46. Holidays At Holy Cross

Around Halloween, 2009, I wrote a blog post about Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.  I wrote how peaceful and beautiful the cemetery is during the day...not frightful at all.

I wrote about how different Holy Cross Cemetery seemed to me because the grave markers in all sections, except one, are flush with the ground.  This makes it easy to see any adornments, such as flowers, brought as love tokens in honor of the dearly departed.

I wrote about the first time I visited the cemetery during the holidays (some of the departed members of my family are laid to rest at this cemetery); and how amazing it seemed to me the way this cemetery becomes transformed due to all of the holiday adornments.  Every year Holy Cross chooses a day in January when remaining adornments not removed are removed by Holy Cross.

As you will see in the video with this article, the economy may have been in a down turn most of 2009; but remembering the dearly departed at Holy Cross Cemetery is thriving this holiday season.

With that in mind, three things:
1.  if you wish to get a feel for the contrast of what the cemetery looks like without holiday adornment, click here to view the video from my Halloween blog post;
2.  I wish to dedicate this article to my Aunt Loretta for always being so awesome and loving about remembering our family's departed loved ones (well and just for being so all around loving period); and
3.  I wish all my treasured readers the most stressless and joyous holidays ever this year.  May 2010 be your best year ever.

45. Cruisin' at the Beach Christmas Car Show Highlights

Considering this car show in Redondo Beach at Ruby's Diner was canceled the previous week (12/12/09) due to too much rain, this beautiful day in the South Bay of L.A. couldn't have been more beautiful.

We arrived at the event before the 9 AM scheduled start time to enjoy breakfast at Ruby's.  We were fortunate to sit in a booth so Uncle Larry was able to watch the various cars as they drove into the parking lot to sign in and be directed to their parking spot.

Ruby's interior was decorated festively and fun.  This particular Ruby's has a pulley system on the ceiling around the perimeter of the restaurant to give the illusion that fish are continually circling around.  The decorator adorned each fish with a Santa hat.  Too cute!

My potatoes were cold.  Ruby's doesn't serve the stereotypical hash browns.  The potatoes served with breakfast are cubed and fried.  Most likely had they been warm they would have tasted good.  And some may be thinking, "why didn't you ask to have them warmed up?".  Too lazy, I guess.  Plus, the heuvos rancheros I ordered was a huge portion and yummy.  Thus, I wasn't too inclined to have room in my tummy for the potatoes anyway.

Toys were collected and trophies would be distributed for many different car categories, which only seems right since there were such a wide variety of vehicles represented, for example, the Wartberg shown in the photo above.

When it comes to the cars at the show my words would surely fail compared to seeing them visually (and for that matter the images you will see pale in comparison to seeing them in person, but it's the next best thing if you were unable to attend).

Enjoy!

P.S.  Please note there was so much to see I needed to put together two videos, part a and part b.  Also, I dedicate this post to my Uncle Larry who loves cars.  Happy Birthday, Uncle Larry.  I love you.

44. rePLANET Recycling Centers

You may or may not know that California is a state that collects a deposit on certain recyclable items at the time you purchase them known as C.R.V. (California Refund Value).  If and when you recycle the item, you get the deposit back. 

If you are out and about in the L.A. area, you may notice one of the over 100 TOMRA Systems ASA's rePLANET centers where you may bring your recyclable items to redeem your deposit.

While I stand in line to recycle my items, I marvel at how much thought must have gone into these centers.  Yet sometimes I wonder how much the system really is set up to encourage recycling, especially if one works a full-time, 9-to-5-type job.  Also, what tourists are going to save their recyclables and bring them to a center instead of just tossing them?

The rePLANET centers are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. 

If you are a tourist in the greater L.A. area, sometimes while out and about you may find containers to toss your recyclable items into (you won't get your deposit back however).  As I've mentioned before, the greater Los Angeles area has lots of residents, lots of tourists and lots of garbage.  So C.R.V. and being "green" aside, if for no other reason than it helps with the amount of garbage in our landfills, I personally extend my appreciation to all who are willing to go the extra mile to recycle.  Mahalo!

43. Not A Record (follow-up to post #40)

Before I get into the actual post, I just want to say that due to the photo being taken at night many of the unlit candle's on the menorah were difficult to see.  I placed a number above the candles to assist.

Okay, so this is my update of my Hanukkah post about lighting the third candle of the menorah event at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California.  The event's host, Santa Monica Synagogue, hoped to have enough of a crowd/dreidel spinners to break a world record.  Alas, no.

So no record, but I am now the proud owner of a lovely hot pink, plastic dreidel to commemorate the event.

Toda lax vekol tuv bahemshex.

42. Dogs in the Hood

On December 6th I attended the 2009 Dogs in the Hood A Holiday Extravaganza fund raiser/CD Launch Party at the Hollywood Center Studios in surprise? Hollywood.  What?  You weren't surprised.

Immediately I was impressed to be on the Hollywood Center Studios lot where such legendary movies as "When Harry Met Sally" have been filmed.  That's right!  I'm a girl.  Guys may be impressed that the movie, "I Love You Man", was filmed there.  Or maybe that's just me again.  In a way it doesn't matter as public tours are not available on the studio grounds.  The only way public is allowed in is if they are part of an audience for a show being taped at the studios.

Inside one of the sound stages the hosts of this event had set up tables for vendors, CDs available for sale, refreshments, the Rescue Work of New Leash on Life, In Defense of Animals and The Daddio Collective Urban Sanctuary Initiative.

I arrived a little late walking into the midst of some holiday songs being performed by a group of young singers entertaining those in attendance.  It was fun to see all the dogs who were lucky enough to have their owners bring them to this event.  Some were dressed in holiday costumes.  The dogs that is.  Set up at the event was a red carpet for the dogs.  For this event the dogs were definitely the stars, as the dogs received doggie bag swag from Healthy Spot LA of Santa Monica.  There was a best holiday costume contest.  The winning dog was awarded a trophy.  It was all very adorable.

41. Third Street Promenade Holiday Launch

Festivities were set to start at 5 PM.  I was glad I arrived at 4 PM.  This gave me a chance to walk around and admire the way the Third Street Promenade is decorated for the 2009 holidays.  It also afforded me the opportunity to get a fairly good spot to see the stage.

I was somewhat disappointed when 5:30 came, went and still no start to the festivities.  What can I say?  I am a punctual sort.

Pat Prescott, co-host of 94.7 the Wave's morning show, started off the show and served as emcee.  The show started with a soapy display of falling snow and a surprise visit from that North Pole resident a.k.a. Santa Claus.  All delightful.  Next the crowd was regaled with some holiday music from some lively carolers.

After the carolers finished Ms. Prescott returned to introduce singer, Jared Lee.  Never heard of him.  First song not so eventful in my mind.  He did an impressive, shortened, jazzy rendition of the Mariah Carey song, All I want For Christmas Is You.  I actually wish I had filmed his performance of this song.  He also sang his song, Hooray For Hollywood, which he also wrote.  Pretty good!

Ms. Prescott again returned to the stage to introduce her friend and co-worker, Brian McKnight, and his two sons, which were the headlining act for this event.  That man can sing and was well worth the wait.

This event was definitely more about what you came to hear than what you came to see.  Mr. McKnight finished his set and was expecting someone to return to the stage to commence with the tree lighting portion of the festivities.  Apparently the tree had already been lit during his set.  In going through my footage, I was able to find the moment that happened.  I include it in my video.  When you watch the video, see if you can figure it out.

Previously I mention the bridge lighting event at the Venice Canal.  The Third Street Promenade and Venice Canal event were basically at the same time.  I chose the promenade and hustling after to see if I might attend the tail end of the canal event.  About all I made it in time for was to snap the photo I include here.  Doesn't do the bridge justice if I do say so myself.  Also, it was quite dark in other spots along the canal walkway, which leads me to suggest your first visit be one during the day.  Or if you must go at night, you may consider bringing a flashlight.

P.S.  The tree is lit at about 4 minutes and 12 seconds into the video.

40. On the Third Day of Hanukkah at the Third Street Promenade

Starting at 5:45 PM on Friday, December 11, 2009 one candle will be lit on this Menorah (located between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica) to celebrate the first day and the beginning of the eight days of Hanukkah this year.

If you are like me...wait...if you are like me in some ways, like the way where I have always wanted to participate in a world record, then you may want to show up to the Third Street Promenade for the third day of Hanukkah on the 13th of December for the lighting of the third candle on the Menorah festivities.

Okay before going too much further, I give formal credit here to the Metromix Los Angeles' article, which first informed me about what I think will be a fun event...a sight worthy of me seeing.  Click here if you wish to peruse it.  I wish no disrespect to the author, but I felt an inner nudge to confirm what was written in the article, especially since a Google search for the event only came up with the Metromix article.

Here's what I found out.  While the first candle will be lit on December 11th to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, the event attempt to break the record will not be until the third night, December 13th.  The event is listed as taking place at 5:45 PM and that participants should show up at dusk.  Dusk is...  Darn!  I thought dusk was the beginning of darkness in the evening, which occurs before the sun actually sets.  Currently in L.A. that would be right around 4 PM.  In my effort to clarify and define I checked handy, dandy Wikipedia only to find out I was wrong...couldn't be more wronger (if you are a regular, treasured reader of my blog you may be sensing a pattern).  Dusk is the end of the evening civil twilight.  Currently in L.A. that would be about 5 PM.

According to a spokesperson at the Santa Monica Synagogue, whose Rabbi Jeff Marx will be lighting the third candle at the event, the festivities are scheduled to begin at 6 PM.  Still, why not get there early to take a little stroll around the beautiful Third Street Promenade to admire the holiday decor.  Perhaps you might grab a bite to eat or some warm beverage to hold onto as baby it will be cold outside during the event.  Arriving early also ensures you will get yourself a good spot close to the festivities.

All right already.  Lori, you keep mentioning a record breaking opportunity at this event.  What is it? 

When you attend you are gifted with a dreidel.  If more than 602 are in attendance, participate and spin their dreidels simultaneously, then we that participate will bask in the collective glow of a new world record.  If not...well...let's expect it isn't whether we will succeed.  We will succeed and have fun doing so.

L'Chaim!

   

P.S.  Some of you may be thinking, "Lori, Bjork doesn't sound Jewish.  We bet your ancestors didn't change your family name at Ellis Island from Bjorkstein to Bjork.  Why would you participate?"  And I would respond, "good observation!"  I'd like to believe God is non-denominational and that fun, a close cousin to love, is too.

39. Santa in Santa Monica Weekends at the Third Street Promenade

Santa was the special guest at the tree lighting festivities on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Pat Prescott from the Wave's 94.7 morning show assured the crowd that the Santa in attendance is the real Santa because his beard and hair are real...not just realistic seeming facsimiles.  This is reason #1 to visit this Santa who will be at the Third Street Promenade every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 PM until Christmas.

Reason #2 is there is no charge to visit and sit on this Santa's lap.  Of course, this means you must bring your own photo taking equipment to get a photo of the visit.

Reason #3 is there is no age limit to believing in Santa and no age limit for visiting Santa.  I'm just sayin'!

P.S.  In the photo is my sisters and me (at 18) with this lucky Santa.  And don't you love how Santa must have been experimenting with his glasses look back when this photo was taken.  I mean all those years wearing the same gold framed glasses, you can't blame him for wanting to change it up every now and then.  Am I right?  Or am I right?  Or am I right?

38. December Rain

On Monday, December 7, 2009 I awoke to rain.  As I mention in my October 14th post, seeing rain in L.A. is a sightseeing event in and of itself.  This particular morning was even more of an event since it included continuous rain with the kind of dark clouds which made it seem like it is still night out when it is day.  Not that I feel I had anything planned, but the rain had me feeling like there was no way I was leaving my "crib" all day.

Or so I thought.  Despite all the weather reports at around 3 PM the sun was out and it looked like the rain was done.  Thank you.  Now I didn't need to find my umbrella.  Thank you.  Now I would go to Manhattan Beach Pier to see what the rain and wind may be doing to the beach and waves.  Thank you.  Now I would get to see how Manhattan Beach decked its so-called "halls" for the holidays.  Also, I noted signage advising Manhattan Beach would be having a holiday Fireworks Festival at the pier Wednesday, December 16th from 4 to 7 PM.

As I drove down Manhattan Beach Boulevard toward the pier with the Guns n Roses song, November Rain, playing on my favorite radio station, KLOS, most of the signs of rain were already drying...but the wind.  Whooooo!!!

As you watch the included video, you will get a sense of the winds effects.  I did think the waves would be larger.  On the other hand, the setting sun and clouds (which are rarely found in the L.A. sky) display just about took my breath away.

The Universe also gave me an additional gift for my effort.  During my excursion the electricity went out at home for almost an hour.  Instead of being home handicapped by no electricity, I was out enjoying the painted sky at the Manhattan Beach Pier.  Thank you.

37. Alex, I Choose Things At the Beach for $500

And the answer is "piles of sand erected on beaches during the winter months to help curb high tide erosion".

Insert game show music here.

"What are sand berms?" our contestant shouts out with pride.

To which Alex replies, "You are correct."

And to think I was mistakenly referring to these piles of sand as sand hills.  I believe this is simply another form of the truth of the theory of relativity in action.

To geologists and coastal engineers, these berms are a resource to curb shore erosion.  To beach residents, these berms are a resource to help reduce the risk that their home will be pelted by huge winter storm waves.  To a dad and his young son, berms are a safe place to take your saucer and share some sliding fun.  To a group of boys, berms are a fun place to see who can jump the highest and farthest.  To Blogger Bjork, berms are sand hills which have provided fodder for a blog post.

So class, what have we learned?  The sand hills at beaches are technically known as berms.  A sand berm at the beach can be many things to many people.  And this probably wasn't what Einstein had in mind when he came up with the theory of relativity.

36. Venice Canal Seventh Annual Twilight Bridge Lighting

If you are like me (and most likely you are not as I consider myself one-of-a-kind), you may have some confusion about the L.A. City known as Venice.  For years I have mistakenly referred to this city as Venice Beach.  Truth is in the same way Miramar Beach in Torrance is a Torrance beach, the beach in Venice, California is Venice Beach.

Later after noticing the use of Venice for locations in episodes of Showtime's Californication (the name of this show was inspiration for the name of this blog), which included walking along the Venice canal area, I thought I had an "aha" moment.  They named the city Venice because it had canals like the canals in another city named Venice located in Italy known for its Grand Canal.

Wrong!  Couldn't be more wronger.  Back around 1900 a fellow named Abbot Kinney owned a sizable portion of Venice.  To make way for residential development, he had several miles of canals dug to drain the then very marshy land of Venice.  The canals were utilitarian, but also an homage to Venice, Italy's Grand Canal.

Any hoo, walking the canal area of Venice, California is a lovely nature and architectural excursion with the bonus of exercise.  Let's hear it for exercise.  Whoo hoo! The main walkway is a little over a block east of Pacific Avenue and runs from Washington Boulevard north to South Venice Boulevard.

If you are looking for an excuse to visit, you may want to check out the Illuminate the Night - 7th Annual Twilight Bridge Lighting and Holiday Party happening Saturday, December 5th from 5 to 7 PM, 212 Sherman Canal.  Actual bridge lighting is scheduled for 6 PM.

The organizer of the event, Darryl du Fay, mentions the event is tied in with their desire to benefit Venice Community Housing Corporation, dedicated to perserving diversity in Venice for over 20 years.  If you attend the event, donations are accepted and genuinely appreciated.

Enjoy!

35. Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade

The Third Street Promenade, the pedestrian only area of Santa Monica, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, is located a mere three blocks from the ocean on Third Street between Broadway Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard.

On Saturday, December 5th at 5 PM the Third Street Promenade will host Light Up The Season with Brian McKnight.

The Promenade is always a fun and festive place to enjoy on a Saturday night with its many venues and street performers that pepper this site.  One of the restaurants I enjoy eating at is Barney's Beanery, which I admit I decided to frequent after seeing the boys from Entourage there during one of their episodes.

During weekday visits to Third Street Promenade, especially not in the summer, the weather is fine and the site less crowded.  On a Saturday night in December expect it to be crowded and a little chilly.  I suggest dressing warm.

Enjoy!

34. Santa Monica Just May Be Lamborghini Heaven

One of the things I frequently notice since moving back to California from Minnesota, which I allude to in one of my other posts, is cars.  One never knows what exotic sports car, like a Lamborghini, they may see next on the mean, crowded streets of greater Los Angeles.  Okay, the streets aren't mean.  I just threw that in the mix for effect.

In one of my other posts, I mention Santa Monica.  Due to a comment, I decided to look for the statue of Santa Monica in Santa Monica.  The photo of the statue of Santa Monica is one of the few photos I've included in my posts that isn't one of mine.  I choose to write about places I've been to and experienced.

That's when it happened.  It's one of the things I love about writing this blog.  You never know what you might see that you didn't expect.  The only downside in this instance is I had already run out of memory for my camera and almost didn't get a digital recording.  Luckily, I have okay enough photo capability with my mobile phone to at least relay the gist of the experience.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find out why all of these Lamborghinis were lined up and displayed.

What tickled me is that before today if I'd seen A Lamborghini, I most likely didn't recognize it as it whizzed past me.  Today I seem to have hit the mother lode of Lamborghini sight seeing.  There had to be at least ten Lamborghinis in a rainbow of colors that pulled up and parked in their temporarily reserved parking spaces on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.  More than likely that number was probably closer to twenty.

I really enjoyed seeing the driver of one of these fine looking automobiles who pulled a one-eighty turn in an effort to pull into his spot.  Motor revved.  Tires squealed.  About two seconds later cop car and peace officer in said driver's face to issue a citation for...who knows...wild driving?

From my research I can only assume it had something to do with Lamborghini's decision to open its North American Sales arm in Santa Monica.  A smart move when you consider California represents about one-third of Lamborghini's North American sales.

So class, what have we learned?

Correct.  If you are in the market for a Lamborghini, now you know.  Get yourself to Santa Monica, California or Orange County, which you will find from my L.A. Sightseeing Examiner "Wo"manifesto is part of the greater Los Angeles area.

33. Two By Two

I'd never purposely imply the greater Los Angeles area is lacking in much.  Okay, maybe water, but otherwise...  Even when it comes to professional sports teams, we have been blessed with two hockey teams, two baseball teams, two basketball teams and I don't know how many futbol (soccer) teams.  Sorry my treasured readers, I don't desire to know.  Yet when it came time to get on the proverbial NFL ark, we managed to miss the boat.  So...if you are an NFL fan who finds yourself in the greater Los Angeles area, your team of choice is an out-of-town team.

This situation makes for an interesting Sunday morning phenomenon in and by Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.  BTW the "h" in Hermosa is silent.  Hermosa means beautiful in Spanish.

To give you a better feel, allow me to remind you when football coverage begins at noon on the east coast, this means it is only 9 AM in sunny L.A.  To me, that is already a strange mix; football, beer and breakfast.

If you visit this Pier Avenue area on a Sunday morning, you notice many of the dining and drinking establishments have chosen an NFL team.  One establishment has gone so far as to choose the Lions.  Huevos Grandes?  I'm just sayin'!

The morning we went we chose our venue, Sharks Cove, because it is a proclaimed Steelers' establishment.  Had they not been playing the Vikings the morning we went... Judges?  Personal Foul.  Too much purple on the upper torso.  Entrance DE-CLINED!!!

As if this wasn't surprising enough to me, this Steelers' haven offers tater tots (a registered Ore-Ida trademark product invented 55 years ago by founders F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg) with breakfast.  Don't even think about asking for hashbrowns.

I wish to thank Sharks Cove here for inspiring me to make a hot dish I love.  To see my video how to make my easy, easy version of this tasty tot hot dish, click here.  To see NFL football while enjoying breakfast, beer (or other beverage of choice) and beach atmosphere, get yourself to the Hermosa Beach Pier area on a Sunday morning druing NFL season.  Who knows what surprise or inspiration may await you there.

32. Holiday Tree Lighting and More At The Grove

It's that time of year.  As the banner shows, if you attend you will experience musical performances, magical snowfall, fireworks and Santa Claus to name a few.

Some stores may close early on Sunday due to the festivities.  You may wish to arrive earlier than the 7:30 PM start time to enjoy the full shopping experience.  The Grove, your ultimate entertainment destination (per their website), is located at 3rd and Fairfax in L.A.

The video below includes a close-up of the clock above Abercrombie & Fitch, which is the area the magical snow is briefly dropped from on the hour during the holiday season.  The video includes a view of the whimsical sculpture, The Lemonade Stand, by artist, De L'Esprie, which is close to the water feature and the stage set up for Sunday's festivities.  To view my photo montage of the Grove during preparation for this event, click here.

31. Where Are All the Coffee Shops At?

You may or may not know, I tandem this blog with my duty (calm down, Beavis, I didn't just write "dooty") and joy as examiner.com's, LA Sightseeing Examiner.  Thus, it would appear to make sense for me to write about things I sightsee.  Seems rational, right?  That is until I was showering, which is where I enjoy most of my "aha" moments.  That's when it occurred to me there was something I didn't sightsee in downtown Culver City/Culver Hotel area.  Honestly, I was a smidge freaked and concerned at the realization.

No coffee shops!  Where would Bonnie Hunt get her coffee fix? (assuming she drinks coffee)

That's just the kind of caring examiner I am.  Plus, I notice coffee shops, especially Starbucks. Let's face it, (1) they seem to be everywhere and (2) they used to be my competition.  I owned a coffee shop in Minneapolis.  Sold it ten years ago.  But, I digress.

I happened to mention this "no coffee shop phenom" to my Uncle Larry, who I have now decided is to me with my sightseeing writing as Jimmy Kimmel's Uncle Frank is to him on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (someone I love who is a delightful source of information and added color commentary)

Uncle Larry, my mommy's brother, loves classic cars.  He's lived in the L.A. area his entire over sixty years' life.  Did I mention he graduated from Hawthorne High School with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys?  He is a car show frequent flier.  If they gave out miles, he'd have so many he'd never be able to redeem them all.  Get it?  Uncle Larry gets round, round, get around, he gets around...L.A.  I love you, Uncle Larry.

Here's the kicker:  Uncle Larry doesn't drink coffee.  Yet he knew there is a Starbucks on the corner of Culver Boulevard and Venice Boulevard, a mere three blocks from the gate entrance for the Bonnie Hunt Show.  I was so focused on the Culver Hotel area; I never thought to look there (most likely a life lesson metaphor in all of this somewhere...I'm just sayin'!).  Whew!  Crisis averted.  Bonnie can have her coffee and drink it too!

And I never thought I'd ponder the following, "Hooray for Starbucks."

P.S.  The Lion's Fountain, pictured above and depicted in the short video below IS a sight located in downtown Culver City by the Culver Hotel.  It's artist, Douglas Olmsted Freeman, and I share a Minneapolis connection.

30. You Never Know The Sights You May See

I've been writing about the Culver Hotel and Culver Studios, both located in downtown Culver City.  Sometimes what I find most enjoyable about sightseeing is seeing something unexpected.  Take the Jules Cobb Real Estate Agency, which is currently available for least BTW.  And no, I'm not a realtor nor have I ever played one on TV.  I used to have my California Realtor License, but I digress. 

After seeing the Jules Cobb Real Estate Agency, I found myself doing a double take and securing some photos with my handy camera to ensure for myself I am not "loca".  Okay, "loca mas".  You see, I thought this semi-infamous real estate agency was located in...I don't know...Sarasota, Florida.

To ensure my eyes weren't deceiving me I later consulted cougartown on-line.  No, not the original (in my mind) Hawthorne High School web site, cougartown.com.  Go Cougars!  Cougar Town, the new sitcom with Courtney Cox.

What do you know? I hadn't fully lost my mind nor do I need to call my optometrist soon to make an appointment.  Cougar Town is filmed at Culver Studios.  And it didn't appear (from my investigations)  Cougar Town is a show taped in front of a live audience.  Darn!  I would have liked to have procured tickets.  I'll say it!  I enjoy the show with its "Scrubs-esque" style humor (both shows enjoy the same creative team).

You know?  I have it on good authority CSI: Miami isn't filmed in Florida either.  I'm just sayin'! 

29. Let's Hear It For The Guys

I knew I would write about the Culver Hotel located in downtown Culver City since first noting the hotel is included in the set for the Bonnie Hunt Show and then hearing it is where the majority of the cast of The Wizard of Oz stayed during filming of the movie in 1939.

Now that it has been over 85 years after the hotel first opened, when it was then known as Hotel Hunt, well...it seems a little "woo woo" to me.  Hotel Hunt.  Bonnie Hunt.  Coincidence?  I'm just sayin'!

What I didn't know is what I felt inspired to write regarding this 6-story (in 1924 a building this high was considered newsworthy) landmark, as I strolled in and around this now historic building.  I felt inspired to direct this article to the guys.  Guys, below is my inspired suggestion for you.

Whether you are in a committed relationship or just dating, gals love it when they don't have to figure out anything for the date.  Instead, the guy takes control and plans everything.  You simply advise appropriate dress code and have us show up.  Of course, we don't like this all the time (we all know who really wears the pants).  Still, it is a fine breath of fresh air, especially for first dates, birthdays, anniversaries...you know, special occasions, to have the guys do the "heavy lifting".

The lobby of the Culver Hotel continues to be decorated with an old world charm, which seems to beg being a bit dressed up for enjoying their bar and/or restaurant.  Happy Hour specials are offered Monday through Friday, like Martini Monday.  Then there is the history displayed via assorted plaques, statues and decorated windows in the immediate area, which make for interesting sightseeing and great conversation topic starters.

There is the Pacific Culver Stadium 12 Theater in walking distance, if you wish to make it dinner AND a movie.  Depending on the circumstances, you may wish to score additional dating points with your gal by including a night's stay in one of the rooms at the Culver Hotel.

Guys, you may be thinking, "Lori, you are really just suggesting dinner and a movie.  How is that going to impress my gal?"

What will impress your gal is that (1) you took the initiative doing all the heavy lifting to plan the date and (2) you amp'd the generic "dinner and a movie" to a more special level.  Get it?  Your gal feels you feel she is special and you win (of course, not in a creepy way, but a genuine way).  Plus, I've done most of the legwork for you here with this article (assuming you take your gal to the Culver Hotel et al).  I'm just sayin', "You are welcome."

28. Brought To You Today By the Letter "J"

I mentioned in my post about Pink's, I would next write about another landmark on LaBrea Avenue in Hollywood.  And so it is.

At first glance the LaBrea facing building for this company looks almost as if it is a big, expensive tudoresque-style mansion.  That is until you notice the Kermit the Frog statue (whose first appearance on Sesame Street occurred on my 10th birthday, 11/10/1969).  The statue has Kermit the Frog posed with a cane and derby hat, a respectful nod to the original contractor and owner of this property, Charlie Chaplin.

Before the Jim Henson Company took over in 1999 (after extensive renovation opened its doors here in May, 2000) and after Chaplin sold the studio in 1957, there have been other owners including A&M Records.  In 1985, "We are the World" was recorded at A&M Studios, a USA for Africa effort for raising money to aid the hungry in Africa.

Founder Jim Henson passed in 1990.  Today the company is owned and operated by his five adult children.

The Jim Henson Company has been an established leader in family entertainment for over fifty years (for instance, Kermit first came on the scene in 1955).  On November 4, 2009 Sesame Street and the Muppets celebrated their 40th birthday.

I feel it is natural to wonder if this studio offers tours in the tradition of Universal and Sony.  The answer, "no".  Instead, this studio is open for sound stage rental and/or parties and events, including wedding ceremonies and receptions.

While the letter "j" applies to the name Jim, it also applies to another word, "joy".  One thing is certain, this company has brought many priceless moments of joy to people worldwide and shows no sign of letting up anytime soon.

27. Isn't It Just A Hot Dog?

I mentioned in one of my other posts how huge the greater Los Angeles area is, which to me means "lots o' choice" as to what to write about.  Then the friendly couple from Bakersfield who chatted with me while waiting to be seated in the audience at the Bonnie Hunt Show mentioned, "Did I watch Huell Howser?"  Who?  So, I was a tidge concerned where the conversation may lead.

It led to talking about a place called Pink's on Melrose Avenue and LaBrea Avenue in Hollywood.  Had I been there?  No, I hadn't.  After all the good stuff Dr. Wayne Dyer talked about during the show, I decided to let the universe flow through me and make Pink's my next place to sightsee.

Sure enough as I waited at the light to go north on LaBrea at Melrose, I spied Pink's off to my left.  I was surprised (although I'm not sure why I should have been since I didn't have a preconceived notion about what to expect), to find Pink's didn't appear to be much more than a glorified hot dog stand.  Plus, there was a line.  I don't enjoy lines.  Okay, I don't have anything against lines.  It's the waiting the line implies...but I digress.

I didn't immediately search for parking.  On this day I was multi-tasking.  There is another anniversary in the media currently that I wanted to address, as well.  It's landmark is a little further up the street.  Stay tuned.

I continued north on LaBrea, found the landmark and proceeded to determine where to park.  It isn't that there aren't places to park.  It's just most of them are connected with establishments that monitor if you are frequenting said establishment or not.  The "not" gets towed.

Anyway, when I finally found my way back to Pink's there was still a line and it was longer.  It took everything in me to stand in line and order...you know to get the full experience...instead of snapping a few photos and digital footage...then calling it a day.

I am glad I decided to go for the full experience.  It was interesting how many different ways you can serve a hot dog.  I was a little sad as I figured the menu would prominently list their signature offering and it might have a name like, "the original Pink's _____" (fill in the blank).  Instead, it appears they are known for their chili dog.

The line appears to have a purpose.  It allows you plenty of time to see what is offered and decide what you wish to order.  There are a plethora of items to choose from and not just hot dogs.  I have to say I was a bit excited to see they offer sauerkraut.  I'm a fan.  Okay, I'm a fan as long as someone else is cooking it and serving it.  Still, I'm a fan nonetheless.

Also, as you stand in line you have the opportunity to peruse signed photos of celebrities  that have visited Pink's.  I noticed Steve Martin's photo in two different locations.  I'm not sure why he is so special.  I'm just sayin'!

After you order, you move to the paying and pick-up area.  It is here where you see there is so much more to this landmark than what you would expect if all you have ever seen is a picture of the front of the restaurant.  There is an enclosed back eating area with a wall of celebrity photos.  There is also an outdoor eating area and a parking lot for patrons.

I sat outside to eat my selection.  I have to say I wasn't overly impressed with my food.  The thought popped in my mind that I had paid almost $3.65 for this.  A hot dog!  As I was about to think, "too much", I was happy that another thought popped in.  "Hello!  You think nothing of spending $3.85 for an iced, grande, caramel macchiato."  Enough said.

Anyway, maybe my expectations by then were a little too high.  After all, to me hype implies there is something worthy of the hype.  Then again, perhaps in the same way a hot dog from a ball park tastes so much better than the ones I make at home, when you factor in the experience, it just may be worthy of the hype.

Having said that, I feel congratulations are definitely in order for a business that can successfully span 70 years in the same place with the same owners.  Congratulations, Pink's!

As I finished my food and walked away, I expected this to be the end of my story.  When I was passing Pink's on my way home, OMG!  The line was even longer than when I had been there earlier.  I had to film this.

By now Pink's parking lot was beyond full.  It was before 7 PM so no parking on LaBrea.  In this area, the side streets do not allow parking after 6 PM unless you have an appropriate sticker denoting you as a resident of the area.  Believe me...the Parking Police will not hesitate to issue you a $55 parking ticket.  At this point with my own dogs barking (you know, tired feet), I simply opted to do a drive by shooting, which I include in the video below.  Enjoy!

26. Sightseeing: Culver Studios/Bonnie Hunt Show

Do you ever find yourself so sure where you are going is one place only to realize you were just so wrong?

That's the initial experience I had going to the Bonnie Hunt Show taping.  I knew it was in Culver City.  When I last wrote about Culver City is what inspired me to get tickets so I could write about this sightseeing excursion.  I even had a map.  Yet, I so had it in my mind the taping was at Sony Studios (also in Culver City), I just about didn't reach my destination in time.

Luckily, I had been to a taping previously.  As I was traveling on Culver Boulevard, I noticed the Culver Hotel.  Whoo hoo!  A landmark I recognized, whose likeness graces part of the set for the Bonnie Hunt Show.  Mmmmmmm hmmmmm!  I was close.  The Trader Joe's.  The parking structure.  The realization!  Not Sony Studios!  The Culver Studios, site where such past movies as Gone With The Wind were filmed.  Luckily, I still had time to park and walk to the studio entrance before the time cut off.  (By the way, there is ample parking in the ramp with the first two hours free, $1/hour after and tickets to the taping are free.  Click here to see how to request tickets).

There is some waiting involved.  Seating, restrooms, water and entertainment is provided during the wait.

If you don't know, hot dogs and root beer are handed out as you enter the seating area of the set.  No limit on hot dogs.  No relish for the hot dogs either.  What is a hot dog without relish?  I'm just sayin'!

In my mind the wait and no relish are the only two downsides to the experience.  Waiting is par for the course when you attend a show taping.  And who knows, maybe they'll add relish.

Once seated the show employs a talented gentleman (wish I'd remembered or wrote down his name) who is awesome at warming up the audience and getting them to do things most likely out of their comfort zone.  I'm sure Bob, the electrician, will never be the same.

I love Bonnie Hunt.  Okay, not in a creepy way, but you know, in the sister of the same light (I sort of stole that from George Lopez who referred to Carlos Santana as his brother of the same light on his virgin episode of Lopez Tonight), I admire your work way.  I feel it is always a bonus when you enjoy the talent you have chosen to see.

I became an admirer after Bonnie Hunt's movie, Return To Me.  I have a soft spot in my heart for sweet home Chicago, along with genuine admiration for what a labor of love that movie must have been for her.  Having said that, for the movie I know she had Don Lake's collaboration, which he continues with the Bonnie Hunt Show.  Speaking of collaboration, when you experience a show's taping you get a glimpse of the village that must be involved to ensure all is coordinated as smoothly as possible to bring you that hour a day, M-F, of talk show entertainment.

Those I met who are involved with the show seemed genuinely friendly and gracious.  Also, I feel it is a nice touch that at the end of the taping, Ms. Hunt warmly thanks the audience for attending the show by traveling up and down the aisles shaking hands.

So, if you want to get your clap on (that's the price...and no it is not a venereal disease...you are expected to clap on command), as well as some laughs, this is an enjoyable taping to attend.

As long as you find yourself in Culver City for the taping, my next couple of posts will be about places to sightsee before or after the taping by virtue of their close enough to walk to proximity.

P.S.  I include the video below to give you a visual of the area, what the parking ramp looks like and where you walk to get to the studio.  That way if you ever sightsee the area and/or attend a taping...well...now you'll know.

25. Cars. Cars. Cars.

I'm not much for stereotypes, unless they benefit me.  I'm just sayin'!  Being a gal I have a love/hate relationship with cars.  I love them when they perform well simply because I have the key and there is gas in the tank.  I hate them when they don't perform.  Okay, hate is a strong emotion, so how about "not too happy" instead?

You know there are so many destinations and events in L.A. that I feel like the veritable kid in a candy store when it comes to deciding what to destinate or attend and then write about.  I never know what may inspire me.

I noticed many of my posts include parking information.  I must feel parking is important since I mention it so often.  This got me wondering, "why do I drive everywhere?".

Then I remembered "Hello?" I live in the greater Los Angeles area, which is huge, almost 24,000 square miles HUGE.  Here's a little perspective.  The state of Rhode Island...the entire state...is 1,044 square miles. That's a lot of area to cover.  Can I get an "amen"?

To cover the area efficiently, one needs a mode of transportation faster than walking.  Since I don't own or have access to a helicopter, "ta da!" Cars. Cars. Cars.  With the greater Los Angeles area's population at approximately ten million, that's a lot of cars.  And my blogosphere friend, they have to park somewhere.

All these cars.  So many cars.  Did I mention that's a lot of cars?  If you are a guy who loves cars beyond their utilitarian function, you'll love L.A.  Simply driving around is a car lover's dream, as you never know what sports car, luxury car, classic car, tricked-out car or whacked-out car you may pull up beside at the next stop sign or pass in the next lane.

The greater Los Angeles area is host to travelling car shows and weekly events, like the Friday night car show at Ruby's Diner, King Harbor Parking Lot in Redondo Beach.

I have an uncle who loves cars and attending car shows.  He's a plethora of car knowledge.  His knowledge almost exceeds his love for cars.  That's huge.  He was classmates with Brian Wilson (of Beach Boys fame), 1960 graduates of Hawthorne High School, the original Cougar Town.  Go Cougars!  A love for cars is in my uncles' DNA.  I am just sure of it.  I love you, Uncle Larry.

So, I've attended a few car shows with him.  Two things stood out for me.

1.  My definition of love and beauty were expanded.  The car owners really love their cars.  A fully restored, shining, gleaming, classic car is (I swear and I don't normally like to) as breath-taking as any piece of art in a museum.

2.  My first car I owned, a 1975 Dodge Dart Sport (can you guess my daddy picked it out for me?), which at the time I would have never considered a classic car IS now a classic car.  So, what does that make me?  I'll ponder that another day.

Mahalo.  Aloha.

Below is video from the Belmont Shores car show I attended with my uncle in September, 2009.  I do not showcase it in this blog post since it is an annual event.  I include the video because it gives you a taste of the car show experience.  Enjoy!

24. R U A Fan of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Man?

It's been less than a week since Holy Cross Cemetery.  Yet, I'm back in Culver City, CA.  The accompanying photo is the one I associate with Culver City, whose roots are rich with screenland history.

I'm writing about an upcoming event located at a place close enough to Holy Cross Cemetery (both are off of Slauson Avenue) you may think of them as neighbors.  I know I do.  That place: Agape Spiritual Center.

You may have heard of Agape Spiritual Center because its founder, Michael Bernard Beckwith, was one of the participants in the movie, The Secret.

Agape is located in an almost warehouse looking building one may never guess housed such an amazing inner sanctuary.  Parking is very limited.  If you drive, please allow yourself plenty of time before Sunday service starts to adjust for this.  Or perhaps you would like to take the bus to bypass parking.

Agape allows no unauthorized photography whatsoever inside its walls.  Once inside it is implied per posted signage you consent to have your image filmed with full ownership retained by Agape.  Please know I include this information more as a "heads up" than a critique.

I've only attended Sunday morning services once when the author of The Four Agreements book, Don Miguel Ruiz, was the featured speaker.  To me, love is my religion and the earth, my sanctuary.  Yet, I so loved The Four Agreements, it was a must attend in my mind.

The service was amazing.  One thing appears certain is Agape by virtue of its L.A. location has the benefit of some of the most talented people as its congregants.  So much so the service's production value was engaging, entertaining and professional; much like the House of Blues Sunday Morning Gospel Brunch (without the brunch, of course).  I dare even the biggest of cynics not to be moved by the performance and the palpable feeling of love that permeates the service.

 

Agape Spiritual Center also has a service every Wednesday evening.  One of my favorite things is dropping in to attend noon meditation, which is offered Monday through Friday at 12:15 PM.  Recently, after over 20 years of serving the spiritual community, they have added live streaming video of the services accessible from their website, www.agapelive.com.  Lastly in my opinion, their bookstore is one of the best stocked stores for spirituality-related items I've yet to experience.

All of this is great you may be thinking.  So what's the event Lori?  Mark Victor Hansen at Agape.  He's one of the two "Chicken Soup" soul men, whose books have sold over 140 million copies internationally.  These books hold the record in The Guinness Book of World Records for having the most books on the New York Times bestseller list at one time.  I understand, for those who attend, Mr. Hansen has a surprise to share.

If you would like to attend a spiritually moving service, meet Mr. Chicken Soup Soul Man and enjoy a surprise gift, then get thine self to Agape Spiritual Center, 5700 Buckingham Parkway, on Sunday, November 9, 2009.  I just may see you there.  Aloha!