Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The winds were taken out of my sails when I heard the news that the Belmont Stakes would not be the same as imagined due to the injury of now retired horse, "I'll Have Another". At least this horse can retire as a champ!

James Franco- Rebel

The past weekend still was packed full. First, it started with the not so well received James Franco 'Rebel' exhibit at Antique dealer JF Chen's space which was sponsored by Gucci + 7 For All Mankind put on by MOCA. Not being familiar with Franco's other visual art work, this initial introduction was a shock + way off from what I expected as a visual interpretation stemming from James Dean and one of my favorite movies, 'Rebel without a Cause'. That said, the exhibit grew on me as I wandered through the re-creation of the bungalows of famed Chateau Marmont. (I also relished the parts I loved + ignored the parts I didn't- I recommend this when viewing any type of art).

First thing you see as you walk into the space

 One of the MANY provocative video montage's which comprise the exhibition (so much so I was reminiscent of watching TV at home on my flat panel....)

To me, any new exhibition is worth a look. And if the art doesn't 'move' an individual in one way or another, I think it misses the mark. But, if one finds themselves indifferent to a piece there is something to be said for that. The only conversation I've had with someone who has seen the work said an art critic told them they had one word to describe these installations for 'Rebel'- adolescent.


Spaces between the bungalows with a Hollywood sign upside down + backwords

James Franco in drag

My favorite part. The pool symbolizing James Dean and his motorcycle with a falling car from the sky which disappears into the ground on the video installation. To add to this experience, which I found absolutely joyful, a guy was lounging on a lounge chair off to the side simply reading a David Sedaris book;

Last, though much could be said about this particular exhibition offended by it or not, it generates discussion. Even if the exhibit lacks maturity, I believe the art world doesn't always have to be the one snubbing- sometimes the art snubs at the artworld. I reserve my opinions to see for yourself without recommendation.

After some online browsing of Etsy.com I decided to do some physical shopping, taking advantage of those Father's Day Sales! Coming up JUNE 17th!!!

Then, with the spirit of shopping mode, I took myself to Pasadena to check out the Swap Meet. Had my hands on a few overpriced items + more reasonable priced items. Still, I left with nothing and had a great time!

Hanging out with new acquaintances for dinner + new so-so french film topped off the weekend!

Surprisingly, a particular campy moment in the movie 'Nobody Else But You'. Let's just say a dairy moment without giving to much away.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

I like this title: ...A horse for the Everyman

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/bought-and-sold-for-a-pittance--i-ll-have-another-is-a-horse-for-the-everyman-.html

This article is of course talking about the potential Triple Crown winner this weekend, I'll Have Another. Some good details and I smell a horse movie coming next.......................


Griffith Park trails in higher elevations

A great hike in Griffith Park earlier (Monday evening after work to be exact) this week was had. Without seeing the the phenomenon of Venus passing between the Sun + the Earth, I also don't expect to see it next in 105 years! Regardless, the hike offered new sights on trails I had not been on. I prefer the higher elevations for pay off of the magnificent views. 

 Something Funny

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Memorial Day weekend has passed and we are in the short work week mode. It appeared most had a celebratory weekend, hopefully with some thought paying tribute to those Americans lost during War.

I took the time to travel to Laguna Beach, CA which only took an hour & fifteen minutes on the freeway. A gorgeous community with many great beaches and secluded coves.

Freeway Interchanges

A great cove discovery was made with the pooch since many of the beaches in Laguna allow dogs until June 14th -- a total dream since Rex enjoys the sand- not so much the gigantic sea which he knows would swallow him whole.

The very gorgeous cove I spent most of the day at in Laguna (I refrained from the jam packed beaches which lined the coast for such a busy weekend)

On the way back, taking the PCH, I stopped at my favorite fish market + restaurant in Redondo Beach, CA. I enjoy red meat and seafood equally with consistent enthusiasm - vegetables are a close 2nd. :-) Captain Kidd's was first discovered at a very good friends wedding in Palos Verdes, CA in 2008, the excitement still has not worn off + probably won't!

A fresh seafood purchase was in order at this gem of a market. Clam strips with orders of fresh crab cocktail, mahi mahi + halibut fillets, scallops & an order for a mahi mahi burger off the grill were taken for the road.

Manhattan Beach

The mahi mahi burger and cold drink with shaved ice (love shaved ice) was tremendously enjoyed at the always great Manhattan Beach!

Having such a beach weekend with sun and cares to the wind, ones neurological cells must be re-stimulated. This was weakly accomplished by a double feature of very well acted + intriguing characters in "The Iron Lady" with lead Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher and "J.Edgar", lead by Leonardo DiCaprio as J. Edgar Hoover.

Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher



Leonardo DiCaprio as John Edgar Hoover

Equal critical acclaim is deserved for both movies. Each film was enlightening of each era while leaving a better understanding of the development of our world today. The characters gave an enchanting glimpse to their personal world and how much their devotion to careers signified the mark they left behind.

I kid you not, yesterday I saw these 2 girls working out in front of their apartment. Stretching and everything on the sidewalk. Then,  I looked up and they had their 47" flat panel television facing out the window with an exercise dvd on. I don't know if they thought it was their sorority house or wanted to reminisce but they were making quite a spectacle of themselves on an otherwise peaceful evening in the neighborhood. Quickly, my walk became a speedy gait since I was offended by the large screen television workout grunts + grown sounds echoing off the many building facades. 

Most interestingly is the horse tracks these days, with the consistent wins of "I'll Have Another"! This horse and jockey (see prior post) are on a role with wins at Santa Anita, The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and next up, Belmont Stakes. To me, he's already a triple crown horse. If this team wins the Belmont Stakes- it will be the first (technical) Triple Crown since 1978! 

Check out this amazingly fabulous finish (and more) at the 137th Preakness Stakes:

http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/triplecrown2012/story/_/id/7950108/137th-preakness-stakes-another-again-edges-bodemeister

For the Win. I love it!

Now, my thoughts wander to Maui, Hawaii where my twin brother spends his first full day as a resident of that island state! Aloha Brah!

Common Hawaiian Terms:
http://www.mauileisureguide.com/hawaiian-terms-phrases.htm


Maui, HI



Thursday, May 17, 2012




First, a tribute to the provocative disco queen, Donna Summer, who passed away today at the age of 63.

My latest trip to Seattle last weekend turned out to be a feast for the eyes + senses! With a not to miss visit to the antique mall, Pacific Galleries on 1st + Lander in Sodo, a treasure trove of antiquities and other such interests were found, yet again.

Here is an assortment of detailed curatorial displays of favorites which I saw there:

 Playful display on a very regal Dog

Grand Interior

Jewels... 

Jewels...

 ..........& more Jewels!

Daffodils & volcanic Mt. Rainier- a massive painting I would have purchased, already SOLD!

 A 1950's sign no doubt for a campground or such, another worthy of purchase- about 8' tall

The Olympic Mts. with a flight at dusk (notice The Brothers peaks left of the planes' stabilizer) ....I bid adieu + fare thee well Seattle

(soon, another post of NW adventure which was captured via photos the same weekend)



After nearly a month hiatus, I am back. Without prior plans for the lapse of time between posts, I surprise myself on this delay. Life certainly got in the way.

Missing several things last weekend such as Cinco de Mayo, LA Modernism Show and other such events, I stop short of journaling these happenings. The one thing I did manage to see was the Kentucky Derby! What a race it was! Albeit, the network needed to tighten up its broadcast of the even since it was drawn out way to long. An appearence of Mary J Blige singing the National Anthem was a treat but then another delay before the race started with the blink of an eye.

An upset some may say with an $11,000.00 thoroughbred horse winning the day! Well deserved as it seized the final stretch for a win with the debuting jockey.

Mario Gutierrez rides I'll Have Another for the win at 2012 Kentucky Derby

And for all you Mother's out there this weekend.........

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Today, at about 4am I woke up to the sound of a cooing Pigeon. It was so early that I believe another bird must have told the bird to shut-up because I didn't hear this cooing again until 6am. 

The sound reminded me of home where we used to have a massive Sugar Maple tree in our front yard with my room in an earshot of the birds singing in the morning. The coo offers calm,  much more pleasant than the obnoxious crow calls or god for bid- dog barking that early in the am!

A friend once recommended a book called 'The Pigeon' about a Security Guard. A very unruffled read, if you will. I liked it.