Sunday, December 31, 2006

A TOAST TO THE NEW YEAR ...!

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 ...!

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 ...!

Move over Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen ... Our Favorite Zombie stole the show today at 7th and Montana with a performance Yule never forget.  First she traded-in her usual fog for an aura of smoke -- chain-smoking up a storm behind Starbucks.  Then, when we told her smoking at Starbucks was now illegal, she quietly disappeared in a puff of smoke!

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 ...?!?

Has the Starbucks holiday cup runneth over?  That was the question this morning as we noticed a distinct shortage of the red holiday cupsRedcupRedcupRedcup at 7th and Montana.  I guess that's what happens when you start celebrating Christmas in October!

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!

Friday, December 15, 2006

BACK IN THE BLOGOSPHERE ...

Good news ... it looks like I may be back in the Blogosphere soon.  For those who don't know, my laptop crashed two weeks ago, leaving my ability to post photos and blog entries somewhat handicapped.  But there's light at the end of the tunnel:  I got my laptop back last night.  Unfortunately, the system was "wiped" (an IT term, I guess, for demolished), meaning it may take me a little time to get back up and running ... but at least I'll have the ability to upload photos again!

Sunday, December 10, 2006

BALDERDASH ...!

Kathy reigned supreme this weekend in the San Vicente Balderdash Challenge.  Indeed, the rest of us seemed to be suffering from IDIOLALLA by contrast.  Maybe with a little more VENNOOTSCHAP the rest of us might stand a chance!

Friday, December 8, 2006

FINDING RELIGION AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...

My trip to Starbucks Thursday was a near religious experience as a mysterious newcomer sat at the table next door and began proselytising up a storm (or at the very least repeatedly muttering something about his personal connection with Jesus, who lent him a dollar).  Thank God Richard and Charlie were there to diffuse the attention.  Actually, by the time I left, Richard seemed to be losing his patience while Charlie finally found some religion!

Monday, December 4, 2006

ANOTHER LESSON IN THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS ...

7th and Montana is still buzzing two days after Kathy evidently set Gary straight regarding appropriate behavior at Starbucks.  Eyewitnesses report that -- in response to an off-color remark Gary made involving "knockers" -- Kathy essentially told Gary to clean up his language in mixed company.  The result?  On the one hand, Kathy cleared the air but no one expects those two to become bosom buddies anytime soon!

UPDATE: OUR FAVORITE BUILDING MANAGER

The crowd at 7th and Montana rejoiced this morning as Our Favorite Building Manager made a triumphant return.  While he has been Missing In Action for several weeks, reports that he was on a secret mission have been greatly exaggerated.  In truth, Ralph returned from three weeks in the hospital where he had brain surgery to remove a tumor.  The good news is that all is well and he is back in the saddle, again.  Welcome Back, Ralph!