SCREENING – Santa With Muscles
I know, I know. Posts have been sparse this month, mainly due to lingering illness and preparations for an overseas holiday (more on that in a few days). I feel like I’ve dropped the ball on passing along so much of the holiday goodness that this town has to offer… gee, I hope this makes up for it! :)
WHAT: Horrible Movie Night screening of the 1996 Hulk Hogan holiday less-than-classic, Santa With Muscles! Whachya gonna do, when Santamania runs wild on YOU?
WHEN: This Thursday, December 17, 8pm (Doors open at 7:15)
WHERE: The Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood
PRICE: $8. Includes screening, extra live entertainment, beer, wine, and snacks. RSVP to: horriblemovie@pacbell.net
“…a film so bad, the original screenwriter sued to have his name removed from the credits. This cheesy Christmas disaster features the Hulkster as a millionaire of questionable morals (a stretch –?) who, during a run from the law, is knocked out cold and wakes up thinking he is Santa Claus. He somehow hooks up with an orphanage bedeviled by evil scientists (the head baddie is played by Ed Begley Jr.), and proceeds to do good. You will notice Mila Kunis in one of her first film roles as an orphan. But no rotten movie is complete without the inimitable Clint Howard! This one has got it all.”
[youtube width=”590″ height=”470″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmPgWz85Us0[/youtube]
COVET THIS – Junk For Joy
*Click on the thumbnail image below to launch photo gallery*
HERE’S THE CONCEPT OF “COVET THIS”:
1. We walk into a store spontaneously.
2. We pick out a handful of random things that catch our eye/s.
3. We take covert photos.
4. We post the images with silly captions for you to see.
5. YOU are overwhelmed by an urge to rush to said establishment and possess said items (silly as they may be at times), thereby helping very small businesses to stay afloat during our troubled economy. :)
The Chosen Store: Purveyors of “fun and funky clothing, collectibles and other goodies,” Junk For Joy
The Location: 3314 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank (818) 569-4903
Our Previous Customer Experience: I first wandered into Junk For Joy back in the 80s during a lunch break when I was working at a record company nearby. Although I hadn’t been back in over a decade, I was surprised to find that it hasn’t changed at all. Literally! I think it even has some of the same inventory. It was like visiting the 80s again, only this time I wasn’t wearing blue eyeshadow and moon boots.
IMAGERY – Lawn Bowling on a Friday Afternoon
Lawn Bowling in Santa Monica on a Friday Afternoon
To see a few more pictures, click on the image at left. If you, too, feel a hankering to do some hardcore lawn bowling, check out the Santa Monica Lawn Bowls Club. Below is a google map showing where the club hangs out in lovely Douglas Park. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen!
VIDEO – A Little Face Time with Marty & Elayne
There are few things we can truly count on in life,
but we can always count on Marty & Elayne to be…
Marty & Elayne.
‘Cuz they’ve got us… under their dermis.
[youtube width=”590″ height=”425″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nrzOHH8tOo[/youtube]
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HANDSHAKE – We love you, North Dakota!
According to Google Analytics, the only state in all of America that has yet to visit HiddenLA even *once* is North Dakota. Seriously! Even though we did a nice big feature on one of their native sons! Sigh.
Feeling a bit sad and rejected with this news, naturally the only solution was to turn to the internet for possible answers. It was tough admitting that all I really knew about North Dakota was to stay away from wood chippers. It seemed a good time to learn a bit about the commonalities we share so that perhaps we might have a better chance of forging a bond of web friendship. (I mean, how tough could it be… the word Dakota MEANS “allies” in the Sioux language, for Christ’s sake, so they’ve gotta be super friendly people. Right?)
After a bit of research it’s easy to see why North Dakota might be a bit intimidated by Los Angeles, though… the entire state contains nearly ONE THIRD the population of the San Fernando Valley alone. Wow.
Well, we may be big city folk, but that doesn’t mean we don’t care about stuff that’s important to our fellow Americans, though. We do! So after a bit of research, here are a few things I’ve come up with… an olive leaf of sorts. An itemized list with links after the jump.
EVENT – Suckin’ up mudbugs at the Long Beach Crawfish Festival
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1st
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsmJN6UTZ84[/youtube] What: 16th Annual Long Beach Crawfish Festival (Note: The Newport Beach Lobsterfest is on Sunday as well, but it appears to be sold out.)
Where: Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach (562) 495-5959
When: Noon-11pm
Price: Various tickets available. For $2 off door admission, go to their web site and click on the crawdad.
Details: After scathing reviews for running out of beignets, beer and crawfish last year, the promoters of the Long Beach Crawfish Festival are determined to prove themselves on Saturday. Not only is Yelp now their official sponsor, but the promoter used the site to say the following to potential attendees: “Last year attendance 3X (tripled) in number 4 hours prior to the festival. This was not anticipated and we do acknowledge that there were longer lines, we did run out of beer, and we were low on Live Crawfish. The Crawfish are flown in Live the day of the festival and adjustments could not be made within hours based on the influx of sales… We have accommodated for the additional Live Crawfish to be flown in. We have extensive beer reserves stationed onsite for immediate use. There are two entrances. Bars have been expanded with extensive signage in place. Overall the festival has been expanded to accommodate last year’s attendance and more giving a fun festival experience to all that attend. We thank all those that make Long Beach Crawfish Festival the largest Crawfish Festival outside of Louisiana — right here in Southern California. “
Their official promotional blurb: “The 16th Annual Long Beach Crawfish Festival serves mouth-watering Cajun Crawfish dinners! Delicious Louisiana-style crawfish prepared to spicy perfection by chefs from Bristol Farms. Crawfish feasts include succulent red baby potatoes, buttery corn on the cob and a special remoulade dipping sauce. Dance to live Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans bands. Also, giant food court, beach bars and a children’s area.”
GOOD CAUSE – 826LA’s Paddle Boat Regatta
***Echo Park Paddleboat Regatta deadline is MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!***
What: 826LA’s Echo Park Lake Paddle Boat Regatta
When: Sunday, July 26, 2009, 4pm
Where: Echo Park Lake. Duh.
Who: You! Sponsor a team! Donate prizes! Just show up to gawk and cheer or JOIN IN AND RACE – bring friends or join a pre-existing team.
Why: Because it’s great Sunday fun to mow down swamp turtles with a paddle boat! Oh, and it’s also cool to raise money for the kids of 826LA. *PLUS* there are PRIZES and goodie bags involved! Wheeeee!
Details: “On Sunday, July 26, 90 paddle-boaters (45 teams) will meet for the second annual 826LA Echo Park Lake Paddle Boat Regatta. These fearless navigators will brave the elements, the geese, and each other as they race through (the possibly monster-infested) Echo Park Lake to earn the title of World’s Best Paddle Boat Racers and to raise funds for 826LA. Teams pre-register online, then solicit donations from friends, family, significant others, passers-by on the street, and large corporations—all to secure a better starting position.” Registration and fundraising for the Regatta closes midnight on July 24th.
ONGOING – The Punum of Superman
ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938–1950
Where: The Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. (310) 440-4500
What: Rare Superman Films
When: Sat., July 18, 2pm
Price: $6 Gen, $5 Members/Students
Details: “Fans of the Man of Steel won’t want to miss this afternoon of rare Superman footage. At this matinee screening, view episodes from the famed Kryptonian’s big-screen debut in the 1948 Hollywood serial. Also see The Adventures of Superpup and The Adventures of Superboy, two never-broadcast pilots meant to replace the Superman television series after lead actor George Reeves’s untimely death.”
What: Exhibit
ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938–1950
When: Ongoing through August 9, 2009
Price: Included in admission (tickets at the door): $10; $7 seniors/students; $5 kids 2–12; Free to members/kids under 2; FREEEEE TO ALL ON THURSDAYS
Details: “Through never-before exhibited art and objects culled from private and institutional collections, ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938-1950 explores the genesis of cultural icons such as Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel, and Wonder Woman. (more…)
EVENTS – The Close Up 7/13-19
Note: this listing will be updated during the week as we see fit, and we try to include FREEEEE events whenever possible. :)
7/14-19 – Shakespeare at Our Lady of the Angels
Every Thursday – Outdoor Movies at the Grove
7/16 – Poncho Sanchez in Baldwin Park; Dreaming of India: A Cultural Block Party at CAFAM
7/17 – Horse racing and 80s music with The Romantics
TUESDAY, JULY 14 THROUGH SUNDAY JULY 19
What: Shakespeare Festival/LA’s 24th Annual Summer Festival presents AQUILA Theatre in “AS YOU LIKE IT”
When: July 14-19, 2009, 8pm – Box office opens at 7pm
Where: The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Plaza, 555 West Temple Street , Downtown
Price: General admission tickets are FREEEEE! Patrons are invited to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Food Bank of Southern California
Details: Shakespeare Festival/LA will hold its 24th annual Summer Festival with a presentation of AQUILA THEATRE in As You Like It, the U.S. debut of the world-class touring production. The performance on July 16 will feature ASL translators for the hearing impaired. On July 17, actors will translate the performance into Spanish, the transmission of which patrons will be able to hear through headphones that will be made available. (more…)
COVET THIS – Tiny Neighborhoods for the Calendar Challenged
Please click the little image below that says “DINER” to launch fun images of the festive little toy neighborhoods to be found at Stats. And please don’t miss my witty captions… I worked hard on ’em, people!
I was in Pasadena for a meeting yesterday and decided to walk into STATS FLORAL SUPPLY for old time’s sake… although I have always found them a bit pricey, Stats has been a guilty pleasure of mine for decades. Honestly, it’s kinda like a gory car accident I can’t tear my eyes away from. Yesterday was no exception… not only did I find that after all these years I’m *still* hypnotized by their rooms of animated, overly-decorated, holiday-themed model buildings, but THE STORE WAS DECORATING FOR HALLOWEEN ALREADY!!! In July. I kid you not. Please click on the little image at left to open a photo gallery of some of the crazy goodness I found.
HLA PICK – Sweet Jazz & Ginger Cocktails
UPDATE: As of January 18, 2010 Betty Bryant’s show at Street is on hiatus. :(
*To launch the image gallery for this HiddenLA Pick, please click on the tasty drink below.*
Betty Bryant and Ginger Cocktails at Feniger’s Street
What: Your own private jazz concert… featuring Betty Bryant singing her heart out
Where: Feniger’s Street, 742 Highland Avenue, Hollywood (323) 461-7813
When: Thursdays 7:15-11 pm and Sundays 6:15-10pm
Some of the best secrets in this town are hidden in full view. You may not have seen the wonderful jazz pianist and vocalist Betty Bryant but if you’ve eaten at the new hotspot Street in Hollywood she just might have seen you. A long-time fan, when chef Susan Feniger took over the old Highland Grounds location, she had her architect create an upstairs nook with the specific purpose of giving Betty a place to play and sing her heart out to the diners below… and that’s exactly what she does every Thursday and Sunday night. Accompanied by long-time bass player Tom Gargano, Betty seranades the dining masses below from her own private catbird seat above them. The secret is this: few diners wonder where the music’s coming from so they’re missing out on where the real fun is. (more…)
JULY 4TH – Eating Doritos for My Country
Still no plans for July 4th? I’m with ya. So much to do, so many possibilities, yet I always just end up sitting in a backyard somewhere eating too many Doritos. While I’m definitely an America Lover, I’ll be honest, the 4th isn’t really my fave holiday so who am I to tell you what’s best to do for it? I’d rather just open up your scope of possibility by giving a few links (see after the jump) to other people who will tell you where to haul your patriotic butt. Meanwhile, I’ll just sit here and eat my Doritos. Fair enough? My only request is that you avoid going to see craggy ol’ John Fogerty at the Hollywood Bowl, as he is my arch nemesis. Long story.
Okay kids, all together now… Ooooh! Aaaaaah! (more…)
SURPRISE! – Your Local Catfish Pond
Ever dream of going straight from work to your favorite local fishing hole to unwind… your loyal dog by your side? Unfortunately, although Andy and Opie Taylor’s fishing hole is right around the corner, fishing isn’t legal there. But if you feel like dropping your hook in the water tonight you can try skipping right down La Cienega to Kenneth Hahn Park. There’s a small, fully-stocked man-made pond right there — fully planted with catfish just three weeks ago. The catch limit is five fish per person per day and leashed dogs are welcomed. Quien es mas macho than taking home some fresh dinner you caught yourself? CATFISH. YUM.
Here are some tips on how to catch them. See pretty photos of your local catfish pond after the jump!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=854fE08Nvog[/youtube]
If you prefer natural stream fishing, there are plenty of places for that as well… they’re just a bit more of a drive.
Never been fishing before, but still dream of channeling Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It (sans near-drowning)? Doc’s Ski Haus in Santa Monica offers up far more than snowboards, they also hold introductory classes designed for the beginner to intermediate fly fisherperson. No fly-fishing experience is necessary. The cost is $60 dollars and it includes two one-hour classes:
First class (Wednesdays 6:30pm): You’ll learn knots that will last you a lifetime and the basics on flies;
Second class (Saturdays 9am): A casting lesson at Douglas park in Santa Monica.
As a promotion, Doc’s issues a $30 dollar credit from your tuition to spend on new equipment for your fishing trips.
OTHER CURRENT FISH-STOCKED WATERS IN LOS ANGELES – Trout: Bouquet Canyon Creek, Castaic Lagoon and Pyramid Lake; Catfish: Alondra Park Lake, Belvedere Lake, Hansen Lake, Hollenbeck Lake, Lincoln Park Lake and Magic Johnson Lake. FISHING LICENSE INFO.
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SERIES – The Jim Henson Experience
My very first memory in life, very literally, involved Sesame Street. I was a toddler who was getting too big for her crib and I wanted out. I actually remember looking through the bars of my little jail, deciding this was not working for me, climbing out, wandering down the stairs, turning on the television and plopping myself down to watch Big Bird. I also remember looking up at my mother and wondering what her problem was as she freaked out while I was sitting there enjoying myself very contentedly. I still look at her that way sometimes.
Point of the story… Jim Henson made stuff that was actually worth breaking out of jail for. So I’m looking forward to this:
Muppets™, Music & Magic: Jim Henson’s Legacy
Fridays in July at Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theatre
“In conjunction with The Jim Henson Legacy and the Jane Henson Foundation, The Cinefamily pays tribute to one of the world’s most inspired and innovative film and puppetry artists, Jim Henson. A visionary TV producer and a world-class puppeteer, Henson and his team created indelible, hilarious, vulnerable and crazy characters like Kermit The Frog, Bert and Ernie, the Gelflings and the Skeksis, and The Swedish Chef (one of our personal favorites), and brought a unique combination of childlike wonder and adult sophistication to their groundbreaking work. This month-long series will explore all facets of Henson’s prolific output, including experimental work, rarities and some of his most beloved feature films.”
ODDITY – Edible Maneuvers in the Dark
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d548Gqb4j7s[/youtube] What: Opaque Restaurant
Where: Please note: the restaurant is no longer at the location shown in the video. V Lounge 2020 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica (310) 546-7619
Price: Not cheap. You might need to sell a filling or two, but nobody there will be able to see that they’re missing.
Details: If you’re looking for a unique place to take your favorite person on a particularly special evening (or perhaps you just don’t want to see someone’s face when you break up with them), consider a blind date at Opaque. Their menu isn’t cheap, but you’re really not just paying for the food (according to one Yelp reviewer: “Expect to pay $99 each before drinks and tip. The food is not $99 a plate great, but it is not bad. The experience makes up for it!”). The restaurant’s main concept (an idea which began in Germany in 2001) is to serve up fare that is intended to be consumed in pure pitch blackness. Yes, it’s exactly as it sounds. The dining room is kept completely light-free, so helping your food find its way from the plate to your stomach will become a bit more of a challenge than you’re used to. Quite logically, the waiters are all blind so the lack of visibility doesn’t bother them one bit. I must confess, I’m not exactly sure why there’s a dress code, however…
EVENTS – GO, possums! GO
True story: Dame Edna once gave me a black eye. With a gladiola. No joke, I had a shiner for a week. But I’ll get to that story in a minute. First things first.
Not *all* great things in LA are hidden… but they all need your support!
What: Dame Edna Everage’s FIRST LAST TOUR
Where: Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown
When: Until June 21
TIP: Subject to availability, $20 Hot Tix may be purchased on the day of performance at the box office (cash only). Exact seat locations are not given over the phone. Tickets limited to two per household. To learn more about Hot Tix, call Audience Services at (213) 628-2772.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gO8hmDzxFM[/youtube]If you have had the pleasure of attending any of her previous shows, you have probably already bought tickets for this. If you have never seen Dame Edna live, LISTEN TO ME… get off your rear and make an effort to see her right now because not only may this be your last chance, but your world will instantly become far more fabulous once you do. Trust me on this. I would not steer you wrong. While a Dame Edna show may seem like silly camp, it’s much more. It’s non-stop laughter and who doesn’t need that?!? In truth, Barry Humphries may easily be the quickest witted performer alive. Nobody else holds a candle. Edna is an absolute treasure to watch, so go… and laugh your gladiolus off!
Curious about how she gave me a shiner? Well, that and more Dame Edna info after the jump.
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The Unknown Angeleno
We met our first, utterly delightful Unknown Angeleno while enjoying a sunset dinner with visiting friends from Montana. (Shout out!)
Where we met her: Yamashiro’s
Occupation: Food server
Has lived in L.A. for: 15 years
Why we chose her: She was very sweet. And she serves up an awesome lychee martini. We’ll do anything for a lychee martini. Well, *almost* anything.
THE UNKNOWN ANGELENO’S FAVORITE THINGS
1. “Even though I’m Japanese, there are a lot of really great Korean places I like to go for Happy Hour. They have really good deals and great people. I can’t read the menus at all, but that doesn’t matter. I’ve had a lot of fun.”
2. “$15/hour foot massages in San Gabriel. You can’t beat them.”
3. “Definitely horseback riding in the hills above Beachwood Canyon.” (One hour is $25. Two hours is $40. And hey, look! Old photos!)
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This reoccurring column will feature three local tips and/or insights from anonymous locals we meet during our daily travels.