Ahhh....the end of the year...the decade to some...and it always seems to bring out the need for reflection among resolutionists, pundits and network anchors. So I was inspired to get a little reflective myself, and came to a conclusion: those who said "give it two years and you'll love it here" were wrong. There are some things I still just can't get used to.
So for 2010 I give you:
Surviving L.A. - The top 15 signs you’ve been in L.A. too long:
15. Crime scene tape causes excitment because you might see Laurence Fishburne.
14. It doesn't phase you to sit in traffic for 9 hours from Vegas to Los Angeles, even though it's less than 300 miles.
13. You know you can valet your car anywhere, including church or the hospital, in case your in that much of a hurry.
12. Palms trees decorated with Christmas lights and ice skating in Santa Monica seems perfectly normal.
11. You know which episode of Miami Medical caused an actor to legitimately ask “is there a REAL doctor in the house?”
10. You’re tracking the Korean Taco Truck and the Cupcake-Mobile on twitter.
9. There’s an appetizer of bacon on the menu – 6 slabs for $10. And you buy it.
8. You know that ‘going to the races’ could mean horses….or turtles.
7. You know the difference between working ‘in the industry’ in Los Angeles and working ‘in the industry’ in The Valley, and you DON’T confuse the two.
6. When you see two men run across an intersection, dive into the windows of a truck and start fighting with the inhabitants….and you immediately look for the cameras and wonder what movie is filming.
5. You’re watching Survivor on television at the same moment one of the contestants appears in your doorway.
4. You know where you can get your hands on a WWII sub.
3. You know someone who won tickets to the Michael Jackson funeral.
2. You’re pissed you didn’t win.
1. While driving down the road you say “that’s weird” and the driver thinks you are referring to the ‘sold’ sign on a home, completely ignoring the 70-something, white as a sheet man in yellow Bruce Jenner running shorts and black dress socks and shoes taking his Sunday constitutional.
Wishing you 15 signs for a very happy 2010.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monday, October 19, 2009
Surviving L.A. - Takes Jewelry
Ironman races, Adventure races, marathons. I often get asked why I do such things. (Insane things, according to Richard.)
Self-fulfillment? The love of a challenge? Massacism?
In the case of last weekend the answer is simple: Jewelry.
Self-fulfillment? The love of a challenge? Massacism?
In the case of last weekend the answer is simple: Jewelry.
Sorry it's blurry....it says "Run Like A Girl."
Last year my friend Sunghee asked me if I wanted to run the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco with her in October. As I poised my lips to say 'no' and list all of the reasons hilly San Fran was the last place I would run 26.2 miles, she added: "The finisher's medal is a necklace designed by Tiffany's presented to you at the finish line by men in tuxedoes."
Well, we all know how much I love a man in a tux, so I said yes. And, because misery loves company, I recruited friends. There ended up being 8 of us in all, training through the year to run around San Francisco looking for men in penguin suits ready to give us jewelry.
If you are considering running a half or full marathon in your life, I HIGHLY recommend this event. And not just for the necklace. It is well done, well attended, well cheered, well mapped and for a good cause.
The course started at Union Square in the main shopping district near Nike Town, where all participants names as listed on a giant wall. The race started at 7 a.m., and was really well organized. You ran toward the water, and then swept past some of the iconic sites of San Fran just as the sun is rising (depending on fog) - Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge. The hills are not the worst that San Fran could throw at you, and they are early in the race. I was pleasantly surprised at how well we ran them, but I think the distractions of the views probably helped. It also helped that nearly every mile had some form of entertainment, from a gospel choir to bagpipers to a steele drum band.
Many of the sponsors also had stretches of positive, inspirational messages to keep you motivated. About mile 9 you reach the top of the last of the bigger hills and drop down onto the beach. The wind off the water is not bad and the views make it worth any extra effort. Here is where the half and full marathon's split. The full racers head off deep into Golden Gate Park while the half runners dip into the park and end back to the water's edge for the finish line. After a few miles in the park, the full emerges to run along the water past the San Francisco Zoo and then out around Lake Merced, pushed on by a fabulous 80s cover band.
Mile 22 greets you with Ghriardelli Chocolate samples before you head back up one small hill and down the homestretch along the water.
I ran the race with my friend Debbie and we had a goal of finishing. Not lofty, I suppose, but good enough for us. We were there to have fun, and we did. In fact, I carried my blackberry and was able to snap pictures, post to Facebook and chat with Richard while I was moving along. If I ran it again, I would be far more serious about actually trying to run it well, but for this time, I wanted to soak in the experience of the city, the views, the commaraderie and the fun.
A big thanks to Sunghee, for the suggestion; to Theresa, for coming down from Seattle; to Debbie, for training with me and running with me; and to her husband Scott and my dear Richard, ever my cheerleader.
He may shake his head then he hear's me ask if he's okay with me doing the next crazy event....but he helps me survive L.A. And I now have a fabulous little piece of jewelry to wear while doing it.
Get ready to go!
View of Alcatraz, about mile 4
Down to the beach!
Entertainment in Gold Gate Park
Back along the beach for the home stretch!
FINISH in sight!
Why, yes, I'd love a Tiffany Necklace, thanks!
Well, we all know how much I love a man in a tux, so I said yes. And, because misery loves company, I recruited friends. There ended up being 8 of us in all, training through the year to run around San Francisco looking for men in penguin suits ready to give us jewelry.
If you are considering running a half or full marathon in your life, I HIGHLY recommend this event. And not just for the necklace. It is well done, well attended, well cheered, well mapped and for a good cause.
The course started at Union Square in the main shopping district near Nike Town, where all participants names as listed on a giant wall. The race started at 7 a.m., and was really well organized. You ran toward the water, and then swept past some of the iconic sites of San Fran just as the sun is rising (depending on fog) - Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge. The hills are not the worst that San Fran could throw at you, and they are early in the race. I was pleasantly surprised at how well we ran them, but I think the distractions of the views probably helped. It also helped that nearly every mile had some form of entertainment, from a gospel choir to bagpipers to a steele drum band.
Many of the sponsors also had stretches of positive, inspirational messages to keep you motivated. About mile 9 you reach the top of the last of the bigger hills and drop down onto the beach. The wind off the water is not bad and the views make it worth any extra effort. Here is where the half and full marathon's split. The full racers head off deep into Golden Gate Park while the half runners dip into the park and end back to the water's edge for the finish line. After a few miles in the park, the full emerges to run along the water past the San Francisco Zoo and then out around Lake Merced, pushed on by a fabulous 80s cover band.
Mile 22 greets you with Ghriardelli Chocolate samples before you head back up one small hill and down the homestretch along the water.
I ran the race with my friend Debbie and we had a goal of finishing. Not lofty, I suppose, but good enough for us. We were there to have fun, and we did. In fact, I carried my blackberry and was able to snap pictures, post to Facebook and chat with Richard while I was moving along. If I ran it again, I would be far more serious about actually trying to run it well, but for this time, I wanted to soak in the experience of the city, the views, the commaraderie and the fun.
A big thanks to Sunghee, for the suggestion; to Theresa, for coming down from Seattle; to Debbie, for training with me and running with me; and to her husband Scott and my dear Richard, ever my cheerleader.
He may shake his head then he hear's me ask if he's okay with me doing the next crazy event....but he helps me survive L.A. And I now have a fabulous little piece of jewelry to wear while doing it.
One of the best parts of this race was our commitment to fun...which included taking pictures and uploading/posting to Facebook in-race (and chatting with Richard). So, these are camera phone and not the best, but....run along with us! (Though, I am not in any of these pics, just the photographer.)
Wall of racer names at Niketown
Get ready to go!
View of Alcatraz, about mile 4
Down to the beach!
Entertainment in Gold Gate Park
Back along the beach for the home stretch!
FINISH in sight!
Why, yes, I'd love a Tiffany Necklace, thanks!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Surviving L.A. - Takes Supertitles
Foreign movies have subtitles, operas have Supertitles. Rather than scrolling along the bottom of a movie screen, supertitles are displayed at the top of a stage, so that those of us not fluent in the traditional opera languages of German, French, Russian and - in the case of L.A. Opera's opening show for 2009-2010 - Italian, can follow along.
Richard and I had the unique opportunity to attend the L.A. Opera's Season Opening Gala Saturday and enjoy The Elixir of Love, L'Elisir D'Amore. Those intimate with Richard and me know we are far more likely to spend Saturday's at college football games than operas - but remember that our motto for our time on the West Coast is "New and Different." And WOW did this qualify. (Besides, UCLA had already beat Tennessee.)
Richard donned a tuxedo and even tried a mushroom cannoli at the Opera Gala....we really are expanding our horizons beyond our previous boundries. (Yes, he now OWNS a tuxedo...can ballroom dancing lessons be far behind?)
From a novelty perspective, our experience was fabulous. We had an extremely enjoyable evening and while I don't think we'll be buying season tickets to the opera, I will share with you what I learned as a first-time opera-goer.
1. L'Elisir D'Amore, The Elixir of Love, is apparently a great production for your first one. "It's a comedy and it's short" (a mere 2:45 with intermission!) was an oft-repeated phrase from those in the know.
2. If you are a single guy interested in an older woman....get a ticket to this event! There were packs of seemingly affulent cougars roaming the halls. One women from a not-to-be-divulged-brand-name-family had seemingly pulled out every piece of Dolce & Gabbana jewelry she owned to showcase at once. No matter that it didn't match. And nothing says "I'm hot" more than a designer dress cut to show off the pacemaker surgery scar.
3. Speaking of outfits.....even if opera is not your idea of a fun Saturday night....you might go by just to see the patrons show up for the pre-gala cocktail party. I think some people thought this was a costume ball. (And I thought the Miami Vice-style-white-pants-color-jacket-combo tux had ended with my prom...apparently I was wrong.) Fortunately for tourists, the gala puts these outfits on display with a long red carpet walk into an outdoor cocktail party with only stantions between us and the cameras off the local tour bus. (For the record, Richard looked amazing walking the carpet in his tuxedo.)
4. Oh...you're wondering about the show itself? L.A. is NEVER about the main event when a red carpet is involved! The entire storyline is printed in the program (or found online) which is to aid in your understanding. It does, however, also spoil the ending and erase the opportunity for rousing speculative discussion during the intermission....will our hero get the girl? Will the heroine find her heart? Who dies at the end? How much longer is this...are we really staying for the whole thing? (Oh...just kidding...)
5. Spoiler Alert.....the "Elixir of Love" is a cheap bordeaux. (I could have told you that!)
6. However good a short comedy might be, you must remember that an opera is intended to be a showcase for amazing voices, not necessarily a showcase of acting talent or intricate plot lines. If you want 2 hours and 45 minuts of intellectual comedy, go rent Gross Pointe Blanke and watch and episode of The Daily Show.
7. If you decide to go to an opera, educate yourself as to quality of voice so to enhance your experience - and look like you have experience. I clearly lack the understand/appreciation of tenors/sopranos/falsettos to know when I was hearing something that should wow me. This became grossly apparent when a character would stop singing and the theater would explode in wild applause all around me, and I would be caught looking like I had just woken up. I wish I had a DVR and could rewind to hear what I had inadvertantly missed. But for the novice - when everyone else applauds...you'd best go along...lest you stick out!
8. They serve alcohol before the opera....during intermission...and after the show. I'm not saying you need a drink to enjoy opera...but you feel free to draw your own inference.
9. The supertitles are displayed at the top of the stage. They are NOT intended to be a full, literal translation. They reminded me of a Kung Fu movie dubbed into English. The words would say "she loves me" and the guy would sing for 2 minutes. But maybe that's a lot of words in Italian, what do I know?
10. The bows for the cast after a performance last almost as long as the second act. Seriously. And the ovations rival Catholic Mass aerobics.
11. Placido Domingo is an amazing singer.....and a long talker. When he got up to speak at the post-performance gala, a woman at our table informed us we should sit back and relax....he goes on and on and on and on.....bring your iPod.
So, we continue to survive L.A. - tuxedos and all. Even though Placido is still at the podium talking....
Monday, August 31, 2009
Surviving L.A. - Takes Cardboard (for your wine, of course!)
Living in California can quickly make you a wine snob. The close proximity of an abundance of fabulous wineries can quickly flood your wine cellar and make you wonder how ANYONE could possibly still drink cheap White Zinfandel when tantalizing blends of sweet champagne can be had for $8?
The upside of membership in 4 wine clubs is that we have stopped hoarding every good bottle for a special occasion. The downside is my new attitude that I'm too good for Two Buck Chuck.
Next thing you know Richard is running off to buy a tuxedo for opera galas....and we needed to be reined in.
Fortunately, our good friends Bob and Leslie can help us maintain proper perspective by inviting us to Chateauneuf de Cardboard for a Boxed Wine Tasting and reminding us that good things come in packages of all sizes, shapes, and materials - like specially designed cardboard boxes keeping 'open' wine good for....well....we have yet to find out.
I know boxed wine usually gets the side-eye for the party guest who shows with the white Franzia box that looks like it was snatched from a sorority house kitchen. But today's sophisticated palates may find a taste they really enjoy coming out of a cube...including:
(To be read with a French accent) Target Merlot and Target Pinot Grigio - very affordable, drinkable, every day wine to keep in the fridge.
Pinot Evil - which also comes in a bottle, but a box is great for when the evening calls for one glass. (We don't know when that is...but...just in case it ever happens.)
French Rabbit Chardonnay (our contribution) - an extremely light, French white best served cold enough to need your own faux fur.
Bota Box Old Vine Zinfandel - Richard's Favorite of the evening
Bota Box Shiraz - Bota Box apparently makes several great boxed varities that stays fresh after the box is opened 45 days. And just WHO would take 45 days to finish a box of wine? We don't know these people.
Killer Juice Sauvignon Blanc - hints of citrus and summer with no cardboard aftertaste!
White Wine for Chilling (in the family of Red Wine for Grilling) - When soliciting recommendations for our purchase I was told that White Wine for Chilling paired very well with a Camelbak. The bladders could be easily changed out and made for a great accompaniment on a hike.
So we continue to survive L.A. - even sans cork. Enjoy your favorite box tonight!
The upside of membership in 4 wine clubs is that we have stopped hoarding every good bottle for a special occasion. The downside is my new attitude that I'm too good for Two Buck Chuck.
Next thing you know Richard is running off to buy a tuxedo for opera galas....and we needed to be reined in.
Fortunately, our good friends Bob and Leslie can help us maintain proper perspective by inviting us to Chateauneuf de Cardboard for a Boxed Wine Tasting and reminding us that good things come in packages of all sizes, shapes, and materials - like specially designed cardboard boxes keeping 'open' wine good for....well....we have yet to find out.
I know boxed wine usually gets the side-eye for the party guest who shows with the white Franzia box that looks like it was snatched from a sorority house kitchen. But today's sophisticated palates may find a taste they really enjoy coming out of a cube...including:
(To be read with a French accent) Target Merlot and Target Pinot Grigio - very affordable, drinkable, every day wine to keep in the fridge.
Pinot Evil - which also comes in a bottle, but a box is great for when the evening calls for one glass. (We don't know when that is...but...just in case it ever happens.)
French Rabbit Chardonnay (our contribution) - an extremely light, French white best served cold enough to need your own faux fur.
Bota Box Old Vine Zinfandel - Richard's Favorite of the evening
Bota Box Shiraz - Bota Box apparently makes several great boxed varities that stays fresh after the box is opened 45 days. And just WHO would take 45 days to finish a box of wine? We don't know these people.
Killer Juice Sauvignon Blanc - hints of citrus and summer with no cardboard aftertaste!
White Wine for Chilling (in the family of Red Wine for Grilling) - When soliciting recommendations for our purchase I was told that White Wine for Chilling paired very well with a Camelbak. The bladders could be easily changed out and made for a great accompaniment on a hike.
So we continue to survive L.A. - even sans cork. Enjoy your favorite box tonight!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Surviving L.A. - Takes a tuxedo
If you were called - from Hollywood - to save the world, could you step up? Play the part? Dress the part? This week, my husband the clothes horse was about to find out.
I worried what covert international crisis might be afoot when I saw the cryptic message: "We have a problem." "What's the problem?" I typed timidly, fearing Ernst Stavo Blofeld had kidnapped Placido Domingo and threaten modern arias as we knew them. The ominous words that make women everywhere rejoice appeared on the screen. "Black tie."
Since Richard made the grave mistake of marrying me, I have been telling him he should just buy a tuxedo. I thought a wedding was a good reason for an investment, and he a few opportunities to step out in style in the last few years. I think men who own tuxedos are incredibly sexy. Why that, in and of itself, did not bring about the purchase is a matter of on-going discussion..... but....
Apparently, my strategy should have been to move to L.A.
How could anyone in such a fashion-forward town not be prepared for every event? Neither of us needs suits for work (yeah, I'm rubbing it in, kinda...). We need bathing suits for the beach...wetsuits for surfing...fire-retardant suits for the wildfires....something for that last-minute invitation to a black-tie opera gala or call to stand in for a high-stakes poker game where the free world is in the ante.
We don't have an earthquake preparedness plan, but when the call from Q comes in, Richard will be ready. After following tips and gathering intel and negotiating a treaty with a disappearing ink pen, Rick Bond is now the proud owner of a striking suit ready for Beverly Hills Cocoktail Parties, Hollywood Premieres, Children's Birthday Parties and the Fat Lady Singing.
His reference to "the noose" no longer refers to his wedding ring.
But as all well-heeled heros have a fatal flaw, Richard has an evil side that comes out toward his leading ladies....
He won't wear the tux until I learn how to tie the bow-tie.
00Jerk.
I have 2 weeks to learn....or else my Elixir of Love will be a lonely night sans my knight in shiny lapels and french cuffs.
For those wondering what finally convinced my nominee for best-dressed-in-the-comedy-we-call-Surviving-L.A. to don the strait jacket, the clues are encrypted here....or you can catch the ending when it comes out on DVD (see Surviving L.A. in 2 weeks).
For now we continue to Survive L.A. - just with a lot more style!
I worried what covert international crisis might be afoot when I saw the cryptic message: "We have a problem." "What's the problem?" I typed timidly, fearing Ernst Stavo Blofeld had kidnapped Placido Domingo and threaten modern arias as we knew them. The ominous words that make women everywhere rejoice appeared on the screen. "Black tie."
Since Richard made the grave mistake of marrying me, I have been telling him he should just buy a tuxedo. I thought a wedding was a good reason for an investment, and he a few opportunities to step out in style in the last few years. I think men who own tuxedos are incredibly sexy. Why that, in and of itself, did not bring about the purchase is a matter of on-going discussion..... but....
Apparently, my strategy should have been to move to L.A.
How could anyone in such a fashion-forward town not be prepared for every event? Neither of us needs suits for work (yeah, I'm rubbing it in, kinda...). We need bathing suits for the beach...wetsuits for surfing...fire-retardant suits for the wildfires....something for that last-minute invitation to a black-tie opera gala or call to stand in for a high-stakes poker game where the free world is in the ante.
We don't have an earthquake preparedness plan, but when the call from Q comes in, Richard will be ready. After following tips and gathering intel and negotiating a treaty with a disappearing ink pen, Rick Bond is now the proud owner of a striking suit ready for Beverly Hills Cocoktail Parties, Hollywood Premieres, Children's Birthday Parties and the Fat Lady Singing.
His reference to "the noose" no longer refers to his wedding ring.
But as all well-heeled heros have a fatal flaw, Richard has an evil side that comes out toward his leading ladies....
He won't wear the tux until I learn how to tie the bow-tie.
00Jerk.
I have 2 weeks to learn....or else my Elixir of Love will be a lonely night sans my knight in shiny lapels and french cuffs.
For those wondering what finally convinced my nominee for best-dressed-in-the-comedy-we-call-Surviving-L.A. to don the strait jacket, the clues are encrypted here....or you can catch the ending when it comes out on DVD (see Surviving L.A. in 2 weeks).
For now we continue to Survive L.A. - just with a lot more style!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Surviving L.A. - Takes Bacon
Those who purport that L.A. has perfect weather in the 70s year round are big fat liars. We are currently living under heat advisories of up to 106-degrees. So what? they say. Enjoy the heat and have some crispy bacon.
Bacon. The heavenly mix of savory maple meat has been for more than breakfast for many years now, it’s true, when it first migrated off the breakfast plate onto burgers, pizzas and baked potatoes. Long ago did foodies proclaim the glory that is bacon-wrapped food: filets, shrimp, scallops, figs, melon. (Melon…who was the first one to think of that?)
This is L.A., my friends, and if you have not learned by now, you never will – L.A. is hell bent on doing things differently under the guise of trend-setting. Sure, NY has street vendors with tasty hot dogs, our street vendors wrap theirs in bacon. Try passing up THAT smell without drooling. There is a public food fight going on right now with the city of Carson, where they are trying to ban these purveyors of bacony goodness and the public is not standing for it.
We even wrap bacon around saddle of rabbit. Okay, I don’t know what saddle of rabbit is, but you can apparently get it wrapped in bacon on Bastille Day at Comma Ca in Hollywood. Take that, you puny melon-ball makers!
Others will find meat-wrapped-meat too pedestrian. So an inventive foodie enjoying chocolate chip pancakes and a side of bacon one day decided to merge the two into a chocolate bar with bacon bits. (We tried this – to mixed reviews. Other than a gag Christmas Stocking Stuffer, I can’t say I’d buy it again. Though it did seem a better option than the chocolate bar with dried mushrooms that was on the counter next to it.)
If bacon as dessert appeals to you, then visit a Bakersfield-area ice cream shop that has bacon ice cream on the menu. (Would you like maple syrup to make that a sundae?) How else would you end your meal of bacon fried rice in Fresno?
Some purists are unhappy with the defamation of the beloved meat. Chefs at the upscale BLT Steak on Sunset Strip think the bacon stands alone, and offers 6 slabs of it (slices does NOT do the dish justice) as an appetizer, wrapped around nothing but a large price tag.
You may not believe the hype. Isn’t Los Angeles health-conscious? Sure, which is why the April 2009 L.A. Times edition showed us how to get that bacon satisfaction without the calories and fat. J&Ds Bacon Lip Balm. Brings a whole new definition to the term “kissable lips,” doesn’t it?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2009/04/bacon-lip-gloss.html
Los Angelians even have precautions should the next earthquake break us off and set up adrift toward South America…..canned bacon. No earthquake preparedness kit is finished without it. Get yours here:
http://www.canned-bacon.com/
And bookmark the L.A Times article, 1,001 things to do with bacon so you, too, can enjoy the meaty goodness every day. (you must check out the picture…. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2008/12/bacon.html...tempting!!!)
We continue to survive L.A, especially the Vega dog, who has found one west coast trend she is happy to sink her teeth into.
Bacon. The heavenly mix of savory maple meat has been for more than breakfast for many years now, it’s true, when it first migrated off the breakfast plate onto burgers, pizzas and baked potatoes. Long ago did foodies proclaim the glory that is bacon-wrapped food: filets, shrimp, scallops, figs, melon. (Melon…who was the first one to think of that?)
This is L.A., my friends, and if you have not learned by now, you never will – L.A. is hell bent on doing things differently under the guise of trend-setting. Sure, NY has street vendors with tasty hot dogs, our street vendors wrap theirs in bacon. Try passing up THAT smell without drooling. There is a public food fight going on right now with the city of Carson, where they are trying to ban these purveyors of bacony goodness and the public is not standing for it.
We even wrap bacon around saddle of rabbit. Okay, I don’t know what saddle of rabbit is, but you can apparently get it wrapped in bacon on Bastille Day at Comma Ca in Hollywood. Take that, you puny melon-ball makers!
Others will find meat-wrapped-meat too pedestrian. So an inventive foodie enjoying chocolate chip pancakes and a side of bacon one day decided to merge the two into a chocolate bar with bacon bits. (We tried this – to mixed reviews. Other than a gag Christmas Stocking Stuffer, I can’t say I’d buy it again. Though it did seem a better option than the chocolate bar with dried mushrooms that was on the counter next to it.)
If bacon as dessert appeals to you, then visit a Bakersfield-area ice cream shop that has bacon ice cream on the menu. (Would you like maple syrup to make that a sundae?) How else would you end your meal of bacon fried rice in Fresno?
Some purists are unhappy with the defamation of the beloved meat. Chefs at the upscale BLT Steak on Sunset Strip think the bacon stands alone, and offers 6 slabs of it (slices does NOT do the dish justice) as an appetizer, wrapped around nothing but a large price tag.
You may not believe the hype. Isn’t Los Angeles health-conscious? Sure, which is why the April 2009 L.A. Times edition showed us how to get that bacon satisfaction without the calories and fat. J&Ds Bacon Lip Balm. Brings a whole new definition to the term “kissable lips,” doesn’t it?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2009/04/bacon-lip-gloss.html
Los Angelians even have precautions should the next earthquake break us off and set up adrift toward South America…..canned bacon. No earthquake preparedness kit is finished without it. Get yours here:
http://www.canned-bacon.com/
And bookmark the L.A Times article, 1,001 things to do with bacon so you, too, can enjoy the meaty goodness every day. (you must check out the picture…. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2008/12/bacon.html...tempting!!!)
We continue to survive L.A, especially the Vega dog, who has found one west coast trend she is happy to sink her teeth into.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Takes fleas
No, not on the Vega Dog.
Flea markets.
I know what your first thought is....AJ....there are flea markets everywhere. True. But L.A. couldn't possibly do things without its own special flair.
True, your run of the mill yard sales occur here every weekend. But on one special Sunday a month, the yard sale puts on its L.A. best and heads for Pasadena to take over the Rose Bowl on a grand scale.
I can hear you now - 'we have flea markets here too!'
Oh yeah? How much do your fleas cost? Everything has a premium here. Ours even charges early bird admission for the real thrill seekers.
Does your sell $5000 Rolex watches?
Do people wear tuxedos to yours????
No? Then come to L.A. for the show.
Pay your $8 and you, too, can stroll miles of....uh....stuff. The website claims "Name the item and the Rose Bowl Flea Market is bound to have it." This is no understatement. You can buy all of someone else's unwanted treasure you want. Housewares, jewelry, vinyl records, old furniture, antiques, 'vintage clothing' you could wear to a costume party and 'vintage bikes' that might not get you down the block (banana seat, anyone?). Arts and crafts of every variety - candles, soap, jewelry, art - and creative inventions such as the football helmet dog beds, customizable to any team. And who has a marshmallow thrower on their Christmas list?
You can linger by the resellers of antiques such as Hummels and old Playboy Magazines, and brand new items such as the skin we picked up for my blackberry or any variety of socks you could possibly want.
Not impressed yet? What about the Rolex's, you ask? Yes, indeed, you can drop serious cash at this rummage sale on gorgeous, real watches. Rolex. Omega. Cartier. Vintage Mickey Mouse. Pocket watches and grandfather clocks.
Okay...high end watches...what else? Does your flea market have articles from movie sets? No? Well, come to Pasadena and you too can own the stools used by John Goodman in the live action Flintstones movie. Or perhaps one of Dracula's coffins. (To be pulled out as the guest room bed the next time an unwanted in-law drops in.) If you have ever wondered what happened to old stage sets, you might want to check out our little (you know....only 2,500 vendors) rummage sale where you, too, can buy furniture that looks like it walked off a Jetson's set or out of the Brady Bunch house. You could re-create an entire bowling alley from just one of the vendors (or have a lovely pair of bowling shoes for every family member at your next reunion).
Doesn't that sound like something people would wear tuxedos to shop for? Okay, maybe not the WHOLE tux...only the white coat. With tails. Over his white half shirt. And white cut off jean shorts. It's truly an upscale affair. Have a beer as you stroll among the treasures - who cares if it's 10 a.m.? You need something to wash down the kettle corn.
Now, don't worry if you didn't pack your tux...you can buy a vintage one at the market. Lace and all. What color would you like? How about sea foam green? It will blend right in with the entire bedroom set of the same color that is available. Not the right blue for your decor, you say? How about the set of four (still attached) royal blue theater seats....removed when cup holders became all the rage. Didn't you want those for your breakfast nook?
If you're not in the mood to buy (or not in the market for swords from the set of Kung Fu theater or the hand claw a la He-Man villian Skeletor), you'll still have entertainment value for the price of your admission. You can star watch. According to the website, big stars shop there. We didn't see any of famous people we could identify (they must have paid for the early bird special), but we did see people looking to be discovered. The people-watching rivals Venice Beach. In addition to Mr. Tux, there was a lady selling vintage clothes modeling some of her wares looking like Lucille Ball. Then there was the train guy riding a scooter, decked out like a train, complete with whistle and caboose. He stopped at any and all vendors offering trains and inspected their wares. And the guy who had a motorized cooler on wheels, complete with bar taps front and back, never far away from his favorite brew. And if the woman head to toe in a Solid Gold Dancer costume makes you nostalgic, you can pick up one of your grade school lunch boxes - Peanuts anyone? - or Rainbow Bright dolls. A Care Bear. Or Papa Smurf. Or Strawberry Shortcake (10 points if you can name the villian!). Or an Ewok Village set. Or the Star Wars Pez dispenser set.
So the next time you're in the market for...well, anything....take a look around and ask yourself..."wouldn't the dragon head coffee table look fantastic in my living room?"...and remember, it's what's helping us Survive L.A.
P.S. for those still racking their brains: The Purple Pieman
Flea markets.
I know what your first thought is....AJ....there are flea markets everywhere. True. But L.A. couldn't possibly do things without its own special flair.
True, your run of the mill yard sales occur here every weekend. But on one special Sunday a month, the yard sale puts on its L.A. best and heads for Pasadena to take over the Rose Bowl on a grand scale.
I can hear you now - 'we have flea markets here too!'
Oh yeah? How much do your fleas cost? Everything has a premium here. Ours even charges early bird admission for the real thrill seekers.
Does your sell $5000 Rolex watches?
Do people wear tuxedos to yours????
No? Then come to L.A. for the show.
Pay your $8 and you, too, can stroll miles of....uh....stuff. The website claims "Name the item and the Rose Bowl Flea Market is bound to have it." This is no understatement. You can buy all of someone else's unwanted treasure you want. Housewares, jewelry, vinyl records, old furniture, antiques, 'vintage clothing' you could wear to a costume party and 'vintage bikes' that might not get you down the block (banana seat, anyone?). Arts and crafts of every variety - candles, soap, jewelry, art - and creative inventions such as the football helmet dog beds, customizable to any team. And who has a marshmallow thrower on their Christmas list?
You can linger by the resellers of antiques such as Hummels and old Playboy Magazines, and brand new items such as the skin we picked up for my blackberry or any variety of socks you could possibly want.
Not impressed yet? What about the Rolex's, you ask? Yes, indeed, you can drop serious cash at this rummage sale on gorgeous, real watches. Rolex. Omega. Cartier. Vintage Mickey Mouse. Pocket watches and grandfather clocks.
Okay...high end watches...what else? Does your flea market have articles from movie sets? No? Well, come to Pasadena and you too can own the stools used by John Goodman in the live action Flintstones movie. Or perhaps one of Dracula's coffins. (To be pulled out as the guest room bed the next time an unwanted in-law drops in.) If you have ever wondered what happened to old stage sets, you might want to check out our little (you know....only 2,500 vendors) rummage sale where you, too, can buy furniture that looks like it walked off a Jetson's set or out of the Brady Bunch house. You could re-create an entire bowling alley from just one of the vendors (or have a lovely pair of bowling shoes for every family member at your next reunion).
Doesn't that sound like something people would wear tuxedos to shop for? Okay, maybe not the WHOLE tux...only the white coat. With tails. Over his white half shirt. And white cut off jean shorts. It's truly an upscale affair. Have a beer as you stroll among the treasures - who cares if it's 10 a.m.? You need something to wash down the kettle corn.
Now, don't worry if you didn't pack your tux...you can buy a vintage one at the market. Lace and all. What color would you like? How about sea foam green? It will blend right in with the entire bedroom set of the same color that is available. Not the right blue for your decor, you say? How about the set of four (still attached) royal blue theater seats....removed when cup holders became all the rage. Didn't you want those for your breakfast nook?
If you're not in the mood to buy (or not in the market for swords from the set of Kung Fu theater or the hand claw a la He-Man villian Skeletor), you'll still have entertainment value for the price of your admission. You can star watch. According to the website, big stars shop there. We didn't see any of famous people we could identify (they must have paid for the early bird special), but we did see people looking to be discovered. The people-watching rivals Venice Beach. In addition to Mr. Tux, there was a lady selling vintage clothes modeling some of her wares looking like Lucille Ball. Then there was the train guy riding a scooter, decked out like a train, complete with whistle and caboose. He stopped at any and all vendors offering trains and inspected their wares. And the guy who had a motorized cooler on wheels, complete with bar taps front and back, never far away from his favorite brew. And if the woman head to toe in a Solid Gold Dancer costume makes you nostalgic, you can pick up one of your grade school lunch boxes - Peanuts anyone? - or Rainbow Bright dolls. A Care Bear. Or Papa Smurf. Or Strawberry Shortcake (10 points if you can name the villian!). Or an Ewok Village set. Or the Star Wars Pez dispenser set.
So the next time you're in the market for...well, anything....take a look around and ask yourself..."wouldn't the dragon head coffee table look fantastic in my living room?"...and remember, it's what's helping us Survive L.A.
P.S. for those still racking their brains: The Purple Pieman
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