LA at Night

Los Angeles is a very special place at night.

Film maker Colin Rich created this stunning time-lapse video featuring iconic local landmarks and the lights of LA.

Turn up your speakers, enlarge to full screen and enjoy this Hi-Def video.


LA Light from Colin Rich on Vimeo.

A Jumble of Moments

                         

                         Moments

        Some fleeting, others depleting - 
          sometimes too many, more often too few…

The Omni Please ---  Okay.  Sorry, my English no good. It’s fine. Thank you and enjoy you stay.

LA Live. Alright. Wow, there is nothing like this in Great Wells. Hey,  your purse.  Thanks.

The bellman asks, Will you take a credit card? Sure … the rides too short…  I hope your kindness pays - I wanted to say it already has - I meet you! Instead - Here’s my card.. Call me if you need a ride…

Where are you from? Canada originally. You? Idaho. What brought you to town? A Boeing 747. You? My Mom, dragging me by my ear?

The Met please -- Sure on Flower right?  Yeah, sorry for the short ride… No problem. It‘s $4.85.  Can I get $15 back please. Sure, no problem.

Stay on the curb -  I’m a New Yorker and I won’t have this conversation with you…  Be sure to get her home safe..

That was a great off-site reading but the jet lag is really starting to kick in. I’m beat!

Don’t spill those okay?  We promise we won’t…. Hey where’s a great place to go after dinner? What kind of place do you want? … Sounds like Villains’ is the place. Can you take us after we meet up with the rest of the group?

Would you take me to Checkers… Checkers Hotel? Okay…That’s $3.45 please…

Oops  - I’m having a Brain Fart - I’m sorry, that was too crude…  She giggled and said that’s okay.

Oh oh oh we got’ a hurry! I need to go to Ralph’s then to the check cashing place for a money order so I can get a money order and drop it under the Landlords door before he sticks me with a $25 fine for being late on my rent…..

No I can’t take all 8 at once but I’ll take 4 and come back for the rest…

An accident in his pants - grabbed the rain poncho from the trunk.  I’ve used it many times to keep the back seat clean and dry and only twice to keep me dry… After all, its California and it never rains in California. (well almost never)

I was getting a bit scared - thanks for picking me up… I’m late for my curfew, but only two minutes. Blame it on me - tell um the cab driver got lost - hit every red light and…  No I can’t - you’re the best.

Two drunk girls - Lets get out - this F*()&king as&$#ole won’t take us…

She jumps in saying Go! Go! Go!  He comes to the front window and says Get her home safe Buddy… She cried for 15 of  the 20 moments.

3 Drunks plus 1 (unhappy) tag along. Drunk rapping slurs and racial remarks - No use talking It will be over soon enough….

Hey Paul. Hi Carrie, how was your night?  You know- another day another dollar, but Lindsey came in tonight - she has really changed…

Hey Homie how ‘bout a flat rate?  Going to pick up my B and bring her back.. so its round trip. How much?

Is that a Broncos hat? I’m glad you said that…  How about John Elway?  I’m glad you said that…   But it’s a BSU Bronco’s hat.  I’m glad you said that…   You’re from Boise? No, but close… I’m glad you said that…   I was routing for Utah… Better luck next year, but not against us.. I’m glad you said that…  Here keep the change - This was the best cab ride ever… I’m glad you said that… 

Wow it’s cold - Paul this is my son, Dave. We need to drop him off at Union station on the way okay. Sure. It nice to finally meet you Dave, I’ve heard a lot about you… Well I’ve heard a lot about you too Paul. It was 5:30 in the morning but we laughed and laughed all the way to Union Station.  She goodbye to him and said, “I told you so.”

Every night in the cab is a jumble of moment, I remember them all but choose to appreciate and hold on to some longer than others..

The Holidays are Upon Us…

'Tis the season and there are many things to do and see around the LA area…

Here are a few of my favorite things to share with family and friends. There are many other events that may be your favorites, please feel free to add them...

Click on the title or subtitle of any event for more information.

Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square
Nov. 18, 2010 through Jan. 17, 2011

Celebrate the holiday with fun under the sun and stars. Visit Pershing Square's outdoor skating rink at 532 South Olive, open everyday November 18, 2010 through January 17, 2011. The tradition continues with LA’s largest outdoor rink with the lowest admission price of just $6. As a favorite holiday destination, the facility boasts a medley of FREE events including a holiday concert series, a Winter Holiday Fiesta, championship skating exhibitions, and more.

A Rock and Roll Christmas - Holiday Boat Parade at Marina Del Rey
Dec. 11, 2010

A great viewing location - Burton Chace Park at 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey


Holiday Charity Festival in Koreatown
Dec 11, 2010 & Dec. 12, 2010

The charity organization is KAVC, the Korean-American Volunteer Corps, a group that has been helping minority communities through various programs since 2001.

Come enjoy great food, do your holiday shopping, listen and watch talent on-stage, play games, learn crafts, and hobnob with the locals and visitors from all over!

Koreatown is the most diverse neighborhood in the country! Residents are 55% Latino, 15% Korean, 10% Black, 10% White, and 10% Other Asian and Misc.

Venice Holiday Boat Parade
Dec. 12, 2010

Be sure to walk the canals! The residents light up the night celebrating the holidays.

LA Phil Presents Holiday Sing-Along
Dec. 18, 2010

Lift your voices and sing along to all your favorite Christmas and holiday songs. Bring the whole family to celebrate a cherished holiday tradition. Free lyric sheets provided for all.

Kids Christmas Spectacular
Dec. 18, 2010

Kids Christmas Spectacular features carnival games, a petting zoo, giant inflatable slides, jumpers, crafts, balloon animals, face painting, snacks, live music, rock wall climbing and TOY GIVEAWAY! All of this is FREE of charge to the children and families who attend.

Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane
Dec. 11, 2010 thru Jan. 2, 2011 Jan. 6 and 7 2011

Every Christmas season for more than 80 years, the majestic deodars on the "Mile of Christmas Trees" are strung with 10,000 lights. Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the United States. Christmas Tree Lane is located in Altadena, CA on Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive. Lights are on Dusk to 10pm on Weekdays & Dusk to midnight on Holidays and Weekends.

The Balian Mansion
Dec 11, 2010 thru Dec. 25, 2010 

The Balian Mansion has been lighted since 1955 and is arguably the pioneer of home holiday lighting. The Balian Mansion is located at the 5-point junction of Mendocino Street, Mendocino Lane, Allen Avenue, and East Glenview Terrace.

This stop off can be combined with Christmas tree lane by turning right on Altadena to Allen. Turn right on Allen and then left on Mendocino. You can’t miss the Balian House. For many, many years the Balian family has decorated their mansion and the three and one half acres that surround it. Park and join the throngs enjoying the sights. There are over 10,000 colored lights, many scenes like Santa Claus with his reindeers, elves, a nativity scene, and many others. Many of the scenes have movement. Live groups sing Christmas carols.

Upper Hastings Ranch - Pasadena, CA
Dec. 11, 2010 thru Jan. 2, 2011

Upper Hastings Ranch has become one of the most popular areas for neighborhood outdoor Christmas displays. Beginning in 1957 each block in the neighborhood began to decorate their homes with some type of theme icon placed in the parkway, e.g., snowmen, Christmas trees, Santas and reindeer, Peanuts cartoon characters, etc. Tour by car (with headlights off) thru miles of lighting and other entertaining Christmas displays.

Located in northeast Pasadena in California, Upper Hastings Ranch is bordered by the city of Sierra Madre to the east, the Eaton Canyon Golf Course to the west, and Sierra Madre Blvd to the south.

LA Live Holiday Ice 
Nov 29, 2010 thru  Jan. 1, 2011

The outdoor ice rink at L.A. Live at Nokia Plaza provides a modern, edgier setting for this traditional pastime. Huge screens surround the complex flashing a constant barrage of commercials. A high-tech, sculptural metal tree changes color to the music, and icicle lights hanging on nearby trees complete this eye and ear popping scene. The rink is roomy enough (70 feet by 50 feet) for intermediate style ice skating.
Nov 29th - Dec 17th: Mon - Friday 5pm - 11pm  Sat - Sun: Noon to 11pm

Beginning Monday Dec 20th: Noon - 11 pm   Closing Midnight: January 1, 2011

51st Annual LA County Holiday Celebration
Dec. 24, 2010

An annual tradition, the Emmy-nominated music and dance extravaganza is L.A.'s biggest holiday show - and it's FREE, so bring the whole family! Or, enjoy it from the comfort of your home on KCET-TV, KCET.org or KPFK 90.7 FM, while you finish decorating the tree or steaming tamales!  "Childhood Holiday Memories” is the theme for this year’s Holiday Celebration, broadcast live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on KCET-TV. 24 groups and nearly 800 performers will present music and dance of the season from the many neighborhoods and cultures of Los Angeles.

Tournament of Roses Parade
Dec. 28, 2010 thru Jan. 2, 2011 

The Tournament of Roses Parade is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day (but moved to Monday if New Year's Day falls on a Sunday), produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.

The annual parade was first held January 1, 1890 in Pasadena, California.

Typically 48 to 72 hours prior to parade day one can view several of the floats being decorated with flowery mantles, in the various 'float barns' that dot the Arroyo Seco / Rose Bowl area in West Pasadena, not far from the start of the parade. It is a rule of the parade that all surfaces of the float framework be covered in natural material (such as flowers, plants, seaweeds, seeds, bark, vegetables, or nuts, for example); furthermore, no artificial flowers or plant material are allowed, nor can the materials be artificially colored. Last-minute volunteering opportunities are often available.

Float Decorating
December 28, 2010
Experience the magic of the floats before they make their debut in the 2011 Rose Parade.

Lawry’s Beef Bowl: A 55-Year “Road to the Rose Bowl” Tradition
December 28, 2010
The Lawry’s Beef Bowl is college football’s most enduring pre-bowl game tradition

Bandfest - Also Available via Webcast!
December 29 & 30, 2010

Bandfest will feature the prizewinning bands of the 2011 Rose Parade performing the field shows that made them famous.

Equestfest
December 29, 2010
Up close and personal... Meet many of the Equestrians you will see New Year's Day in the 2011 Rose Parade!

Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
December 30, 2010
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses will honor the 2010 Rose Bowl Hall of Fame class during a mid-day luncheon.

Rose Bowl Game
December 31, 2010
The Kickoff Luncheon is a dynamic mid-day pep rally featuring an introduction of participating teams in the 97th Rose Bowl Game

Rose Bowl Game Public Tailgate
January 1, 2011
Open to the public, the Rose Bowl Tailgate provides a variety of food and beverages available for purchase outside the stadium

Alumni Tailgate Parties
January 1, 2011
The alumni associations of the two participating institutions have designated areas for their “official” alumni tailgate parties

The 122nd Rose Parade
January 1, 2011
The 122nd Rose Parade themed Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories will take place on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m.

The 97th Rose Bowl Game
January 1, 2011
On January 1, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. (PST), "The Granddaddy of Them All" the 97th Rose Bowl Game

Post Parade: A Showcase of Floats!
January 1, 2011
Post Parade: A Showcase of Floats is a unique opportunity for the viewing public to step up close with the floats


View city71Holiday Map in a larger map

A Night at The Greek... That Wasn’t Supposed To Be - Part One

The Greek is an almost hidden outdoor concert venue tucked into the foothills of Griffith Park just north of the most affluent residential area of Los Feliz.  On this cool October night, the Indie rock group ‘Interpol’ closed The Greek’s 2010 season. For me, it was a great season in many ways: Great Music, Great People, Great Money. Who could ask for anything more?

 I follow The Greek’s concert schedule and work there whenever it hosts an event but tonight there are just too many other things going on in LA; The Greek will have to close the season without a final visit from City 7100.

That was my original plan, but when I picked up a couple at Universal City and took them to Los Feliz, the plan changed. After dropping the couple at their destination I checked my watch. Its a little after 10:20 PM, to early for the concert to be over but I might get lucky and find someone leaving early. I’m nearby so I decide to check it out.

I continue on Los Feliz Blvd until I reach Vermont where I head north toward the entrance. It’s only about a mile on Vermont but when The Greek is “loading” (the hour before the start of a concert)  it can take ten to fifteen minutes to travel past the multi-million dollar homes that line the winding road.

Now without traffic, it takes less than two minutes to be within earshot of the music and for me to get lucky. As I approach, a young lady hails the taxi. She jumps in and asks me (in a subtle English accent) to take her home to Hollywood. We had a nice chat during the twelve minutes it took to get her home. It was her first time at The Greek, she loved it and Interpol.

Because The Greek borders a residential area, concerts end by 11:00 PM and it’s almost 11:00 PM so I decided to head back to The Greek for the “unload” rush. On my way, I accept a dispatched call for a passenger named Michael who is waiting to be picked up at The Greek.

As I approached Vermont, I see a solid stream of cars leaving The Greek thus confirming that the concert was indeed over. This will make it tough to find and pick up Michael but I accepted the call so I have to try. I pass multiple groups of people jumping, waving, yelling and whistling trying to get me to stop on my way up back up the hill (some even stand in the middle of the street to force me to stop). I say, “Sorry, I’m taken” as they try to open the locked doors. I continue on.

I pull to the curb and am immediately meet by another flood of wannabe City7100 riders. The first rushes forward saying, “Did you come for us? We called for a cab.” I ask her name hoping she responds with Michelle assuming the call taker made a spelling error. No such luck. I frown as I explain my predicament. She asks to first on ‘stand-by’ in case I cant find my passenger. 

The next wannabe rider ducks his head into the window asking to go to Orange County (a 50 + mile trip). I cross my fingers and ask his name.  He replied, “Mike.” (Yeah!) “But I didn’t call. We need to get to Newport Beach, can you take us?” (Aargh!) I hated to kiss that $150 fare good-bye!

It was clear that I wasn’t going to find Michael so I waved at my ‘stand-by’ and mouthed, “I’ll take you.”  She grabbed her friends and they all piled in… four beautiful young ladies. Okay, it wasn’t $150 but I still ended up with a great ride. They went to Birds Café for a late night snack. 

Was it really fun? Of course! One beauty wore a knit frog cap that I mistakenly mistook for a pair of devil horns. Remember, I’m looking in the rear-view and it was dark so I thought the erect frog ears were horns. Not to worry, I was immediately corrected by the other beauties “It’s a yellow frog - they’re very rare don’t ya know.”

Later the three beauties in the backseat found out that City7100 doesn’t have a radio so they began to entertain me. The beauty in front looked on enjoying the impromptu rap concert. At one point, she said to the frog cap beauty, “You are the whitest Asian I know.” I later parroted that phrase and the back seat went quite. Oops… they hadn’t heard her say it but they heard me. The beauty up front came to my rescue and explained to the bewilder backseat trio that I was repeating what she had said during the rap session. 

Whew - disaster averted and the rapid fire fun resumed. More singing, a few jokes, a hundred questions and a ton of laughs followed before I heard, “Do you have a my space page?” (or was it face book?) Either way, the answer was the same, “No, but I blog and I‘m going to blog about you.” 

I handed her a card and said, “Check it out when you get a chance… ”  Within a minute or two I hear, “I like you narrative style  - I can’t wait to read the rest of it.”

Wow! Fun, affirmation and I have writing style too! Who could ask for anything more?

Part Two later -- Yes, there’s even more….

A gem near LAX

Working down by LAX Airport has it's pros and cons. I just found another gem to add to the pro side of the ledger. It's a little Mediterranean Cafe called Gaby's Express located in Marina del Rey.

It has tasty healthy food (their motto is, 'Creating a healthy habit every day') at very reasonable prices. I had a 'Pettite Beef Shawarma' wrap with a creamy spinach salad and drink for only five bucks.

They have a total of four locations (soon to be five) in the area including a full service, fine dining restaurant, at the Venice Pier.

If you are in the area any time soon, check 'em out. You won't be disappointed!

Let me know what you tried & how you liked it in the comment section below.

$65.00 and not a dime more...

To tip or not to tip - It's a question I'm often asked, especially by those who visit from abroad.

It's a question often asked but difficult to answer. Usually I reply with a joke like, "it's 100%" then after a slight pause add,” up to you..."

But that really is how I feel... Tipping is a way to express appreciation or gratitude towards a service provider.

The taxi industry in LA City is highly regulated. All cabs (legal ones) charge the exact same amount for each mile driven... If a great driver (not that I'm great) and a horrible driver take the same route with the same traffic, the meter will be the same. A tip is a material way to express your appreciation or lack there of. But it doesn’t always work that way….

A short story to illustrate the point.

I picked up a customer at a swanky restaurant in Studio City on Ventura Blvd. He gave me his destination as the Century City Plaza on the Avenue of the Stars.

I headed west on Ventura Blvd to Laurel Canyon and turned South, the opposite of what be had expected."Where are you going? The freeway is the other way," he said.

I replied, "This is the shortcut."

He went off! "I know all about your 'short-cuts' here in LA. I'm from New York City and I know better! Listen, the meter was $55 to get here and that's what I'll pay for you to take me back. Actually we gave a $10 tip (about 18%) so it's $65 and not a dime more...

"That's fine with me," I say. "Go ahead and give me the $65 as a deposit. That way you are covered and you won't have to worry about the meter. Okay?"

He handed me $70 and said, “I don't care about the meter. Give me $5 change."

I said, "No problem. I'm going to put the money right here next to the meter, but I'm going to leave the meter on."

"You can do whatever you want," He said. "But I am NOT paying one dime more!"

We chit chatted a bit more as I continued toward his hotel. I found out that he was here on a business trip and had gone from the hotel to this business dinner with a local associate. That associate had given directions to the previous cab driver and that is why he was so adamant about the amount he was willing to pay.

As I turned into the hotel drop-off area the meter read $31.

"What the F*** is this?" He said as he noticed the hotel, then the meter...

"It's your hotel," I said while trying not to laugh out loud. "I told you it was a short-cut."

I retrieved the money from next to the meter and handed it back to him saying, "Give me my five back and let's start over again."

He smiled and said sorry while he handed me two twenties then asked for $5 back. ($31 fare $4 tip about 11%)

"Sure," I said.

What is there to do in LA?

Southern California is a tourist mecca for many obvious reasons. Sun and fun are two of the best. Great weather and hundreds (if not thousands) of places to enjoy.

Yesterday I was actually asked, "Besides the obvious, is there really anything to do in LA?"

Well let's see?

 The list of amusement parks & entertainment centers seems endless.

Here are a few I have enjoyed.

I've experienced many of the most popular tourist stops including Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, and Sea World. Sorry, no kids so I've missed out on Lego Land, but it still might be fun someday.

I've walked Hollywood's Walk of Fame hunting for my favorite star' star.

 I've explored Griffith Park and searched the galaxy for the terrestrial stars at the Griffith Park Observatory.

I've climbed on and explored the century old trains at Travel Town. I've ridden the miniature train that loops around the pony rides.

I've peddled a tandem bike on the boardwalk (it's really concrete) at Venice Beach. Gawked at those gawking at me - people watching in LA hits a different level, it's interactive.

I've kissed a special someone atop the ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier and shopped at the Third St. Promenade.

I've been sunburned on the beaches of Malibu, Santa Monica, Balboa, and Dana Point.... Three words --- USE SUN SCREEN!!

I've admired countless artistic treasures on display at world renowned museums like the Getty (and the Villa), the Autry, MOCA, Natural History Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, LA Contemptary Art and
the Norton Simon Museum.

I've watched ballet at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Listened to the LA Philharmonic at both the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Concert Hall.

I've sung along (to myself) to concerts held at the Universal Amphitheater, the Greek, The Kodak and Nokia.

I've laughed at comedy clubs including HaHa, the Comedy Store and Laugh Factory. I haven't made it to The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal City Walk.

I tried, but failed, to figure out the tricks at the Magic Castle.

I've been in the "studio audience" as Hollywood creates its own type of magic. I've watched tapings of Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Wheel of Fortune.

I've decorated floats for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and then watched the parade make it's way from the Tournament House down the 3.5 mile route. I've been to the Rose Bowl Game twice.

Did I mention any of the plays I’ve enjoyed at the Pantages Theater or Deaf West?

I've cheered the Dodgers, the Lakers, both USC and UCLA, but not for the Clippers or Kings. Of course there are other sporting events in LA to check out.

I've communed with nature at Descanso Gardens, The Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, The Huntington Library, and the La Brea Tar Pits.& Page Museum.

I've feed animals at the LA Zoo and watched the scariest creatures of all make there 1:45 AM exodus from various nightclubs and bars throughout Hollywood and Downtown, Yes, I know to never feed those animals!

I've hiked the trails of Eaton Canyon and taken the Palm Springs Arial Tramway to the tip top of Mount San Jacinto.

I've been overwhelmed standing in the midst of acres of tulips in full bloom outside of the Dutch community of Solvang. I just missed the hundreds of acres of assorted spring flowers allowed to bloom and go to
seed, but the resulting fragrance will live in my senses forever.

I've pulled straw from unmentionable places after a moonlight hey ride through the Apple Orchids of Oak Glen.

I've included a bunch of links above andc still only touched the surface of things to do in LA.
Here are a few other ideas on what to do and where to go in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.


Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown Art

Outside Art in
Greater LA Area

Heritage Square Outdoor
Museum

Kidspace Children Museum

Passdena Museum of California Art

Petersen Automotive Museum

Pacific Design Center

Hail-a-Cab program

It looks like the city of LA will finally make it legal for cabs to pick up passengers hailing curbside, at least in the two main urban centers of Hollywood and Downtown.

It’s true; I often pick up people curbside, but the police can and have issued citations.

The Hail-a-Cab program was first established in 2008 as a pilot program. The program allowed taxis to temporarily stop at ‘No Stopping’ & ‘No Parking’ zones and alongside parked vehicles to load and unload passengers.

City Councilmember Jan Perry authored the program and recently said, “Since we adopted the Hail-A-Taxi program, there has been an increase in taxi use in our urban centers. We hope to see this up-tick continue as we develop a permanent program in our two urban centers.”

Councilman Tom LaBonge said he wanted to see neighborhood taxis for first and last mile trips to and from transit hubs. Perry added, "You really should just do it citywide.. Let's just get it done."

A different motion will be introduced in regards to making the hail-a-taxi program citywide.

Every Which Way but

On any giving day you'll find these signs all over Los Angeles.

Sometimes the poles get crowded

These signs actually point to various location shoots throughout Los Angeles.

Not the Hollywood Sign

This is not the world famous Hollywood Sign. This is a small replica located on the grounds of the Sheraton-Universal, Universal City, CA

I did have one customer remark, "It looks a lot bigger and better on TV."

I replied, "Everything looks bigger & better on TV!"

If you want a picture of the real Hollywood Sign, make your way to the intersection of Franklin Ave & N. Beachwood Dr. Then go North (away from the freeway and up the hill) on Beachwood.

Avoid going to far up Beachwood, the road begins to bend and twist obstructing the view.