Friday, September 29, 2006

Trains To Santa Monica - Take 2

Transportation has always been a problem in the city. Everything from horse drawn carriages to an electric train has graced the streets of L.A. The cable car that ran along Broadway in 1889 was constantly tested by the elements. Heavy rains filled the conduits with gravel or sand and forced the closure of the lines. The cables suffered from excessive wear and the machinery often broke down. Changes took place also with the map of downtown Los Angeles. In 1889, Fort Street, south of First, became Broadway. In 1910, the rest of Fort Street changed to Broadway. Buena Vista and Downey streets disappeared from the map.

















It looks like Los Angeles will again have a train that goes down to the beach....in another 4 years. I just want to know if in those 4 years they will finish Santa Monica Boulevard? Now that is apparently some feat. I just wonder how much more gridlock will be created while said rail system is being constructed...hmmm we'll see.
I am however very excited about the Griffith Park Observatory re-opening. It is a gorgeous art deco structure and the views are spectacular. I will be looking at it tomorrow from Runyon Canyon on a final hike with Michele and all those who wish to join her and then lunch and cocktails afterwards and then she is gone home to PA on Sunday.
I would like to think that Michele will be like the beloved Observatory, taking some time to refresh and renew and like the cable car, she will again return to Los Angeles and we will rejoice and we will ride all the way to the beach.See ya then M. OX

Thursday, September 28, 2006

WO CU

That is the name of the band that opened for Beck Tuesday night but is really beck's band in wigs and 70's garb and they are great! Drummer Matt put Anna and moi on list and it was at a club in Hollywood called Element , formerly Blue, around the block from Micelli's restaurant where they sing to you while you eat. It was fun but I was so sleepy the next day because I have been going back and forth between my house and where I am pet sitting & garden watering.
Boy is getting up and running the dog cutting into my sleep schedule and tonight I missed SnB because I had to do a good watering, that is not right. I missed Michele's dinner at Mc'Cormicks too but I will see her possibly tomorrow night but hiking Runyon Canyon and lunch Saturday for sure and then she is gone...for now. I can't say enough how much I and the friends she made will miss her...Waaaaa
Oh and just in case I don't get back on the computer in the evening when I have time to blog, Sunday is FREE MUSEUM DAY !! tomorrow at lunch I will go see the Stan's Cafe exhibit. Sure it looks like a bunch of rice but it sounded intersting when I saw it on the SCC calendar and everyone that has seen it thinks it's really cool. Go before it is turned into feed for animals, in a couple days.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

What Happened?!!

I can't believe how time flies, and I used to think my Grandma was sippin the sauce when she used to say it goes faster the older you get but she was right about that one.
Now let's catch up on the last month: Have been asked to work full time at the Skirball, though still temporary but I have my claws in them now! We will see if they offer me a full time position by the time the temp gig is up. Non-profits have to find the cash for it but trust me, they can afford me but can I afford to keep eating all the fattening food that is always around? I do love the nifty high tech coffee machine that allows you to choose a flavor and makes a cup in 6 seconds. Yum.
I had around 87 Birthday's this month and My older sister was here for her yearly California Birthday vacation and we went to Redondo Beach and got more pearls (our ritual) and had a great time, then D & J headed to Santa Barbara. I have been house/pet sitting for N for 2 weekends and V for 10 days and will be at V's for another week starting tomorrow. I have been having summer fun with the neighbors and friends; barbecues, rollerskating at the beach, cocktail parties etc.. Last week was one of my good friend's Birthday's and we went to the Standard hotel downtown at the rooftop barfor cocktails and swimming and then headed to The Belmont for happy hour where I was officially dubbed a Belmont Barfly for spending 3 consecutive happy hours. Is that a problem? NO, but they might have to order more crab legs!
On the home front, the roommate it cool but the apartment is up for sale and that would make it 4 owners in 10 years IF they can get someone to buy it sight unseen and let me tell you, we will be sure to tell them all the problems the place has.
Tonight is Totally 80's night at the Hollywood Bowl! 8 of us are packing our bottles of vino and eats and heading over for a night with ABC, Human League and Psychedelic Furs and the MC is Jane Wiedlin. There will also be Karaoke en mass. Sweet. I am getting out the fishnets and Aqua Net for this one! Michele is heading back to PA in a couple weeks so it is her last Bowl show and tomorrow the girls (and Sam) are heading to Redondo Beach for her last dip in the Pacific and I am treating her to a pearl dive too. I'll miss her but I am secretly hoping she comes back, they always do and I am proof of that. Oh, and I have been knitting some purse ideas so more on that later.
Everyone have a great official end of summer weekend and to all my Jewish friends, Happy New Year or La Shana Tova! Yeah, I work at the Skirball.