Nighttime Valley View

Canals

Mr. Abbot Kinney thought it wise to recreate northern Italy in southern California a hundred years ago and even on a June gloomy day, it's still awesome.  

A Good House

Can you see the giant plaster head on top of the garage?  And the trail of pig statues in the front dirt?  And they were blasting classical music.  Who are these people?!

Michael Jackson

I can hardly believe it!  This must be how they felt when Elvis died.  "You will always be a living legacy moonwalk to heaven."

In front of his parents house, a small group of people taking pictures, and a large group of people taking pictures of the people taking pictures.

The Getty

The architecture, gardens, and views are so damn brilliant it's hard to care about what's inside the museum. For more about the Getty check here: http://www.getty.edu

Sculpture Garden

Auguste Rodin - "The Walking Man"

Deborah Butterfield - "Pensive"

Founded in 1967, the Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA has over 70 sculptures. For more information check here: http://hammer.ucla.edu/collections/detail/collection_id/6

Fountain

for more about water rationing check: http://www.bewaterwise.com/

B.P. Helios

It sucks to need gas in Beverly Hills because it's legit highway robbery. But, what can I say, I'm a sucker for shiny things. It was also submitted for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. As far as a gas station goes, well done!

For more about B.P. Helios House check here: http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=97&contentId=7030209

Frank Lloyd Wright

The Storer House. Built in 1924. FLW only built 4 textile block homes. They're all in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Country Club

Hillcrest Country Club, across from Fox Studios on Pico Blvd, was created because in the 1920's Jews were not allowed to be members of the oh-so-prestigious Los Angeles Country Club. Sadly, the demographics of this 1897 landmark have not changed.

"Shorts of any kind, including skorts, culottes, cut-offs, and capris are not permitted. Shorts are permitted for gentlemen playing tennis." For more on the LACC dress code check here: http://www.thelacc.org/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=261420&ssid=124988&vnf=1

LA Film Festival

11 days. 19 venues. Films, shorts, and... Coffee talks, above, panel discussion with film composers. From left to right - Harry Gregson-Williams (The Taking of Pelham 123, Chronicles of Narnia), Lyle Workman (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, 40-Year Old Virign), BMI moderator, and Christopher Young (The Shipping News, Spider Man 3).

Chris Young's advice on how to make it in this industry: "Talent alongside political intelligence and strong work ethic." Wise words Chris, but I think you forgot to mention the importance of luck.

For more information about the film festival check here: http://www.lafilmfest.com/2009

A Good Man

Hillhurst and Sunset

The Valley

View from Bel Air Presbyterian.  It's just stupidly beautiful.  How can you not love the valley?

Jacaranda time!

You can smell them blooming all over the city.  Streets lined with purple flowers.  I wish it could last forever.