The Engaged Observer

Grateful for the Morning Sun

2011-11-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

Good Moring Los Angeles! Last week, I posted a gnarly photo of the aftermath from my ~~accident~~ collision with a hit and run driver almost 3 weeks ago. It freaks me out to see that photo as it crystalizes just how close I came to death.

I wanted to share a recent portrait. As you can see, I'm healing up quickly, which is the most amazing part of this whole ordeal. I attribute my rapid recovery to being in excellent shape before the wreck, ALOT of rest afterwards and most importantly the outpouring of support from my family and friends.

Thank you.

TONIGHT! Cool Haus Parks in Culver City

2011-11-17T13:55:00.001-08:00

This morning, Heather and I caught a glimpse of Cool Haus putting the final touches on their nifty new stationary shop in preparation for their grand opening tonight.

From 6-7pm they'll be serving free ice cream sammys. I bet there will be a line. Who's going to be the mayor?

Checkpoint

2011-11-16T13:31:00.001-08:00

3 weeks ago, I was nearly killed by a hit and run driver while riding my bike in Echo Park. As an avid bicyclist, I've wondered what could be done to make the streets safer for cycling in Los Angeles. This morning, I found the answer.

As I was driving to work, I saw an angry man holding a nearly illegible sign waving furiously at the cars passing by. Up on the next block, I saw what he was angry about: a police checkpoint. It turns out, he was warning unlicensed drivers that the police were checking every driver to make sure they had a drivers license.

I was shocked how many people he had to warn. In just 4 hours, the Culver City Police had taken 100 unlicensed drivers off the road. Their cars were impounded and they were free to walk away.

Here was one such driver. Was he unlicensed or was his license suspended for a DUI? Either way, it was illegal for him to be driving.

Driving is a privilege. More importantly, it's a potentially deadly activity requiring skill and training. If you cannot prove you are trained to operate deadly machinery, you have no business putting people in danger. If you have been suspended from driving and continue to drive, you're a menace to public safety and deserve to be stopped.

An estimated 2 million California drivers are unlicensed. Either they never got a drivers license or their license has been suspended. More than half of all people driving with a suspended license were convicted of a DUI.

Half of all hit-and-run collisions involve unlicensed drivers. Unlicensed drivers are four times more likely than licensed drivers to be involved in a fatal accident.

If you support safe streets and would like to end the menace of hit and runs that kill cyclists and pedestrians, take a moment to thank the Culver City Police Department for catching 100+ unlicensed drivers this morning. Call CCPD Traffic Division at 310-253-6251 and let Lt. Ron Iizuka know how much you support checkpoints to catch unlicensed drivers. Better yet, ask the police in your neighborhood to implement similar checkpoints. I have yet to see a more effective way to reduce the danger posed by hit and run drivers.

Walking The Walk

2011-10-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

How many times have you seen a police officer driving in a reckless manner? I've stopped counting the number of cops talking on their cell phone while driving. I even saw a motorcycle cop riding his bike with one hand and holding his cellphone in another. Once when I confronted an LAPD officer while riding next to her squad car on my bike, she smiled and said to me "It's for official police business" as if the subject matter of her call magically immunizes her from distraction and me from the danger she poses to my safety. I've witnessed Beverly Hills police blow through stop signs while speeding through residential neighborhoods. While this is legal when their lights are on and they are responding to an urgent call, their emergency lights were off, and because they made no effort to alert anyone, it can only be described as reckless driving. A call to the watch commander confirmed they should not have been doing that. One of my hopes was that one day, all these officers would be held to the same laws that all other motorists must abide by.

For one Miami police officer, that day has finally come.

Florida Highway Patrol arrested a Miami police officer on Oct. 11 after a seven-minute-long high speed chase on Florida's Turnpike in Broward County.

VIDEO COURTESY OF UNIVISION 23

Bike Your Halloween Weekend

2011-10-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Critical Mass will feature one thousand plus costumed riders taking to the streets of L.A. starting at 6:30pm, Wilshire and Western.

On Saturday, head over to the Graff Lab for the L.A. Fixie Bike Film and Music Festival. Music, Films, Food and Racing with CASH prizes for men and women! So if you think you're the fastest fixie rida in all the land,

PROVE IT, and collect $400. Here's a teaser:

And on Sunday, The 99% Ride takes to the streets starting at OccupyLA at noon, sharing our demands for a world that works through democracy, not corporatocracy.

I've invited the mayor to join us.

Cultural Genocide in South Dakota

2011-10-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

A 3 part investigative report by Laura Sullivan and Amy Walters on NPR this week brings to light an awful truth about the United States of America:

Well into the 21st century, the state of South Dakota continues to perpetrate a systematic campaign of cultural genocide against numerous Native American tribes.

Why? To satisfy the greed of politically connected individuals who have succeeded in privatizing the care of foster children in the state of South Dakota, twisting and warping the purpose and mission of state agencies and ignoring federal laws in the process.

A company in South Dakota has figured out that they can steal native children off reservations, put them in group homes that they own, and collect millions of tax dollars to care for them. All they need to do is say the child is being neglected and no one can stop them. Federal law dictates that native children must be placed in native homes or with relatives, but South Dakota does nothing of the sort. Instead, 700 children a year are sent to a chain of group homes operated by this company awarded an exclusive no bid contract to care for foster kids in the state.

Guess who used to run the company: the governor of South Dakota, Dennis Daugaard.

I find it ironic that a Republican governor of a Republican state can pretend to rail against government waste when he has devised an evil little factory that steals children from their families so that he can bill the government for their imprisonment. The taxpayers of South Dakota are robbed annually to the tune of tens of millions of dollars as a result of this illegal child imprisonment scheme.

The loss of identity and psychological damage inflicted on these children is immeasurable. That this is able to occur in our country must give every American pause.

When will Dennis Daugaard be brought to justice for devising and perpetrating unspeakable acts of cultural genocide against the Crow Creek Tribe?

A Modest Proposal

2011-10-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

I present to you modest proposal: This Friday, Los Angeles Critical Mass shall bring the ride to Occupy Los Angeles and ride a couple laps around City Hall in solidarity with OccupyLA. I bet we can EASILY give City Hall and the Occupiers a "bicycle bear hug" in costumes nonetheless!

After all, I'd bet 99% of CM ridazz are part of the 99%. Damien, can I get a Air Horn, Seen?

I can imagine that a vocal minority will say Critical Mass is not political. I guess you could make whatever conclusions you want about the simple act of riding in circles around the political heart of our city.

BikeroParty!

2011-10-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

Saw a tweet yesterday about some party and thought I'd pay the good people at Bikerowave a visit. Bottom Line: they know their bikes AND they know how to party.

STOLEN BIKE in Hollywood #APB

2011-10-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is a Stolen Bike

When: This morning 10/22/11

Where: Near Sunset and Fairfax

What: Motobecane 10 speed. “Super Mirage” on center frame tube. Grey with Black tape on handle bars, 2 speed levers on handle bars. Toe grabbers on pedals. It is short, about 30” high.

Who: Suspect is a white male, 6’ with ski cap and possibly wearing a black or gray hoodie.

It belongs to my neighbor Bruce. If you see it anywhere call Bruce.

213-Three Hundred-2504

or me

818-Six Two Zero-7865

The cavalry rides for OccupyLA

2011-10-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I helped organize a bike ride for OccupyLA
I brought the shopping cart rickshaw my friends from Alumina Design fabricated for the inagural CicLAvia.

Decorated with a 20 foot tall bamboo flag pole flying the 99%, and an Aiwa pumping revolutionary tunes, it was the perfect tool to inspire the people with the Occupation's message.

To our surprise, the 1% by and large supports the 99%

Rest In Peace Dan Wheldon

2011-10-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Oct, 16th: OccupyLA Bicycle Outreach and Action

2011-10-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Oct, 16th: OccupyLA Bicycle Outreach and Action

Time	Sunday, October 16 · 12:00pm - 3:30pm

Location	City Hall 200 North Spring Street Los Angeles, CA


More Info	Occupy LA Bicycle outreach & action day! We will meet at City Hall at 12:00 noon to educate riders on bicycle signaling & safety guidelines. We then leave for Echo & Elysian Park at 1:00pm and return back to City Hall. Bicycles will have with flyers & banners with "Occupy LA" & "99%" !

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=301065449910198

FMLY rides out to visit with #OccupyLA

2011-10-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

FMLY riding 20+ deep on Venice Blvd.

Mist enshrouds the Ritz

2 weeks and going strong

General Assembly Open Mic

Facilitator leads the GA in a chant

Hand signal for a 'hard block'

She was suggesting alternatives slogans to rally the 99%

A Visitor from the New York Socialist Party

Ben

Oscar

Interview with New York protestors

Media Tent

OccupyLA will be hosting a big ride tomorrow Sunday October 16. Click here to find out more!

La Pura Vida en Baja California

2011-10-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

La Paz

La Playa Balandra

Bird of Prey

Sunset over the Sea of Cortez

Todos Santos

Fiestas Tradicionales de Todos Santos

Vestidos Folklóricos

El "Thing"

Carne

Textiles

de la mano

Objective Fact: Best Taco in the World

Perro Tranquilo

Cactus Garden

Margarita

Critical Mass: La Paz Edition

2011-10-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

coming soon from Baja California...

Bikes for the Occupation!

2011-10-08T01:58:00.000-07:00

Occupy Los Angeles exists by the collective spirit of those who support the ideals of freedom, democracy, justice and liberty. Each person protesting outside City Hall has something to contribute to the movement. I did my small part, which was to donate some bicycles so people could pickup supplies, run errands and maybe even participate in the upcoming CicLAvia this Sunday!

On Tuesday, I met hELLA HUNG at his storage unit where he pulled out this magnificent steed, aptly named, The Hung Dynasty!

Check out that cockpit!

After making the voyage from San Francisco to L.A., hELLA wanted to gift his dynasty to the city he now calls home. Like most of us, OccupyLA was the moment he was waiting for.

Then on Thursday, I paid a visit to my favorite auctioneers in the City of Industry to pickup an assortment of bikes for the cause.

The view driving into L.A. was so clear after the inch of rain the day before.

Friendly Faces everywhere I looked.

As I was packing up, Real Food Daily was pulling up with a donation as well.

which left everyone smiling

***7am 10/8/11 UPDATE: One of the perils of blogging at 2am is that you forget things, big an small. This campaign to support the occupation with wheels came from none other than the Wolfpack Hustle.

If you haven't heard, they're being honored next week at City Hall for racing against a jet airplane... and winning! Thanks to the Hustle Crew for working all day to bring a couple busted bikes I donated back from the grave. Here's what it probably looked like:

Perhaps the best public speaker in the world

2011-10-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

Forget Joe The Plumber, please allow me to introduce you to Jesse LaGreca.

Way to go Jesse! Your verbal suplex followed up by a kimura submission hold of Fox News had them tapping out in less than 3 minutes! Jon Stewart, take note, this is how it's done:

This is funny AND confrontational.

Jesse, we're all taking notes here at Occupy Los Angeles. Thank you. #OccupyLA #OccupyWallStreet

OccupyLA Day 3 - Short Version

2011-10-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

I re-edited the video, since viewers might not be interested in the minutiae of everything going on at OccupyLA. Here's the juicy bits. Enjoy!

2011-10-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

OccupyLA Needs:
Tarps
Help providing Sanitation (Porto-potties and trash hauling)

Mailling Address to mail donations:
UPS Store
Attn: OccupyLA
645 W 9th Street
Unit 110-253
Los Angeles, CA 90015

OccupyLA Day 2

2011-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

OccupyLA Day 2
Sunday October 2, 2011
Los Angeles, CA

Occupy Wall Street comes to Los Angeles: #OccupyLA

2011-10-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Occupy Wall Street comes to Los Angeles: #OccupyLA

Film Saturday October 1, 2011 at City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles

September 2011 Critical Mass Los Angeles

2011-10-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here it is, for you viewing pleasure, Los Angeles Critical Mass September 2011.

Critical Mass Los Angeles, September 2011

2011-10-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

This past friday was a perfect night for a bike ride in Los Angeles. Critical Mass was it's usual massive self, at least 1000-1500 people showed up. I have videos cooking at the moment, but here's some of the animals, people and monsters I met last night. Check back for video in the next couple days.

Are you kidding? Southwest loves gays!

2011-09-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

This was the view out my window while traveling back home from a weekend filled with homo type stuff like apple picking, canning organic tomatoes and watching Brad Pitt try to pull a Coach Taylor in Money Ball.

Apparently, the lesbian unicorn smiling at me at 35 thousand feet was there on a mission. Turns out some of the in flight crews at Southwest need to undergo a bit of "reorientation therapy" after poo pooing on some girl on girl action in seats 4A&B, and thus this majestic creature appeared to ensure there were no missteps on my flight. Thanks Lesbian Unicorn! It's working!

If you want to tell Southwest to apologize for homophobic employees, sign this petition here:

http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-southwest-to-apologize-for-homophobic-employees

AAA loves to play the villain

2011-09-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

I am so proud to be a AAA member because AAA is supporting Senate Bill 910, which will require drivers to give bicyclists more space when passing. Thanks AAA! I knew you would see the light!

Oh, what? AAA is lobbying against Senate Bill 910? Why? More people on bikes, less in cars? Fanatical obsession with private automobiles, higher speed limits and ever widening roadways at the expense of human beings? Via Better World Club:

As was reported by San Francisco based blogger Dan Connelly (at "On Bicycles, And...What Else Is There?") during the week after the Senate Committee's decision, AAA Northern California objected principally to SB 910's provision that motorists be required to slow down when a passing distance of three or more feet could not be achieved.

Paula LaBrie, Legislative Council for AAA Northern California, justified her organization's position by arguing that, "a drastic decrease in speed differentials between the vehicle passing the bicycle and other vehicles on the road," could cause collisions that might jeopardize the safety of a cyclist.

Paula, while I appreciate your concern for the safety of cyclists, please understand that 18 other states have already passes similar legislation, as well as the City of Los Angeles. You and me should really go on a bike ride sometime. I promise you'll change your mind on this after 10 minutes riding around Los Angeles. But until then LaBrie, we are rivals.

Please join me in supporting the Please sign SB 910 to make our roads safer campaign. It's easy, just go here to make your voice heard:

http://www.citizenspeak.org/campaign/californiabicyclecoalition/please-sign-sb-910-make-our-roads-safer

Dear Gov. Brown,

I'm writing to urge you to sign Senate Bill 910 so that drivers must give at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a person on a bicycle.

When a passing driver fails to give a bicyclist enough space, the slightest error by the driver or the most minor shift by the bicyclist to avoid trash, broken glass or rough pavement can lead to a collision. This type of collision is the leading cause of adult bicyclist fatalities in California and the U.S.

By requiring drivers to give bicyclists more space when passing, we can minimize a leading cause of deadly collisions and help more people feel comfortable about choosing to ride their bikes. And by making it possible for more people to feel confident about choosing to ride a bicycle, we can begin to achieve some of the state's crucial goals for improving air quality and safeguarding the environment.

Specifying a minimum passing distance provides a more objective and easily understood measure of what constitutes "safe" and gives law enforcement and the courts a more objective basis for enforcing California's safe passing requirement. Most importantly, it helps emphasize a driver's special responsibility to safeguard more vulnerable road users like bicyclists. It will save lives without imposing any costs on government.

Please sign SB 910 into law.

Sincerely,

The Engaged Observer

Bike Shop: Pedal Revolution

2011-09-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

While running thru The Mission to a canning demo at Heirloom with Heather and Megan, I passed a bike shop that caught my eye. The simple Helvetica font declaring the purpose of the shop, and a gear above to reinforce the message that this was a place for bikes.

and it was nonprofit at that?

From the looks of it, a bike shop of quality, simplicity and integrity. Pedal Revolution.

and social responsibility?

Linus and Surly bikes commanded premier spots on the showroom floor, reinforcing the simple, quality, integrity theme.

while Jeffrey made a fresh pot of coffee.

This place would be my LBS if I lived in San Francisco.

Do you shop at Pedal Revolution?

Diana

2011-09-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Fiying high above the ocean, looking down on a sea blanketed by puffy white clouds, my mind thinks of Diana. Diana, goddess of the hunt, virginity and the moon. Artemis, daughter of Zeus, sister of Apollo, frozen in marble, her bow taught with tension, her arrow on the precipice of flight.

Like our Diana, standing on a stone perch in Hemingway Harbor, about to take flight across the sea, across the universe, across the mind, across time and history. For 60 hours, she will stroke her way across the ocean, 200,000 pulls of the bow, to bring her across. Diana, pure of mind, at peace, at rest, yet active. YET ACTIVE! Pushing her body and mind beyond the limits we set for ourselves. But not Diana. She had 30 years to think about this moment. What's 30 years to 60 hours? What's 30 years to 103 miles? How lucky she is to be out there, in her element, doing what she loves, with the ones she loves, and the ones who love her.

Today! Think Bike LA Closing Session

2011-09-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first time ever visiting the Council Chambers at City Hall

I attended the ThinkBike LA Opening Session hosted by the Netherlands Consulte based in San Francisco. How nice of them to come to Los Angeles and share their expertise in designing communities that are healthy, safe and navigable, something Los Angeles is working towards.

Hillie Talens gave an inspiring presentation. Her overview of cycling in the Netherlands was comprehensive and thorough. Here's just some of the insights she brought to Los Angeles:

Cycling is not a hobby in the Netherlands, it's a mode of transport.

In the Netherlands, 27% of all trips are made on a bike.

Teenage girls use bikes more than any other group, and it's easy to explain. It's their ticket to freedom! Girls average 4 miles per day on a bike.

Emotions are an important part of why cycling is so popular. People are happiest riding a bike than using any other form of transportation.
The fastest way to get around in Amsterdam is on a bike (and the same for Los Angeles, arguably!)

Cyclists live longer than drivers, 3 years on average, and spend their last 10 years in better health.

Merchants love cyclists because they spend more money in shops than drivers. They come in more often to buy goods.
Why do the Dutch cycle? It's:Cheap
Healthy
Fast
Joyful

Requirements for Bike Infrastructure in the Netherlands rest on 5 key pillars:
Coherence
Direct
Attractive
Safe
Comfortable

Bike routes are given priority over car routes. They design bike routes to be faster than car routes, on purpose!

Roundabouts are safest type of intersections because traffic moves in same direction at a safe speed.

In the case of accidents between cars and bicyclists, the car is always at fault. At best, the driver is always at least 50% at fault. This makes drivers very safe.

Good Stuff! I'll take everything!

At 3:30pm in downtown, the results of a 2 day session with Dutch bikeway design experts will be presented. 3 teams were sent out to ride bikes and then brainstorm on ways to improve cycling in their area of study. The public was not invited.

So I walked around admiring the architecture and symbols adorning the floor

A Spanish Galleon hauling treasure to the old world? How interesting?

I also alerted police to a suspicious package outside Councilman Alarcon's office.

Anyways....Won't you be curious to see what they come up with? My hope is that the ideas presented will be given the respect and attention they are due.

Join Me!

3:30pm
Los Angeles Police Department
Deaton Hall Auditorium
100 West 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Inspiration Board

2011-09-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

While looking at some junk in the garage, I just thought up an alternative to a clipboard, using some scrap plywood, bolts and graph paper from the 99 cent store. I left some extra space on the side just in case.

My First Day of Interbike 2011: Outdoor Demo

2011-09-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Thousands of Interbike images and dozens of videos are filling up my hard drive at this very second. It's taken me all weekend to recover from the Vegas experience and now I have something to share with y'all.

The video you see above represents my best effort to distill my first day of Interbike into 4 minutes. My amazingly talented friend Brad of the band Skull Tape graciously gave me permission to set my video to his music, or his music to my video, not really sure how to say that properly. Anyways, hope you enjoy it. I enjoyed filming it, though I wish I spent more time riding sick mountain bikes instead of filming them.

At least I got to ride the Yeti SB 66, but it was all too brief and hopefully I'll get to spend more time and give a proper review (hint hint Yeti) All I can say is it was a dream to ride and the techs were super friendly after 2 full days of demo-ing out bikes.

Thank you Yeti! Anyways, if you are one of the guys getting all vertical and aerial on the video, I hope you don't mind being on Youtube. Oh, and tell me your impressions of riding those bikes. Cheers!

Interbike Parking: Room 101

2011-09-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what bike your bike dealer rides to Interbike? I do! Here's a sampling of whips and cockpits from some of the elite dealers from around the country. See your bike here? Tell us about your frame, components, stickers and accessories.

Yes, there was rain this morning.

Improvised splash guard, must be from Portland.

Little People?

It goes without saying.

Now get a load of these cockpits! I bet the Bike Snob can identify the zip code, bike shop and trouser length of each rider.

One last note before I enter the floor: Will the owner of the Blue Surly Traveler's Check please return to parking and turn off your pink blinky?

Thank you.

Welcome to Interbike 2011

2011-09-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yes that was NOT me! There's more to come but I need to eat something. Ciao from Vegas!

Sunday Supper: Ragout

2011-09-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

It was a night to remember. Friends. Drinks. A view perched above the city. Ragout, that timeless melange of meats and vegetables slowly cooked until the flavors are completely intertwined and all you can say is mmmmmm.

It all started innocently enough with strawberry margaritas...

to sip while contemplating Los Angeles...

between bites of melon and prosciutto

and handfuls of herb and garlic roasted garbanzos.

The light was too magical not to photograph

so photograph we did

but there was work to be done

plates to be filled

glasses to be poured

seconds to be had

and stories to be told

Dropping Science on Bike Policy & Politics

2011-09-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

This morning, Heather directed my easily distracted attention towards a New York Times graphic showing cities with the highest percentage of workers who commute by bicycle in the United States.

Duh, Portland was #1 where the dream of the 90's is thriving like a thicket of Rubus armeniacus. Or course, Los Angeles, with a climate and terrain for cycling that beats out any of the leaders was nowhere in the graph. But what intrigued me most was the source of this data. A guy by the name of John Pucher actually gets PAID to count bicycles? How do I get into that industry!?

After I realized that I'd have to spend hours and hours sitting in classes, taking tests, writing a dissertation or 2, I figured I'd leave Mr. Pucher perched in his ivory tower with his chrome plated hand counter, ledger book and his #2 lead pencil.

But what else was he up to? A quick searched revealed a presentation made by Professor Pucher at the 2007 National Bike Summit titled "Cycling for Everyone: The key to Public and Political Support.

His report is a treasure trove of knowledge that proves the (apparently not so) obvious truth: riding a bike is good for you and your community. For example:

Who would have thought, driving a car makes you fat and unhealthy while riding a bike gives you sexy legs n stuff.

Or that if you spend a little more money on bike lanes, lots of people opt to ride a bike.

Here's some really complex things that will take LADOT at least 2 outside studies to comprehend. Better start now.

I particularly liked this idea: A "Green Wave" for cyclists. Stopping and starting, while a great form of interval training, is likely to put sweat stains on your freshly dry cleaned Paul Smith leopard knit sweater.

So what do you say, Los Angeles? Can we spare some shekels and make this city more bike friendly? The answer is yes. The bike plan passed last year is moving forward step by step, though not everyone gets how dope this is. Drivers commenting on every article on cycling in L.A. point to a very misguided and disturbing hatred for the velocipede. Mr. Pucher's presentation offers lots of ideas to improve that, and hopefully our elected leaders will take notes while reading over all of Professor Pucher's brilliant publications and presentations. So get to work, Mayor V! Time is ticking!

Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden Dedication

2011-09-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and decided to go on a bike ride to check out the dedication of the Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden.

A group of volunteers got together to create this tribute to everyone who died on 9/11. From their website:

The Beverly Hills Memorial Garden will display the steel artifact from the World Trade Center Site secured from a pedestal. It is 196”L x 66”W x 51”H and weighs approximately 1,800 pounds. Adjacent to the monument, a flagpole will fly our Nation’s Colors and a walking path will traverse the memorial site. Twin Tower replicas, the Pentagon and the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania will all be represented to honor those who perished. Benches will be aesthetically placed, allowing visitors to view the memorial while contemplating the meaning and magnitude symbolized throughout The Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden.

I Love Chase Bank

2011-09-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!

China's Facebook Page

2011-09-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Concours de Brentwood

2011-09-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to check out a Concours event this past Labor Day. Here are a few choice vehicles that caught my eye

One of the most beautiful grilles ever on a convertible Alfa Romeo

They don't make em like they used to

Can't stop loving the Delorean, especially this perfect condition example

Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

WWII Willy's MP Jeep

1926 Ford (Model A perhaps?)

1968 AC Cobra 427

All Business in the Cobra's cockpit

Labor Day Antics: Fire Fighting and Roof Diving

2011-09-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hope y'all had a fun and relaxing Labor Day. Summer may be over, but it's just heating up in L.A. For your viewing please, behold Fire Fighting Aircraft and Roof Diving...

How did you spend your Labor Day?

Oh Boy! My First Fixie!

2011-09-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the upcoming Interbike show, I decided I needed a bike suitable for the experience. I could bring my a beatup commuter bike, my mountain bike, my road bike or my folding bike (which I might bring since STRiDA isn't attending). But I won't need to ride fast, carry huge loads or bomb singletrack, but I do need to avoid attracting the wrong kind of attention to myself and generally fit in with the crowd. I want something cheap enough that I won't cry for days if it gets stolen. My first instinct was to troll craiglist for a bike that fits me, or build one at the Bikerowave with a used frame. But there's not enough time for that. So my problem was I didn't have a stylish bike, something suitable for attending a bicycle show with. It has to be a fixed gear bike, at least that's what the voice from my childhood that used to tell me to wear flannels, grow my hair long and don clunky Doc Martins was yelling in my head.

Original Image via jessek

Then out of the blue the exact bike I was looking for popped up on Bonktown, with only minutes to spare. I selected my size and pressed the Buy Now button, not sure what to expect when it arrived in the mail a few days later.The Cutter Bones bike is advertised as featuring "fast-accelerating wheels to ride away from oblivious peds updating social-network statuses with hipstamatic flair. Durable enough for messenger work and sexy enough for barhopping, the Cutter Bones is a vessel on which to escape from the city life without ever leaving." That's ME! I'm not a hipster, I never use those polaroid apps (that's not my flickr account to the right, I swear!) and if you count delivering my folding bikes using my folding bike…

…you could even call me a bicycle messenger. Assembling a bike is not my strong suit, though I am getting better at it. Plus, I had my assistant with me to point out any mistakes I was making along the way.

It

wasn't much of a challenge getting the bike out of the box.

Step 1 Accomplished!Now to attach the handlebar and brake (remember, this is my first fixed gear bike)

install the front wheel

the seat is sure to be comfortable than the Brooks saddle it's mimicking

The pedals go on next, right Bronco?

I think we're done!

We weren't. Bronco was by now deep in a nap, chasing chickens around the backyard. But after I rode around a bit, I realized the rear cog needed to be tightened, so I went to Safety Cycle and had them tighten that up, and to my delight, I had my first fixed gear bike! But would it be accepted by the hard core bike "ridazz" of L.A.? There was only 1 way to find out.

A group ride, this one is the Alter Ego Ride that meets Thursdays at the Rite Aid on Sunset Blvd. "You're going to fit in, you're going to fit in…"

Get stickers!

This is normal!

I can report the bike was well received. People really dug the chain guard especially, but also the 3 foot bike cable dangling from my brake that I didn't have time to cut and instead taped into a loop. During the ride, I tested those "fast-accelerating wheels" and rode ahead of the group, stopping to film this clip.

I took too much time packing my camera and subsequently lost the group somewhere around Hoover 2nd Street. I tried to find them, placing 2 calls to Kat, but after a 3 miles riding solo, I decided to call it a night and head home. That really comfortable seat turned out not to be so comfortable…

…so I hopped on the red line to Hollywood, said hello to Batman and the Hulk, and as I rode the last mile back to my bed, I thought, yes, this bike will fulfill my need for a stylish "whip" but that's not all. As the ad says, "Pedal into your own blissful state with the quiet, smooth and fun Cutter Bones." Though my ass was not in bliss, I did have fun, and it was smooth. With a few simple modifications, it will deliver blissful riding at Interbike and beyond.

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

Enjoy those BBQs, whether Homemade or To Go like I'll be doing. Soak up the sunshine, sip a cold beer, jump in the pool and enjoy this last weekend of summer.

On Approach to LAX...

2011-08-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday saw a spike in views on my Flickr. Something was up, all of a sudden a set of photos I shot while coming home from the Sun Valley Writers Conference were being viewed in large quantities.

It turns out LAist liked them enough to write a story about them. Sweet!

We Are So Above L.A. (While Admiring Aerial Photographs of Popular Locations) by Lauren Lloyd

See the set on Flickr

Time Lapse Astro Porn

2011-08-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Another reason to visit Spain, El Teide, Spain´s highest mountain.

Plan for a Chair

2011-08-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Plans

a set of drawings or two-dimensional diagrams used to describe a place or object, or to communicate building or fabrication instructions. Usually plans are drawn or printed on paper, but they can take the form of a digital file. -Wikipedia

My dad will be glad to see that I am beginning my next woodworking project with a pen and paper, rather than a chop saw with a dollop of sawdust.

Serge Gainsbourg Tribute at the Hollywood Bowl

2011-08-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Last night, according to Twitter, Angelenos were either watching the VMAs at home or enjoying one of the highlights of KCRW's World Festival of Music at the Hollywood Bowl, a tribute concert to Serge Gainsbourg. Since I don't have cable, I was at the latter. This was easily one of the most entertaining concerts I've been to in years. Here's a taste...

What's the Bowl without food and drink?

My company for the evening, Mrs D & Lady V

Friends everywhere, including Ms B

and the toasts of the musical blogosphere, To The Maxxx & Guy Fantastico of BYOW

There was a performance taking place

Can I see a hat wobble?

Jean Claude Vannier

Los Angeles Critical Mass August 2011

2011-08-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Now in HD!

Tigger, the newest cause célèbre of Critical Mass

Heather's coconut cake was received with great enthusiasm

"Turn It Up" indeed!

Coolass Mike interviews Matthew Lewis AKA King Future AKA "the fastest black young man out of Compton", perhaps the Major Taylor of the 21st century, fueling up with Heather's cake.

No Shirt, No Helmet, No Problem!

Protected By Lasercats!

It's great to see more recumbent cyclists riding Critical Mass.

Did anyone hear the phrase "Move to the right?" I'd say the LAPD deployment was still excessive, especially motorcycle officers and their obsession with packing the ride as far to the right as possible, creating a dangerous and crowded riding condition for cyclists.

Tête De La Course

Who me?

Sgt David Krumer aka @LAPDBike

One of many young cyclists who hasn't yet solved the equation "Safety ≠ Fashion"

At least she's wearing a helmet, even if it's not properly fitted to her head

Intermission Entertainment

Los Angeles Critical Mass August 2011

Morning Moon

2011-08-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

The sound of sprinklers woke me up. I glanced outside to find a crescent moon hanging low in the east, beginning a daily journey across the sky, with the sun chasing close behind.

A Celestial Array

2011-08-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

The contemplation of celestial things will make a man both speak and think more sublimely and magnificently when he descends to human affairs.

-Cicero

One of the many things I look forward to when I visit Sun Valley is the chance to see a night sky full of stars. I was especially excited to try some astrophotography with our new camera. The first night revealed that there was no easy way to focus on infinity. (Canon, can we please get an infinity lock setting?) Many of my shots were out of focus because the auto-focus was utterly useless at night and it was impossible to manually focus since the focus ring didn't stop at infinity, but some point beyond, in order to compensate for variations due to temperature fluctuations.

So the next day, I focused the camera on a distant mountain, and applied a few pieces of scotch tape to the lens and focus ring to mark an infinity focus point. Later that night, here's what developed...

These were shot at 3200 ASA for about 8 seconds at F 1.8. If only Los Angeles were as dark as Ketchum, Idaho, I could enjoy this celestial array 365 days a year.

A Friendlier City For All, Including Cyclists

2011-08-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here in Los Angeles, many elected officials and heads of departments are active on social networks, including the the city council president, the department of transportation and of course the mayor. They frequently use their twitter accounts to post press releases and generally tell constituents all about the amazing things they are doing for them.

Last month, Mayor Villaraigosa tweeted that he was looking for ideas to make Los Angeles more bike-friendly. While the new bike plan that was passed and is now beginning to be implemented is an amazing accomplishment, I couldn't help but think that the discussion could be expanded a bit more. Let me explain.

When it comes to urban planning and transportation infrastructure, cyclists are the canary in the coal mine. What's good for bicyclists is good for families, children and communities. Case in point: San Francisco's darling of a park: Patricia's Green.

Named after Patricia Walkup, the community activist who spearheaded the park's creation, it is located on what used to be a busy freeway offramp. Today, the park is a locus of community activity, where families gather for picnics under public art installations.

The park is bordered on 2 sides by a bike lane, a car lane and a parking lane. This creates a calming effect that slows down traffic and provides safer ingress and egress to the park, while still allowing for through traffic. The park sits at the corner of Hayes and Octavia, amidst a vibrant shopping district in the heart Hayes Valley.

Calm streets make for safe pedestrians and happy cyclists.

Beyond the park, the roadway is divided with a planting median between car lane and a parking lane with Sharrows for cyclists. It doesn't get any calmer than this!

Signage indicates that cyclists use the crosswalk button to activate the traffic signal as well as their ability to proceed straight ahead.

Throughout San Francisco, this sign reminds drivers that cyclists aren't relegated to the far right of the road, a common misconception here in Los Angeles. CVC 21202 gives cyclists the right to use the full lane in many situations including:

when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes)

-California Vehicle Code

The case can be made that the majority of city streets in Los Angeles are both hazardous and narrow enough that a cyclist can take the lane nearly everywhere!

So Mayor Villaraigosa, to answer your question, above you'll find a few small lessons in urban planning that could easily be adopted in neighborhoods and communities across Los Angeles. By rethinking the way we build our streets, and what priorities we place on those designs (vehicle throughput versus safe and vibrant communities) amazing things can happen! The benefits to cyclists is just one small component of this revolution through holistic urban planning. I hope you'll consider implementing some (or all!) of these ideas as a lasting legacy to your commitment to improve the lives of Angelenos.

My Essential Kitchen Staple

2011-08-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Good Olive Oil. Call me a nationalist, but I prefer either Greek or Spanish. This can of Ybarra Olive Oil comes from Catalina's Market, which I cannot wait to photograph and write about. Small ethnic markets are one of the true gifts of living in Los Angeles. How boring would our city be if all we had was Ralphs, Trader Joes and Whole Foods?

Cycling to Support Injured Veterans

2011-08-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, I believe that cycling not only provides me with physical exercise, but also relieves stress, calms me and gives me time to think about everything that's on my mind. The more I ride, the more meditative the experience becomes. I'm still in the present moment, dodging careless drivers and avoiding potholes, but I'm also exploring ideas and thoughts in a way that I can't when I'm sitting motionless.

For people suffering from physical and emotional trauma, cycling has the potential to change lives. For example, scores of veterans coping with physical injuries and PTSD have turned to cycling as a part of their rehabilitation process.

The Ride 2 Recovery is a program produced by the Fitness Challenge Foundation, (501C3) in partnership with the Military and VA Volunteer Service Office to "benefit both Mental and Physical Rehabilitation Programs for our country's wounded veterans that feature cycling as the core activity."

video platform video management video solutions video player

Come get your car washed this Sunday and support a rider for the upcoming ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in October, that you can also sign up for.

The carwash is this Sunday, August 21 · 10:00am - 2:00pm at:

316. W. Florence Ave. Inglewood between La Brea and La Cienega

To learn more visit the event page and you can also like Ride 2 Recovery on Facebook.

A Meal Amongst Friends

2011-08-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Let the stoics say what they please, we do not eat for the good of living, but because the meat is savory and the appetite is keen.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last night, we cooked a simple yet delightful meal for our friends Holly, Josh, Becky and Michael. Heather made Bea's amazing Nopale salsa while I barbequed a selection of taco fillings.

Queso Fresco

Barbequed Shrimp

Carne Asada

Now that our backyard is all tuned up, it's pretty much the only place we find ourselves hanging out right now. And dining al fresco on our homemade table only adds to the pleasure of the meal. Bon Appétit!

Alter Ego Ride August 11, 2011

2011-08-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

The Alter-Ego Ride headed to the Downtown LA Artwalk to join other cyclists in protecting pedestrians from cars, following the death of 2 month old Marcello Vasquez, killed by a careless driver during last month's Downtown Art Walk. The ride was also a celebration of people over machines and an opportunity to re-imagine our public spaces. Closing the streets during Artwalk will provide a safe and fun alternative to crowded sidewalks and dangerous vehicles.

Blame the Victim Mentality Plagues City Officials

2011-08-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

image via downtownlartwalk

When I read Lauren Lloyd's post on LAist describing the safety measures that councilmembers José Huizar and Jan Perry unveiled in the wake of the death of Marcello Vasquez, a combination of anger and confusion welled up inside of me.

Marcello Vasquez, a 2 month old boy, was killed when Cadillac DeVille, a 22-year-old Ladera Heights man, attempted to park his car (barefoot) in downtown L.A. during last month's Downtown Art Walk. DeVille pressed on the gas instead of the brake, jumping the curb and striking Vasquez with deadly force.

Fast forward to today, the Downtown Art Walk is tonight, and any concerned Angeleno would hope that city officials would enact safety measures to ensure the safety of thousands of people out enjoying the cultural resources of the city. To the rescue, councilmembers Jose Huizar and Jan Perry have a plan. I'm certain they'll close streets around the artwalk to protect the throngs of people out to see art and enjoy downtown, right? That will certainly protect law abiding pedestrians on sidewalks from being run over by careless drivers, right?

Wrong. Apparently, Huizar and Perry know the true cause of Vasquez' death: Hot Dog Vendors.

Starting this month, the City Fire Department and County Health Department will no longer issue any permits for vending between 3rd and 7th street and Spring and Main.

Street Services inspectors will attend to keep sidewalks clear of unpermitted items such as DJ equipment, craft vendors, carts, etc.

Fire Inspectors and LADBS will be out to monitor permitted food/craft lots and shut down unpermitted lots.

Huizar's approach to improving public safety at the Art Walk is to kick out anyone who is not there to see art?

Art Walk is a fantastic event that draws thousands downtown and we want to ensure that it remains active and viable,” said José Huizar, Councilmember for the 14th District. “We’re hopeful that the safety changes we’re implementing for tomorrow’s Art Walk will allow us to reduce large crowds drawn to non-art related activities.

WTF? I'm beyond confused. Was Cadillac DeVille in downtown to see art, or to buy an irrestible bacon wrapped hot dog?

Does it matter? What do street vendors have to do with a careless driver jumping the curb and killing a 2 month old infant? Where in the autopsy report is there mention of DJ equipment or food and craft vendors?

Huizar and Perry are suffering from a blindness of the sort that all to often afflicts elected officials and policy makers. They are blind to the dangers presented by cars and the amateurs that operate them. Rather than listen to the public's outcry to close the streets during Art Walk, Huizar and Perry chose instead to blame small business operators and pedestrians for the child's death by kicking out hot dog vendors, confiscating DJ equipment and making sure the sidewalks are clear.

Since our elected officials are unable to provide adequate protection to pedestrians, a group of cyclists will be on hand to provide a human force field between cars and pedestrians. If you ride a bike, skateboard or roller blade, join the SWRM - SLO-MOTION PEACE RIDE in bringing "smiles & high-fives to show the city that the people can occupy civic space in a life-affirming manner."

Salt. A Film by Michael Angus & Murray Fredericks

2011-08-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

Just saw a great documentary on PBS this morning. This guy rode a burly mountain bike out into the middle of a salt flat with a trailer full of camping and camera gear. Pretty amazing imagery of a surreal environment.

From the film's website:

SALT is the story of award winning and internationally renowned photo-artist, Murray Fredericks on his annual solo pilgrimage to the heart of Lake Eyre in the remote north corner of South Australia. It is a piece on the personal journey of the artist, the creative process and the landscape itself.

Alone on the most featureless landscape on earth, Murray’s personal video diary captures the beauty of this bleak, empty and desolate environment – and provides the catalyst for an unexpected personal transformation.

My next woodworking project

2011-08-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Mike knows everything about style, art, food and drink, basically the finer things in life. Whenever I need advice on a shoe, watch or tie, Mike is my go to.

For example, he dressed me for my wedding, having located an artisanal suitmaker to create a tailormade one of a kind garment at an off the shelf price. Then he found the perfect shoe to go with it, all the way down to the handkerchief in my pocket.

So when I told him about my recent foray into woodworking, I knew he would have an idea of what I might try next.

Behold this chair designed by Dutch Architect Jan de Jong (1917-2001).

I'm probably being WAY too ambitious to consider attempting a re-creation, but if Amelia can Out-Robyn Robyn, I can certainly give it a shot.

via Mid Mod Design

Hollywood Sunday: Hiking & Farmer's Market

2011-08-07T12:16:00.001-07:00

Heather and I decided to hike up to the observatory this morning.

Then we drove to the Farmer's Market to pickup some fruits and veggies. Saw these 2 wheeled entrepreneurs rolling up.

Surreal Mushrooms

Tomatoes

Early Girls

Cucumbers

Ancho Chiles

Finley Farms, always busy, always fresh.

Melons

Carrots

Red Peppers

Strawberries

Chanterelles

Santa Monica Critical Mass August 2011

2011-08-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Though small in numbers, Santa Monica Critical Mass packs the fun in with a mellow ride through the "city known around the world as the home… of the homeless."

One of my favorite parks in L.A., Goose Egg Park is a usual stop for SMCM.

A group of teens showed up on skateboards as we were leaving the park. They were setting up a slack line. One kid asked me, "Are you riding a fixie?"

The world famous Star Liquor.

Heading into the Abbott Kinney First Friday, where Food Trucks go to shoot fish in a barrel.

Santa Monica Critical Mass meets the first friday of every month at the the Bronze Cannon located at the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier, at the corner of Ocean and Colorado. Riders meet at 6:30pm and usually leave by 7:15pm

Tall Bike Jewelry

2011-08-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

Tall bikes are one of my favorite things on this planet. They have a magical quality that brings smiles to stressed out drivers stuck in traffic. Simply looking at one in motion inspires that childhood notion of play and wonderment.

Here's a little tall bike that you can wear around your neck. Created by Loid Mongoloid of We Are Mongoloid, these miniature machines embody that spirit of play all the way.

Get yours here.

via Laughing Squid

A weekend in Angeles National Forest

2011-08-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to go camping in the Angeles National Forest. So I started planning a mountain bike camping trip. I pulled out my 20 year old sleeping bag from when I was a boy scout. In the car I tossed an old tent, camping stove, cooler and enough food to last me for 2 days. Heather was gone for the weekend, so I borrowed her mountain bike, which has a little more suspension and is lighter than mine. I was ready to go! I had called ahead and spoke to a ranger who suggested I would find great mountain biking trails and a quiet campsite at Horse Flats.

It's silly just how close it is to Los Angeles. Within an hour of leaving my house, I was driving high into the pine forest, searching for a campsite in the pitch black night with stars hanging overhead. After about an hour of driving, the sign for Horse Flats appeared and I drove into a nearly full campground. Luckily there was one spot left. (Note: expect crowded campgrounds on warm a Saturday night)

I quickly made camp, built a small fire, an after relaxing a bit, hopped into my tent, zipped up my sleeping bag and fell fast asleep.

I awoke in a beautiful forest setting, ready to spend the day exploring the scenery on 2 wheels. But first, some nourishment.

I love camp cooking. Before I left, I planned out a few simple meals that were easy to make and did as much prep at home to minimize my effort out in the woods. My breakfast was some hot granola, cooked in almond milk, topped with apples that were marinating in cinnamon, nutmeg and agave nectar. Fueled up, I was ready to ride a bicycle.

The trails did not disappoint. I rode out to Mount Hillyer, a peak about 2 miles from camp. The trail was steep and full of boulders on the way up. I quickly learned a couple important lessons. Tire pressure has a huge impact on grip and there is less oxygen available at high altitude. Within minutes I was catching my breath as my rear wheel was spinning like it was on ice. I had no grip and couldn't climb this technical trail. I took a break, let out about 20 PSI in the tires and hopped back on the bike. Instantly the bike started working perfectly. I could hop up on rocks and every pedal stroke pushed me further up the trail towards Mount Hillyer. The rock garden gave way to a meadow scattered with trees and flowers everywhere.

I came across a burned out grove of trees, from the wildfire that swept thru the forest in 2009.

I was careful not to touch any of the flowers in this area, after being warned about the poodle dog bush.

On I rode to the peak, past giant boulders

I got to the top and found a pile of boulders to take a rest

and look out over a beautiful view of the mountains beyond

The only sounds were the wind, some birds and these fellows

By this time I was exhausted and in need of sustenence.

While I was eating some goldfish, something caught my eye in the rocks

It was some message in a bottle!

A small notebook and pencils placed in a canister by one Dorothy Danziger on June 1, 2011. A bunch of hikers left messages over the past 2 months, describing the scene I was now enjoying.

I wrote my own message and placed the canister back in it's hiding place.

I continued riding to the end of the trail, which went to a paved road. So I turned around and rode back

stopping along the way to shoot some photos

Back at camp, I was ready for Lunchtime!

By now, the whole campground had cleared out, and I was the only person there. The campers next to me had left their fire burning, which was perfect for me to cook some quesadillas and a hotdog on. I rounded out the meal with some homemade sauerkraut and a spicy ketchup I mixed up before I left the house.

It was the early afternoon, and I wanted to explore the forest a little more, so I broke camp and packed up the car

The contrast between bright colorful flowers and charred trees was everywhere

The picnic sites along the highway offered a shady retreat from the blazing sun

The light makes everything glow

After driving around a bit, I returned to Horse Flats and found a better campsite to spend the night. So I got all setup and hopped back on my bike as the sun was making it's way to the horizon

It was now getting dark, so I booked it back to camp, eating it a couple times on the more technical sections of the trail.

Home again! I turned on the radio, listened to some classical music as I cooked up more hot dogs, quesadillas and some Trader Joes Spaghetti Os. The stars quickly came out as I was enjoying dinner.

I stayed up a few more hours, enjoying the fire and the solitude.

I can't for round 2, hopefully with Heather and some of our close friends.

Police and the Mentally Ill

2011-08-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Fullerton Police Department is charged with the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws, and with providing around-the-clock protection of the lives and property of the public. The Police Department functions both as an instrument of public service and as a tool for the distribution of information, guidance and direction.
It is the mission of the Police Department to facilitate and administer the laws of governing bodies, the orders of the courts, and to direct all energies and resources toward maintaining the health, welfare and safety of citizens.

For good reason, police officers operate in a heightened state of awareness in order to protect themselves and be ready to respond to a dangerous situation. Most of my interactions with police give me the impression that they are courteous and polite, quite happy to engage in conversation, while "keeping their guard up."

However, at least 10% of my interactions reveal aggressive, angry and unstable people who lack the ability to "read" people. These individuals weild deadly force and have the authority to use it. You can only imagine how quickly a situation can get out of control when this kind of officer interacts with a mentally ill individual who is not going to respond quickly to commands, behave erratically, resist and attempt to flee.

Unfortunately, the recent reports of Fullerton police beating to death a mentally ill man is an all too common example of this interaction.

My heart aches when I heard the victim was crying out for his father over and over as he was being beaten to death by 5 police officers.

What will be the response by Fullerton city officials or police chief Michael Sellers?

"I have always told my Officers that we have three jobs. Our first step is to save lives. When lives are not at stake, our next job is to protect life. When that's not an issue, our job is to help improve the quality of life for our citizens, and that is done through community-oriented policing." - Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers

Farmhouse Table is complete!

2011-08-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

I've been having a lot of fun lately building furniture with my dad. Dad has an awesome wood shop full of nearly every tool a person could need, though dad finds more every week.

Our backyard was in need of a large dining table so I volunteered to build one. My dad didn't know it but he was nominated to help me take on this job. Well, after many hours planning, sketching, drilling, sawing and sanding, here's the final product.

This table was built using reclaimed scaffolding planks, which required a lot of sanding to get them smooth enough for wine glasses and guests' elbows. I really like the weathered beatup appearance of the wood, but also how sanding them brings out the grain underneath. It's a much different finish from the table that inspired me:

This is a French Oak Farmhouse Table, circa late 18th to early 19th century, sold by Cristie's in London last October for £3,750.

You can buy mine for much less! If your backyard needs a beefy dining table, send me a note!

Coming soon to Los Angeles!

2011-08-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

During an international gathering of mayors recently, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was enamored by the unique strategy that Vilnius Mayor A.Zuokas has developed to "combat" illegal parking in his city. The City Council is expected to take up this new measure within days!

sike!

The First Psychedelic Bicycle Trip

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Right now I am mountain biking in the Angeles National Forest. I hope to have pics and vids of some beautiful trails but in the meantime, enjoy this excellent short film by Lorenzo Veracini, Nandini Nambiar & Marco Avoletta.

bicycletrip.it

Los Angeles Critical Mass July 2011

2011-07-30T10:52:00.001-07:00

Last night was the last friday of July in the year 2011, which is why a thousand plus riders gathered to celebrate their right to exist as traffic on the streets of Los Angeles. I missed the start as I was helping a fellow rider repair a flat tire,

but it didn't matter. I could easily find the ride by looking into the sky and seeing a police helicopter hovering over Western and Olympic.

I rode fast thru the pack so that I could get to the front and shoot a static shot of the entire ride passing by.

Needless to say, Critical Mass was a very visible addition to the regular goings on about town last night.

People came out of their homes to marvel at the sight.

Tigger was a favorite with the children.

Some cyclists were spooked by the rollerblader

This is the normal operating procedure for this fellow

and his friend

This fellow had the coolest bike of the night, and he was riding fast!

A Unicyclist was assisting newer riders as part of the recently formed Critical Mass Support Team

LAPD and cyclists have joined forces to ensure the ride is safe and fun for cyclists of every ability.

Riding thru downtown, we came across an NYPD police cruiser, which can only mean 1 thing, we just rode 3000 miles

or a TV show was being filmed. Looks of joy from the crew ensued.

No ride is complete without a sound system

which I caught up to right at the entrance to the tunnel

On we rode to Mariachi Plaza for a rest stop with snacks for hungry riders

including ice cream for yours truly

a few minutes to take in the scenery

and off we rode back into downtown

I forget what happened next, but we ended up in Macarthur Park

and waited and waited. Finally the ride seemed to fizzle out (perhaps by design LAPD?)

While riders called it a night and dispersed, a small group continued to Hollywood.

Where we saw police engaged in non bike riding duties

FIN!

Pissed Off Fridays!

2011-07-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Verizon provides telephone service to my parent's house. Recently my dad tried to remove a high speed internet line and downgrade to a regular DSL line. You would think a quick call to Verizon customer service would be all that's necessary to accomplish a simple feat such as this.....

Happy Customers! Yay!

50 hours of customer service calls later, Dad tells me this morning that they are finally getting the high speed internet line removed, but that they will have to lose their home phone number of 30+ years! This is the phone number that I grew up with. It's a number that gives me security and peace of mind. I know the tones that each number makes as if it is a song that I've been singing my whole life.

And now this number will be lost to my family forever because Verizon cannot provide the most basic of services in a timely manner.

Thanks Verizon! You're awesome, Great Job!

I thought the company bosses should know firsthand what a great job they've done, so I checked with Consumerist to find their email addresses and wrote them a thank you letter. Wanna see?

Date: Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 2:00 PM
Subject: Unacceptable Customer (Non)Service
To: holly.hess@verizon.com, suleiman.hessami@verizon.com, virginia.p.ruesterholz@verizon.com, thomas.j.tauke@verizon.com
Cc: Dad

Good Day,

It is only out of complete and utter frustration that I have resorted to contacting you directly.

My father has spent over 50 hours speaking with various customer support reps at your company to perform what to my ears should be a simple task: remove a high speed internet line and replace it with a regular home DSL line. Well, after those 50 hours, it's finally happening. But, he was just told that in order to complete the removal of the line, he will have to give up his home phone number of 30 plus years. It is beyond my comprehension that

A. This took 50 hours to accomplish

B. He must lose his home phone number of 30+ years

How on God's Good Earth does your company manage to fail my father so perfectly and precisely, fitting the worst possible image of a corporation that cares nothing about it's customers?

Should you have any sense of decency at all, you will immediately call my dad (310-459-****) and apologize for your ineptitude, ensure that my parents keep their home phone number, and perhaps offer him 50 hours of foot massages to settle your debt to him.

Sincerely,

The Engaged Observer
http://engagedobserver.blogspot.com/

Give Thanks Where Thanks Is Due

2011-07-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

The Wolfpack reminded me that there are some people that need to be thanked for standing up for cyclists rights. You might do the same!

To:
councilmember.reyes@lacity.org
councildistrict2@lacity.org
tom.labonge@lacity.org
Paul.Koretz@lacity.org
Councilmember.Parks@lacity.org
Jan.Perry@lacity.org
Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org
Councilmember.Englander@lacity.org
councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org
Councilmember.Huizar@lacity.org
councilmember.hahn@lacity.org
cm.public@lacity.org
mayor@lacity.org

Subject: On Behalf of all Los Angeles Cyclists, Thank You!

Dear Councilmembers and Mayor Villaraigosa,

On the day you passed the Cyclist Anti-Harassment Ordinance, I was riding my bike on Crescent Heights at 6th Street. I was the victim of harassment by a DOCTOR in blue scrubs who honked at me, then jumped out of his white Mercedes 550 SL screaming at me and threatening me with clenched fists. I asked if he was having an emergency or needed assistance.

Thankfully, this diffused his rage enough that he decided to get back in his car and drive away. Unfortunately, I was unable to get his license plate or I would have been proud to be the first cyclist to make use of this ordinance!

I am grateful that this ordinance will hopefully deter this angry driver from harassing any other cyclists in the future. Thank You Councilman Rosendahl for your leadership to protect cyclists and thank you to the whole council for unanimously passing this important ordinance!

Your 2 Wheeled Constituent,

The Engaged Observer

The Passage of a Few People Through a Rather Brief Moment in Time

2011-07-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

I know, it sounds like the title to a science fiction short story in the New Yorker, but this is a bike ride that explores the nooks, crannies and less traveled paths of Los Angeles. From their website:

One or more persons during a certain period drop their usual motives for movement and action, their relations, their work and leisure activities, and let themselves be drawn by the attractions of the terrain and the encounters they find there.

It's a bike ride.

Organized by The Royal Academy and Nathan Snider.

It meets every Wednesday at 8:30pm at California Donuts #21,
at the corner of 3rd & New Hampshire, in Los Angeles, CA.
We ride at 9pm.
We endeavor to return before the last red line trains
(around midnight).

Last night, Michael and I rode the Passage Ride from K-Town to South LA to Hawthorne to Manhattan Beach to El Segundo back to South LA and then K-Town.

In all, about 4 hours of riding totaling 40 miles, give or take a mile.

The ride organizers do a great job selecting routes that are interesting and fun to ride.

I was especially impressed with the use of freshly resurfaced residential streets that were still smooth and free of potholes.

Plus there's a sound system playing everything from Bill Monroe to the Muppets, quite a departure from the soundtrack of my spin class!

We also rode thru a couple parks, climbed a stair case a la cyclocross and rode down a walk street to the Manhattan Beach Pier.

If all you know about group rides is Critical Mass, and you're eager to explore a bit more than the major arteries of L.A., I highly recommend trying out the Passage Ride.

You're guaranteed to see parts of the city you've never seen, or see them in a new light, and this is coming from a native Angeleno.

Also, did I mention there's piping hot victory donuts at the end?

Ride On!

Carmageddon: Ground Zero

2011-07-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

I woke up today expecting all hell to break loose due to Carmageddon. Then, nothing happened. The streets were empty, people actually listened and stayed away, stayed home and stayed out of their cars. Traffic was non-existent. That made my bike ride up to Mulholland and Sepulveda all the more enjoyable. What I found was equal parts amazing and boring at the same time. A bridge was being demolished and a (very wide) road was closed. Dozens of reporters were hanging out, along with a handful of residents who came to see the spectacle with their own eyes. Want to see what a billion dollars looks like?

Alter Ego Ride 7/14/11

2011-07-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last night, I checked out the Alter Ego Ride. I didn't know what to expect as I rode the 2 blocks to the Rite Aid on Fairfax. I found in the parking lot a few familiar faces and a tight knit group of experienced riders, who maintained a brisk pace as we rode from West Hollywood to Downtown.

Halfway there, we met up with Nate and his very tall bike equipped with a glowing orb of sound. The sight and sound of his bike mesmerized everyone who came near, including us riders, pedestrians, motorists, police and probably the helicopters overhead as we rode through the Downtown Artwalk.

Nate brought a real festive mood to the ride. He was telling me that when he rides his bike, cars slow down and give him the right of way at every intersection. It's a machine that just makes people smile. It's why I ride.

The Alter-Ego Ride meets regularly on Thursday night at the Rite Aid on Sunset and Fairfax.

Counting down!

2011-07-13T15:27:00.001-07:00

Cars can expect major delays, cyclists can expect major awesomeness!, a photo by Alex de Cordoba on Flickr.

Cars can expect major delays, cyclists can expect major awesomeness!

A Perfect night for a bike ride: Midnight Ridazz

2011-07-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

In my younger years, finding fun things to do in L.A. proved to be a challenge. I was not one for the Hollywood bar scene. For some reason, the prospect of waiting in lines to get into clubs for the privilege to wait at a packed bar to buy and overpriced and poorly made wiskey sour, with a soundtrack that made my ears bleed just didn't appeal to me.

A few years ago, I happened upon a community of people taking delight in urban exploration and celebration through the reappropriation of the built environment thru cycling.

These Midnight Ridazz intrigued me, with their handmade uniforms, part punk, part spandex, their modified bicycles, some rising 5 feet into the sky, and the sheer joy they displayed on the road while drivers like me were trapped in late night Hollywood club traffic. I knew this was something I wanted to do.

This past friday night, I attended the latest the Midnight Ridazz ride, The Mommas and Poppas ride. Though I'm not sure how the title related to the ride, but it didn't matter.

I was out riding with friends and making new ones. The ride was by far the most courteous ride I've been on. Since there was a route and destination that was announced at the beginning, there was no need to stay close to the front for fear of getting lost.

We stopped at every light. We rode in the right lane, allowing cars to pass. We were rewarded with friendly honks, smiles and high fives from most of the drivers. Most of the people watching wished they had a bike and could join us. By example, we were promoting the potential for a more bike-friendly Los Angeles.

Other than the banjo player, the highlight for me was seeing one of the cyclists injured in the notorious bike crash in Culver City being towed in a trailer, able to enjoy the freedom of riding a bike while she recovers from her injuries. Off the trailer she walks slowly and with great effort using a walker. This community rallies to support each other. Try finding that in the soulless clubs were rode past.

I Cleansed

2011-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Salt's Cure 2x2x2 (image via Chef-Speak.com)

I LOVE to eat. A lot. And for good reason. Food is not just a source of sustenance, it is a celebration of life 3 times a day. Meals are the events that define our day, the centerpiece of many social activities. My wife and I are serious foodies, exploring all diverse flavors across Los Angeles, from burritos to dim sum, ramen to mole, sandwiches to bbq, skipjack sashimi to bucatini amatriciana. We love it all. Well, I love it all. HBT is one of the 10% of people that cannot stand the sight, smell or taste of cilantro, but I digress.)

HBT hates cilantro (image via stadumgirl)

And because we love it all, sometimes our bodies need a break. We've been wanting to do a cleanse for a while now, but just couldn't work up the courage. Then, a few of HBT's friends told her about the cleanse they recently did with Pressed Juicery.

Founded by a producer, nutritionist and fitness junkie, this places serves up some of the best juices I've ever tasted. The defining quality of the juice is how fine and smooth they are. You don't sense and pulp or weight to them, like most home juicers produce. They sell juices by the bottle or you can sign up for a cleanse series, which they even deliver to your front door!
Our cleanse lasted 3 days. We scheduled it over a weekend, which I found to be totally necessary. Every morning, on our doorstep was a box containing all our juice for the day, numbered and labeled. Each juice served a specific purpose and the variety made the experience more exciting. Every day I felt my body and mind feeling lighter, clearer and healthier. Even now, I am eating less, eating smaller portions, and generally feeling satisfied with without stuffing myself.

Read Heather's writeup on Chef Speak for more info, an interview with Carly Brien, including a recipe for making your own juice.

Back from S.F.

2011-07-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Heather and I had an awesome time visiting our sister in San Francisco this past weekend. I had 450 photos to sort through, with ideas to share as well. Stay tuned!

1939: Venice, California

2011-07-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

image via Vintage Los Angeles

How many cyclists must die...

2011-07-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

before we see safer streets for all!

Smarter street design might have prevented this and many other collisions between motorists and cyclists and pedestrians.

Cyclists demand justice for DUI Victims and Safe Streets

2011-06-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a broken record: Cyclist gets hit by motorist. Police investigate. Police blame the cyclist. Media reports blame the cyclist. DA declines to prosecute. Motorist evades prosecution. Cyclist is denied justice. End of story.

The Los Angeles Bike Community was out in force this morning to preempt this story from repeating.

Standing before a pack of reporters and news crews, they set the record straight on the true cause of a recent horrific collision, and called out for improved safety for all residents of L.A.

Here's the scoop:

In the early hours of June 16th, 27 year old Christine Dahab drover her car into a group of people. The police were called. The ambulances arrived. 11 people were rushed to the hospital. She was arrested and booked with misdemeanor drunk driving. Less than 9 hours later, she was released. In those same 9 hours the victims were being treated for numerous injuries. One victim was on hand for the press conference.

Another victim had both her legs broken. Another was in critical condition with a head injury.

LAPD officers began an investigation, but the crash actually occurred in Culver City. This is where things get murky. Even though they responded to the 911 call, LAPD didn't have jurisdiction to perform an investigation. They should have called Culver City PD to get them out there to begin an investigation. The case is now in the the hands of Culver City Police, but that preliminary investigation by LAPD is now with Culver City PD. That investigation has not officially been released. BUT, during a meeting with senior LAPD officials, members of the cycling community were told the initial cause of the crash was attributed to cyclists in the roadway.

This is troubling for so many reasons. I'll just mention a few, but Bikeside and Streetsblog are so much more accurate about the minutae. Click here to read about it. All I'll say is:

- Multiple witnesses observed Christine Dahab driving erratically moments before she plowed into the cyclists.

- Dahab blew a .08 at the scene and .07 at the station, just below the legal limit. That does not mean she wasn't impaired.

- Witnesses observed Dahab exit her car holding a cell phone immediately after the crash. Was she tweeting?

- With 100 riders pulled over with blinking safety lights, it's inconceivable that any responsible driver would not see them.

- News reports mention condoms and beer bottles found nearby. WTF?

More than anything, today taught me that as diverse as the cycling community in L.A. is, we all come together when any rider is in need. We'll continue to press for justice for the victims, for the police and media to not blame them for their injuries, and for improving the safety of all residents of L.A., in and out of the saddle. I was really impressed by the amazing response to this terrible and senseless crime. As I listened to the speakers make the case for justice, I had a moment of déjà vu.

If you witnessed the crash, or have any knowledge relevant to this crime, the Culver City PD wants your help. Please call Officer Newman at (310) 253-6254.

A fundraiser has been planned for the victims this Friday. Click HERE for more info.

Another fundraiser is also scheduled for July 8th. Click HERE for more info!

99 Cent Store Breakfast: Green Tacos

2011-06-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to the 99 Cent Store (best place to buy bike lights!) I couldn't help but toss these green bad boys into my shopping basket and give them a whirl.

Once I got home, I pulled together a few odds and ends, some frozen spinach and garlic, and proceeded to toss them in the pan.

Grabbed a couple eggs

In another pan, placed los Tortillas de Nopal under medium heat

Then I went searching for flavor. A pinch little of Jeana Sohn's mild but flavorful homegrown (By her dad in Korea) pepper flakes went into the spinach

and a pinch of Chipolte, Tumeric, Cinnamon and Cumin

After a few minutes, the spinach was defrosted and looking ready for a bath of scrambled eggs

A torn up slice of havarti seemed appropriate

Under the broiler for a spell

et Voila!

garnish with a couple spears of Full Moon Pickle's Asparagus and some Tapatillo and I was ready to chow down on some green breakfast tacos.

Eagerly Awaiting CARmageddon 2011

2011-06-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

(image via lonut lordache)

In Los Angeles, where the weather is a constant 73 degrees, conversations revolve not around the temperature but the traffic:

Best Shortcut (Crescent Heights, 6th Street, Benedict Canyon)
Bottlenecks (101/110 interchange, 405 at Wilshire,)
The exact time when rush hour begins and ends (7:25am-10:45am and 3:30pm-6:45pm)
Record paces across town (18 minutes from Ocean Ave to Broadway)
Childhood memories of sailing along the 10 freeway (Once upon a time)
That band that's going to jail for doing a concert on the 110 (Not worth mentioning their name)
Fastest route over the hill: Sepulveda, 405 or Laurel Canyon (I won't say except that it's not listed)
PCH or 101 to get to Malibu on a Sunday morning (101 if your headed to Zuma beach or beyond)
Are Saturdays just a congested as weekdays? (Yes)
Surface Streets or Freeway (Depends. See rush hour times)
I would go see Dudamel if not for the 10 freeway at 6pm (Rich man's problem)
Fastest route to LAX (La Cienega or Lincoln)

So when the city announces that a major freeway will be closed for 48 hours, the whole city goes nuts. Well not the whole city. Some see it as an event worthy of celebration, CARmageddon Weekend!

The few, the brave, the cyclists of Los Angeles relish in this proverbial sabot being tossed into the machine that is the broken L.A. transit network.

They see a test case for exposing the gridlock caused by a failed strategy going on 70 years, and celebrating how viable the alternatives could be. In general, transit experts agree that a better city can be realized with a mix of transportation options, rather than the outdated obsession of favoring private automobiles over all other forms of travel.

Cyclists could not agree more.

Many cyclists (myself included) are thrilled with the gains made recently by cycling advocates, including the adoption of a robust bicycle plan that promises to bring unprecedented and comprehensive bike facilities to this auto-centric metropolis. Perhaps this city is slowly starting to realize the potential of this shift away from automobiles. For example:

The aforementioned Los Angeles Bicycle Plan (image via Damien Newton, LA Streetsblog)

CicLAvia #1 & #2, with #3 on the way (image via CicLAvia)

The success of Critical Mass, now rated one of the country's largest rides (Europe reigns on this count), where June's ride saw 1300+ cyclists participate peacefully in a 30 mile tour of L.A. with the full support of the LAPD (image via Barleye)

The expansion of mass transit rail and subway projects (image via rjmcconnell)

The passage of Measure R and Mayor Villaraigosa's 30/10 proposal to gain federal support for accelerating those transit projects (image via Damien Newton, LA Streetsblog)

As the top ranking US city for the worst traffic, and air pollution, L.A. is literally at a crossroads: whether to continue building out our automobile infrastructure to accommodate an ever growing population of cars, or to shift to a new paradigm of that embraces the quality of life of each and every resident through a balanced mix of transportation methods.

So if you have a bicycle sitting in your garage, pump some air in those flat tires and ride it everyday, but especially the weekend of July 16th and 17th, when 600,000 drivers will try to figure out how to make their way across town, by any means necessary. This small action will remind your fellow citizens trapped in their cars that there is another way to get from point A to point B.

Los Angeles Critical Mass June 2011

2011-06-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

After a terrible incident that sent nearly a dozen cyclists to the hospital, the June edition of Los Angeles Critical Mass was a much needed affirmation of cyclists' right to the road, as well as the support of law enforcement.

During the ride, an estimated 1000 cyclists were escorted by a squardron of smiling and supportive police officers on a 26 mile route throughout Los Angeles.

However, when collisions occur involving cyclists and motorists, it seems a separate police force arrives with the assumption the cyclist must somehow be at fault. With seemingly strong laws on the books, too many times we see perpetrators either charged with minor offenses or not charged at all, while cyclists lay in hospital beds with life threatening injuries.

People continue to debate the value of Critical Mass, with some believing that the disruption and delays give motorists a negative view of cyclists. Others argue that is exactly what is needed, for motorists to understand that we are not blocking traffic, we are traffic.

Los Angeles cyclists also debate whether the involvement of the LAPD has fundamentally changed the nature of the ride. Certainly, there are now less negative interactions with angry motorists. And the ride no longer performs acts of defiance such as the circle of death.

Also, the ride sticks mostly to larger streets, has fewer turns and sticks to a set route. All that said, I left the ride believing that Critical Mass is a positive force for change in perception of law enforcement and the greater community.

Note: For cyclists eager for a more authentic mass experience, try checking out the Santa Monica Critical Mass, which meets the first friday of every month. The ride numbers in the dozens of riders, not hundreds. Also, check the Midnight Ridazz calendar of group rides happening throughout Los Angeles. There's one nearly every night of the week, with different themes and flavors.

Find Love, In & Out of the Saddle

2011-06-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Team Wedding Spin!
(No, I will NOT take down this photo.)

In case you haven't heard, Heather and I are making it official tomorrow and part of that celebration was an early morning "Wedding Spin" with our friend and the most amazing spin instructor, Tevia. To our delight and amazement, 9 of our bravest friends and family joined us for an hour of sweat, music and pedaling. Some have spun before and for some it was their first time. And though there were a few people we would have loved to see in class, it was nonetheless an amazing part of our wedding weekend that we will never forget. Thank you Amelia for making this happen and thanks Tevia for inspiring us with your unmatched integrity and your mildly perverted sense of humor.

Crop Circles by Skull Tape

2011-05-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

This music gets me amped to ride my bike. How about you?

Well done Skull Tape!

via BuzzbandsLA

A Whole Nother Level of Hit & Run

2011-05-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

If you're the kind of guy that's likes to get drunk, commit multiple hit and runs, kill a cyclist in the process, and then barricade yourself in your house, obviously your vehicle of choice is going to be a Hummer H3. As improbable as it sounds, that's exactly what Satnam Singh is accused of, and if there is any justice in this world, he will be going to jail for a very long time. My heart goes out to the family of Nick Haverland, the 20 year old cyclist killed by Singh during his drunken rampage thru Ventura yesterday. My hope is that prosecutors and police will pursue this crime completely. A drunk motorist is a weapon of mass destruction.

View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com.

Laugh Factory, 2011

2011-05-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Morning walks in Los Angeles always provide a taste of the random.

Taylor De Cordoba Presents: Frohawk Two Feathers: Crocodile Company, Part I. La Guerre Des Machettes Danseuses (The War of The Dancing Machetes)

2011-02-11T18:49:00.001-08:00

Taylor De Cordoba Presents: Frohawk Two Feathers: Crocodile Company, Part I. La Guerre Des Machettes Danseuses (The War of The Dancing Machetes)
Originally uploaded by Alex de Cordoba

PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate Release

Frohawk Two Feathers: Crocodile Company, Part I. La Guerre Des Machettes Danseuses (The War of The Dancing Machetes)
February 19 – March 26, 2011. Opening Reception: Sat, February 19, 6-8pm

Taylor De Cordoba is pleased to present Crocodile Company, Part I. La Guerre Des Machettes Danseuses (The War of The Dancing Machetes), a new series of mixed media paintings and drawings by Los Angeles-based artist Frohawk Two Feathers. The exhibition will run from February 19 through March 26, 2011, with an opening reception for the artist on Saturday February 19 from 6-8pm. This is his third solo show with the gallery.

Frohawk Two Feathers continues to demonstrate his skill as a master storyteller, spinning tales of colonialism, imperialism and conquest with his wholly unique iconography. Blending his obsession with the history of conflict and pop culture influences from video games, films and TV shows, the artist tells a wartime narrative starring an imagined cast of fascinating characters. Using two classic traditions of both painting and map making, Two Feathers communicates a tragic, yet often humorous story that, through a slight of hand and bristle of the brush retell and reshape historical roles of race, class, and gender. Originally trained in photography, the artist uses elaborately staged photographs of friends and family as the source material for the final portraits on view.

As with his previous bodies of work, each series functions as a chapter in a never-ending tome. Set in 1789 in the Caribbean, “The War of the Dancing Machetes” is a story of assassination, slavery and the fight for power. Deadly clashes between the black ruling class and "The Crocodile Company" (the newly propertied "mulatto" soldiers), drive this story. While these themes of unrest are familiar in art history, Two Feathers approaches his subjects with a keen eye, creating a unique and memorable visual language. And as a viewer immersed in his storytelling, one cannot help but question whether the specifics come from the artist’s mind or straight from the history books. The artist loosely based this series on the actual "War of Knives" that was fought as a precursor to Haitian independence.

Taylor De Cordoba is located at 2660 S La Cienega Blvd in Los Angeles, CA and is open from Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-6pm. For additional press information, please contact Heather Taylor at heather@taylordecordoba.com or (310) 559-9156.

A Very SkullTape Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T09:10:00.001-08:00

As part of your New Year Ringing In Activities, stop a while and appreciate the glory of an all new Los Angeles band, SkullTape! They played a beyond sold out show at PehrSpace earlier this week. Behold & Happy New Year!

Double Rainbow over Los Angeles

2010-12-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks @gabbat for the heads up on this double rainbow explosion over Los Angeles just now! I quick scamper up a soaked hillside offered a spendid view of the majesty of Iris & Sun Ra!

Last Minute Los Angeles Holiday Gift Guide

2010-12-18T16:24:00.000-08:00

Pickle of the Month Club from Full Moon Pickles $40/month

One of the many benefits of being engaged to a foodie, is the abundance of tasty treats that come across my plate. Among the best is the pickled sorcery of Jen Smith. Her pickles arouse all the senses and bring nothing but joy and happiness to my taste buds.

STRiDA LT in Creme from FoldingBikeLA.com. $625

This bike cures L.A. traffic. The genius of the triangular frame is that it can quickly fold. In five seconds, you have a light, compact form that you can easily wheel onto a bus or subway, load in your car or stow by your desk in your office. Don't believe me? Just ask Jeana!

Le Mini Sac from Clare Vivier $169

Clare's the undisputed Bag Lady of Los Angeles, and it's a known fact! She's got you covered from this lil number to full bore weekend getaways. I'm getting one myself for use as a proper tool bag.

Silver fleur de lys cufflinks from Kathryn Bentley $120

Being a lover of all things ancient, I am completely obsessed by the handiwork of Kathryn Bentley. Her pieces look like they could have been unearthed during an excavation of a medieval silversmith's shop in a little hamlet near Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Epoisses Cheese from The Cheese Store of Silver Lake $22.99

This is one of the tastiest cheeses I ever had! Clare's husband Thierry introduced this to me last night and I cannot wait to get some for myself, though my kitchen will stink to high heaven. Who cares? Napoleon would approve.

Mohawk (Khaki Suede) Shoe from Generic Man $82

Doesn't every guy need a decent pair of shoes? This is the shoe. It's basic, or rather, generic, but has a little bit of flair. It dresses up and down, and you can't go wrong with a name like Mohawk.

See & Be Seen

2010-12-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

Biking in an urban environment such as Los Angeles has many challenges. The one that makes me most nervous is not being seen by motorists. The most obvious solution is to have really bright bike lights front and back. But what about cars approaching from the side? As important as it is to have adequate lighting to see where you're going, it's also critical to be as visible as possible from all directions. Front and rear lights will only provide limited visibility to cars traveling perpendicular, ie at intersections. Intersections are the most dangerous places on the road, so this is where visibility is arguably most critical.

I had the opportunity to try out a novel new product called Reflecta-Tyre that makes your wheels into glowing circles of light. They're made by a company in Australia called Be Seen Reflective. From their website:

Reflecta-Tyre is designed to stick onto the actual bike tyre,so as not to interfere with brakes.this comes in 1 size that is designed to fit on all size wheels/bikes.
Reflecta-Tyre comes with 32pieces per pkt(16pieces per tyre,8 per side).Reflecta-Tyre usually needs replacing 12 - 18months, depending on riding conditions,frequency of bike use

These highly reflective little stickers pack a powerful punch! The faintest amount of illumination sets them blazing in the night. Mount them on your tires and they create Tron-Like circles of light when you ride at night, making you extremely visible to cross traffic. I'm stoked to have them on my bike and I hope I'll never know just how safe they're keeping me!

Learn more at BeSeenReflective.com

Tonight: A Fireside Chat with Stephen Box

2010-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

Between company holiday parties and last minute gift buying, try to squeeze in this important event tonight. I'm hosting a Fireside Chat at Taylor De Cordoba with Stephen Box, candidate for Los Angeles City Council. Please pass this along to anyone you think might be inspired by Stephen's vision. There will be refreshments, wine and beer as well as an excellent exhibition of new works on paper by Kyle Field. I hope YOU can make it!

Fireside Chat with Stephen Box: Community Organizer - Transportation Activist - Candidate for Los Angeles City Council

Wednesday, December 15 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Taylor De Cordoba

2660 S La Cienega Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90034

Stephen Box is a first-time candidate, newly-minted American citizen and a veteran of civic engagement, community campaigns and grassroots politics.

Seeking the fourth district seat, Box's “Moving Forward” campaign is a vision-driven, active solution alternative to traditional City Hall politics. You can learn more about Stephen's vision for Los Angeles at his website:

http://StephenBox.com/

Join us for cocktails, light appetizers & candid conversation on city politics.

We're requesting a $50 donation towards the Box for City Council 2011 campaign to get Stephen Box elected. Please make check payable to Box for City Council 2011 and write in the memo Campaign ID #1328214. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds, so if you can donate less or more, all your support is appreciated and welcome!

Some people asked me to provide additional informationa about Stephen's platform. It has 4 key features:

A Vision that Connects: The City of Los Angeles must make connectivity the foundation of our Great City commitment, from streets that work to engaging the public in City Hall, from partnering with neighboring cities to connecting with federal and state funding sources, it's time for Los Angeles to connect with its destiny as a Great City and CD4 is the place to start.

A Plan that Endures: The City of Los Angeles must bring its vision to life with a General Plan that endures. The people of L.A. can no longer afford to live in an environment where they are forced to sit by as growth follows the whims of outside developers. CD4 is attractive to developers for all the wrong reasons and it is imperative that the community grow according to a "plan that endures."

A Budget that Sustains: The City of Los Angeles must develop and implement a budget that is based on a commitment to the city's vision and plan. CD4 is an abundantly diverse community with a vigorous economy and it is imperative that the city's budget commit to supporting the quality of life with a commitment to performance, efficiency and effectiveness.

A City that Works: The City of Los Angeles must put people first, engaging them, serving them, and evaluating performance based on the delivery of city services. There is no better time than now for L.A. to move from a complaint-driven system to a standards-driven city, one that delivers on its vision, commitment and potential. Most of all, L.A.'s greatest asset is its people. It's time for the City of L.A. to make its priority putting people to work, starting with CD4.

If you're inspired to make a donation ($5, $500 or anywhere in between), and you're not able to come to the fundraiser on tonight, you can donate at his website:

http://stephenbox.com/contribute.html

or you can send a check to

Box for City Council 2011
5629 Hollywood Blvd.
P.O. BOX 44
Hollywood, CA 90028

Looking forward to seeing you all tonight!

-Alex

Schism in Los Angeles Critical Mass

2010-11-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

While most Angelenos were figuring how they could stuff 3 plates of turkey into their pie holes, a dedicated and perhaps obsessive group of cycling enthusiasts were furiously debating the schism that has formed over the future direction of Los Angeles Critical Mass. On the Midnight Ridazz website there are at least 3 active discussions full of divergent opinions, various theories, ideas and strategies for tonight's ride. Also, there are 3 rides listed tonight called LACM, and 1 ride called Alternative to Critical Mass. On facebook there is the Los Angeles Critical Mass Event Listing.

Let me see if I can sort this out a bit.

It would appear there are at least 2 different rides tonight riding in 5 different packs.

The Alternative to Critical Mass will seek to have 4 different groups of riders observe all the laws of the road, riding in the right lane, stopping as required at all controlled intersections, and generally doing nothing to warrant a citation from LAPD.

Los Angeles Critical Mass will most likely be closely monitored by LAPD, which may or may not enforce CVC.

So the choice is yours. How are you going to ride tonight?

Alternative of Critical Mass meets tonight at Lafayette Park at Wilshire and Hoover at 6pm and rides at 7pm.

Los Angeles Critical Mass meets every last Friday of the month at Wilshire and Western at 630pm and rides out at 7:30pm

A day at the Los Angeles Auto Show

2010-11-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I visited the Los Angeles Auto Show with my dad. Dad was interested in seeing the Porsche Cayman, a car he's been lusting after ever since it came out.

We discussed why Porsche hasn't yet placed a 600hp engine in that body, creating a mid engine super car. If they would, their 911 flagship would probably be spanked by this upstart, so, for now, you can only get 320 horses in the Cayman.

Dad even got to go back stage and view the Ruby Red color sample that would make for a fine looking car someday. Someday Dad!

Next I wanted to see the Fiat 500, and inquire as to its performance potential. Unfortunately, no one at the booth has even driven the car yet, so we'll have to wait.

The original Topolino was by far the cutest car at the show.

Plus my STRiDA made a new friend.

After that, we checked out a few other marks before Dad's interest level dropped and he took off. Luckily, I had my STRiDA and happily continued viewing the show, while people ignored the cars around them and asked me to transform my bike for them. Between STRiDA sales pitches, I saw the Nissan Leaf,

visited Subaru and Ford and got to have a nice conversation with the Dutch about their vision for Saab moving forward, which includes deprogramming all GM errors and returning the mark to Swedish heritage of hatchbacks that kick ass in the snow, perhaps even electric.

I also learned why Volkswagen won't be bringing the Corrado/ Scrirocco to the USA. With the exchange rate being where it is, that car would cost $80k in the US. I love me some peoples car, but not that much...

I also got to scold SMART for putting such a low tech engine in their forward thinking car, thus giving it fuel economy worse than a Prius with less than half the space. At least they brought a bike! It caught more than a few eyes as I was standing there.

I also got to scold Ford for not importing their euro-spec Focus with an advanced 300hp engine to the US.

Funny that an American car company hides their best cars in europe where Americans can't have them.

I have high hopes for So Cal based Coda and their all electric sedan that boasts better mileage numbers than Nissan's Leaf. Good luck boys, may the electrons be with you!

Oh, and here's some 4 wheeled candy that also caught my eye:

Jaguar's Concept Car

Morgan then and now

The ultimate driving machine

The best bang for your supercar buck, tried and true

Ballsy Upstart Suzuki is more than a flash in the pan

Tuner heartthrob Honda CRX 2010 edition

See the rest:

Riding around town

2010-11-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

Some recent group rides I've been on:

Santa Monica Critical Mass

Taco Tuesdays

Ride With No Name

This coming friday is Los Angeles Critical Mass. There's been a lot of discussion about how the LAPD will be monitoring the ride. In the past few months, we have seen various strategies employed by LAPD ranging from rolling street closures and full escort to haphazard enforcement of CVC. This has resulted in many cyclists complaining of a lack of clarity on behalf of LAPD. Are they here to keep us safe and escort the ride or are they here to crack down on violations of the vehicle code? I think LAPD will attempt to bring greater clarity to what they are looking for LACM to provide in terms of compliance with CVC. Here's what I'd like to see happen:

LAPD fully enforce the following violations:

1. Crossing the double yellow
2. Tagging
3. Harassment by cyclists of pedestrians and motorists and vice versa
4. Unsafe riding, especially if it leads to injury of fellow ridazz
5. Blantant public consumption of alcohol and other controlled substances
6. Littering

LAPD turns a blind eye to the following violations:

1. Red Light Violations committed by the Mass, including cyclists stopping in intersections to control cross traffic
2. Bicycle Light and Brake Equipment “Fix It” citations
3. Helmet citations for minors

LAPD either assists the ride by providing rolling street closures or allows the Mass to "cork" intersections as they have done safely for many years in hundreds of cities around the world.

LAPD has recently offered some of these concessions if the route were to be made available to them. Critical Mass is inherently a group with no leader and routes are not preselected. Could there be a compromise between these two poles? Come out this Friday and find out. Be prepared! Bike Lights, Hemlets, Spare Tubes and an Understanding of California Vehicle Code are highly recommended!

What do you think? More importantly: What does your council member think?

UCI Cyclocross L.A. Weekend in Griffith Park!

2010-11-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

I knew riding bikes was fun, but cyclocross ups the ante. This must be the funnest thing ever invented! Plus these riders have an amazing sense of humor. Behold classical chamber music at the top of a set of stairs!

There were many levels of competition from beginner to UCI Elite pro racers. Some rode single speed bikes, some rode advanced cyclocross bikes, some rode hard tail "29er" mountain bikes, but they were all having fun and going all out on this 1 mile course that included stairs, hurdles long uphill climbs and endless turns.

I tried riding it on Heather's Trance and with over inflated tires managed a 7 minute lap time. The fastest elite races rode the course in 4:58. Humbled, yes. Inspired, most definitely! As soon as I can find room for one, I'll be buying a cyclocross bike!

Ryan Trebon

Adam Craig

Chris Horner

Ben Bostrom

I know nothing about this sport, so forgive me for only recognizing Tour De France veteran and 10 place finisher Chris Horner decked out in Radioshack attire, as well as AMA Superbike Champ Ben Bostrom. These stars were no match for the pair of elite men at the front of the race, Adam Craig and Ryan Trebon, who put on a "clinic" in cyclocross 101, finishing well ahead of the rest of the field.

I did meet the mother of a young up and coming racer named Casey Williams from Big Bear. At 16 years of age, Casey has shown tremendous skill and potential and will certainly be a name to watch in the years ahead. He has a brother as well, and the two are very competitive, which reminds me of the Schleck brothers across the pond. American cycling is in good hands with these young men.

Thanks goes to the organizers of this event, So Cal Cross and the hard working series director Dorothy Wong, who's dedication and perseverance resulted in this amazing race in Griffith Park. I hope this is just the beginning of more competitive cycling events in Los Angeles. Thanks Dorothy!

Here's all my photos from both days:

Kyle Field and his Waxing Marks at Taylor De Cordoba

2010-11-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last night, I met Heather at the gallery to finish installing and lighting Kyle Field's latest solo show, Waxing Marks. I have to say, it's one of the cleanest shows we've ever installed, and it's Kyle's best work yet. Ten jewels sparkle on the walls like little worlds full of wonder. He even made a video promo for the show which I was so stoked to put on YouTube!

It's really an honor to work with such talented artists like Kyle. He has such a great spirit and his creativity is contagious! I'm literally stopping myself from hopping on my bike, tuning Little Wings on my iPod and riding to Baja California in search of some tasty waves, warm sun and desolate pueblos to photograph.

Waxing Marks opens with a reception from 6-8pm this Saturday November 6th at Taylor De Cordoba.

2660 S La Cienega
Los Angeles

An Open Letter to the leaders of our City concerning the Los Angeles Bike Plan

2010-11-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

2 generations of Los Angeles Native Cyclists enjoy CicLAvia on 10-10-10

Dear Mayor Villaraigosa, Council President Garcetti and all members of the city council not currently under criminal investigation (just kidding, you to Councilman Alarcon ;),

Let me start with you, Mayor Villaraigosa. It annoys me to no end that you broke your elbow in a bike accident, and now you aren't leading the charge to make Los Angeles a bike friendly city. All the research shows we could reduce pollution, improve health, improve commute times, improve business activity and realize the dream of making Los Angeles a Green City by adopting robust cycling infrastructure measures. You have a bully pulpit and yet you don't say anything inspiring at all. This bike plan totally sucks and you say nothing? Mayor Villaraigosa, are you hearing us? We're just asking for an improvement over 1996 plan, and actual implementation of said plan. This is a joke! We're not stupid! Don't insult us and insult yourself by remaining silent on this.

At least email the Planning Commission with your own private thoughts on this crappy bike plan if you're not man enough to say it in front of cameras!

Better yet, appoint the experts of BikeSide to be your personal bicycle advisors to whip this plan into shape! They have some excellent talking points here.

Eric and the rest of the peanut gallery, please please please wake up and listen to your constituents. We are demanding a safer Los Angeles, where the streets are not machines of danger, death, pollution and sorrow, but can serve to unite us. We will support you if you support us. If you choose not to, we will fight you with all our hearts, this I promise.

Your Watchful Employer,

Alex de Cordoba

How to Share a link on Facebook

2010-11-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

How to share a link on Facebook:
1. Copy the URL of the page you want to share
2. Go to Facebook
3. Click where it says "What's on your mind?"
4. Click on the link button
5. Paste your link in the link field
6. Type a note
7. Press "Share"