Project 365: Day 70

Day 70, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

One of my favorite things is to find a P2P stream of a PPV UFC fight (wow, there's alot of acronyms in that sentence). UFC 129 did not disappoint, with the exception of the main card- GSP vs. Jake Shields. Fight of the night should belong to Homnick vs. Aldo. 

Hominick's display of heart in front of his hometown fans was nothing short of extraordinary as the Canadian took extreme punishment throughout the fight. By the end of the fight, Hominick looked like he had a second head. Its like this body instinctly knew his head was taking so much damage that it decided to grow a new one in the middle of round 3.

Want more photos? Click here

Oh and Steven Seagal got another shout out after Lyoto Machida Front Kick KO of Randy Couture

Project 365: Day 69

Day 69, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

This Starbucks has been my home away from hotel room. Naydo has been great- catching up with old friends and meeting 1200 new ones. I cant wait to get back to LA to start brainstorming with my colleagues on how to apply some of the things Ive learned.

Project 365: Day 68

Day 68, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

There goes the diet. The only thing I dislike about attending out of town conferences is my inability to control my meals. Today consisted of a full plated breakfast, a plated pasta lunch, and for dinner grilled mahi mahi sliders and fries. Contrast that with my typical daily meals of yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, salad, and whatever Candace and Sean give me for dinner.
I'm going to need to starve myself for a week after leaving Anaheim.

project 365: day 67

day 67, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Disneyland, I have arrived! Mickey better watch himself.

Downtown Disney has a serious split personality issue. During the day, it's a shopping district with everything from mega-stores (GAP, Nike, etc)  to smaller specialty boutiques. This is the place to go if you're on day six of your vacation and still haven't figured out what souvenirs you want, or if you decide you just need some good old-fashioned retail therapy. Most of the large stores are in the Downtown Disney Marketplace area, with the specialty shops concentrated in the Downtown Disney West Side.

At night, though, the lights come on and the place really gets hopping, with live music, stage shows, and sophisticated restaurant/lounges opening their doors to a primarily adult clientele. They've got some amazing wine bars, great restaurants- apparently this is what they mean by "adult" Disney.

I was able to meet with lots of old friends/colleagues at pre-NAYDO events, including a great chat over cocktails with Cassie, who I met in SF a last week. Can't wait to hang out with her and her sister in LA. Yes, apparently it takes someone from Minneapolis to get me to explore the gayer side of LA.

project 365: day 66

day 66, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

It's April, it's warm (if you are anywere but the PNW), and no doubt, strawberries have popped up all over the Southern California farmers' markets. As one of the most familiar household fruits, I can't tell you much you don't already know, but I'll try to give you some new ideas about how to use them. On the hit parade, we have fruit salads, jams & jellies, juices, milk shakes & smoothies, ice creams & sorbets, tarts & pies. Throw some in your spring sangria, substitute them for stone fruits in spring BBQ and hot sauces, or melt down your favorite chocolate, dip & chill for a delicious treat.
Some interesting facts I read this week, the strawberry "fruit" is actually an aggregate accessory fruit, meaning that it's formed a bit differently than other pollinated flower fruits, with the seeds residing on the outside of the flesh rather than the inside. Many heirloom strawberries are too delicate for commercial sale, so what we find for purchase are hybrids that can stand up to travel and remain fresh more than a few days after picking. Strawberries are a good source of Folate and Potassium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C and Manganese.
First things first, pick the deepest red specimens from your batch and eat those fresh. Strawberries need no preparation to be a tasty treat. Pick a selection of spring fruits and cut them up for a fresh fruit salad, or add them to a pitcher with 2 bottles of chilled rosé for a spring sangria (once you've finished the wine, throw the fruit in the blender with another splash of wine, puree and pour into popsicle molds). Strawberries also make a great addition to green salads with balsamic dressing.
Strawberries make a great pairing with some savory flavors that are worth trying if you haven't already. Balsamic vinegar is at the top of the list, as in this tomato and strawberry gazpacho. Make your own strawberry vinegar for use in salad dressings and in sauces. A simple strawberry compote can be made by blending up strawberries with a bit of vinegar, lemon juice and honey, for use over grilled meats and fish, or check out the strawberry loquat sauce in this pork tenderloin recipe. Finally, I often say you can make risotto with anything, but I hadn't considered strawberries until i saw this strawberry risotto which seems to be conspicuously missing the addition of parmesan cheese.
The dessert ideas are literally endless. Start fresh with balsamic strawberries, or dress them up with zabaione. Marinate them with this lemon verbena strawberry fool. Make your own meringues with floating islands with strawberries or pink peppercorn pavlova with strawberries. Something for the stovetop are these crepes with fresh strawberry marmalade and mascarpone.
Some frozen treats include strawberry sorbet, or maybe strawberry frozen yogurt, strawberry ice cream, or strawberry gelato! If you like your frozen desserts a bit tipsy, there is strawberry granita with Beaujolais, pink grapefruit, strawberry and champagne granita, or cava, strawberry and orange sorbet.
If you're ready to bake, try out strawberry tart, or this italian strawberry tart. For a selection of baked meringues, we have strawberry roulade, or this decadent strawberry and hazelnut meringue cake. And if you want to go all out with strawberry shortcake, take a look at strawberry shortcake with Grand Marnier strawberry compote and chantilly cream.
Coming up with a list of drinks could easily be a separate article, but some simple things I liked included a French-style red wine with strawberries or make your own strawberry white wine cooler. This fruity twist on the pimm's cup looks fantastic! There's always sunny strawberry lemonade on it's own or as a cocktail mixer. Bring back the soda fountain with strawberry ice cream sodas
This Italian strawberry liqueur, which I have simplified with much success has been a favorite of mine. This recipe macerates much of the berries into strawberry syrup, eliminating the addition of sugar and creating an amazing strawberry essence. Enjoy it over soda and ice with a bit of lemon.

Strawberry Liqueur
1 3-pack of mini-crates of strawberries
2 liter bottles vodka
1 lemon
2 half-gallon, wide-mouth jars
Cut strawberries in half lengthwise, pare out the stem at the top, then quarter lengthwise again and cross-cut into small pieces for maximum surface area (instructions here). Distribute cut strawberries evenly between the 2 jars.
Zest the lemon, mince the zest, and sprinkle equal amounts into each jar. Toss strawberries and zest to mix evenly. Roll the lemon on the counter to break some of the inner membranes holding juice, then slice the lemon as thinly as possible, and put equal amounts in each jar.
Pour one bottle of vodka into each jar, swirl to mix, cap and store in the pantry 48 - 36 hours, swirling periodically to mix. Test the fruit with a spoon, when it is soft, strain off the vodka and collect the strawberry pulp in cheesecloth and squeeze (twisting the top against the fruit helps) to extract all the macerated strawberry syrup. Bottle and store up to 1 year.

Strawberry Liqueur Infusion (Heather Parlato/LAist)

project 365: day 65

day 65, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

My co worker was telling some joke about the fact that he's currently dating a woman who is much younger than he. "But see, the thing is," he said (and then I paraphrased here...), "I'm financially 25, so no one my actual age wants to date me."

Blog posts can come from the most unexpected places.

The idea of being financially any age struck me. What co worker was saying is that he currently makes the same amount of money that most 25-year-old should/do and that on account of that "salary" he's only capable of leading a lifestyle that a such-staged person can live (note: in fairness what Roy was really saying was a joke not intended for over-analytical blog fodder).

I get it, and I agree with it, except for the fact that I had friends who were making more money at 25 than my mother makes today? Did they behave like a 50-something woman and date people around that same age? No. But did they live in a manner way different than my 30K 25-year-old self, yes.

That means the real crux of what co worker was saying has a lot to do with what I've been thinking about for a few weeks ago - the issue of whether or not you can date outside your professional progress zone and last.

Professional progress is almost undoubtedly tied to financial progress. And what comes as the by product of both those things is the ability to live a life we all equate with "being an adult."

Co worker's joke is that he can't manage the expenses of a life beyond that which a 25-year-old can afford. I'm guessing here but it's likely: can't afford to buy property, can't afford lavish vacations, has to live in a neighborhood on the fringe of the more expensive neighborhoods, probably shouldn't have a kid. In a phrase: financially 25.

So then I guess the saying should go, "age - it's just a dollar sign." Though, tell that to a bank-rolled 23-year-old living in the apartment she bought with the interest off her trust fund.

project 365: day 64

day 64, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Starting in January, I found myself growing increasingly concerned about the milestone adult skills I haven’t had the occasion to learn. So I said to hell with that, learned to drive,got my license, bought a car, and moved to a new state (okay, it didnt exactly work exactly like that, you you get what I mean).

Yet, after some evaluation I’ve decided I’m totally screwed in the following life skills categories:

• Cooking of the non-Mexican, pasta, or stir-fry-based variety.

If it can be cooked on the stove-top I’ve got it covered. If it requires more than two steps and familiarity with the inside of the oven, that’s trouble.
I know people who don’t technically have an oven so they have to cook everything on hot plates and Forman grills. I envy them because they have an excuse.

I am considering making a bid to plan and cook all of Easter 2012 dinner as a band-aid style approach to serving-a-full-meal skills, but I’m not sure the rising of Christ is a holiday I should ruin considering my already challenged relationship with the gates of heaven.

All of this said, I have consistently creative ideas about many food dishes i.e. mac n' cheese inside a wrap....think about it...

• Driving, co-piloting, pumping gas, knowing when a car is about to blow up.

I can see how the idea of driving a convertible up the coast of some scenic route, Pat Benatar-blaring, hair blowing manageably under some great looking kerchief could be appealing to many people. I admire fearlessly confidant drivers with an innate sense of direction and ability to pump gas without reading the instructions. I myself fall into the agreeable passenger with expert driving soundtrack compilation skills and an impressively calm demeener when lost despite not actual ability to get un-lost. I got lost coming from the airport after picking Amy up and it's a one street straight shot.

• Caring for plants and or animals
  

Yes, I have both. Fleao has dominated my life for 5 years (ish) and I've recently acquired several indoor/outdoor plants. I don't doubt that there's a significant difference between these two tasks, but at this point in my life they can safely remain grouped together.
Last Friday afternoon I bought tulips from the bstore on my corner because it was sunny and I had ten dollars in my pocket. Had I saved that ten dollars I would simply have spent it on Yogurtland so wasting it on flowers was actually saving me trouble.

I took the flowers home and prepared them for the various-sized empty juice bottles I have saved for when someone surprises me with flowers (still waiting...). Apparently there is a very wrong way to cut the stems of flowers because when I woke up on Saturday morning every single one of my tulips was slumped over in its jar as if it was perhaps just still sleeping. I tried to wake one up but found it was actually just dead.

Imagine this same scenario applied to a pet that needs more attention that Fleao.

Conclusions:
Once on a Habitat for Humanity site in South Seattle I learned how to hang a door (this mean put it on the frame and make it open and close) in 15 minutes, so I'm sure none of these real-world skills are that far beyond me. Plus when my time comes I'll have quite a few unique offerings to contribute to the people of my eventual culdesac:

• Ability to spend $100 at Whole Foods, yet still not have the makings of a complete meal
• Ease with the carrying of many, many bags of groceries up several, several flights of stairs
• Strong Internet stalking skills
• A working knowledge of the economy
• A music collection that would rival a low-budget radio station

So on this Easter Sunday, I give thanks for the skills I have and the ladyfriend that loves me (and has a few good ones of her own). And Peeps.

project 365: day 63

, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

After taking two back-to-back cycling classes and then rounding that out with an hour Hatha Yoga class I headed over to Sofra's on Venice to grab some delicious Turkish food. Let me rewind a bit- the great thing abou living in my neighborhood is the close proximity to food. Cuban, Thai, Vietnamese, Turkish, Greek, Mexican, Salvadorean, and good ol American BBQ are within a short walk (3 blocks) from my apartment. Plus, there's a Yogurtland across the street! YOGURTLAND!
Now, back to Sofra's. This is another gem in the row of ethnic restaurants on Venice Blvd.  Sofra is a strip mall restaurant (like most of LA) connected to a supermarket and a couple of smaller stores in the back. The service is great (you pay at the counter and they bring you your food) and the the atmosphere is lively. There is indoor seating and also tented patio seating.  You can come here for a delicious meal, a snack (their wraps are great) or for tea or hookah with friends.
Perfect setting to unwind after 3 hours of working out.

project 365: day 62

day 62, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

My Friday afternoon Candace adventure's (or as I like to call it, my working from home day) either begins or ends at Whole Foods. And you know why? Because it is the most magical place on earth after Disneyland, strip clubs, and watching What's Love Got To Do With It.
After doing a moderate amount of work, I went over to Candace and Sean's where I ended up watching 3 episodes (or was it 4) of "The Killing". The mentions and non-rain shots of Seattle (of which there were few) made me a little homesick. Yeah, I said it- homesick. I guess I really do consider Seattle home.

Project 365: Day 61

Day 61, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

The other day I grabbed my phone to call one of my very best friends. It was, I don't know, maybe 7pm? There was a chance she was available, but she's been pulling insane hours travelling, so probably not.

I grabbed the phone, pulled up her cell number, and then stopped.

...maybe I should just text her that I need to talk to her and she can call me? Because if I leave a message she's probably not going to check it because nobody checks messages anymore, so that would be a waste. I could text her the whole message, but it would probably be longer than just one message and if she sees part one of the text without part two she'll be really confused.

...I guess I'll just call her, and if she's around we'll talk, but if she's not I'll just hang up and she'll see that I called, and she'll call me back, and we'll have a conversation.

15 minutes later, I sent an email.

Done.

Project 365: Day 60

Day 60, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

This one might get me in trouble...

I've been in LA for exactly 60 days and remain in constant assessment of the differences between this town and my former. There's no shortage of differences. From the work culture (again, stay tuned) and attire (all things are far more casual club attire here) to the hours people keep (it's more like 10am to 6pm here, depending on the job) and what they do on the weekends (that being, go to a seemingly endless number of BBQ's) - it's different.

But so far the comparison that's struck me most is that between dining culture and drinking culture in each city.

A quick set of disclaimers in an attempt to protect myself:

• Many of the people i've met here are serious foodies. While my friends in Seattle enjoyed and ate good food, none of them were hard core foodies, so we weren't as collectively obsessed with restaurants.
• The whole you-have-to-drive thing is a major issue that deeply affects drinking culture
• Owing to the fact that there is less of everything in LA - restaurants, bars, places that sell Moleskin notebooks - a greater percentage of people are familiar with the available options.
• I am less interested in drinking than I was at the age off 22 when I seemed to spend every night at a different bar.

That disclaimed - I believe dining culture is to Los Angeles what drinking culture is to Seattle.

By this I mean it has been my experience that if you ask people in LA what they did over the weekend they'll mention several restaurants they went to, and what they ate at each. If you ask a Seattlite the same question they'll rattle off a list of bars and/or neighborhoods in which they went out. Seattlites certainly eat, and there is no shortage of decent restaurants in Seattle - far more than there are in L.A., but the social life of a 20-something SEAer is not organized around restaurant culture, it's organized around bar culture. What neighborhoods you go out in, what bars in those neighborhoods, what nights of that week at those bars in those 'hoods. I'm going to go so far as to say that it defines your entire Seattle experience.

There's that in LA, for sure, but from what I can tell people spend far more time organizing themselves and their groups around restaurants slash meals. Mention any restaurant in an acceptable radius to LA proper (Santa Monica/Venice included) and most people will both know of it and tell you what to order. Again, maybe just my group of friends? But I will say same has applied to people I work with and random people I meet.

Here's what I think is going on:

• Restaurants are more affordable here - At first I didn't think the difference was that significant, but time and time again I expect to walk out paying $50 or more for a good meal and end up at $40 or below. There are simply more mid-priced restaurants here serving very high quality food. So it's easier and more affordable to eat out therefore people do it more often. Simple as that.
• It's harder to drink here - also simple as that. You can certainly organize an entire night around drinking, but the driving issue makes that a little more complicated. So it's not that people don't go out drinking, it's just they aren't as consumed with it.
• The food scene in LA has been booming as of late. People are talking about LA chefs, LA cuisine, new LA restaurants. It's du jour, so it's what people are into. Another simple reason.
• The bars are greater in number and quality in Seattle. Sorry, but that's a fact. I have been to some excellent bars in L.A., but nothing compares to the sheer number and variety of bars in SEA. On Capitol Hill alone there are more fantastic bars that I've been to than in this entire city. It's hard to develop a culture around something that doesn't offer strong options.

I'm sure I'm not doing justice to some issues and overstating others, but in my experience all of the above contributes to my theory. Luckily I like restaurants just as much as I like bars, so the transition from one obsession to another hasn't phased me (or my bank account) much.

Unfortunately I can't say the same for what it's doing to my weight...hence the 7-day a week workouts.

Project 365: Day 59

Day 59, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

I don't spend alot of time in DTLA, except for work. Mostly this is due to be fear of paralell parking ( it takes me at least 2 times to get it right), valet (I have to PAY you to stink up my car AND wait), and of all the one-way streets.
That being said, DTLA is oddly peaceful and stunning at night. The skyline is interesting (let's be clear- interesting can be a lot of things) and has a buzz about it that reminds me of SF.

I really missed that buzz of excitement. Thank you LA.

Project 365: Day 58

Day 58, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

After 90+ degree weather this weekend, in rolled the clouds and with it a cool 67 degrees.

Project 365: Day 57

Day 57, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

For music lovers, opting to skip Coachella and do a party-only excursion is a tough decision. The obvious pros (money saved, leg muscles spared, obnoxious concert-goers avoided) don't really lessen the bummer of missing the amazing assortment of live music. Or do they? Coachella's YouTube channel allowed me to watch most of my favorites on our laptop in cool comfort, and my Sunday jaunt to Palm Springs consisted of pool lounging, swag collecting, dancing and (free) drinking and eating. Granted, I did see Kanye and PJ Harvey live because it would have been absolutely madness not to. But seriously, just hit the parties and follow my definative guide:

Mist Lounge (Noon-1:30)
At the Agua Caliente Casino, one of the first casinos off the 10 freeway driving into Palm Springs from LA, this three-day party promised a swimsuit fashion show and celebrity DJs. Since we hit it first, it wasn't exactly packed, but there was the expected array of perky boobies in bikinis, tribal tattooed muscle boys and mirrored sunglasses reflecting off of everything. Even though the DJ, Josh Madden (Good Charlotte's guys non-twin bro) was pretty good, the loud beats he was spinning were too hard and too thumping for the noon time lounger crowd. He deserved a better slot. Also, the drinks were not free. We left around 1:30.
The Look: Tight bods, skimpy swimwear and high heels.
The Swag: BCBG sunglasses on every lounge chair.
The Talk: "In LA everybody looks like Paris Hilton, don't they?" No. No they don't.

Lacoste L!ve Pool Party (1:45-3:45)
With all the hub-bub about wristband checkpoints driving into the vicinity of the polo field, we were apprehensive about attending any event too close. A couple of party invites (Belvedere, Vestal, Flaunt) touted themselves as being near it, but thankfully, they weren't so close that we had to encounter traffic. In fact (fest-goers be jealous) we were able to avoid traffic all together. Lacoste's event was one of the most crowded, however, requiring parking several blocks down from check-in.
The Look: High waisted shorts. Floppy hats. Mismatched separates.
The Swag: Lacoste towels and wristbands, HTC Coachella Survival kits (earplugs, sunscreen, wipes, deodorant, mini flashlight)
The Talk: "Bro! I just had a great idea. I want make t-shirts that say, "Bro-Chella!"

Vestal Village (4-5)
By the time we arrived at this shindig sponsored by the ubercool watch company, it was close to triple digit heat. The party, at another sprawling desert estate, offered DJs spinning in a bright red and blue Red Bull-sponsored DJ booth. We'd hoped to see Junkie XL, but he wasn't on deck. A camping area saw lethargic bodies lounging about while a small PBR-can-littered pool area packed in a fashionable and friendly crowd. But it was dwindling and it appeared most were leaving or had left for the fest.
The Look: LOTS of script/word tattoos.
The Swag: Paul Mitchell samples, Pull-In bathing suits and towels.
The Talk: "It's satan's balls hot."

A Club Called Rhonda/Scion shindig at Ace Hotel (6-8)
The Ace Hotel scheduled events all weekend, under the name Desert Gold, but the most flamboyant and shamelessly foxy flocked to the rager thrown by LA's own A Club Called Rhonda. The polysexy pool party had some of the most interesting clothing statements (and we mean statements) we've seen in one place, period, not just in Palm Springs. Hedonism oozed from the every corner of the packed party: couples making out, girl posses doing shots, femmy fellows grinding on each other. One gal overindulged in something and had to be carried out by an ambulance. Many were kicked out for not having the proper wristband. This was "the place" to be if yow weren't at the fest, for sure.
The look: Multi-colored hair, caftans, cutouts, Technicolor nail polish... the more unique style, the better.
The swag: none. This bash was -refreshingly- not about celebrities or product placements or corporate sponsors, though Sailor Jerry's had a big presence at the bar.
The Talk: "I'm officially off the wagon. Whoo-hoo!"



 

project 365: day 56

Day 56, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

This has been a whirlwind 72 hours of travel. LA to SF; back to SF, and now headed to Palm Springs. I've got my water packed, my camera, and the goofiest outfit I can find. Let's do this!

Project 365: Day 55

Day 55, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

SFO's new T2 opened Thursday to American and Virgin America flights. Those that know me know I LOVE to eat, and this place does not disappoint in the food options. According to the New York Times, it is " the most food-centered, modern, and eco-friendly airport terminal ever built." Sounds like heaven, right?
The list of innovations is off the charts, using recycled and sustainable materials, replaceable modular carpets, maximum use of natural light, low-energy consumption, filtered air, 0.5-gallon flush toilets, hydration stations, free WiFi, laptop workstations at every gate, more restrooms (six), ticketless boarding, and more.

The foodie in me was all a-twitter with local organic vendors, wine by-the-glass, the raw fish bar, and the 2 children play areas (which keeps the little ones from stepping on my foot). And with the flight only being 1-hour from LAX to SFO, I might need to make this a regular occurance.

Project 365: Day 54

Day 54, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Ha! They have no idea. Do you have a spare 30 minutes?

Project 365: Day 53

Day 53, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Hello San Francisco. As much as Ive been enjoying my time in LA, I have to say: it is so great to be in a city with mass transit. For the next 3 days- no car, less smog, and moderate sun.

Project 365: Day 52

Day 52, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Not much to report when you work from home. Early am cycling class and then packing for SF.

project 365: day 51

day 51, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Sweet delicious pho! Thanks to a moderately cloudy day, I got to enjoy some yummy pho in Koreatown. Followed by cycling w/Ruby, a brief conversation with Shira (get a new cell phone plan), and naan/hummus for dinner.
Between all that I had 8 conference calls. Thankful that number nine was cancelled.

Project 365: Day 50

Project 365: Day 40, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Seems fitting that I would spent my 50th day in LA, do the things I love the most- taking pictures, listening to music, riding my bike (indoors and outdoors), and eating delicious foods thanks to the Chatmans. 

Today started off with a grueling class with Ruby, followed by an awesome ride in sunny DTLA for CicLAvia. 7.5 miles of traffic free roads from DTLA to East LA. Truly enjoyable and, to me, inspiring. Ciclavia shows the power of cooperation and self-organization. People were generally respectful and helpful to each other. It was awesome to see the mayor, city council, and other community leaders walking, riding bikes, and generally being a community. I can't wait for 7-10-11? Candance, grab your bike!

What's the perfect way to wrap up an almost perfect day? Amazing family dinner with The Chatman's. Sean's mother cooked mediterran food, Tom poured plenty of wine, and James recounted his recent journey to Thailand and Laos. 

project 365: day 49

day 49, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

If you’ve ever been to an art exhibition then you know each event contains coldzones and hotspots.  Hotspots are the installations are constantly being crowded with onlookers, the type of pieces that will perpetually arrest an individual until they’ve finally taken their fill or are eventually elbowed out.  Coldzones are…well…you know.  But what if you happened upon a show that was chocked full of hotspots?  The place would have to be at capacity, standing room only, with a bustling line draped down the street outside.  It’d have to make some outrageous claim like showcasing “eight of the world’s most talented artists"  Welcome to the 11:11 show at the Scion Installation Gallery.  It’s time to be wowed.

11:11 is a special art show which features creatives carefully picked from across the country.  Culver City keeps it rolling with their latest group show featuring fine art prints from GL Barr, Shepard Fairey, Justin Hampton, Tara Mcpherson, Scott Musgrove, and Jeff Soto. 
I was so inthralled by the collective work, I purchased this great print by Justin Hampton. 

 

project 365: day 48

day 48, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

This has to be one of the funniest things and most ridiculous things I have seen in a long time. THE JAY-Z DOLL: what was this guy thinking that made this. Sure Jay has big lips. But not CoCo big. What do you think?

project 365: day 47

day 47, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

The intersection of Sepulveda and Washington Place in Culver City is a treasure trove of really great neon and I drive past it all the time and marvel at it. In addition to  the amazing sign (and sandwiches!) at Johnnie’s, there are a few motels on the eastern side of the street that have signage that I’m totally in love with. Two in particular – Deano’s and the Half Moon Motel – look like they probably offer some of the city’s sketchiest accommodations, but I’d rather not think about it. Instead, their totally amazing signs make me think of the 1950s and 1960s when Southern California was undergoing all kinds of development, and was ground zero for people wanting to get away from the cold and snow to get a little piece of a place where it’s sunny all the time. These motels kind of fade into the landscape now, but I bet that when they were first built and the area was less developed, that neon stood out like a beacon. I can imagine that if I had just arrived in town searching for my 1950s-style Californian dream, fresh out of LAX, not knowing a soul, I’d totally decide to crash at the Deano's.

project 365: day 46

day 46, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Umm, are you seeing this? This Easter bunny is seriously g'd up.

Tonight's outing included a free burlesque show in DTLA. I hear you saying now: "Burlesque? Anything dubbed "burlesque" these days is code for "Renaissance Faire with pasties" — overly tattooed hip people living out their bump-and-grind, titty-shaking fantasies onstage while paying customers gawk."  But I witnessed something a bit more special in Big Willie's Burlesque. Willie McNeil is a drummer who sits front and center and is just as compelling as the T&A that surrounds him. In his Panama hat and retro suit and tie, he flails his sticks with the panting look of a teenager peeking into a ladies' locker room. The 6-piece band was a nice complement to the ladies on the stage.

project 365: day 45

day 45, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Day 45 (and the final day of Amy's visit) took us to DTLA to LACMA, which features over 100,000 pieces of art. Making it the largest museum collection West of Chicago.The Modern art collection featured work from Koons, Warhol (above), Richard Serra, and Chris Burden. The only thing missing was my man, Chuck Close.
Oh yeah, we also ate giant meat-filled sandwhiches at Canter's. I'm fairly confident that after this visit, I will be meat free for the rest of the month. Jeez.

project 365: day 44

day 44, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Sun Sun Sun! Today was filled with food, sun, and sand. Hmm, if I had three "s" words, that phrase would sound much better. Maybe sandwiches, sun, and sand.
Today I cycled at Weingart Wellness, where apparently, a pigeon was trapped in the building and the staff were chasing it was a pool skimmer. Then Amy and I headed over to Venice Beach followed by a hookah adventure and a trip to Yogurtland.

See, I wasnt lying when I said food.

project 365: day 43

day 43, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Did you know the Getty Center is composed on a series of 30x30 square of Travertine? Did you know that the stone is just a facade? And that the pattern and placement of the squares are similar to the city plan of Los Angeles? Don't believe me, then YOU should take the architectural stone tour at the Getty Center. You can learn all that and more (we bolted before we could hear the "more").

And after you're done, you should take your senior photo in the garden...

project 365: day 42

day 42, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Happy 30th Birthday Candace! Okay, so here's the deal for people that don't know: I met Candace the summer between my Freshman-Sophomore year at Seattle U. You see, summer in the dorms is pure magic. It's like summer camp for drunk horny college students. Candace and I were roommates in Bellermine, Alex stayed down the hall and Sylva Jones was somewhere trying to save the Black Student Union (or just black people).

To this damn, I still consider that to be my favorite summer. Zimas and all.

project 365: day 41

day 41, originally uploaded by shalimargonzales.

Lancaster, San Pedro, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Wilmington, East LA, Santa Monica... I tore this city up this week. And now, I am officially exhausted and tired of driving. That is, until I saw this chicken car.

And yes, I know... I skipped day 40. I shot some great photos with my Driod but havent uploaded them yet.