but as he started answering my fourth question, the unmistakable sound of a toilet flushing drowned out his words. That's right. My interview subject had been answering my questions on the crapper. It's a dirty job.

:: The money pit continues to suck our wallets dry. The latest? Our $3,000 foundation bolting/repair has now turned into a $4,500 foundation bolting/repair. Meanwhile, we may have to take down a tree and redo our plumbing. And I forgot to mention the other day how we need to purchase and install some kitchen cabinets. And build a fence.

Donations can be sent to mikemaria@sbcglobal.net.

:: Guest priest at St. Casimir's on Saturday evening. Clearly didn't know the drill: Mass in 30 minutes or less. New priest kept things going until 6:45. Could the secret of our McMass be out? We'll keep you posted.

:: Mid-Wilshire folks, take note: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is finally inching closer toward the 'hood. A location is about to open in the strip mall at the corner of Wilshire and San Vicente (across the street from 6500 Wilshire, the home to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Television Week). Still a little bit of a hike for us folks on the other side of Fairfax... but a quick drive for a White Chocolate Dream latte.

:: Also, good BBQ news: Zeke's Smokehouse has officially opened a location in town, at the West Hollywood Gateway monstrosity. (The complex may be ugly, but at least it offers up Target, Best Buy and Ben & Jerry's). Now you don't have to trek all the way up to Montrose for some Zeke's. And if you're a BBQ fan, you'll recognize one of the managers. The guy with the purple Fu Manchu beard used to work over at The Pig on La Brea. Apparently Zeke's stole him away. Who knew there was such a demand for BBQ experts?