Deeply Shallow

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 22nd, 2011

2011-11-22T09:58:00.001-08:00

Untitled, a photo by current events on Flickr.

one of my photos was featured on Eater.com today.

http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/11/22/unique_la_dec_3_4_fake_halal_meat_at_super_king_market.php

2011-11-18T13:39:00.001-08:00

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18th, 2011

a couple of photos i took of last night's short order preview were featured on LAist.com today.

http://laist.com/2011/11/18/whats_on_the_menu_at_short_order_op.php#photo-1

2011-11-03T16:50:00.001-07:00

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3rd, 2011

one of my photos was featured as Photo of the Week on ExperienceLA.com today.

http://ww1.experiencela.com/Newsletter/Newsletter2011_1103.html

2011-11-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1st, 2011

one of my photos was featured in an article on Dia De Los Muertos on the LA Weekly blog today.

http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/2011/11/dia_de_los_muertos_eat_drink_day_of_the_dead.php

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19th, 2011

2011-09-19T12:19:00.001-07:00

Untitled, a photo by current events on Flickr.

a photo of mine was featured as one of 7 reasons to love LA on LAist.com today.

http://laist.com/2011/09/19/7_reasons_to_love_la_94.php#photo-7

2011-08-21T16:54:00.001-07:00

SUNDAY AUGUST 21st, 2011

one of my photos was feautured on the LA Convention & Visitor's Bureau website ExperienceLA.com

ww1.experiencela.com/Newsletter/Newsletter2011_0818.html

2011-07-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY JULY 26th, 2011

the l.a. times posted a photo i submitted to their reader photos food blog.

http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-weekend-eats-120610,0,3465428.ugcphotogallery

2011-07-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

MONDAY JULY 18th, 2011

one of my photos was featured on LAist.com's 7 Reasons to Love LA today

http://laist.com/2011/07/18/7_reasons_to_love_la_86.php?gallery0Pic=2#photo-2

2011-07-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY JULY 7th, 2011

one of my photos was featured in an article on LAist.com yesterday.

http://laist.com/2011/07/05/not_for_never-nudes_celebrating_nat.php

2011-06-15T15:08:00.001-07:00

WEDNESDAY JUNE 15th, 2011

Hey YOU ! ! ! PLEASE vote for my pic ! ! !

GOOD LA and Hidden LA created a vintage sign contest and out of almost 250 pix submitted mine was one of 15 selected. please click on the link below to vote for my pic (shown above). i would be really glad if you did. peace.

www.good.is/post/submissions-take-a-photo-of-your-favorit...

2011-06-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

MONDAY JUNE 6th, 2011

LA Curbed.com featured one of my photos online today.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2011/06/the_bright_colors_of_the_watts_towers_200_lbs_of_dead_seagulls_1.php

2011-05-27T08:44:00.001-07:00

FRIDAY MAY 27th, 2011

LA Curbed.com featured one of my photos online last week.

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2011/05/los_angeles_in_wikileaks_zoo_on_the_road_to_privatization.php

2011-05-21T15:17:00.001-07:00

SATURDAY MAY 21st, 2011

one of my photos was featured on LAist.com today.

http://laist.com/2011/05/20/_the_price_of_gas.php

2011-05-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MAY 2nd, 2011

EaterLA.com featured one of my photos online today.

http://la.eater.com/archives/2011/05/02/100_greatest_cooking_tips_justin_bieber_pelted_with_eggs.php

mahalo nui loa

2011-04-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

MONDAY APRIL 18th, 2011

i worked in the field on friday doing site inspections with my co-workers. it was a nice way to ease back into things after the trip to dayton. here we are touring the convention center next to l.a. live.

click on any image to enlarge.

and inside the nokia theater which looks a lot different with the lights on.

check out the view from the target terrace on the roof of the grammy museum.

teresa and matt at olvera street...

...where we stopped to eat at la golondrina.

after lunch we had more site visits in the valley including the universal backlot...

...and the universal sheraton...

...which has a pretty groovy rooftop ballroom.

oowa-oowa!!

on saturday jimmy, robert and i stopped by the grand opening of la plaza de cultura y artes.

a cultural center rather than a museum their first exhibit highlights the origins of the city of los angeles. the two buildings that house the center have been around since the 1880's and it was nice to see them open to the public.

robert shows support for his fellow chicanas.

wow, has it really been thirty years?

i remember fernando-mania like it was yesterday.

i enjoyed the exhibit but think it was overshadowed by the story of the native american cemetery and remains discovered during construction in what is now a spacious garden area. across the street a handful of protesters used bullhorns to address visitors and criticize the center.

it was a lighter than expected turnout when we arrived at 10:30am. local indie rockeros chicano batman played to a small crowd but still turned it out.

i stopped by la plaza early because i had to drive out to the valley that afternoon for a hula show my friend teresa's daughter danced in. my pictures came out blurry but the show was terrific and kameko was a doll. definitely worth the drive.

sunday i just vegged and did laundry.

and how was your weekend?

my city was gone

2011-04-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY APRIL 17th, 2011

i spent a few days in ohio for work last week. the weather was nice and the people were very nice but i'm glad to be back home. here are a few pix i snapped while i was out there.

click on any image to enlarge.

we stayed in downtown dayton which was very clean and walkable.

one thing i learned as soon as i landed is that dayton is the birthplace of the wright brothers and of aviation.

some cities have cows or angels or other mascots sprinkled throughout. dayton has colorfully painted jets on every street.

most of the entertainment was found in the oregon (apparently pronounced ore-uh-gone not ore-again) district...

...where ashleigh and i joined a group of co-workers for some pub crawling. we stopped in at blind bob's for karaoke which was surprisingly good. and bb's was a lively spot that wasn't opposed to patrons dancing on the bar.

just as i got used to the three hour time difference it was time to head home. here are ashleigh and i flying back to l.a.

there's nothing like traveling to make you appreciate your hometown.

i missed you los angeles.

and there you have it.

2011-04-17T17:41:00.001-07:00

SUNDAY APRIL 17th, 2011

some of my photos were featured in an article on LAist.com today.

laist.com/2011/04/17/la_plaza_de_culrua_y_artes_opens_to....

takin' it to the streets... halleloo!

2011-04-12T02:31:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY APRIL 12th, 2011

on friday jimmy and i drove out to his sister yolie's house in norwalk to celebrate his dad's birthday.

he looks good, right? i hope i have that much hair when i'm 73!

clcik on any image to enlarge.

the next night i victor and i stopped by the scion installation gallery in culver city for a reception. the gift bags were already gone by the time we arrived (damn!) so we grabbed some wine and made do with the art and some people watching.

on sunday i headed to little tokyo for the cicLAvia kickoff.

just as i parked i noticed lance armstrong pulling his bike out of an suv and i got this shot.

and just outside the japanese american national museum i got a couple of mr. armstrong greeting mayor villaraigosa

which was pretty lucky since the crowd at the press conference was kind of crazy. people really do love them some lance armstrong.

also at the kickoff were several city councilmembers and actress daphne zuniga.

the crowd this time was even bigger than the first cicLAvia in october and the mood was super friendly. the beautiful weather may have had something to do with it but i think too that more and more people are ready to leave their cars and get together for some exercise and fun.

i caught up with victor f, lawrence and robert near city hall.

i totally dropped the ball on getting a bike of my own sunday but i have vowed not to let that happen at the next cicLAvia on july 10th. who's with me?

for more info on the upcoming ciclavias go to http://www.ciclavia.org/content/action-center.

after the ciclavia i made my way to the bonaventure hotel where i volunteered at the glaad media awards which promote inclusive portrayals of lgbt people and is always a fun party. this year's show was hosted by amy poehler and rashida jones.

colin farrell gave out the first award.

and there were appearances by kirsten dunst, omar epps and others including dolly parton, below.

some of the cast of modern family which tied for outstanding comedy series with...

...glee, represented here by chris colfer right, and mike o'malley center, who portray the popular characters kurt and his dad burt. the award was presented by joel mc hale, left.

outstanding reality series was project runway. shown here are the show's producers with last season's mondo guerra and michael costello.

mondo and michael just after winning their award. loving the socks.

halleloo indeed!

ru paul's drag race's shangela.

vanguard award recipient kristen chenoweth gave a moving and hilarious speech about her family and friends. love, love, love her!
on the way out i finally got my hands on a gift bag (with a big bottle of lube inside!) but skipped the post-show party. after the ciclavia, the volunteering and the show i was so ready for bed.

where i slept like a baby.

and how was your weekend?

2011-04-11T12:20:00.001-07:00

MONDAY APRIL 11th, 2011

www.laist.com posted a couple of photos of mine today.

http://laist.com/2011/04/11/bike_bike_revolution_photos_from_ci.php#photo-1

word is BONDED

2011-04-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY APRIL 9th, 2011

although best known for movies l.a. is a great town for live performance and in the last couple of weeks i was lucky enough to catch a handful of really terrific shows.

after an afternoon cocktail at the cock & bull pub last saturday pam and i sat front row at the broad stage in santa monica for a knockout jazz show with brandford marsalis and terrence blanchard. wow, were they great!

click on any image to enlarge.

the next day i saw a modern dance performance called tempest: without a body at the million dollar theater on broadway. the images and sounds were startling and almost transcendent. i really enjoyed it.

and just a couple of days later it was part deux of my double pammy as we met yet again for drinks, this time at cana rum bar...

...followed by a dynamite show by the preservation hall jazz band at the grammy museum just a block away.

to close the show the band marched out of the theater with the crowd following behind clapping and dancing. the music was joyous, soulful and utterly entertaining. they play royce hall next month and i highly recommend checking them out.

and speaking of great shows i have to mention two powerful nights of theater i experienced recently.

bonded, at the latc downtown on spring, was so gorgeous and moving it just about brought me to tears. terrific acting and brilliant staging brings a story of despair, longing and joy to life so vividly you can't help but fall in love with it.

and the sonneteer, playing at the davidson/valenti theater, is another beautifully told story alternately fiery, funny and tinged with regret. wonderful writing and riveting performances make this drama about friends and family stay with you long after the lights have come up.

the fact that both of these shows are directed by the brilliant jon lawrence rivera is no co-incidence. but don't just take my word for it. read the raves from the l.a. times, variety, la weekly and backstage west. better yet, see for yourself. but hurry. after extending both shows they are each closing soon. for information and tickets to the sonneteer go to http://www.lagaycenter.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TE_ON_OUR_STAGES.

for tickets to bonded click on http://thelatc.org/seasons/east-of-broadway-spring-season-2011/bonded/

and there you have it.

i heart l.a.

2011-04-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY APRIL 9th, 2011

i know, i know. long time no see. so let's try and catch up right now.

on march 29th jimmy and i attended a tribute to ernest fleischmann at the disney concert hall. the late director of the l.a. philharmonic for almost 30 years was remembered in a remarkable program conducted by pierre boulez, esa-peka salonen and lionel briungier. because his wife was due to deliver their first child that day gustavo dudamel did not conduct but addressed the crowd at the start of the show (their son martin was born three days later).

click on any image to enlarge.

at the pre-concert talk salonen and others laughed about mr. fleischmann's sometimes brusque but often amusing manner and the pioneering programs he brought to the organization.

the next night i stopped by the cinerama dome for the premiere of soul surfer which which was a little too earnest for my taste but inspiring nonetheless especially in the end credits that showed the real bethany hamilton triumphing over adversity.

i have to say it was one of the nicest, most polite premiere screenings i've been to. this despite lead actress annasophia robb's (below, center) annoying resemblance to lindsay lohan.

miss robb, helen hunt and dennis quaid were among many attendees who wore flower leis.

carrie underwood makes her debut in this film.

three days after this picture was taken she would perform walk this way with steven tyler at the academy of country music awards.

miss hamilton was radiant in a sleeveless mini dress. get it girl.

cody gomes, here with his mom, played a love interest in the flick.

not in the movie was this month's details cover boy joe jonas here with yours truly (and my grampa glasses)

the following night jimmy and i took in game 2 of the dodgers' opening series against the giants with aubrey and michael.

it was the second win in a row followed for the boys in blue by a fireworks show which many fans took to the field for.

the next morning robert and i hiked bronson canyon in griffith park with the g4g group.

and a lot of their dogs.

this was used as the exterior of the batcave in the batman t.v. series.

we didn't hike down because there was filming going on that day too.

i'm going to have to get some better shoes if we keep hiking off trail. that hill was steep!

after the hike robert and i stopped by for the opening of the silver lake meadow where l.a. city councilmen eric garcetti, tom labonge and several community members spoke at the dedication.

fyi, the meadow is a quiet place meant for passive recreation.

so leave those dogs and bikes at home.

afterwards we left the quiet behind to have breakfast at the coffee table on rowena where robert recycled his i heart the meadow sticker.

and there you have it.

2011-04-04T12:08:00.001-07:00

MONDAY APRIL 4th, 2011

some of my photos were featured in an article on LAist.com today.

http://feeds.gothamistllc.com/click.phdo?i=5a2add4579fcd52f55a41a97c40d4f3b

float like a butterfly

2011-03-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MARCH 28th, 2011

l.a. leather week ended yesterday with a whirlwind of events including an artists reception friday night at the tom of finland foundation headquarters in echo park.

click on any image to enlarge.

after having one of my pix from wednesday's leather skate party flagged on facebook(what's up with that facebook "friends"???) i decided to play it safe and tweet the floral photo above instead of some of the edgier goings-on at the party. hey, once burned, twice shy.

speaking of shy, here are victor and miguel angel.

less shy but more leather-clad, toff presidenet durk dehner, left, with a couple of party guests

there were a lot of head-turners in the building but the house itself more than held it's own and i was happy to hear mr. dehner mention efforts to make the two-story 1906 hillside house crammed with art and ephemera a cultural landmark and community resource for the next hundred years. woof!

victor in the terraced gardens behind the house.

and btw, a big bear hug and hearty congratulations to leo iriarte, mr. l.a. leather 2011! way to go!!

the next day was perfect for a saturday brunch at cliftons cafeteria downtown.

work has already begun on the remodel by new owner edward merien (operator of downtown's edison) who has talked about converting clifton's upper floors to a bakery, tiki bar and speakeasy.

during brunch i spied a few the brides of march at the take-off for their annual bride crawl.

love these girls.

i would have joined the runaway brides at the various pubs, shops and a wedding chapel downtown but jimmy and i already had tickets for the l.a. theater center where victor and robert joined us for a matinee of the gay men's chorus of l.a.'s spring show a mighty voice.

i hear the chorus may be looking for a new home and i thought the latc was a good fit.

i also enjoyed the "classic" show of singing sans puppets and guest stars. the focus was on the music and the program was beautiful.

post-show we stopped by syrup on spring street for dessert. i hadn't been there for a while and it was as popular as ever making for a long wait to order and an even longer wait for coffee after we had to ask a couple of times for a missing drink. next time we'll try the (huge) new coffee bar across the street of what has quickly become caffeine row.

later on it was off to l.a. live where i got the "after" shot of the "before" that i took last monday of the muhammad ali-inspired art installation reALIze.

the portrait is composed of dozens and dozens of boxing speed bags lined up to present this image of the boxing legend.

the real reason for the l.a. live stop though was to catch seth macfarlane's big band concert at club nokia. the family guy creator put on a heck of a show but for me the big revelation was elizaveta, a classically trained russian songbird who captivated victor, marilyn and i from the very first note.

mr. macfarlane was backed by a terrific 36-piece big band and introduced by none other than michael feinstein. i liked that he chose less familiar songs from the great american songbook but i was hoping for something a little more swinging and a little less swoon-y.

with sara barielles who couldn't have been lovelier despite (or because of?) the f-bomb she dropped when one number had to be redone.

he's tall, rich, good looking and he really can sing. it's just not fair.

for more info on the tom of finland foundation check out http://www.tomoffinlandfoundation.org.

to see more pix from the brides of march go to http://www.bridesofmarch.org/Brides/BridesOfMarch.html

and find out more about elizaveta at http://elizaveta.typepad.com/

and there you have it.

2011-03-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

MONDAY MARCH 28th, 2011

one of my photos is discoverLosAngeles.com's photo of the day.

http://blog.discoverlosangeles.com/?p=304

mac daddy

2011-03-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY MARCH 25th, 2011

ever since the cupcake craze peaked i've been hearing pie is the next big thing. i'm still waiting for that to happen but in the meantime i've been enjoying some delicious macarons.

click on any image to enlarge.

not to be confused with the coconut cookies called macaroons, macarons are light, colorful, meringue cookies with a thin eggshell-like crust and almond ganache filling often infused with flavors like strawberry or pistachio. they're kind of fancy but kind of fun too and when i heard that beverly hills patisserie paulette had opened an outpost in little tokyo i decided to check them out.

i ordered as many different flavors as i could including green tea, passion fruit and carribean coffee and brought them into the office becoming instantly more popular than i was just the day before.

i love how they look like little candy hamburgers. check them out for yourself at http://www.paulettemacarons.com/.

and there you have it.

spills and thrills

2011-03-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY MARCH 24th, 2011

last tuesday victor and i stopped by the premiere of ceremony at the arclight. it was charming and light and we got a chance to see uma thurman work the red carpet. not bad for a tuesday.

click on any image to enlarge.

and last night i met a group of friends for hell on wheels, a leather version of the weekly gay skate night at moonlight rollerway in burbank.

it was an even more colorful crowd than usual which i really appreciated.

the night took an unexpected turn though when one of our group took a spill followed by an ambulance ride to the hospital. luckily, it was just a sprained shoulder but as i sat in the fluorescent glow of the er waiting to see him i was really glad i wasn't wearing a rubber batman outfit.

and there you have it.

2011-03-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

please please tell me now

2011-03-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY MARCH 22nd, 2011

yesterday ashleigh brought cupcakes into the office to celebrate sylvia's birthday.

mmmm, chocolate.

later on i left the office for another treat when i met marilyn at the grammy museum for a private duran duran show.

it was actually more of a mini acoustic set which sounded great but no drums and keyboard meant no nick rhodes or roger taylor.

i was actually really impressed with the new songs and simon le bon sounded terrific despite fighting a cold the whole time.

the new duran duran album all you need is now, produced by mark ronson, goes on sale today and the band plays the mayan on wednesday.

our show got out early enough for me to stop by the egyptian afterwards for the premiere of the new rainn wilson flick super. um, it wasn't quite my cup of tea but the event wasn't a total loss as i ran smack dab into co-stars ellen page and liv tyler (arm in arm with her dad steven) as i headed out the back way to my car. i had my camera on me but chickened out on the photo op. what if they had asked what i thought of the movie?

and there you have it.

you got served!

2011-03-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MARCH 21st, 2011

my weekend got started early when our office attended the 25th anniversary party for one of our vendors, the warner center marriott in woodland hills friday afternoon.

click on any image to enlarge.

there were a few politicos present including l.a. city councilman dennis zine and former councilwoman joy picus and i was impressed by the recognition given to the hotel employees seated at the head table all of whom had all been with the property since the doors opened a quarter century ago. that was a nice touch.

a dj kept things moving with 1986 hits from prince(yay!) and the miami sound machine(cringe!) but thankfully the food was contemporary... and delicious.

we didn't win the big raffle prize but we still had a ball.

and here's to the next twenty five!

later that night i attended a far less corporate event for la leather contestant brad taylor who was roasted at a wonder woman-themed event at the eagle in silver lake. several guests rocked the super hero look including multiple mujeres maravillas.

esteban and leo as ww and the green lantern.

victor and i with marcus as yet another gl.

i was also happy to run into my cousin gary who i hadn't seen in forever.

do you see the domasin family resemblance?

you might think that would be enough for one day but nooooooo. after the super hero bash victor and i headed downtown for the 2nd installment of the monthly brown & serve upstairs at the mezz in the alexandria hotel. i love the underground feel of the vintage space and the bumpin' music.

don't be fancy, just get dance-y!

loves it.

after all the 80's flashbacks i've been experiencing lately b&s serves up some way fun 90's-era paris-is-burning-style vogue-ing.

and the pictures only tell half the story. you gotta brown & serve it up for yourself.

on saturday i couldn't make it to javier's 40th only because my brother shawn was celebrating his big four-oh on the very same night.

i never see my brother enough and i always love hanging out with my family.

here are jimmy and i with my brother shawn and cousin rocky.

another reason why i couldn't make javi's party or stay late at shawn's was because i had to get up the next morning at oh dark thirty to volunteer at the l.a. marathon with yosuar, victor and a bunch of other g4g guys.

it wasn't too wet as we set up our gatorade station before the sun came up on hollywood boulevard.

later on though the first day of spring unleashed a downpour and we all got soaked trying to keep the runners hydrated.

i was happy to cheer on david, jesse, lawrence and all the runners in the wet weather yesterday.

you guys ROCK!

i had planned to hit up a couple other events later on but after i got home, dryed off and warmed up i decided to hibernate the rest of the day. ahhhhh.

and how was your weekend?

raising glee

2011-03-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY MARCH 20th, 2011

after checking out the hot in cleveland panel a couple of weeks ago jimmy and i caught the last two nights of the paley fest last week. on wednesday i had crappy balcony seats for the glee q&a. they didn't show a new episode but did give away a couple of (minor) future plot lines (spoiler alert!) - not surprisingly the character kurt returns to his old school and new directions (and blaine may not be far behind), charice will be back as sunshine corazon as will gwyneth paltrow and kristin chenoweth and there will be an episode devoted to the fleetwood mac album rumors as well as a prom episode.

click on any image to enlarge.

on thursday jimmy couldn't sit through another q&a so victor joined me for the panel for my favorite new show raising hope. i really like this quirky show that does both funny and heartfelt really well.

the producers showed a cut of the yet-to-air season finale and it was really fun. as usual there was a lot of flashback but this time the shifts gave even more back story than usual to the characters and in a really hilarious way.

i was disappointed that cloris leachman wasn't there (she's touring her one-woman show in atlanta) but i was thrilled to see matha plimpton who i love. i told her how much i enjoyed her evil turn on the good wife last year and held back from screaming "no teabagging" at her.
i hate this pic of me but love it of her so it's in.

and there you have it.

poop oop a doop

2011-03-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16th, 2011

recently my co-workers brought me me some candy they picked up on a trip to cincinnati. after i got past the name i ate them all in one sitting.

click on any image to enlarge.

can i get a witness?

2011-03-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MARCH 14th, 2011

after a busy week you'd think i'd take it easy last weekend. but you would be so, so wrong.

although i went to bed early friday i got an early start saturday when jimmy, chulo and i met victor f and rachel for hike with the g4g group in griffith park. little by little i'm trying to be less sedentary and "get moving".

click on any image to enlarge.

rachel and chulo on their play date.

rachel surveying her queendom.

chu-chu.

when my camera battery died i took this pic of jimmy and victor in front of griffith observatory with my cell phone. i like the way it came out.

yesterday jimmy and i checked out the gospel brunch at the house of blues where we put on all the calories we had burned off on our hike... and then some. bbq chicken, cajun meatloaf, cheese grits, biscuits and gravy, baked mac&cheese. man, it was like a heart attack buffet!

the only thing that kept us from slipping into a food coma was the entertainment. way beyond toe-tapping, this show was jumping!

the botomless mimosas kept us feeling the spirit.

not to mention that dress.

and that hat!

not strictly gospel, the band played a variety of uplifting musical styles. gospel reggae, anyone?

there was even a special guest in traditional korean garb who really got into amazing grace.
i can see why this show has been running for so many years now. it's definitely worth seeing.

after brunch jimmy and i drove down the hill to dodger stadium for the dodgertown classic between usc and ucla.

it was nice to enjoy the park without the usual capacity crowds. and the free parking and half-price concessions weren't bad either. half-price food will continue at dodger weekday afternoon games this season along with fireworks at every friday home game. not too bad, right?

and how was your weekend?

let's get loud!

2011-03-11T02:18:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY MARCH 12th, 2011

on monday victor and i stopped by the central library downtown to hear artist shepard fairey in conversation as part of the aloud series. it was kind of a mob scene but we managed to make it inside in time for the lively, interesting talk.

click on any image to enlarge.

before the rapt crowd mr. fairey spoke of how he started out, his love of skate culture and punk rock and even a little about his copyright infringement lawsuit with the associated press. i was less surprised to hear abot his political activism and views on the influence of art in public spaces than i was to hear he'd been arrested sixteen(!) times.

he also spoke about his own commercial ventures, selling out, philanthropy and of course the two books he was selling that night. as a fellow bleeding heart liberal i got one signed before we headed out. and i'm glad i did.

the next night jimmy, victor and i checked out the cast from hot in cleveland as part of the paley fest at the saban theater on wilshire. i didn't expect to run into so many gay friends there until it dawned on me that HIC is today's version of the golden girls/sex and the city single girl show beloved by women and gay men of ahem, a certain age.

not that there's anything wrong with that!

can i just say that while all the girls look good (including america's sweetheart betty white) valerie bertenelli looks especially hot. wowsa.

it was a different kind of wowsa the next night when kirstie alley celebrated the opening of her new health food(?) store in los feliz.

as a steady stream of b players made their way through a block of vermont closed to traffic for a very loud, practically deserted dance party and into the packed, guest-list-only shop neighbors took to the twitter-sphere to complain about the noisy goings-on prompting a tweet from miss alley herself allegedly urging one resident to "get laid" and "get a f-ing life." oh, boy!

if it's true that there's no such thing as bad publicity people will definitely be talking about kirstie in advance of her turn on the upcoming dancing with the stars with partner maksim chmerkovskiy, below.

also stopping by wednesday night were kelly preston, ron jeremy, bart simpson-voicer nancy cartwritght, juliette lewis and mario lopez shown here after he presented miss alley with a gift. now that's a good party guest.

fellow dwts-er irina trebunskaya and partner sugar ray leonard, fresh off his cameo in the fighter.

my culture vulture week continued at the opening night of sergio mendes' four night stand at the geffen playhouse in westwood where jimmy and i took in the bossa nova king's show last thursday.

while mr. mendes' music is featured prominently in the upcoming animated feature rio it was a slightly more... vintage crowd that came out to greet the grammy winner including george hamilton and... don rickles?

it was nice to hear mr. mendes' lilting brazilian rythyms in such an intimate setting. and before the music got too soothing a bevy of colorful dancers made their way through the crowd for a lively samba set. just a couple of days after mardi gras it was a carnavale all over again!!!

besides mr. mendes, other notable music makers in the house included herb alpert, burt bacharach and oscar winners alan and marilyn bergman (writers of classics like the windmills of your mind, papa can you hear me and the way we were) below.

shepard fairey makes another appearance at the robert berman gallery at bergamot station tonight. more info can be found at http://obeygiant.com/headlines/revolutions-x-shepard-fairey. the paley fest continues this week. found out more at http://www.paleycenter.org/paleyfest2011-lineup

and there you have it.

all sk8 no h8 ! !

2011-03-07T10:24:00.001-08:00

LAist.com used several pix of mine in an online article today.

http://laist.com/2011/03/07/now_open_paul_rodriguez_skate_spot.php?gallery0Pic=2#gallery

hell on wheels

2011-03-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY MARCH 6th, 2011

last friday i joined a group of friends to check out a play called the golden gays, a drag version of the golden girls at the meta theater in hollywood. and for once everyone else seemed to like the show more than i did. the flimsy plotline and weak musical numbers made a long show seem even longer but it had it's moments and most of the actors were pretty good.

and i got a decent photo of robert with the cast afterwards.

click on any image to enlarge.

the next morning i took a short drive to the east side for the dedication of the lincoln park skate spot. i figured i would take advantage of the nice weather and take some pictures of the local sk8rs.

when i arrived councilman ed reyes and x games gold medalist paul rodriguez were already talking about skating being a legitimate sport and an alternative to the gang culture.

after some more words from sponsors nike, the LA 84 foundation and the department of parks and recreation there was a skating demo from the nike sb team who pulled a pretty decent crowd.

then the lance mountain-designed park was open for everyone to take care of and enjoy.

the skating theme continued that night at the doll factory on temple where robert and i checked out the roller derby match between l.a. and san diego. i was bummed by the strict no-camera policy but i loved the raucous, wrestling-match party atmosphere.

and i did manage to sneak a few cell phone pix including this one of the l.a. team's logo.

robert and i modeling our general admission wristbands.

how did they know???

oh right... how could they not know?

after the national anthem was sung by none other than local legend exene cervenka of x the girls got down to business. and i have to say it was quite the show, a real-deal, professional athlete rumble with a healthy dose of grrrl power. but even though the girls were serious about the game they still managed to keep it fun and entertaining. i lol'd at names like amber alert, stefcon1 and (my personal fave) skatum o'neal. i also liked the pink accents around the cavernous warehouse and of course i had to sneak a shot of the glitter ball skate over the rink.

in addition to the game there were food trucks, beer & wine and even a doll mall where you could catch the half time band and pick up all manner of derby groupie accoutrements.

when i heard there was a raffle i told robert i was feeling lucky and sure enough i won one of the five raffle prizes - two tickets to the upcoming derby dolls bout of my choice!!

hmmm, maybe i'll wear pink.

woo hoo!!

this morning jimmy and i went to home depot and picked out some flowers to add a little color to the front yard. before that though we had a long leisurely breakfast at my new favorite diner nick's cafe. how is that i had never been here before?

while taking pics i noticed a small becca mural on one of the outside walls. love.

jimmy's cajun eggs benedict. sooo good.

thanks calvin for turning me on to nick's. you rock. now smile!
for more info on roller derby in l.a. go to http://derbydolls.com/la/

and how was your weekend?

going to the chapel and we're...

2011-03-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd, 2011

tonight moby and the chemical brothers perform at a marriage equality benefit at avalon and this sunday a thoroughly modern bridal fair takes place at the bel air bay club. a soolip wedding is a creative celebration for planners, brides- and grooms-to-be and anyone who loves to entertain. the sensory overload includes a runway show, cake & champagne tastings and style secrets from a select group of unique, eco-friendly resources plus a luxury raffle of several major prizes including resort getaways, david yurman jewelry and a bora bora honeymoon. all for only $35.00! if you or someone you know is ready to put a ring on it then you gotta check this out.

click on any image to enlarge.

above, a gown from last years runway show. get more event and ticket info at http://www.asoolipwedding.com/thestory.php.

and there you have it.

2011-03-01T16:23:00.001-08:00

one of my photos was featured on the LA Times tumblr page today!

http://go.tumblr.com/tagged/westside

feeling festive?

2011-02-28T23:08:00.000-08:00

MONDAY FEBRUARY 28th, 2o11

not long ago i got an email request to volunteer at outfest's fusion 2011 - the los angeles lgbt people of color film festival which takes place at the egyptian theatre in hollywood this weekend.

notice anyone familiar in the ad?

click on any image to enlarge.

i admit it, i'm a media wh*re but couldn't they have found a better picture?

for more info about the fest click on http://www.outfest.org/fusion2011/

and there you have it.

just a little bit of.. .history repeating

2011-02-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27th, 2011

yesterday jimmy and i met robert and victor at the belasco downtown for a tour with the Los Angeles Historic Theater Foundation/LAHTF.

click on any image to enlarge.

located right next door to the mayan on hill street this former playhouse, former movie theater is now a multi-level event complex featuring two restaurants, a wine bar, ballroom and several function areas.

here is the now-enclosed foyer.

just past the lobby is the bar in the main theatre.

upstairs in the two-story wine bar named vintage 1050 (the number corresponding to the building's address).

inside the upstairs ballroom.

the theater is a mixture of Churrigueresque, Spanish Renaissance, Moorish and Gothic styles and the building has undergone only slight changes to it's original design.

the most dramatic room is the main theater and it's ornate ceiling.

while the integrity of the original design is intact the space itself has been thoroughly modernized with 21st century sound and lighting. there are also multiple branding opportunities available in the club via 3d mapping and flat screens. speaking of branding here is the newly created logo for the belasco.

the building underwent a 10-year 12 million dollar update to accommodate concerts, meetings, runway shows, dancing, drinking and dining and i think this will be a major addition to the city's lightlife scene. find out more about the space at http://thebelasco.com/. for more info on lahtf check out http://lahtf.org/.

and there you have it.

nightlife is my friend

2011-02-26T16:56:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26th, 2011

on wednesday los angeles magazine hosted the finale of their mai tai mixoff at the new supperclub in hollywood.

click on any image to enlarge.

the party was big fun as they say with each guest getting "lei'd" (with real flowers!) on arrival followed by free food, cocktails and entertainment.

there were macadamia nuts, taro chips and other island goodies but the night was really all about the delectable drinks.

after the cocktail reception came the big reveal - supperclub's ultra cozy banquettes where you are served... in bed! years ago jimmy and i visited the original supperclub in amsterdam which had more of an underground feel. the hollywood version is a little lighter and brighter but no less entertaining. and what's a nightlife destination these days without aerialists?

i really enjoyed the polynesian dance show. especially since no one tried to drag you up to dance along. then again....

the weeks-long mai tai mixoff around town narrowed the field to three finalists - la descarga's adrian biggs, the library bar's matt bianceniello and the winner aidan demarest of the spare room as judged by la descarga's steve livigni, blogging phenom caroline on crack and "sprits maker" melkon khosrovan (below, all in black). drinking made easy's zane lamprey (in blue) kept things moving along as the night's mc.

mr. lamprey congratulates the victor aiden demarest.

after the competition ended victor, rachelle and i danced and posed for pictures like the tourists we are before going our separate ways.

our last stop before hitting the door was for some wonderful pineapple upside down cakes fresh out of the oven and served with fresh cream and toasted coconut. muy yum.

and while rachelle went home like the good girl she is bad boy victor and i headed out to play bingo at hamburger mary's for dan and casey's aids ride fundraiser.

where we had even more mai tai's! but little tiny ones.

my shot of ball caller raja (the queen to beat on this season's rupaul's drag race) and local legend miss barbie q came out blurry. boo!

other bold-faced names included birthday boy parvesh cheena of outsourced (later seen holding hands with his boyfriend), 30 rock's todd buonopane and barrett foa of ncis los angeles.

victor with dan who will be making his fifth(!) ride from san francisco to l.a. to raise money for the cause.

and yours truly with casey who will be riding for the first time.

casey and dan packed the house for a sold out event. neither victor nor i won any of the many fabulous prizes i had my eye on but we had a blast anyway.
wanna sponsor dan and casey? their two man team is called nightlife is your friend and you can support them at http://www.tofighthiv.org/site/TR/AIDSLIFECYCLE10/AIDSLifeCycleCenter?team_id=5351&pg=team&fr_id=1330

ride on!

and there you have it.

the hills are alive with the sound of.... hiking?

2011-02-26T16:51:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26th, 2011

last saturday jimmy and i met robert and victor at franklin canyon for a hike up to the hollywood sign. we were supposed to hike with the g4g group but we fell behind when chulo got loose from his leash and we never caught up again. we had a good hike anyway. it was beautiful out sunny but cool, perfect for hiking.

click on any image to enlarge.

of course we didn't actually hike to the hollywood sign but around it as the landmark is fenced off and protected by motion detectors, cameras and police who will warn trespassers over a loudspeaker if they stray where they are not allowed.

jimmy was worried about chulo undertaking a long hilly climb but he was a champ the whole way. it wasn't until we got home that he took a nice loooong nap.

while chulo napped jimmy, robert and i had lunch at raffi's in glendale. mmmm, i love that place.

and there you have it.

once in love with amy

2011-02-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20th, 2011

the library foundation recently recently announced new events coming up in their terrific aloud series at the central library downtown. the conversation with shephard fairey (including a dj'd reception and open bar hosted by the young literati) is sold out but you can still make reservations to check out john sayles, kathleen chalfant, catherine opie and john wesley harding at http://www.lfla.org/events/aloud.php. the best part? most of the events are free.99!

not free but still a bargain was a recent screening of the fighter at the aero theatre in santa monica followed by a q&a with director david o. russell and actress amy adams. i wanted to see her badly enough to watch this movie for a third time and i'm glad i did. the movie is good and she was a charmer.

click on any image to enlarge.

miss adams shared some funny stories about how she was initially received by the in-your-face boston suburb of lowell (complete with boston accent and attitude).

the thrice oscar nominated actress also has a long list of t.v. credits and talked about appearing on smallville as well as playing against type as a tough bartender in the fighter.

the type she played against was the princess character she portrayed in enchanted of which there were many, many fans in the audience, several of whom were in princess attire. i of course, was not one of them.

even though she joked that she has made "only one" princess film she seemed to get a kick out of the enchanted fans, happily posing for pictures with an endless line of would-be princesses, dolls and tchotchkes after the q&a.

next up for the busy actress (who just gave birth to a daughter last may!) is the new muppet movie which just finished filming here in l.a. and the lead in a new janis joplin biopic written and directed by city of god's fernando meirelles. rock on!

and there you have it.

naan stop eating

2011-02-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20th, 2011

last wednesday the manila machine and the naanstop truck made it all the way out to woodland hills so teresa and i grabbed some lunch for the office.

click on any image to enlarge.

these guys are super friendly and don't miss a marketing opportunity (have you got your naanbeliever card yet?). i was also impressed with my first sighting of those postage-stamp clips that turn any cellphone into a mobile credit card processer. chaaarge it!

check out manila machine's pork belly and pineapple adobo with rice above and the adobo slider, below.

more adobo left and lumpia right.

and from the naanstop truck a samosa, masala fries and naan bread with dips.

bon apetit and namaste!

and there you have it.

brown n' serve

2011-02-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19th, 2011

i missed this downtown club's debut last night (just 2 blocks from the loft!) but i've already got it on my calendar for next month. from the folks who brought you the always festive sh_ts&giggles comes the equally well named brown and serve which apparently features a panel-judged contest for the miss brown and serve sash. hmmm, i wonder if there's a swimsuit competition?

and there you have it.

hear jane talk.

2011-02-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19th, 2011

last sunday jimmy and i celebrated my mom's birthday over brunch at off vine and it couldn't have been nicer - good food, great weather and lots of time to catch up with family. we're planning to get together more often this year and i'm looking forward to making that happen. check out this shot of me with my mom and her husband fontaine.

click on any image to enlarge.

my mom just got an iphone and we were geeking out comparing it to my android evo. later she took this picture of jimmy and i on her phone and sent it to me before we had our chocolate souffles for dessert.

happy birthday mom.

the next day was valentines but my date that night wasn't with jimmy, it was with jane fonda who was appearing at lacma's bing theater for a conversation with the times' kenneth turan as part of the museum's retrospective of the two-time oscar winner.

miss fonda raises her martini before sitting down to explain that if you'd had her day you'd need a martini too. according to her blog (which is a pretty interesting read) she'd been up since 5:00am filming a commercial for l'oreal. and this was on the one day off from her show 33 variations which had just completed it's first four-show weekend.

long day or not she was sharp and engaging as ever and she held the sold-out crowd in the palm of her hand with story after story about working with everyone from katherine hepburn to jean luc godard and of witnessing one of barbra streisand's early cabaret shows and meryl streep's film debut as her co-star in julia.

she kept saying "i talk too much" but the crowd lapped it up as she spoke about her knee and hip replacements, her marriages to roger vadim and tom hadyn, her son troy garrity (who was also present) and especially about her father and their rocky relationship.

forty-six years after her first ill-fated productions she said it was the memory of her father's enjoyment of stage performing that brought her back to the theater at the age of 73 (the same age katherine hepburn was while filming on golden pond).

she mentioned many things that she was proud of and a few regrets. all in all it was a fascinating conversation about a life well lived. and now, well broadcast as well - on facebook, twitter and youtube. find all her links as well as her blog at www.janefonda.com. find info and tickets for lacma's continuing film retrospective bright star: jane fonda on film at

http://www.lacma.org/programs/FilmSeriesSchedule.aspx

and there you have it.

vamos a la playa!

2011-02-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 13th, 2011

john sedlar rivera's new restaurant playa rivera opened friday night and on thursday jimmy and i joined reuben and tim for a preview dinner. it's a handsome space with super delicious food and i really loved it.

click on any image to enlarge.

i was so distracted when i spotted shawn pyfrom who plays bree's gay son andrew vandekamp on desperate housewives dining at another table that we started in on our cocktails before i could whip my camera out. jimmy had the how do you say hot in portugese above left, while i tried the dope show above right.

mr. sedlar's tortillas florales, popular at downtown's rivera, also appear here served with guacamole.

a very upscale version of chips and salsa was complimentary.

the tamalii chateaubriand with filet mignon and a wild mushroom duxelle in a chipotle bearnaise

bombay tai maize cake with pork belly

the ensalada flan de elote, a salad with corn custard in a huitlacoche sauce and cotija cheese

the puerco

while everyone agreed the food was delicious there was some debate on the portions. how much you love playa may depend on what you're willing to pay for. having worked both in the front and back of the house for a few restaurants i thought the prices were reasonable for what is definitely a menu of small plates meant to be sampled, especially for this part of town (beverly and fuller). others wanted bigger portions on smaller plates and i suspect that debate will continue. for me $13 for each of the smallish cocktails was a bit much but the gorgeous food (just look at those plates!) was worth every penny.

speaking of gorgeous now's your chance to imbibe at some of l.a.'s hottest watering holes and win a chance for a dream vacation during los angeles magazine's mai tai mixoff. just stop by the three bars of the week to vote for your favorite mai tai recipe and you could be on your way to a luxe vacation to the islands of hawaii.

today's the last day to vote at downtown's cana, the aforementioned rivera and the spare room in hollywood. starting tomorrow you can vote at the edison, the roosevelt or first and hope with the winners to be announced february 23rd at supperclub. get all the details at http://lamag.com/promotions/maitai/.

alo-HA ! ! !

and there you have it.

that's just super!

2011-02-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 9th, 2011

on february 1st jimmy and i caught a preview of 33 variations at the ahmanson. what a great night of theater! the play was a love story, it was a mother-daughter story, it was about living, dying, art, beauty, family, music and so much more. wonderful performances and a beautifully directed production made this show really great. i noticed stephen hawking watching the play in which one of the characters also has a form of als but genius sightings aside, i highly recommend this show. go see it.

click on any image to enlarge.

the next night i stopped by la boheme for the genre hotels event.

i was ambivalent about going to my first hotel party in months but i needn't have worried. it was like old home week! check out this shot of yours truly with terry, joanne, nikia and jason who were just a few of the familiar faces i ran into.

not only did i run into old friends and co-workers (even one from waaaay back in my twa days!) but i also won not one but two prizes - hotel packages in portland and london! woo hoo!!

all in all i had a great time and it was nice to attend one of the over the top parties that used to happen every week but hardly ever do anymore. just check out the entertainment!

va-va-va voom! thanks kerry!!

a couple days later i caught the new gregg araki flick kaboom at the nuart. loved it! a funny/scary apocalyptic sex comedy/thriller that was both a nod to mr. araki's earlier teen angst films and a more assured, satisfying work. i kept meaning to break out the camera for the director and cast along with richard chamberlain(that guy gets around!) and sex and the city creator michael patrick king but i never got around to it. kaboom indeed.

the next day aubrey and i stopped by the regency club in westwood for a wine and dine design showcase but mostly to catch up and enjoy the beautiful weather on the penthouse balcony where we had cocktails in the middle of the day. it was too bright to get any good shots outside but here's one of a corner of the spacious interior.

later that night jimmy and i joined some friends at mj's to meet up with jc who was on a way-too-brief visit from dc.

it was the usual cast of characters that night.

great to see you jc. hurry back soon.

the next day jimmy and i popped into rough trade on sunset to wish leo a happy birthday.

leo is a great guy, the current mr. regiment who is now competing for the title of mr. l.a. leather and the party doubled as a fundraiser for his campaign.

not only is leo a great guy but he pulls a great crowd and this was also the most fun super bowl party i have ever been to.

EVER.

good luck leo (here with his husband esteban) and feliz cumpleanos!

the next night's party for the cybersocket awards at the factory was equally festive, hosted by none other than chico's angels.

and featuring a performance by american idol's frenchie davis who absolutely rocked it.

while the awards were entertaining it was a full-tilt party afterwards when the booze kicked in and the show really began. here are the pictures i can (just barely) show in public.

you're welcome.

and there you have it.

baloney, bowling and birria!

2011-02-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 9th, 2011

so i got tickets for the glee q&a at the paley fest next month. and last month i stopped by the grove to see glee's matthew morrison perform at a free concert. before the show it was a mob scene just outside the movie theater but when i stepped inside the nearly empty theater lobby i encountered mr. morrison and his band waiting to go on. even though he declined my photo request(!) i watched the show with an open mind. i wish i could say i was impressed but the soft rock covers (lionel richie? really??) were kind of forgettable. mm has a formidable theater resume (the acclaimed revival of south pacific and the original broadway productions of light in the piazza and hairspray) but there were no show tunes that day just some glee covers and a couple of uninspired original tunes. oh well. the rest of the screaming crowd didn't seem to mind at all. rock on mr. schue.

it wasn't total loss though as concert sponsors oscar mayer whipped out the wienermobile and even gave out free lunches.

click on any image to enlarge.

say ahhh.

i love that the license plate reads "relish me."

oh i wish i were an....

speaking of theater jimmy and i saw a few more shows last month including ballroom with a twist at the el portal which was terrific, and hoboken to hollywood at the edgemar which i enjoyed but more as a concert than a play. we also caught the break of noon at the geffen playhouse which jimmy really didn't care for but i liked. it could use some fine tuning but i really enjoyed the performances and found the writing contemporary and thought provoking.

on our way to the theater in westwood i snapped these pictures of people protesting the egyptian president outside the federal building.

after the show jimmy and i had dinner at osteria la buca on melrose.

why had i never eaten there before?

beet salad and carpaccio. so good.

the next day, on january 30th, a group of us got together for bowling again at lucky strike.

don't you love how tim co-ordinates his (bowling) balls to match his outfits?

after the game most of us went to the newly opened mas malo downtown. i had the dineLA prixe fixe menu that was offered for restaurant week. i tried the birria and it was delicious.

the only disappointment was that the downstairs cantina was closed that night which means i'll have to come back to check it out.

and there you have it.

pork buns and gutter balls

2011-02-05T17:56:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5th, 2011

the day after rocky's party, on january 16th, jimmy and i headed down the hill for dim sum at ocean seafood in chinatown with robert and victor...

followed by bowling at lucky strike @ l.a. live.
it was my first time at the l.a. live outpost of the popular bowling chain and i was impressed with how roomy and comfortable it was. lots of places to hang out and watch a game over drinks and appetizers.
the lanes were nice too. colorful and interactive but without the sensory overload you find at some other lanes.
i was totally digging the shoes.

and they even had a tools to help beginning bowlers.

i really like how this shot of jimmy came out.
prices for bowling vary but are cheaper on sundays and before 6:00pm.

i forget who won but i remember we all had a good time.

and there you have it.

life's a beach

2011-02-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5th, 2011

last month i took a few pictures at a party celebrating my cousin rocky turning the big four-o.

click on any image to enlarge.

check out yours truly with the birthday boy, my cousin mark and my brother shawn.
even more family at rock and mari's place in whittier. it was a nice get together.

a few days later i dropped by mark and bart's place for a gay-4-good potluck dinner...
where i ran into aman and his friend greg...
and snapped a pic of our gracious hosts bart and mark...

before heading on over to moonlight roller rink in glendale to meet robert and victor at the weekly gay skating night.

it took a little practice at first but it was a lot of fun. and it might have been even more fun if we dressed up for it as much as david did. loving the spandex!

a couple days later, on january 14th, the girls in the office and i drove out to santa monica for a couple of hotel site inspections. the weather was cool but sunny and it was nice to be out of the office.

the traffic coming back from the beach was a killer but it was still a lot better than spending the day sitting behind my desk.

for more info on gay for good click on their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=44171587413&v=wall or their website at http://gayforgood.org/la/.

find out more about skating at moonlight roller rink at http://www.moonlightrollerway.com/.

and there you have it.

let the sun shine in

2011-02-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5th, 2011

on january10th, the day after the pants free ride, i dropped in at barre vermont where the (often pants-free) cast of hair was spending their night off performing a benefit for broadway impact, an organization that raises money and awareness for marriage equality.

click on any image to enlarge.

i actually caught the second of two shows they performed that night and what an amazing show it was! so many super talented performers singing their hearts out on a great variety of songs like what's going on?, when i fall in love and let it be. there was a gospel tinged good lord show me the way from oh brother where art thou, a heartfelt bridge over troubled water and even a guitar strumming mash-up of justin beiber's i thought you'd always be mine with beyonce's single ladies whose chorus of "if you like it then you should have put a ring on it" seemed especially fitting.

at times there were so many performers they spilled out into the audience where i was lucky enough to be in the front row.

of course the show ended with a rousing version of let the sun shine in and a standing ovation for the terrific performers. i'll try and post a video of the closing number below.

afterwards i got a shot with hair lead actor steel burkhardt who played the role of berger. as long as his hair actually is he wore a wig in the show. go figure.

for more info about broadway impact click on http://www.broadwayimpact.com/

and there you have it.

pants off dance off take 2

2011-02-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5th, 2011

and the recap rolls on.

the day after the birthday trifecta i snapped these pix at last month's no pants ride 2011, the second annual l.a. version of the international pants-free day.

here's a dapper group i caught outside union station.

click on any image to enlarge.

and here's the crowd waiting for the train in the underground.

the turn out was much bigger this year.

love the balloon hat.

and the horse head is a look in itself.
all aboard!

heading out onto hollywood boulevard.

a few purists were perturbed that the original concept of acting nonchalant and unaware about being pantsless was abandoned but honestly with such a critical mass it couldn't help but be a party.
check out tune squad working the sidewalk playing basketball and dancing through all the hucksters.
um... maybe you don't wear a small any more dude.
at grauman's with victor and robert.

this last shot was not taken by me but it gives you a good idea of the size of the crowd.
afterwards the group headed to the hollywood and highland shopping center courtyard but robert, victor and i decided to get dressed and grab a bite. i wasn't as nervous going pants-free this year and i was happy to see such a great turn out but as i ate my lunch i couldn't help wondering if success would spoil the ride. i guess time will tell. see you next year!

and there you have it.

going berzerk

2011-02-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5 th, 2011

ok, let's see if i can bring this blog up to speed. here we go.

i started the new year off with a lot of theater. i caught my brother frankie in rock with you at the el portal, daddy at the hudson and on january 7th hair at the pantages. i wasn't expecting much from hair but i really enjoyed it a lot. at first i was underwhelmed with the spare set and seemingly minimal storyline but i got caught up in the music and humor of the show before being surprisingly affected by the ending. the show had a lot of audience interaction culminating in what seemed like half the audience dancing on stage for the finale. in the past i might have joined in but this old man stayed off stage that night.

click on any image to enlarge.

and it was probably a good idea that i didn't get too crazy because the next morning jimmy and i got up early to visit the dreamworks studio where i snapped this pic of robert bonding with the kung fu panda.

we were actually there for a screening of how to train your dragon which was really good.

here are robert and i sporting our 3d glasses.
after the screening there was a reception with the directors dean deblois and chris sanders. i tried to get a shot of the two of them but they were too busy drawing characters from the movie for all the kids swarming around for me to get a pic of the (now oscar-nominated) duo together. it wasn't a total loss though. the breakfast buffet was pretty killer. i think this was plate number three.

later that night i dropped by the lovely rachelle's place to help celebrate her fireside birthday. feliz cumpleanos raquel!

and after rachelle's the birthday festivities continued at juan's place where he celebrated the big three-oh.

ah, just a baby.
and because two birthdays in one day just wouldn't do the darling judie was also there to celebrate another trip around the sun.

after the house party juan bussed a hundred of his closest friends to l.a. live to check out the spectacle that was cirque berzerk. all right now big daddy!

four beautiful girls stand before me but i only have three photos in my hand...

juan gets swept off his feet.

happy birthday mr. man.

and there you have it.

Oh I Wish I Were An...

2011-02-01T15:08:00.001-08:00

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 1st, 2011

LAist.com used one of my photos for a post today - http://laist.com/2011/01/31/extra_extra_1106.php

out with old in with the new... year

2011-01-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY JANUARY 30th, 2011

scenes from nye.

kristen chenoweth at disney hall. my surreptitious pix came out crappy but we had incredible seats and the show was kinda terrific.

click on any image to enlarge.

alain giraud dinner at first & hope. yum and yummer.

my last dessert of 2010.

my first drink of 2011!

HAPPY new year ! ! !

jimmy and i with les girls. so. loving. them.

and no hangover. yessss ! ! !

and there you have it.

who you calling a hookah?

2011-01-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY JANUARY 30th, 2011

more recap remix. on december 30th jimmy and i met our old investment club gang for a dinner get together at masa in eagle rock. good food, good friends. just what the holidays are all about.

click on any image to enlarge.

and later that night robert and i joined victor at mj's for the middle-eastern-themed club nur where we popped our hookah cherries.

or something like that.

on the way out i was set upon by this beautiful glamazon. it was like something out of a movie... when drag queens attack!

and there you have it.

a birthday party... on ice

2011-01-30T14:46:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY JANUARY 30th, 2011

on december 26th we celebrated aubrey's birthday at the culver city ice rink. check out the girl in their logo. she's waaaaay too happy.

click on any image to enlarge.

i had never been here before. it was nice and big. and colder than heck!

love you a.j.

and there you have it.

oh you better watch out

2011-01-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY JANUARY 30th, 2011

it was only last month but seems soooo long ago now. here are some random christmas pix with jimmy's family and mine. check out jimmy as st. nick.

click on any image to enlarge.

and there you have it.

god rest ye merry gentlemen

2011-01-30T14:17:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY JANUARY 30th, 2011

so this is another shot from last month when my co-workers and i had our holiday lunch at maggiano's in woodland hills. i am very happy to report that since this picture was taken my eight months as a temp have come to an end and i have joined the ranks of permanent employment! hello paid holidays, insurance and a raise!! honestly i could not be happier to work with my group. i love Love LOVE these girls!!

click on any image to enlarge.

and the recap continues. a few days after that photo was taken jimmy and i joined several payasos for a queer posada through silver lake.

a posada is a re-enactment of the biblical story of joseph and mary's search for a place to stay. and a queer posada is just like a regular posada... but with more make-up.

there was a candlelight process through the streets...

with stops at several "inns" with call-and-response singing moving the story along...

before the holy family is finally given shelter for the night...

followed by a party with pan dulce and a pinata.

afterwards, still feeling the festive spirit robert, victor and i continued the celebration at the eagle.

and there you have it.

time flies

2011-01-30T13:44:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY JANUARY 30th, 2011

yikes! it's been weeks since my last my last post. and looking back though it seems even longer.

check out this pic from last month when victor joined imelda and i for a party at XIV restaurant on sunset.

click on any image to enlarge.

and these shots from the gay men's chorus of l.a.'s holiday show at the alex on the 18th.

hosted, on the day we saw it, by that original dreamgirl miss sheryl lee ralph, festive as ever.

at the show there were clever (fundraising) elves everywhere.

and after the show a few of us stopped by the so cal social club reception where calvin won a prize to something or other.

the next night victor and i checked out a nutcracker party hosted by the payasos at the eagle in silver lake.

singing latin leather holiday clowns. you gotta love l.a.

i won a print featuring mr. regiment, leo, at the fundraising auction. woo hoo!

um, i mean, woof!!

a couple of days later on the 21st i caught a screening of hugh hefner: playboy, activist and rebel at the raleigh studios followed by a q&a with the man himself.

the documentary was an interesting if not terribly hard-hitting piece about mr. hefner's life including his civil rights activism. hef announced his engagement to a woman some sixty years his junior just a few days later but she was not with him on this night.

after the show i stopped by the faultline for their black and blue xxxmas party before finally calling it a night.

you're welcome.

and there you have it.

2011-01-10T15:34:00.001-08:00

LAist.com used some of my photos for an online article today about No Pants LA 2011 -

http://laist.com/2011/01/10/they_came_they_rode_they_wore_no_pa.php?gallery0Pic=4

more (un)coverage of the event coming to this blog soon.

running behind as usual. i know, i KNOW ! ! !

adventures in shopping

2010-12-26T02:42:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY JANUARY 7th, 2010
so last month i went to an asian market on sunset looking for coconut pineapple ice cream to serve at our birthday party. i didn't find the ice cream but while i was looking around i was stopped in my tracks by another product the store was selling.
click on any image to enlarge.

besides the name two other things about the product struck me. one was that the product's maker is "white king". what's up with that? and two was the fact that it was on sale. why does the puto have to be marked down?

of course i had to take a picture. when i later showed it to my filipina co-worker she said "i love puto!" i'm telling you i laughed so hard there were tears. btw, if this post makes no sense to you share it with someone who speaks spanish and see if they don't laugh too.

and there you have it.

east meets western

2010-12-26T01:48:00.000-08:00

MONDAY DECEMBER 27th, 2010
on december 13th sylvia d and i caught a preview of true grit at the landmark. i didn't think i was a big western fan but i do enjoy the coen brothers and this is now one of my favorites of theirs. as you might have heard it's a film of the novel rather than a remake of the john wayne movie and the old-timey dialogue is just one of the unique aspects of this thoughtful and entertaining film that stays true to the book. the film brims with fine performances especially from newcomer hailee steinfeld who i recently found out (via facebook) is a distant relation of mine (what do you know? her mom is a domasin). relation or not, this is a film well worth seeing. check it out.
poster via paramount.
click on any image to enlarge.

a couple days later, on december 15th, victor joined imelda and i at xiv restaurant on sunset for one of our vendor's holiday parties.
it had been a busy week and it was nice to get out and do a little schmoozing for a change. and the food wasn't bad either - sliders, tuna tartare and the grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches i snapped here.
imelda with our lovely hosts.

a couple of days later another vendor hosted us at something's fishy which features benihana-style teppan-yaki cooking.

i missed the whole benihana craze in the 90's and was impressed by the dinner and a show concept. check out the heart shaped fried rice.

and the onion volcano.

after a few hours(!) it was time to take the group shot and say sayonara.

domo arigato mr. roboto!

and there you have it.