It was a joyous toast to the New Year for everyone but Howard this morning as his bagel was once again less than perfectly toasted. While rumor has it that his search for the Perfect Toaster went up in smoke yesterday, inside sources report that the Black & Decker TR0870 Toaster is on sale at Sears for $39.88. Better hurry, Howard, or your chances of landing one of these beauties might just be toast ...!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
STARBUCKING THE TREND ...?!?
Whoever said "You can never be too rich, too thin or have too many Starbucks locations in a single block" was slightly off base. The latest rumor -- according to newbie Starbucks Manager Gabriel -- is that the Deidrich's at Lincoln and Montana will remain vacant for several months, following which it will be converted into yet another Starbucks. Deidrich's officially closes its doors on January 2.
Friday, December 29, 2006
MISTAKEN IDENTITY AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...!
It was a clear case of identity theft at Starbucks this morning as Kovar "inadvertently" grabbed a latte that was intended for someone named "Jo." The good news is that -- with just a little investigative elbow grease -- I was able to track down the real "Jo." The bad news is that he's evidently not very happy with Kovar (see Photo #2) ...!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
THAT'S OFFICER MEANIE TO YOU ...!
Neighborhood Newshound Dennis was fit to be tied this morning as a certain evil police officer evidently tried to block his every move when he tried parking near 7th and Montana. Poor Dennis was so angry he called police headquarters to report the incident. Good luck, Dennis. Let's hope Santa Monica's finest don't lock you up and throw away the key!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
FORMER PRESIDENTS AND RESIDENTS ...!
There I was at 7th and Montana this morning, expressing sadness at the passing of President Ford, when Neighborhood Newshound Dennis brought me up-to-speed on what the former President was really like. Evidently, he was really like-able. Not only that, but his son used to hang out at 7th and Montana every day. I, for one, wish he still hung out here. Lord knows we could use a little extra security!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
MEET MR. STOGIE ...!
You meet all kinds on "the early shift" at 7th and Montana. Take "Mr. Stogie," for example. The pick of the litter at Starbucks this morning, Mr. Stogie pulled up a chair, picked up a Stogie and began puffing away to beat the band (photo #1). Just as I was about to call the police, he set his cigar aside and began vigorously picking his nose (photo #2). My reaction? I beat a hasty retreat before he began picking anything else ...!
Monday, December 25, 2006
DEALING CRACK AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...?
It may be Christmas, but 7th and Montana felt more like a crack den than a holiday haven this morning as one person after another exposed the neighborhood to their butt crack. What are these people thinking?!? Take the woman pictured here, for example. No doubt her brains -- not to mention her sense of good taste -- are in her behind. Thank God I didn't get a zoom lens for Christmas ...!
THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST ...!
I must be channeling the Ghost of Christmas Past since I stumbled across a treasure trove of historic photos: (1) The corner of 7th and San Vicente circa 1953 (pre-Coral Trees); (2) Santa Monica Canyon and Adelaide in 1920 (pre-stairs); (3) Ocean Towers in 1920 (when it was a vacant lot); (4) Patrick's Roadhouse in 1912 (when it was a tract office) and (5) An aerial view of the North of Montana neighborhood circa 1920. Enjoy!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
ZOMBIES ARE PEOPLE, TOO ...!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
NEWS FLASH: ACTIVITY AT OUR FAVORITE FIXER UPPER ...!
A certain Busy Bee homemaker was buzzing around the scene of Our Favorite Fixer Upper today, much to the surprise of the crowd at 7th and Montana. While some sources suggest she installed a new sprinkler system on the roof, others maintain she was merely feeding her guard dog. In any case, photographic evidence suggests she beat a hasty retreat in her getaway car!
Friday, December 22, 2006
AN END TO STARBUCKS HOLIDAY SPIRIT ...?!?
Thursday, December 21, 2006
DON'T PITY PATTY ...!
Pizza lovers of Santa Monica rejoiced this morning as word spread that local landmark Patty's Pizza is staying put at 7th and Montana. Sources close to the situation speculate that Patty struck an eleventh hour deal to maintain the lucrative location. How lucrative? Said one inside source who prefers to remain anonymous: "Patty's struck a deal. They're also renovating the shop. Did I tell you I just had brain surgery?"
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
"IT WILL COME BACK ...!"
Surprising new signage appeared recently at the scene of Our Favorite Fixer Upper. Someone spraypainted a message -- "It will come back" -- across the fence on Alta (just under the never-ending trellis). Some say the house itself is staging a comeback. Others insist it was a message from the Busy Bee homeowner. As for me, I think the message refers to my blog, which is finally coming back as I sort out more issues with my PC!