Okay, by now you have probably gathered that I am highly impressionable and easily swayed by what I see on TV, which is dangerous since I work as a sound mixer on commercials. I recently worked on the Energy Upgrade California campaign that makes use of a live action animatronic bear to encourage Californians to…
I am convinced there is a higher force watching over us, but not the kindly, altruistic, divine type you’re thinking of. No, this one is much more sinister and devious and, well, greedy. It’s the Financial Devil. This Satan of Simoleons knows exactly what is going on in my house and life, as though he…
As the Unofficial Historian and Expert of All Things Southern California, I want to make it clear that while Disneyland may be the “Happiest Place On Earth,” the place everyone wants to see is The Playboy Mansion. That, truly, is the “place where dreams are made of [sic].” Some time ago, I had the honor…
The kids went back to school yesterday. That’s when I heard that dreaded sound: the bell. Now I haven’t attended school since the term “Early Birds” actually referred to hungry winged egg-layers, and there was no such thing as Zero Period. So it’s been, let me see, multiply by four, carry the six, divide by…
Let me explain. When an industry icon or local landmark falls into decay through either neglect or the passing of time or simply by becoming obsolete, film crews always seem to be the last inhabitants, often risking their own personal safety to extract what few cultural nutrients remain before the location is returned to the…
When people think of Los Angeles, they probably envision endless miles of concrete, infinite strip malls that test the definitions of beige, and a Kardashian snapping a selfie on every corner. But if you ever get lost on the 210 Freeway, and take an off-ramp with the hopes of finding not only your way, but…
Ahh, Las Vegas. As the self-proclaimed expert on all things Southern California, I would like to practice an age-old technique of Hollywood and take ownership of something that is not even remotely ours: Vegas, baby! But it is hard to own an illusion. On a recent convention trip to Vegas, I marveled at how the…
Today I got home early enough to learn that I have a third child! Who knew? She’s cute and perky and called me Daddertat, and asked me “why are you so bald?” a lot, so she must be mine. We spent some time getting to know each other. I’m hoping to figure out her name…
I like it when cities name themselves after something they feel is worthy or appropriate about the city itself. For instance, I find it interesting that Long Beach chose to name themselves after what it considered (way back when) to be its most dominant feature: literally a very long beach. Made total sense, and prevented…
I think that Bud Selig is the baseball version of the Antichrist. Or at the very least, Vigo the Carpathian. Bud Selig, the Commissioner (cough, hack, sputter) of Major League Baseball has announced that he will retire after the 2014 season. To that I say, “Huzzah! The King is dead! Long live the King!” At…
Forrest Brakeman 