California Video at The Getty

The Getty is a beautiful Museum up in the mountains above the 405. They're doing a video show which had it's moments. First thing I see on walking in is a video on an old Sony TV, THE EXACT TV WE HAD WHILE I WAS GROWING UP! Except this one had all the knobs attached. Next is a shot of the best video of the show, the actual, real-deal sun setting over the mountains as seen from behind the center.

The incredible synchronicities of the universe

Going out last night to get a burger at about 2:30 in the morning, I needed a beer for the walk. So about halfway there, I finished my beer and set down the can on the curb. Coming back from my daily walk into LA with Justin's dog today, I noticed the can was still there. Huh, I thought to myself, I should get a picture of that, or maybe even pick it up. Nah.
But then, while uncivically walking right past my own garbage, the wind knocked it over and it rolled towards me. It had been upright all night and most of the next day, but got taken by the wind at that exact moment. I've reproduced the upright position of the can in the above photo, but the view on it's side was the true undoctored position.
I then proceeded to leave it there, not heeding the wisdom of the universe. No, just kidding, I picked it up and threw it in a neighbor's yard. Ok, still kidding, I picked it up, brought it home, and threw it out, but I didn't recycle it, because a can this special deserves to live for thousands of years in our landfills. Alright, alright, alright, I recycled it, but only cause the chicks dig that sort of thing.

More Obey Art

This one was wheat-pasted on the side of a trailer, way too big to re-appropriate. I did get one of his stickers after a considerable amount of work and a knife, carefully placed it on a glossy magazine page and placed it in my back pocket. Unfortunately, it wasn't there when I checked again. However, I did find a nice unknown artist piece that I have just washed and am considering what to do with... updates as they arise.

I crush your head Hollywood!

I crush your head! I crush your head!

Los Angeles "Found Object" Art

Walking my buddy's dog out here in LA, I came across some of Shepard Fairey's (AKA Obey) geurilla artwork, sometimes known as "stickers". They looked great, so I decided to take two of them. Then I got the idea in my head of framing them. Then, I signed and numbered them, and decided they were "found objects". Is this bullshit? I don't know. But attached are pictures, and a link to another blog about one of his shows.
http://shakydog.blogspot.com/2007/03/obey-wk-interact.html

Marty and Elayne at The Dresden

So these guys are an institution. They are Lounge Singers Par Excellence. They've had cameos in Swingers, and That Thing You Do, as well as just generally rock the house. Elayne's signature move is to sing/hum along in the same key as the notes she's hitting on the tiny electric keyboard above her piano, it's a mesmerising song of the sirens. Marty keeps the beat on the drums while a revolving cast of guest musicians sit in. NOT TO BE MISSED if you're in the area. Word has it that the skit Will Farrel used to do on Saturday Night Live about a man and wife Lounge act is based on these two.

Low Snow Fun

Now that I'm out in LA, without any snow in sight, it's fun to look back at hanging with my cousins a few months ago in West Virginia. They're still rockin it out with the last of their season.. Check out this fun video they just sent me...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GFklJds7uto

Olympic Torch Protests

What an awesome photo! Am I alone in thinking that maybe this guy is missing the point? "We want peace now, or I'm going to kick your ass!" I love how this woman is just like, "Yeah, ok white boy." I bet the Chinese media is just having a field day with this one.
One of my friends said they thought it was me at first... Ha! I guess all us white guys look alike.

Hanging with the Brooklyn Crew

Met up with Dan Levin and Leah Gershon (I went to Kindergarden at Montessori w Leah!) at a Wine (sorta) Bar in Venice, "The Other Room". They have three of them in NYC, so it was almost a slice of home, almost. Hanging out with my Brooklyn Crew was great fun. The Oatmeal Stout wasn't bad either.

LA car culture

So this $500,000 Mercedes McLaren SLR was in Liz's Garage. Then later on a hike with Justin in the hills we came across this car with the creative silver duct tape patch job on the bumper.

Swing Dancing at The Derby

The World Famous Derby, of Swingers fame. Everybody gets all gussied up in their best swingers gear and MOVES! Seeing as my fifth grade Ballroom dancing classes really weren't going to cut it, and I was rocking a baseball hat, flannel shirt, and flip flops, I kept to the side with my guiness. I'll tell you though, watching everybody out there on the floor, they sure looked great spinning around. Who knew two inches above the knee could be so spectacular when a dress spins up a little bit? Who needs Brazilian bikinis in Miami? Well, maybe on second thought, it is good to see a little bit of variety in this country.

Grafitti wall in Venice Beach

Went down to Venice Beach to do the walk and check in on all the craziness. Not much has changed down there. This is the Grafitti wall where the paint never has a chance to dry...

Food display

I was really taken by this great food display in the window of some supermarket. Nobody could understand why I thought it looked so cool, but all those great colors and the whole 50's aspect really caught me.

Nicco and Nick-o at the wine bar

So, of course, in every new town, I drag the locals around to all the wine bars. These guys were pretty good troopers. We had a Chinon (Cab Franc) and a Sinsky Merlot. I liked the Cab Franc, but the Sinsky was group favorite. Nick was just happy in general.

Izakaya in LA

Kumi found this place which was once again, AMAZING. We had 11 courses of Omakuse (Sp?) or chef's choice. Here are some shots of the food, Nicco partaking, and Eric and Kumi. (Which one of the two is Japanese? Eric or Kumi?)