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!

23. November in SoCal

It's November.

• You find yourself stuck with vacation you think you would have been happier with in May or June.
• You love the surf, sand, sun, fun and beach; but it's been at least 10 years since the majority of your skin has been exposed to the sun (plus you are not that anxious for your record to be broken any time soon).
• You are not big on lines, especially standing in them when it is hot weather.  You know why...not a big fan of sweating.

If the above describes you, especially if bonus of bonuses you are also a morning person; have I got the place for you to vacation.

You guessed, didn't you?  That's how smart you are.

That's correct.  Southern California.  SoCal, baby!  Are you listening?  I don't mean do you hear it.  I mean are you listening?  That's the sound of SoCal's siren song beckoning you with its come hither melody.  Listen.  Here comes the bridge.  "You know you wanna go..."

Average high temperature is seventy degrees.  Average low temp during November is fifty-three degrees.  Sun rises about 6ish AM and sets around 4:30 to 5:00 PM. Kids are in school.  Okay, so the 405 is still a parking lot most of the time.  SoCal does have other streets and freeways.

Last time I went to Disneyland was mid-November.  My best experience ever (so far).  Not too crowded.  Lines moving right along.  It's a Small World was closed.  Boo Hoo!  I'm over it now.

You will need a jacket and an umbrella may be a good idea.  What?  It could rain.  Please, God!  Let it rain.  In case you haven't heard, we've been experiencing lower than usual rain fall for the last four years.  Though I doubt this would have much impact on your fun time.

As long as I'm prayin', I'm just sayin' while SoCal may be water challenged; we certainly have no shortage of garbage, especially the seemingly indestructible, seemed like a great idea in the 50's, wonder invention, plastic.  It will never be my intention to be preachy and always my intention and desire that I am getting across my love for SoCal.  It is this very love which has me feeling gutsy enough to mention here how much I would appreciate if we all did our part to deposit litter in trash receptacles.  Shopping with reusable bags and toting our beverages in SIGG-type bottles is a big help, as well.  You may buy either item with a CaliforniVacation logo by clicking the appropriate link from the sidebar of this blogspot.  Or buy from someplace else.  I'm thrilled with either.  And as I write this, Christmas is just around the corner.  I'm just sayin'!

And, oh yeah, thank you.  Thank you for reading this.  Thank you for considering SoCal as a vacation destination.  Thank you if you do visit for doing your part to keep SoCal litter-free and our plastic trash at a more manageable level.  And, oh yeah, please always remember, "you are awesome!"

P.S.  I'd love to say I was the artist responsible for the awesome photograph in this blog post.  That credit must go to Marshall Astor of San Pedro, California.  Please click here to be magically transported to his flikr presence.  You know, if you are interested in perusing any of his other photogs.

22. Calling All Saints In L.A.

If you didn't know, hallow is another word for saint.  Halloween initially was celebrated as the eve of All Saints Day (November 1).  You know, get your sinner on before you have to behave like a saint.

With this in mind, I decided to get my Google on and see what would come up if I searched, "saints in los angeles", assuming a list of saints would show up.  Then I could pick one to visit and write about.  (Okay, let's just take a side bar here to mention what the process for becoming a saint is.  This way you'll understand a living person can't actually be a saint.)

I was a little surprised to find what did show up in the top spots.   The wikipedia page for Motley Crue's Saints of Los Angeles, their ninth studio recording effort released on June 24, 2008, and corresponding music videos for the title song of said recording.  The first not Motley Crue listing was in postion #28, the Home Page of All The Saints of the City of Los Angeles.  Finally.  Something I could work with...until I clicked on the link.  While the creator, J. Michael Walker, appears to have put together something quite amazing it still wasn't going to help me much.

What's a girl to do?  Rely on her own brain?  That's right!  I knew that the word "santa" is spanish for the english word "saint".  I started searching my own personal data banks for a town close by which starts with Santa.  Please insert your own game-show-clock-ticking-music here while the search ensues.  Hola?  We have a winner. Santa Monica!  And excitement of excitement I had just visited and video'd Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade.

I desired to go ever since I heard about this thing that was supposed to be going on at the promenade for domestic violence awareness, the Tunnel of Hope, part of the Shop 'til It Stops program sponsored by Marshalls.

What's the saying, "A day late and a dollar short"?  Well, I was definitely days late as the display ended October 15th and it was Octobeer 29th.  (Okay, can we take another break here to laugh at my typo, Octobeer? Ha.  Ha.  Ha.  Ha. Freakin'. Ha. Makes me think of something I could do next year with all the other things October is said to represent, domestic violence awareness month for one.  Octo is 8 [so why is it the 10th month? hmmmm] and beer is beer.  So, it's the month for drinking 8 beers a day.  Responsibly, of course.  Okay, I'm not totally serious, but then maybe I'm not not serious either.)

What is exciting is that because I was aware of this event, well...let me back up.

So, my own personal immense brain data base came up with Santa Monica.  Mmmm hmmm.  I like it.  Let's check it out.  I googled Saint Monica (aka Saint Monica of Hippo) and sure enough, there is a Saint Monica and Santa Monica, California is named for her.  It just so happens that she is known for her virtue of patience and for helping other wives of her place and time be free of domestic violence from their husbands, as she had.

I wish I could report that Santa Monica is so named out of a love for this saint.  Alas, no!  Wiki knowledge reveals the town is so named because the area on which the city is now located was first visited by Spaniards on her feast day.

I'm thinking if I am Saint Monica of Hippo I don't care so much why this lovely city is named for me, I'm simply thrilled that such a lovely place is named for me.