Saturday, October 31, 2009

West Hollywood Halloween Parade



At first you think, "Hey, the cops finally just want to have a good time!" and then you realize the cops are just people in costume. Unless, of course, the overwhelming goodness of Halloween is actually more powerful than we think. It is, however, powerful enough to get thousands of people to dress up in costume and march around Santa Monica Blvd. together. Happy Halloween!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Sunset Tower



Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable once called this hotel home, but we know it best as one of Hollywood's most celebrated art deco designs due to its Sunset Blvd. location and elite swimming pool. Fun factoid: it's the first earthquake proof building in Los Angeles. For more about it check here: http://www.sunsettowerhotel.com/

Friday, October 23, 2009

Malibu Lake

Back when it was cool to build dams, the "Malibu Lake Mountain Club" stopped up the river that ran through here. Surprise surprise, the river's gone. But, the lake remains for us to marvel at. I'd say we could boat around, but it's not open for public recreation.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Lombardi Ranch



More than just your ordinary pumpkin patch, Lombardi Ranch is a working farm that holds Halloween above all else. There's a giant sunflower field lined with scarecrows dubbed "Scarecrow Alley," a corn maze, train and wagon ride, and of course, pumpkins and squashes galore. On the weekends they also have musical performances. For more about the ranch check here: http://www.lombardiranch.com/

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

San Vicente Mountain Park



Remnants of the Cold War Nike-Ajax anti-aircraft base furnish aeriel views of the city, ocean, mountains and valley. Quite impressive. There's also a self-guided tour with signs that announce war slogans like "we will bury you." For more about the park check here: http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=54

Monday, October 19, 2009

Ming Ya Buddhist Foundation of L.A.



This Buddhist temple stands out from the rest of LA river lined Valley Blvd. Its architecture, stone reliefs, gardens, and statues make it a pleasure for even a non-Buddhist to visit.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Grace E. Simmons Lodge



Grace E. Simmons was a local activist who fought to protect Elysian Park from development. So, they named this lodge after her. The lodge comes complete with a man made cascade, and a picnic area available to rent out for events. There's a little Japanese garden tucked behind the lodge too. For more info check here: http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/facility/elysianPk.htm

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Walt Disney Music Hall


Frank Gehry's delight is ranked in the top 3 music halls in the world. The wooden interior, curved walls and ceilings, and seating chart create a top notch music experience. Especially, now that we have Dudamel. If you don't know who Gustavo Dudamel is, well, do some research because he's important. Or, check here: http://www.gustavodudamel.com/

Friday, October 16, 2009

"I Love LA"


I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but this was probably our last home game of the year :( This not only means we won't see Ethier's cute booty for another six months, but there'll be no reason to dance to my favorite Randy Newman song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slMTiDZuVp0.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

And the skies parted...

I don't know, it's not June Gloom because it's the wrong time of year. The official people of weather are calling it "scattered clouds." They lie. The valley is just nestling these clouds into its bosom.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Rainy Day #2

Why do we think the runoff is so soapy?

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Rainy Day #1

Part of what I love about rain in LA is how transportation in the city completely ceases to function. People forget how to drive and the streets flood. Here's a very wet, nighttime parking lot.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Rose Bowl Flea Market



Even though the Rose Bowl was packed with Bruin fans on Saturday, Sunday brought about a different kind of crowd. The second Sunday of every month is the Rose Bowl Flea Market, which draws 2500 vendors ranging from antiques to clothes to indescribably glorious goodies. For more info check here: http://www.rgcshows.com/RoseBowlFleaMarketGeneralInfo/tabid/52/Default.aspx

Saturday, October 10, 2009

LA3D Classic Heli Fun Fly



In this city, there's a valley. And in the valley, there's a park. And in the park, there's the Apollo XI airfield. And on the airfield, there's a gathering. And at the gathering, there are model aircraft demos, vendors, and the helicopter that flew Michael Jackson to the hospital. The green grass doesn't grow anywhere. For more information check here: http://www.la3d.org/

Friday, October 9, 2009

Flying Saucer

Just kidding, it's a house. It's actually called "The Chemosphere," an octagonal design by John Lautner from 1960.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Chicken Boy


What!? There's a story behind it at www.chickenboy.com.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Wayfarer Chapel



Also known as "glass chapel" or "tree chapel," Lloyd Wright's vision sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It's quite breathtaking, but I wasn't allowed inside because they do have services. So, if you plan on going, I would call ahead. For more info check here: http://www.wayfarerschapel.org/

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Fire Wheel Tree



Yellow flowers in September. Soft red flowers in October. There's a good group of them growing on Ventura between Woodman and Hazeltine. Beautiful beautiful beautiful.

Monday, October 5, 2009

El Parque de Mexico




This park celebrates Mexico through a number of sculptures honoring Mexican "Abe Lincolns" including Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. The bell is a replica of the Bell of Dolores, the bell rung by Fr. Costilla in 1830 to announce Mexico's revolt against Spain.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

West Hollywood Book Fair



Small presses, book stores, literary non-profits and writers of all kinds gathered together to share words with one another be it by book, performance, or panel discussion. The video is Jamal from Da Poetry Lounge, the largest weekly slam poetry lounge in the country. They were just one of many groups who read today. For more info about the fair check here: http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Go Fest at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater



Country music festivals are where you go to learn a thing or two about tailgating. The music is just another excuse for friends to come together and have a good time. Unless its Brad Paisley. Then the music and the drinking weigh about even.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Annenberg Space for Photography




Century Park's website calls itself "the city's newest, most prestigious business address." I'll hand it to them, the whole place is quite spectacular. For the non-businessman, the best part of the complex is the Annenberg Space for Photography. Right now they're showing the winners from the Pictures of the Year International (POYi) competition alongside a really neat film about photojournalism. And it's free! For more info check here: http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/index.asp