Saturday January 23rd is Classic Eats #8 and the polls have been open for almost a week now. So far Downtown Deli Smack Down is ahead  with the Hollywood Resolution Buster coming in second. Voting will remain open until Monday, January 18th! If you haven’t voted yet, please do so. If you have, tell your friends to come along and vote!

Click here to vote!

The start times will be determined by the locations chosen. We usually start around 5pm to A) beat the crowds and B) give you time to head out to other Saturday night activities afterward. If Langer’s V. Cole’s wins, we will start even earlier because Langer’s closes at 4pm.

Click past the jump to read all about our candidates.

Read the rest of this entry →

I spotted the same fire spotted by Will (see post directly below) on the East side of the Palos Verdes peninsula, in El Segundo, as seen from a different angle in Marina del Rey, less than 10 miles to the North.  My little Canon Elph can’t quite capture the flames moving and reaching 30 feet or more in height.  My first thought was that, at minimum, this is a large house fire, and maybe something bigger.

Fortunately, KCBS TV just reported that it’s a deliberate “refinery burn off.”  I sure hope that word spreads, otherwise there could be plenty of alarmed folks out there.

This Wednesday, January 6, Fred Sablan (Goon Moon) and Jeordie White (Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle, Goon Moon, Marilyn Manson) are DJing at the Bronson Bar from 10:00pm – 2:00am with cheap drink specials until 11:00pm.

Wednesdays are always a great night at the Bronson Bar if you like rock music (“only good stuff,” as Fred always says), no cover charge and people you actually want to hang out with. Pleasantly unusual for a bar in Hollywood, I say.

The Bronson Bar is not actually the name of the bar as far as I know. I think it’s just called The Bar, but people refer to it as the Bronson Bar, obviously because it’s located on Sunset at Bronson. The neon sign on the outside just says “cocktails” or “bar” or something like that. Anyway, don’t expect to see a sign that says, “Bronson Bar” out front, you got it? Now go rock out.

The 2010 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade is already history, but you still have a chance to see the gorgeous floats up close in person. Whether you are into parades or not, seeing these mobile works of art is worth it. The entire surface of each float must be covered in natural materials only. Flowers, seeds, bark, leaves, and husks are among the many materials used in some astoundingly creative ways. Faboomama gave us a peek at the many, many hours of volunteer labor that go in to making each one.

An adorable monkey giving a big snake a buzz cut on Cal Poly's "Jungle Cuts"

The theme of this year’s parade was “A Cut Above The Rest.” The talented students from Cal Poly put a humorous spin on it with their concept “Jungle Cuts,” which had monkeys styling the “hair” of various animals. It was perhaps the largest crowd pleaser and it took some maneuvering to get close and take photos. I guess the float builders knew how popular their float would be and set up a merchandise booth next to it where they sold posters and t-shirts of their design of their scene of newly coiffed beasts.

You have until 5pm today (ticket sales end at 3pm) and from 9am to 5pm tomorrow to check out the floats. Click here for comprehensive information on where, when, how much, dos and don’t, directions, transportation options, etc. You can even download a free podcast which serves as an audio tour.

My personal recommendations are to take advantage of one of the many shuttle options, wear comfortable walking shoes, allow yourself at least two hours, and bring some water as it’s pricey on-site. Also, make sure you take a look at Burbank’s award winning entry. It’s mighty impressive.

LAPD Classic Cruiser picture taken by 888bailbonds

As Tara mentions below, the police in Venice and throughout LA are over-extended, and even if they weren’t it behooves us to reach out within our communities more and find ways to be supportive and help each other. In that spirit, I thought I’d share the LAPD’s Crisis Response Team recruitment announcement I got recently. It’s not close to the neighborhood watch idea that Tara is talking about, but it is one way to possibly make a difference and to help your neighbors cope with traumatic events like homicides, suicides, and serious accidents. The CRT “provides immediate on-scene crisis intervention, attends to survival and comfort needs, and acts as a liaison between the victim and emergency personnel,” among other duties. The trainings run from 6:30 to 9:30 Tuesday and Thursday nights February 2 through March 25 and cover topics such as crisis intervention, suicide aftermath support, and working with diverse populations. More information and an application are available on the LAPD website.

Hello! I’m new around these parts and I’m super excited to be here. I hope I can bring you an interesting and (ideally) fabulous perspective on what’s happening in this fair city of ours, and I’m excited to learn more about Los Angeles in the process.

So, about me: I’m Canadian, from North of Toronto, but I will try my damndest to always use American spellings. I shipped my life across the continent about two and a half years ago to go to grad school at UCLA, where I research and teach about popular music. It’s a pretty sweet gig – yesterday I spent an hour watching Lady Gaga videos under the auspices of “working.” I’ve been blogging for a few years now, mostly about music, terrible B movies from the 50s and 60s, and vintage dresses, my three primary obsessions. And for the past year or so, I’ve been on an unofficial quest to find the best donut and/or example of donut-themed architechture in the greater LA area – any hot tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks for having me on board! I’m really happy to be a part of LA Metblogs and I promise to deliver awesomness.

Hi there! This is the part where I introduce myself as the rookie, the freshman, the n00b, whatever you want to call LA Metblogs’ newest contributor. I look forward to inundating your RSS reader, your Inbox, your Twitter, your Facebook, or any other sort of internet-y things with a variety of random thoughts, insights, observations, opinions, and every now and then some useful information. And plenty of overuse and abuse of the exclamation point!

My adventures in blogging began many, many years ago, when I first sat down in front of Netscape Navigator and didn’t have a clue where to start. So I went to Disney.com and played some 101 Dalmatians games, and thus my love affair with the internet was born. Somewhere in the middle there I made a website with a dizzying checked purple background that consisted mostly of silly quotes and pictures of Smurfs (It remained online for a really long time until Geocities kicked the bucket. Yes, I saved it all.). Nowadays I am constantly on Facebook and I blog for free.

A few other good things to know: I hail from a part of the American Midwest so far north I am almost Canadian. I’ve lived in Los Angeles about 6.5 years. I spend all my money on shoes, football tickets, and traveling to other cities, mostly just to try out their public transit. I am not a vegetarian, but I do not eat meat on pizza.

Thanks for having me! And thanks in advance for your unwavering support in my 12-step program to overcome my debilitating addiction to the Oxford Comma.

Who is this dashing RobNoxious fellow?

Time to let go of ’09 and get ready for a New Start.

2009 is almost finished, and while there have been some great things that have happened, been plenty to remember fondly and celebrate, there’s also been a good lot that I’m sure none of us will miss. Some things that we should just put behind us. Some stuff that makes us just want to put paid to ’09  and get on with the New Year. Bring on some 2010.

Like the fact that RobNoxious hasn’t posted on Metblogs at all this year!

I Know! A Whole Year! Longer, really. Horrible, isn’t it? Tragic, one might say.

Well, well, welly well, my Little Droogs, not to worry. And we need not wait until the calendar flips its page into the next Three Sixty Five for my return:
The Noxious One is back, Friends.

All of my old posts can be found here:
(http://la.metblogs.com/author/robnoxious/)

But to narrow things down a bit, I think you should know that:
I like it The Punk Rock,
I like Comic Books and Sci Fi,
I don’t like surruptitious throttling of my internet, tapping of my phone or threats to Net Neutality,
I like Amusement Parks,
I don’t like douche bags,
I love exploring our fine city,
and even enjoy the occasional bit of poetry.

Really, though, I’m just another Artist making his way in L.A., paying the bills at his work-a-day job. But y’know, sometimes the job can really be HELL. (for someone, anyway. heh.)

In any case, it’s really good to be back, and I look forward to venturing into the New Year with everyone.

Thanks guys,
Rob

12/26 Will Be Kicks' Last Day in Silver Lake

Strolling by Kicks on the way home from work this evening I noticed a banner advertising a huge moving sale. I didn’t realize that the store is relocating so I stopped in to see what is up. Apparently, Kicks will be moving out of the neighborhood altogether to join forces with their other store located at 141 N. Larchmont. This is sad news indeed for Silver Lake, but happy news for your wallet! To prepare for the move they have slashed prices up to 70% off clothes, shoes and accessories. Their last day at the Silver Lake location will be December 26, so go on and get your kicks while you can still trot on over there from Intelligentsia, kiddies.

Classic Eats is back in 2010!

Save the date: Saturday, January 23, 2010. We’ll start at our normal early hour of 5 or 6 pm (Depending on where we end up).

Voting opens in early January. We still have plenty of places on the list to go to. I’ve had one direct plea to add Cole’s to the next round of voting. No matter where we end up, I can’t wait to see you all there!

There are so many holiday activities going on this weekend. How does one choose? I recommend going where you find the highest concentration of holiday fun, and on Saturday that is going to be in Echo Park.

Saturday at noon you’ll find Grand Marshall Bob Baker leading the annual Echo Park Holiday Parade down Sunset Boulevard. The parade will also feature local high school marching bands, dance troupes, and other surprises. I have it on good authority that the L.A. Derby Dolls will be skating in the parade. I’d bet there will be an appearance by a certain white bearded man in a festive red holiday suit, as well.

The parade is only part of what’s happening, though. Local businesses have decided to stretch the fun all day long with the Echo Park Holiday Shop Hop. The parade may begin at noon, but other festivities start as early as 10:00am and will go on until 2:00am. Many businesses will be offering specials throughout the day, as well as various performances and workshops.

My favorite Echo Park business, 826LA, will have things going on all day long. There will be free gifts with purchase at the Echo Park Time Travel Mart. They will also be accepting donations to support the great programs they offer; if you donate $5 (or more,) you’ll get a book written by Echo Park kids. I’ve read their work, and it’s really good.

At 3pm 826LA will present “A Guy Walks Into an 826LA…,” a stand-up comedy performance by 826LA students. At 8pm, it’s “Dead Author Readings with Charles Dickens.”

This is only the beginning. Get complete details of special offers from local merchants, activities, performances and donations for local charities at the Echo Park Holiday Shop Hop page.

This Saturday, December 12, get yourself to Echo Park and get all of your holiday fun and shopping in one place.

Tonight at 6pm, MobMov.org and Hollywood MobMov are presenting a FREE sneak preview drive-in screening of the Discovery Channel’s new show Clash of the Dinosaurs.

Clash of the Dinosaurs takes a new look at the greatest beasts to ever walk the Earth. Cinematic photo-real 3D graphics are joined with cutting-edge paleontology to reveal the unique inner workings of these prehistoric survival machines.

This early evening event, which will run about an hour, is perfect to bring the whole family to and then still have time to get on with other Saturday night festivities. Hollywood MobMov is truly the “drive in that drives in.” The show is projected onto a wall from a car while you, the audience, relax in your own vehicle and tune in you FM radio for the audio. It really is a lot of fun!

The drive-in is at 6pm tonight in the parking lot of the Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood, located at the Center for Inquiry – West, 4773 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90027. Enter the parking lot off of Berendo St., just north of Hollywood Blvd. Did I mention it’s FREE?

Secret Headquarters will have original artwork by Mike Mignola on display for one night only, Friday December 4th. That’s totally like tonight, man!

And since you’ll be rushing to get there after work and won’t have time for dinner, you’re in luck! Kwong Dynasty’s Noodle Fantasy will be serving up noodles in front of the store.

Secret Headquarters will also be offering a limited edition Mignola illustrated letterpress print made specifically for this show. The prints feature never before seen Hellboy artwork by Mike Mignola with color supervision by Dave Stewart. These 3 color letterpress prints have been beautifully made by Aardvark Letterpress of Los Angeles.

One Night Only
Friday, December 4
8 – 10pm

Complimentary wine provided by Bear Flag.

On Saturday evening, December 12, the annual Holiday Boat Parade returns to Marina del Rey.  The event features fireworks at 5:55 p.m. at the south jetty, followed by a parade of boats at 6.  The boats, all done up with holiday lights and decorations, will circle the Marina channel several times, followed by judging from the viewing stand in Burton Chace Park.

The best places to view the parade are said to be Burton Chace Park, located at 13650 Mindanao Way, or Fisherman’s Village at 13755 Fiji Way.  Parking information is here, and indicates that parking fees in the Marina’s county lots will be waived for the event.  However, most big events in the Marina involve some hassles getting in, getting out, and parking.  So try to plan ahead and arrive early if possible.

This is your chance to join an official DARPA Challenge Team and all you have to do is look to the sky this Saturday, December 5 and report back if you spy a red balloon!

To sign up, go to ispyaredballoon.com and you will be part of a team effort to win $40K that will be donated to charity, plus all the fame and attention that comes with that!

On Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at 10:00am EST, DARPA will launch ten 8-foot red weather balloons across the United States, held in place by a tether. The first team to submit the locations of all ten balloons will win $40,000! This contest is called the DARPA Network Challenge, sponsored by DARPA, the people who (among other things) hold contests to build cars that drive themselves.

The I Spy A Red Balloon team has pledged to donate all of the prize money to the American Red Cross. The entire team is volunteering their time, so absolutely no money will be used for any other purpose. Every dollar that the team wins from DARPA will be given directly to the Red Cross.

Again, go to ispyaredballoon.com to sign up and they will send you a reminder on Friday to look for the balloon. On launch day, their site will change, ready to accept your sighting details. They will provide a clickable map, or you can provide latitude and longitude if it’s available to you (using your phone or standalone GPS device). The names/nicknames of all contributors will be part of a poster to be published after the contest has finished.

Become a part of the I Spy a Red Balloon DARPA Challenge team today!