Seems like that might be the case. To all the dittoheads who say there is no chance the Patriot Act can be abused can you please explain to me how “sexual activity” on an airplane can lead to charges of terrorism and leave you facing 20 years in the clink? Seriously, WTF? For one Los Angeles couple flying Southwest, Carl Persing and Dawn Sewell, that is the situation they are facing. Although granted the “official” charges of “obstructing a flight attendant and with criminal association” are stemming from Persing’s reaction to a flight attendant who asked them to stop, does anyone really think the Patriot Act is there to stop people from talking back to a Flight Attendant? Doesn’t 20 years in jail seem a *tad* excessive for basically being rude? Or if you believe the defendants attorney, being sick:

” Persing’s lawyer William Peregoy said his client was not feeling well when he placed his head on his companion’s lap, and that he only threatened the flight attendant with reporting him to his superiors on landing.”

[Thanks Tom!]

Ever have those days when you wish you could just put everything on pause and catch up? I have them all the time and I have a feeling I know a few others who are feeling the same thing right about now. While the news of this new LAPD beating video is still being hotly discussed, along comes another one from last year. This newer, yet older one shows an officer spray a transient with pepper spray after he’s been handcuffed and put into the patrol car. (Side note – anyone who has ever been around that stuff knows this is a bad idea if the officer is planning on getting in the car himself at some point – yikes!) Apparently that officer no longer works for the department, yet Chief Bratton was much quicker to post a reply that addresses both of these videos.

According to the Chief’s post the newer,old incident was already investigated and the District Attorney’s review found no wrongdoing or use of excessive force. That said Chief Bratton says he’s reviewing the files and video himself but legally can not speak about it until after further judgments are made. He gives examples of several specific rulings and says:

“I reference these decisions and some of their language to reinforce that I cannot make snap judgments based solely on videos or portions of videos. I must engage in a comprehensive and usually frustratingly long, multiple investigative process that is strictly governed by the laws I have referenced; and in the case of the LAPD, by the Federal Consent Decree.

There is no government agency in America that has more policies, procedures, guidelines, and independent oversight with respect to use of force than the LAPD. Our investigative process with all its limitations has been shaped by events and mistakes of the past and corrected to shape the actions of the present and future.”

This is understandable and I’ve personally been a little surprised at the calls for an instant reaction. Have people never heard of red tape? The last line of his response is the most important in my eyes:

“We are a Department that is committed to going where the truth takes us, no matter how painful or disturbing that truth might be. I would support and encourage that the public and media be vigilant but also be mindful that we cannot rush to judgment, I will not, as you should not.”

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Is this photo by the artist himself, or just an obsessed, eagle eyed fan? This and other pics of matching street art at lefeburetouch’s gallery on Flickr.

Terrorists of Love? A SoCal couple on a Southwest Flight from Los Angeles threaten a flight attendant after she rudely interrupts them from having inflight sex.

Zuma Dogg barks at the LA City Council for waiving $20,000 in event fees for the American Music Awards, a televised ABC show produced by Dick Clark. The waiver is only supposed to be for events that are open and free to the public.

Peggy Archer points out that there can only be one gaffer on a set, and presents an encyclopedia worthy “handy dandy guide to lighting-related crew folks” – particularly useful if you often sit through movie credits wondering what some of those people actually do.

Curbed LA asks, is Mayor V a hippocrite for advocating public transportation while relying on a chauffered SUV? Tony Pierce opines, “Survey says, hell yes”. Me? I see the Mayor also being an advocate for the homeless, but don’t have a problem with him sleeping in a warm bed every night.

Ever wonder what it might be like to be a tourist flying into L.A. for the chance to be on The Price Is Right and stay at the Farmer’s Daughter during the trip? Amy M at the Real Bee Log has lived it.

Contrary to our previous observation that Carvel Ice Cream was new to the LA area, reader Slappin commented, “We’ve had a carvel store here in granada hills for two years now. i’ve had consecutive fudgie the whale birthday goodness.” Indeed, a search of Los Angeles area Carvel franchises shows existing locations there, Azusa Hills, Santa Clarita, and other spots in the Southland.

Also from comments in Monday’s “Sweatin’ Bullets”, Jose and the Studio City Nerd both pointed out that while the previous pictured train car was a prop, the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake RR line that was branded on it was real. Train Web proves them right with more details.

RE/Search is having a book release party for Prank 2 this weekend at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd. in Venice. Rev Al (The Art of Bleeding) and The BLO (Billboard Liberation Organization) are rumored to be in attendance.

Full information is here.

This past weekend I holed up in Little Radio‘s warehouse for BarcampLA – a technology geek fest. Most people would consider the word geek deragotory, however I am not one of them. A geek is passionate about technology and everyone I met over the weekend was definitely passionate.

I don’t think of Los Angeles as a technology city. We’re full of lights, openings, entertainment, actors and celebrity. The distinction between my previous northern uber-technical city and LA is vast. The attitude towards technology even vaster. So when I came across Barcamp earlier this year (when Sean helped with it) my reaction was not much different from finding out about Apex. I had a blast and didn’t want to lose a connection with other people interested in technology. So like anything I want to see continue, I volunteered to help out.

That helping out culimated in this past weekend’s Barcamp Redux. Mack Reed live-blogged, Jory from Belkin handed out tune-talks which were used to record many of the sessions and eecue was on hand snapping photos. In the meantime I stressed about the last minute details, built a digital camera for $35, killed two werewolves and met loads of interesting, amazing people. I heard there were even electric car hayrides.

Tonight I’m headed out to the monthly geek dinner to recap and connect with many of the people who I met this weekend.

Where do you go it you’re passionate about technology? And do you want to join in the fun yourself?

* photo by revolute

Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii launch updates

Game Daily is listing their “Top 10 Tips for Scoring a Playstation 3″, and I think their best advice is to move to Wyoming, where there’s a smaller population, the lines will be shorter, and the competition to get your new game console will be less fierce.

But the weather sucks.

So, the next best thing would be to utilize the Playstation 3 Seeker, also recommended by Game Daily, to find a map of all retailers selling the PS3 near you.

I remember that during the midnight launch of the hotly anticipated Star Wars: Episode I toys a few years back (back when you were wearing diapers, kid) a buddy of mine was punched in the face so his attacker could snag the Darth Maul action figure my friend held. Competition was Sith worthy. Instead of giving up, my buddy hopped in his car and went to a Wal-Mart near Carson, where he was able to snag TWO of every Darth Maul, Qui-Gon Jin, and Jar Jar Binks action figure (this was before the movie came out, so we can’t hold this against him).

Lesson being: in spite of the hype surrounding the midnight launches at Best Buy and Circuit City, venture away from the studio zone – try Palmdale, Santa Clarita, or Rancho Cucamonga.

Previous Wii and Playstation 3 coverage here, here and here.

This story is just asking for a new headline. Insert yours below.

Frozen Pigs Fly Across SoCal Freeway In Accident

(AP) LOS ANGELES – Dozens of frozen pigs were scattered across one of Southern California’s busiest freeways Monday night after a truck carrying the carcasses collided with another truck, authorities said.

The pigs were strewn over 80 feet of the Golden State Freeway near Sylmar, about 25 miles north of Los Angeles, California Highway Patrol Officer David Porter said. [full story and video]

::photo courtesy of HEATEM::

I’m a little short on time at the moment but wanted to point out this story on KCAL where they were able to speak to William Cardenas, the man we saw being punched in this video:

“The guy throws a knee on my neck, but I was awkward on the sidewalk,” William Cardenas said in a jailhouse interview with reporters. “It was awkward. I was like on the driveway or something, so my rib was on the sidewalk. I just felt punches coming left and right as I was tellin’ them, `I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.”‘

In the story he admits he was wrong to run and says he was just scared but that he never fought back. Also, and I don’t see this in this specific story, but on last nights broadcast news they showed video from this interview where he denied being a gang member once again. Not that this is entirely telling but he has no visible tattoos which would make that a difficult statement to make. On the broadcast they immediately followed up with Chief Bratton saying “Well, his name is in CalGangs so that means he’s a gang member.” This will be an interesting point going forward as the original statements by the officer and the LAPD claim that Cardenas status as a gang member gave them cause to use extra caution and justified the force – if he is in fact not a gang member as CopWatch originally claimed it should probably be looked into as to how someone ends up in the CalGangs list.

More Metroblogging Posts About This Video
* A New LAPD Beating Video? – posted 11:11 AM on Nov. 08
* Update: FBI looks into the LAPD video – posted at 6:40 PM on Nov. 09
* The Video, the LAPD Blog, and how the two will relate – posted at 7:40 AM on Nov. 10
* Police Report and New LAPD Video Don’t Match Up – posted on Nov. 11
*Use Of Force – Explained on LAPD Blog – posted at 9:17 AM on Nov.13

Reader Allison writes:

It’s my first LA thanksgiving without plans. I’d love to know some volunteer opportunities or suggestions from readers of what to do sans family.

While I can’t recommend anything specific, a couple places you can find volunteer opportunities on Thanksgiving day or any other time of year, try L.A. Works or Volunteer Match. Both have searchable databases to find ways to help by location or type of service needed.

Readers – any other suggestions on how to spend a fulfilling Thanksgiving? Some ideas after the jump.
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Bill Strong notes this photo is of “An old passenger car painted for the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake, a fictional railroad. This car was used in a movie and is on display at the Nevada Railway Museum in Carson City, NV.”

Ever wonder what food is like on a film shoot? Peggy Archer breaks down the “Craft Service/Catering” hierarchy from Commercials (fancy catering) to Low Budget Shoots (Ramen Noodle feasts).

Los Angeles welcomes the Cookie Puss! Curbed announces the arrival of Carvel Ice Cream in West L.A., and two additional SoCal locations coming soon. If you’re also originally from the Northeast, you probably also miss the sweet, appetizing sound of Tom Carvel’s voice enticement to buy one of his ice cream cakes… makes me well up with phlegm.

The Valley News’ Paul Schraeder thanks the NFL for keeping a team away from L.A. because it allows for more football TV broadcasts.

Zach Behrens at LAist advises being creative in your name calling next time to spot a meter maid giving you a ticket.

Darleenisms provides a list of all the 24 hour eateries around LA that she suggests keeping in your car in case you find yourself needing a 4am snack.

Goths go Pilgrim tonite at Wumpskate. This month’s theme: Harvest Skate! Includes a canned food drive. Isn’t there a Bauhaus song about cranberries and stuffing?

Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii launch updates

Jesus was right – The gods at Best Buy won’t tolerate people lining up sooner than 24 hours before the PS3′s go on sale. Michael McWhertor from Kotaku paid a visit to the Burbank store and discovered that campers, who’d shown up more than a week early, had been kicked out of line. (h/t to Koga and Mark Englert).

TG Daily interviewed some of the suckers before they left, and provides some video where where one manchild explains that he’d quit his job just to be there.

Mark Liu at CBS2 got his hands on a PS3 and has the video to prove it. Damn legitimate journalists!

The Playstation Experience Truck will roll through Los Angeles from November 16th thru the 19th. On Thursday, the rolling arcade will be at the West Hollywood Best Buy, and then park at the West LA Best Buy (13301 W. Pico Blvd.)  Friday til Sunday. Inside is a bank of playable PS3s and PS2s, complete with Hi-Def TVs, and stations to download content to your PSP. So exciting it makes one need to PP! (source: ps3.QJ.net)

The Universal City Walk Gamestop will host an official Nintendo Wii launch event at midnight November 18th/19th that “will feature live music and entertainment, fun, games, special guests from Nintendo – and a countdown to the moment that will change the way video games are played forever.” (source: Nintendo.com)

If you want your chance to watch people fight for their chance to just play a Wii at a Gamestop, the following area Westfield Mall locations will have playable Wii kiosks beginning the Wednesday: Santa Anita, Topanga, Plaza Camino Real, and Fox Hills.

On a side note – if the price, the line, or both don’t interest you, the rumor on the internets is that last year’s hot console release, the XBox 360, will begin selling for $99 on Amazon.com sometime this week… some argue that Sony’s PS3 remains inferior to Microsoft’s machine. (h/t Hoopkidups at Digg)

Metblog Flashback: Last May, Koga brought us his own sneak peek of the Wii from E3.

Previous Wii and Playstation 3 coverage here and here.

10 day special engagement tickets for “Dreamgirls” listed for $25

From Jeffrey Wells:

For the first ten days of the run of Dreamgirls (i.e., Friday, 12.15 to Sunday, 12.24), which is strictly a New York, L.A. and San Fran thing, interested parties will be charged $25 a ticket on a reserved-seat basis.

This means that the Arclight will be testing the waters on more than doubling their usual ticket price. For the filmgoing public, these are dangerous waters… while Pacific Theatres will claim that this is just a one time, rare instance for a “premium engagement”, I fear that if the run goes well we can expect dramatic increases in ticket prices for new releases.

Special engagements and advance screenings are nothing new for the Arclight, so I don’t understand what makes this a “premium event”. Is the additional cost of tickets going to a charity? Is there a preshow? In short, what makes this show more premium than the countless screenings that have come before it?

In the meantime, Poland at the Hotblog takes issue with the racism that Wells injected into his original report. Wells wrote that the studios are “basically looking to attract gays and the ‘bling’ crowd.” To clarify, he continued:

The blings have taken over the bar at the rear of the Beverly Wilshire. Weekends there are like New Year’s Eve in Dubai…gangstas and ho’s…guys with socks on their head or Iranians with shaved heads pulling up to the valet in $75,000 rich-ass- hole sports cars. The Beverly Wilshire used to have a touch of class…no longer.

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Get booze, smokes, and cash to stand in line!  The Los Angeles Craigslist has at least three ads offering paid gigs for anyone willing to hold a place in line for a Playstation 3. One offers “$20.00 per hour, up to 48 hrs straight”, the other is looking for “several people” who’s “work shift will start on Tuesday 11/14 or Wednesday 11/15″ through 11am Friday, when, apparently, they’ll release you. Pay is $300, plus benefits:

You will recieve a minimum of two take out meals per day, or I’ll pay for your grocieries and you can pack your own food, I’ll also provide booze, smokes whatever else as long as your of age and relaible, like I said anything you need to survive two days of standing, waiting for this event.

Previous blogging.la coverage of the Playstation 3 launch here.

If you’ve been reading this site for more than a week or two then you already know that many of us are no strangers to local gun ranges. For a while a few of us were going downtown to The LA Gun Club (pictured above photo by Jason DeFillippo) almost weekly and punching crazy holes in paper bad guys. I still go shooting every chance I get and often try and drag new folks down to give it a shot themselves. So far I’ve never taken anyone shooting who didn’t want to go back again the following week. Linda Immediato joins the chorus with a a story in this weeks LA Weekly called Zen and the Art of the Muzzle Blast where she talks about the crazy stress relief that comes from squeezing off some lead.

“It’s not all about aggression — if you try it, you’ll be surprised at the deep state of relaxation required to shoot well. You can’t be tense; as with yoga, it’s all about focus and technique. Breathing is the most important thing: With shoulders straight and feet apart, you take a deep lungful, then ease back on the trigger. You’re supposed to let the discharge be a surprise — don’t anticipate the kick or the flash. The blast will startle you, but the more you focus, the less it will affect you. And that’s when you get to that meditative state. “

She gives a nice rundown of three local ranges, including the Gun Club downtown, as well LAX Range in Inglewood and Burbank’s Firing Line and links to some other options if none of those are close enough for you. Lots of cool photos of the ranges as well. Here’s the story to check out, now who wants to go shooting?
[Thanks Chris!]

As mentioned earlier this year by LA City Nerd, Hasbro held an online poll to determine L.A.’s “definitive landmark” to be included in the Monopoly Here and Now Edition, to replace the New Jersey properties the original game featured with popular U.S. destinations.

Hollywood won out. We’re replacing Ventnor Ave. – a yellow zone property that falls five properties short of Park Place. While Los Angeles is arguably the most vain city in the United States, I think we (and by we, I mean Hollywood), deserve better.

I’ll stand by New York’s Time Square being chosen to replace the vaunted Boardwalk, as well as the expensive pricing of The White House in D.C. (Pennsylvania Ave. – of course), Las Vegas Blvd. (Pacific Ave.), and San Fran’s Golden Gate Bridge (Marvin Gardens).

But how did two baseball properties get ranked higher than the entertainment capital of the world, behind Chicago’s Wrigley Field (North Carolina Ave.) and Boston’s Fenway Park (Park Place)?

UPDATE (12:30pm): Josh in Seattle writes: “At least you’re further along the board than Seattle. Although we didn’t even make it past Free Parking, I maintain that the orange properties are critical to victory.”
He covered his city’s inclusion of Pioneer Square a couple months ago.

(a full listing of Monoply Here and Now properties and token changes at About.com)