Thursday, July 28, 2005

Soda Sighting


My friend Raz brought it to my attention, the other day, that the Groundworks coffee house on Traction downtown now sells one of my favorite sodas.

In one of my previous posts I had mentioned this tart, refreshing, effervescent elixir. I am of course talking about Schweppes Bitter Lemon. This elusive nectar is a perfect beverage to me and until now, I had only seen it at the Galco Soda Pop Stop.

Groundworks is an local organic coffee supplier and retailer. They make yummy sandwiches and carry some other sodas of note. Moxie, a Boston manufactured soda, has a flavor all its own. And, of course, Groundworks makes a fine cup of coffee.

This particular Groundworks is located within spitting distance of SCI Arc and one of many downtown artist loft districts.

811 Traction Blvd. is the address.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Fish Face


I've had a fascination with Hal Fishman for quite some time now.

He is the quintessential anchorman. He IS Ted Baxter, Kent Brochman, and Will Ferrel's anchorman. He is the epitome of West Coast TV journalism. In a word, he is vapid. And hilariously so.

Hal Fishman is the nighttime anchor for KTLA News in Los Angeles. Hal is a local "institution". Hal is a licensed Air Plane pilot. Hal makes, what he believes to be, insightful commentary at the end of each nights broadcasts. And this is where Hal really shines. These commentaries, sometimes on pertinent world news topics of the day or maybe just on whatever happens to seep into that noggin of his, are almost always like looking into the eyes of a blurry eyed patient just coming out from under a heavy dose of sleeping gas. They are just silly. Topics might include controversial ideas such as; terrorism is bad, music is loud, or I fly planes.

One may read Hal’s nightly explorations in idiocy at the KTLA website, but for a real understanding, tune into the 10 o'clock news and watch for yourself. From time to time, I’ll put exceptionally challenging commentary on the site.

Sunday, July 24, 2005

Edendale Explained


For those who don’t get the reference to Edendale in the Blog sub-heading, let me take a minute to explain. While Hollywood was still a small farm town, in the early 1900’s, Edendale contained the first major movie studios in Los Angeles. Edendale, to the best of my knowledge encompassed what is now Silver Lake, Echo Park, and possibly even Los Feliz and Atwater.

Classic silent movie icons such as Mack Sennet, Charlie Chaplin, Tom Mix, Laural and Hardy, and The Keystone Cops made their early movies here.

The Edendale Grill's web-site has a succinct over view on this history. I’ll be tracking down more snippits of local history in the weeks to come. The Silver Lake area has a rich history that deserves to be understood and cherished.

Saturday, July 23, 2005

A Moment of Silence


For my friend Todd Baldwin. I just heard that he has passed away.

I went to school with Todd at Virginia Commonwealth and had the pleasure of working with him professionally at Magnet Interactive. We both studied communication design.

Todd was a gifted designer. In addition to doing great work with Magnet, he and his buddy Paul started Airline Industries.
Airline Industries designed club flyers that became icons around the D.C. area, and among other things designed the current Astralwerks logo. Paul and Todd went there seperate ways a few years ago and Todd started Pigeon Hole Design.

The few times I had seen Todd in the last 3 years, he was going through some rough patches, but always seemed as nice and hopefull as ever. Todd was a gracious guy but very low key and didn't reveal much of his personal life. When I moved to LA, he and Paul put together a care package for me that included a t-shirt and vintage magazines that I still treasure to this day.

My heart goes out to Todds family and friends.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Blik!


Blik are a new series of "removable wall graphics" made of vinyl. Kinda like giant Colorforms for the wall. Blik come in a variety of modern and retro designs. Perfect for a kids room, or hipsters apartment. Once your through covering your walls and cielings....what the hell, cover your furniture, dishes, your car, Blik has the products to do it (check out the object decals section). What do i care, cover yourself and walk down the street lookin like a big walking Blik.

Blik are available at a variety of retail outlets varying from Design Within Reach to Target.

You can see a Blik "instillation" on 3920 Fountain Ave, just after Hyperion and Fountain cross paths. It covers a giant red wall that is part of Barbara Bestor Architecture, architects to the hip. More about Barbara at a later date.

I like saying Blik.

Sleven


It’s the 40th anniversary of the Slurpee. Kinda hard to believe. I’m 35 and the Slurpee, to me as a kid, seemed as natural and American as baseball and apple pie. To think that it was invented only 5 years before I was born is hard to imagine. I’m sure the Icee well precedes the Slurpee but personally I don’t find them in the same camp, the Icee is simply a melting snow cone….. The Slurpee is a food substance all its own.

My first memories of the frosty beverage were when I was just old enough to bike to my local 7-11. My friends and I would bike there, pick up a Slurpee and hang out and play Centipede or Mrs. Pacman.

Years later, in my teen age years we would stop by the 7-11 after going to see punk rock shows. Dripping with sweat from a slippery night in the pit, I’d stop by for Blue Raspberry Slurpee that many times would come with some goofy toy. We’d take em to a park and hang out until the cops came around and told us to get lost.

Ever since, my taste for the syrupy sweet frozen treat has lessened. Regardless, I've always marked the first seriously hot day of summer with a medium size. Possibly a little late, that’s what I did last weekend. A blue raspberry with a splash of mango.

In celebration, with every large slurpee a free itunes purchase is offered.

The Slurpee website has some interesting history and whatnot. Check out the gear section, they actually have some cool T-Shirts for cheap!

If you have a kid, and can’t make it to Galco, take em down to 7-11 and buy em a cold one. Then lock them in a padded room and let the sugar frenzy subside. If you really want to mess with their metabolism, buy em one of those fried pepperoni cheese things.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Saturday To Do List


You've probably read about these events in other periodicals, but I'm sure you'll take them more seriously with my seal of approval.

Cinespia continues their weekly movie series at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary with Breakfast at Tiffany's. I could watch Audry Hepburn pick her nose and still be enchanted. Sadly, this event has gotten a little too insane for me to attend as much as I'd like to. Get there super early to secure a solid spot on the lawn. Props on the new website.

The Getty puts on a summer concert series called Summer Sessions featuring Aterciopelados and Los Super Elegantes. Best of all Its free. Show starts at 6:00 and continues till 9:00.

The first public event in the Autry museums "Once Upon a Time in Italy" series starts this weekend. In conjunction with the Alex Film Society, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly will be screened at the Alex Theater in Glendale. In addition to the movie, Alessandro Alessandroni will perform. He is the original whistler in Merricone's classic soundtracks.

I'll keep ya updated if I hear of any other events to plan your weekend around.

Form Parodies Function


This is some of the most inventive and functional product design i've seen in a while.

I personally dig the little people coasters, and the bedside light that stores your bedside reading. Unlike the endless array of cutsie toothbrush holders and scrub brushes that filled the Moca stores and whatnot over the last few years, this is a refreshing approach to whimsy and function.

Unfortunately, the products are sold in English currency so they'll probably cost a pretty penny for us in the states. Lets hope they get picked up by and american destributer soon.

Props to Josh at Cool Hunting for finding this.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Is That Poodle Poop on the Street?



Most things that I'll review or write about here will cater to a lifestyle and economic class that is low key and not too harsh on the wallet. But every once in a while I also like to mix it up and give the west-end boutiques a once over to see how the other half lives and maybe, just maybe score a deal or treat myself to something. Last weekend was one of these times, and surprisingly I found a few things that were worth the trip and expense.

My girlfriend lives just blocks away from Robertson Blvd. We decided to focus on a strip between Beverly and 3rd St. I had been interested in checking out this Swedish clothing company called We (or We are the Superlative Conspiracy) that has a "concept store" on Robertson. Jenny doesn't take much persuading to go window-shopping, so off we went.

By the time we found parking, we were actually pretty starving. Jenny suggested the Newsroom; a cafe that I had always heard about but in my 10 years of living in the city had never actually gone to. I actually had a craving for a burger or something sloppy like that, but what the hell. So we walked up and got a table without a hitch. The place is within spitting distance of the Ivy (actually, just out of distance.... I tried) but is much more comfortable and accommodating for a middle class boy like myself. So we perused the menu. I had a hankering for breakfast food and Jenny decided to juxtapose that with a salad so we didn't feel like total gluttons. Ya see, when Jenny and I eat together we ALWAYS split our dishes. It’s actually kinda cool, cause its like eating two meals in one, but the drawback is that we both have to order something that is palatable to both of us. So a goat cheese and apple omelet was ordered as well as a tandori chicken salad. As if that wasn't snooty enough, we ordered a peach, cucumber, and basil smoothie to share as well. Low and behold, everything was delish.... and not all that expensive. The omelet was served with super yummy grilled sausage and if you think having apple in your omelet is funky, it is, but in a really delicious way. The salad had plenty of Indian spiced chicken, which was tossed with a mango dressing, and curried cashews scattered in. The smoothie also might sound funky, but it was incredibly refreshing, and I kind of like the idea of using basil in different ways. I really don't have a bad thing to say about the whole experience.

So after receiving essential nourishment, off to the shops. Jenny checked out a few shoe stores that even with their summer "sales" remained well out of our price range. Although we spotted these pseudo clog shoes that were so cool I wouldn't have blamed Jenny for getting em (Jenny's income is a bit better then mine, so she can stand to splurge a bit more then me).

Soon, I arrived to the one store I had been meaning to check out. We. I walk into the shop and find it much more casual then I expected. Brightly colored basics (t-shirt, sweatshirts, hoodies...) with slightly out of date WE or SUPERLATIVE CONSPIRACY logos in complimentary colors. I'd say 70percent of the products were on sale for between 30-50% off. Deeper inside the store were some button down shirts in bright plaids and stripes. As well, I found the short sleeve sweatshirt I had seen on their site, and which I had high hopes for. Although the cut and general concept was good...it fell short of the holy grail of shirts that I've been searching high and low for. I left without a purchase, but would encourage people to check it out.... the prices are moderate for Robertson, and some products are actually a bargain at their sale price.

Walking back to the car we stopped into two other shops. First the Kiehls "apothecary" shop. Now I will admit to being a bit of a Metrosexual to the point that I will, from time to time, purchase something like a hair product or soap type thing from such a shop. We walk in, and I check out the men’s section. Men’s sections in these places are pretty limited. Shaving creams, and moisturizer type stuff. I was reluctantly encouraged by the little lady to ask for some face soap/cleanser type stuff and something for the "tougher" areas of my skin. I'm rather wary of all that stuff, but after purchasing and trying it out... I have to say it kinda works. The soap/cleanser stuff seems to clean without drying or making your skin feel like its just been stretched like a canvas and the moisturizer stuff took my woody nubs I call elbows and actually softened em up a bit, and well...O.K. fine I'm a big wuss! Well, I’m a wuss with supple skin, and the chicks dig it. Kiehls is expensive, but with conservative use it'll last for a while. A tube of stuff costs between 10 and 25bucks I guess, probably double what you would pay for something at the grocery store, but from what I can tell, there really is a distinguishable difference.

Next, we checked out the Camper store. They still have some of their spring/summer line on sale...but I had just picked up some kicks so I wasn't in the market.

All in all, not a bad day on snotty street.

Is this Kansas? This isn’t Kansas, is it Dorthy?


So if you live in Silver Lake, you’ve probably spotted the golden vortex hovering inside a courtyard along Silver Lake Blvd. But if you’re like me, you’ve probably only driven by, rubbernecking as you avoid smacking into the SUV in front of you.

Well, I finally mustered the nerve to venture into the swirling cloud of Gold. No, its not the express route to Oz, its yet another odd architectural experiment brought to you by the good folks at M&A (materials and applications). Built out of translucent golden mylar buttoned together with….well big buttons, the structure envelops the participant in aura of warm yellow tints. Its kinda like if Frank Geary made party tents. The big bails of hay accentuate the mid-west twister innuendo as well.

The instillation is titled Maximillians Shell and was designed by Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues (I think I want a child named Gaston….or at least a dog). There is a heady description of the piece just outside the entrance to the courtyard if you still need some help understanding what makes people do such things. M&A seems to create a new instillation every 5 or 6 months, so keep on the look out for more bending of time and space by this crew, I’m happy to see that they’ve been able to keep their space and find it a welcome (if not sometimes perplexing) addition to the area.

M&A is located at 1619 Silver Lake Blvd.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Don's Hot Stax


Friday night I was hanging out with my buddy who now lives in Glassel Park…Echo Park adjacent. So he said he had just stopped by a new record store in the neighborhood. Even slapped a gift certificate for the place on me. Thanks John.

So Saturday, after my parusing of The Junction Jr., I ran over to check out the store. It's a tiny place just south of the beginning of hipster row on Eagle Rock Blvd.

The store is tiny but packed with stuff. Cd’s covering the walls and vinyl packing the rest of the place. This is a classic record store, the likes I haven’t seen much of in Los Angeles. Rockaway has no taste when it comes to new music, Sea Level doesn't carry anything outside of the Indie Cannon, and the rest of the east side record shops are just lacking in too many ways to discuss. Don's seems well-rounded and packed with heart.

Just as I was thinking that this place reminded me of a store I might stumble upon in NYC or even Chicago, I struck up a conversation with the owner and found out he just moved out from Brooklyn. Don's looking for a fresh start and I hope LA doesn't let him down like it has for many.

I picked up a CD of 70's afro-funk from Ghana and a Dub record of Serge Gainsbourg songs. Now thats some shit I'm not finding on itunes.

Check out Don's at 4873 Eagle Rock Blvd. or call and bug him for directions at 323-255-3551.

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Junction Jr.


A few years ago, in the dawn of my second attempt at self-employment, and my first itch to own a shop of my own, I walked an eastern strip of Sunset Blvd. between The Sunset Junction (featured last weekend) and Echo Park. There was a space for rent there for a moderate price. The previous tenant had built a lofted bed in the back, which gave me thoughts of illegally living in the back and having a studio/retail space in the front. But who was I kidding, I was flat broke at the time. Plus many people said, “well, its kinda in no mans land, not quite in The Junction, and not in Echo Park…will people really come?"

Well, today, I stopped into one of my favorite summer lunch spaces; The Seven Seas (or Siete Mares). A mexican seafood stand and restaurant on the corner of Sunset and Descanso, only a block away from the space I had looked at a few years ago. I gazed across the street taking in the plethora of retail spaces that have popped into the space in the last year. All the people, who have actually taken the chance. This area is certainly turning into The Junction Jr.

Dusty’s is a new food venue smack dab across the street from 7 Seas. I guess you could call it Continental Fair. I have yet to actually eat in the restaurant but my work orders lunch from there all the time. As soon as I get a chance to have a proper meal there I’ll get back to you and tell you the scoop.

The one shop that stood out for me was a place called Sumi’s. Sumi’s features hand made designer jewlry and purses/bags made by the owners mother. These bags are what really stand out. They are all constructed from a variety of interesting fabrics and materials. Once more, I think, they are rather well priced. A small purse is around $40 and larger bags and even messenger bags ( with really beautiful screen printed designs) range around $70-80. These are very well crafted according to my novice eye and I’m definitely bringing my girlfriend in to check them out soon. Sumi's is located at 3204 Sunset Blvd.

There are a few other stores on the block, including one store that sort of caters to the more Rockabilly/Fetish crowd. I’ll have to drop by again and get the name. Regardless, if you are into that type of thing, it’s a pretty cool store. Jars of preserved eels, books of photography by Richard Kern and vixen clothing in black and red. The type of place that you might fantasize having a girlfriend with an interest in, but without the baggage that all too often goes into fetishism.

So go get yourself a shrimp coctail and check out the latest retail strip of sunset. I’m seeing good things....God Damnit!

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Diving Rock

A few other albums I'm likin right now:

The new Foo Fighters is suprisingly good. I'm not saying that I should expect anything less then infectious power-pop from these guys, but when i heard it was a double album with the second album being a collection of "Acoustic" songs I could have swore I heard a car crashing some where. But honestly both albums do them justice. The first rocks as hard as any real hard-core band could ever hope to, but yet still remains radio friendly in its hooks and foundations. The second set, takes more hints from Elliot Smith, Nick Drake, and even the Radar Bros. then from what I expected.

The Mae Shi are a band from LA that I've been meaning to check out for literally years. Somehow I got on their mailing list about 3 years ago and ever since I've been curious about them, but have never managed to pick up an album or catch them live (even though they played a month long residence at spaceland only 1 measely block away from me. Fuck i'm old.). They just recently won best Hardcore band in LA by the LA Weekly. I finally managed to pick up both their last full length release as well as their relatively new EP. I liken these guys to Brainiac, Deer Hoof, Jesus Lizard, Melt Bannana....and maybe a few others. If you have an ear and stomach for a glob of intermitant cubist noise bursts, evened out by some super catchy rock beats and hooks then these guys are gonna put a grin on your face. It takes work and patience, but there are some amazing songs in the insanity. I still haven't managed to see them live, and I think as they mature they will build a college following that will find them playing larger venues.

The Little Barries are a band that I was clued into from of all places, by a KCRW newsletter. So far I'm on the fence with these guys. They are either the next big thing.....or just a fairly good Anglo R&B rock band. One thing I know is that this stuff sounds good loud and will have your head bobbing.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Summer Soul

In a fit of music hunger last night I downloaded three fantastic Soul/R&B albums off of itunes.

Leela James is considered part of the Neo-soul movement. Basically taking major cues from late 60's early 70's soul. All the ladies, and plenty of the men should dig her debut full length. I stumbled upon her a while back when she released an EP with a great song on it called Music which i believe is on this album as well. I guess you could say that she has a bit more gospal then an Erikah Badhu. But still tres funky.

Next, I discovered an amazing Live Lou Rawls album called The Legendary Lou Rawls. Fantastic versions of classics and standards with exceptional live cuts featuring monologues and audience participation. This is a great collection of what makes Lou a force that time should have never forgotten.

Finally I stumbled upon the new Jamie Lidell album on Warp Records. Jamie is a white boy from london with tons of soul and production that hints at his IDM roots. This album is quite surprising coming from Warp, who have brought us rather challenging artists like Squarepusher and Aphex Twin. This shit is smooth. As Jamie put it, he just wanted to make an album that someone would want to listen to when they wake up or put on at a barbecue.

All three discs are perfect for the summer days and nights. Check em out.

YeeeHaw

The Autry museum, in my opinion, is one of the most original (second only to the Museum of Jurassic Technology of course) museums in Los Angeles. I'm always impressed by the subject matter they choose and the presentation of what sometimes seems potentially mundane content. The Autry museum is devoted to Western Heritage and is located in the Heart of Griffith Park adjacent to the LA Zoo. Coming up, the Autry museum has some great Film events that I hope to attend. Check out their website and click on the calander section to find a listing of events. I dare you to become a Turqoise member and attend the Once Upon a Time in Italy reception. It sounds insane. If you go, please take pictures and send me a few.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Yo Pop!


One of my favorite places that I’ve finally gotten around to frequenting is the Galco Soda Pop Stop, located at 5702 York Boulevard, in the eagle rock/hancock park area. Evidently, the Galco market has been in the area for generations and has been in the same family since it opened. The current owner has a love for classic and traditionally made sodas. The array of pops is like a step back to both my fathers and my own childhood. I love the idea of parents sharing remembrances of their childhood with their kids and this is the perfect place for it. Nehi, Faygo, Frosty and so many more. When I was a kid, Nehi Cherry Smash and Orange sodas were my favorite. Now I go for traditional Ginger Beers and tart Lemon Lime( try the Schweppes Bitter Lemon, this the only place in California I’ve seen it sold). In addition, for the true nostalgia, Galco supplies vintage seltzer bottles that you may rent for a traditional pure seltzer. Purchase with some chocolate syrup and create a legit Egg Cream. For those without an existing sweet tooth I recently discovered their selection of Belgian Artisinal Beers. This place rules and the owner has a genuine love for what he does. He and what I think are his daughters are incredibly friendly and helpful. If you have a kid, take a trip to this place and reward them with a sugary treat. If you don't have a child, stop by with a friend and relive your childhood.

Junction

Despite living just minutes away from the uber-hip sunset junction-shopping district ("junctioning" the neighborhoods of Silver lake and Los Feliz), I haven't shopped the strip in months. So this last Saturday, I did a quick tour of some of my favorite shops as well as a bunch of new ones on the scene.

First I stopped off at the latest offspring of the Giant Robot store that first opened up in West LA. The new store, small but well stocked, is located across the street from the Jiffy Lube on Sunset near the Santa Monica Intersection. There is a Giant Robot sign in the window that is almost impossible to see from your car. It shares space with a Gallery whose name is slipping my mind at the moment. Anyway, the store is a great collection of Kubrick toys, Asian/Urban knickknacks, t-shirts, and books. check it.

Next I popped over to a new sneaker store called Kicks where Vice used to be. Kicks is your typical sneaker-freaker shop. Rare limited edition Nike's in glass cases, where the slightly more affordable Saucony and Addidas shoes are on typical shoes store platforms to be handled and compared. I didn't really see anything new and exciting, but if you’re into that thing, the prices are reasonable (fuck, since when is 70 bucks for a pair of canvas sneaks reasonable...) and there are some good colors. I prefer a little sneaker shop in the Japanese Village Plaza in Little Tokyo called Footland Sports. Good selection with decent prices.

But I digress, next I stopped quickly into Pull My Daisy. This shop is owned by my friend Sarah and is monitored by her dog Bingo (as is most of the block). Bingo is the coolest Daschund I’ve ever met and Sarah compares in the human storeowner category. Her shop is a nice mix of local punk rock/diy designers and just under the mainstream big names. The place has a great community feel to it, and she sells any shirts that I happened to slap together so for this, I think she rules...

Later in the day I came back to the Junction with my girlfriend. We had both spotted a new shop called Silverlake Shoes that sparked both of our interests. We snagged parking right outside the store and wandered in. Low and behold, there is Sarah at the register talking to a couple who had about 4bags of shoes they had just bought. Sarah had seen the store go on the market and felt that she HAD to give the area its first legit shoe boutique. The shop has only been open for a week, so it looks like they are still outfitting the space, but I get a good vibe from it, and I think it’ll do well. Check it out. From there we walked down to the Silverlake Cheese shop, and bumped into a friend of jenny's who does wine tastings there. We picked up some cheese and wine for a relaxed evening of movie watching and then hoofed it back up towards Silverlake shoes. Across the street is a new "bakery"/cafe called Town and Country. Again, brand spanking new. They've got some tasty looking summer salads and whatnot as well as an assortment of Home-style baked goods. We picked up a Rasberry Lemon Tart to eat after our cheese fix.

All in all, the Sunset Junction maintains its place as one of the better shopping districts in the LA area. All the storeowners are nice and the stuff runs the gamut price wise. An honorable mention goes to Gilly Flowers, which used to be two blocks away from my house and now resides at the Junction. The owner is a great guy with friendly dogs, and his taste in Flowers and Foliage rocks. Aight, hopefully I’ll be back with more updates of places I’ve found or enjoyed in the last month or so.

Friday, July 08, 2005

Mochi!

So among the many left overs from my BBQ last weekend were a few half-finished boxes of Mochi Ice-cream balls. A little treat that i've enjoyed from time to time since i moved out here about 10 years ago. Due to a poor re-run season of TV, i sat on my couch and began reading the box. I noticed that the factory address was only a few blocks from my job. From there, i did a search on the company (mikawaya) on the internet. According to the Mikawayausa.com web site, Mikawaya, a Los Angeles based japanese bakery where the originators of the funky treat back in the early 90's (probably close to the time when i first tasted them at a little ice cream shop in little tokyo). I had assumed that this was a food imported from Japan, much the way Boba tea made its way here from Korea. But i seem to be wrong, Mochi ice-cream balls are a Los Angeles home grown invention. The same town that invented the French Dip, and if i'm not wrong, the Exotic Coctail.

Baby Steps

oh god......now i have to write....