Abnormally Large

Burbank has a long history (okay, since 1920) of building airplanes and this is next to the Burbank Historical Society, but I still think this airplane is out of place.

Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

The first thing you encounter when entering this lake of meditation is the "Court of Religions" honoring Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. There's an authentic reproduction of a 16th-century Dutch Windmill. There's a shrine devoted to Ghandi containing some of his ashes. While it's a busy and eclectic place, few places beg you to quietly contemplate like the Lake Shrine. For more information check here: http://www.lakeshrine.org/

Whitley Heights

The developer Hobart Johnstone Whitley sent architect A.S. Barnes to Italy and Spain to study that Mediterranean magic and recreate it in a forward looking 1920's Hollywood. Whitley Heights was the original celebrity neighborhood housing Judy Garland and Charlie Chaplin. Unfortunately, the 101 plowed through the heart of the neighborhood during its construction in the 60's. Fortunately, the Historic Preservation Overlay Zone will prevent that from happening again.

Flying Home

Thick cloud cover over the city lights made for a bizarre descent.

Unity Woodsmen's Competition

Collegiate lumberjacking is a little known sport in Los Angeles. But, in parts of New England and Eastern Canada, woodsmen's competitions are as popular as football games. Unity College, Colby College, University of Maine at Orono, and University of New Hampshire came out Saturday to compete in old time logging skills. For more about these crazy kids check here: http://www.colby.edu/campus_cs/clubs/woodsmen/events.cfm

Common Ground Fair

I feel very guilty about all of this. While I'm very committed to my one true love Los Angeles, I have to confess... I went to Maine this weekend. While very different from LA, it's also an interesting place. The Common Ground Fair is put on by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association once a year. It gathers farmers, food stalls, info booths, and funny looking animals for over 10,000 visitors a day. For more info check here: http://www.mofga.org/

Moreton Bay Fig Tree

With a root system proportionate to its size, it's a wonder how you could plant this tree near concrete. But, they do it all the time and how lucky for us to be shaded so often by this large fig.

Youngwood Court

The first thing that pops into your head when you drive past this Hancock Park residence is most certainly, "Why?!" Well, rumor has it, this collection of miniature statues of Michelangelo's David started with only one. After neighborhood complaints about the lone naked statue, owner Norbert Youngwood retaliated by adding to his collection. He's reached 19 statues and counting.

Music Center

The Music Center is the grouping of the Mark Taper Forum, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It doesn't matter what day of the week it is, you're bound to find something awesome being performed in one, if not all, of these performance centers. Currently, the LA Opera is putting on Wagner's infamous "Ring Cycle" at the Dorothy Chandler. For more info on the Music Center check here: http://www.musiccenter.org/

Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society

This congregation was founded in 1965 with a building they call "The Onion."

Hollywood Farmer's Market

Sustainable Economic Enterprises Los Angeles (SEE-LA) hosts several markets all over the city, but the market in Hollywood is as much of spectacle as it is a gathering of local goods and produce. For more info check here: http://www.see-la.org/

Santa Monica Stairs

Booty shapers flock to the stairs that run along the California incline like bees to honey, except the stairs are cruel and negative calories and honey is sweet and delicious. And on that note... Shana Tova! May your year be filled with sweetness.

South Coast Botanical Garden

The best part about a botanical garden is when you stumble upon a crazy ruffled red flower, there's a little sign underneath it announcing "Cock's Comb." But, this garden is also special because it was once a landfill. A garden was created by citizens' request in 1959. They focus on converting underground gasses into electricity and drought tolerant plants. There's a lake, a rose garden, a Redwood grove, Banyan Forest, and much more covering 87 acres. For more information check here: http://www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org/

Santee Alley

Santee Alley isn't lying about being an alley, but you'd be the first to find a purse, shoe, or jacket that isn't a knock off. This strip of shops is the best because it's awesomely cheap, there are bubbles flying everywhere, and the people who visit are more eclectic than the goods being sold.

Bronson Caves

Before it became the "Batcave" this area was a quarry for Union Rock Company. Now, it's just a short hike from the end of Canyon Dr. to explore this man made Hollywood wonder. For more information about the caves check here: http://www.humanform.info/htm/bronson.htm.

A Gorgeous Day in LA

Something marvelous happened today - the heat took a break, the clouds came in, and the sun did all sorts of things I forget to expect out of the LA sky.

Encino Farmer's Market

The Encino Farmer's Market is an event hosted by ONEgeneration, a non-profit that by week is an adult health care center. But, by weekend, it hosts over 40 farm stalls, taco stands, flower vendors, and even the local smiling bread man. For more about it all check here: http://www.onegeneration.org/farmer_market.asp

Floss Silk Tree

The rose of all trees with its thorny trunk and brilliant flowers.

It's Earth Day Every Day

Anderton Court Shops

I won't call it Frank Lloyd Wright's finest, but this Rodeo Drive storefront certainly stands out amongst the rest.

The Santa Monica Pier Turns 100

On September 9, 1909 the pier opened to the public for the first time. 100 years later they had an entire days worth of birthday festivities concluding in an "unprecedented fireworks display," or so says the loud voice from the speakers. Three barges filled with fireworks parked just behind the pier and the display lasted about 20 minutes.

Orcutt Ranch

What was once the 210-acre vacation destination for oil pioneer William Warren Orcutt (discoverer of the La Brea Tar Pits) is now 24 acres of citrus orchards, a 700+ year old oak tree, a rose garden, and picnic areas. For more information check here: http://www.laparks.org/dos/horticulture/orcuttranch.htm

Abnormally Large

Hindu Temple Society of Southern California

Built in 1977, this temple is modeled after the 11th century Chola style best known in Southern Indian structures like the Brihadeeswarar temple. The architect's name is Muthiah Sthapathi who has designed 25 temples in the U.S. Yes, the building is fun, but this is also a place of worship. For more about the religious activities check here: http://www.hindutemplesoutherncalifornia.org/index.html