Sunday, February 28, 2010

GOOD VERSUS EVIL ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!



It was a battle of Good versus Evil at 7th and Montana this weekend as a Mischievious Imp tried to smuggle Weapons of Mass Destruction into our midst. "Oh look," I said to myself as the Imp walked by hoisting a wooden rifle, "It's Baby's First Uzi." But have no fear, an Adorable Young Tyke dressed as Batman made the scene, intent on protecting everyone from harm. Unfortunately, he took one look at me and my Spycam and flew away like a bat out of Hell ...!


Saturday, February 27, 2010

MEET PATTY OF PATTY'S PIZZA ...!


It was a sad day in Santa Monica as word spread today that Patty's Pizza -- a local institution known for its good food and friendly service -- is shutting its doors and moving its "take and bake" pizza business entirely online, leaving the building across from Our Favorite Starbucks virtually empty. "The slice business just doesn't pay the rent anymore," said Patty, an entrepreneur who has been doing business at 7th and Montana since 1991, "I had to move everything online." And who can blame her? If you're a small business owner in Santa Monica these days, half your profit goes into taxes. Add to that the Astronomical Rent you would owe the Infamous Schnooks who own the "Patty's Building" and there's not a lot of dough left for Pizza or anything else. You can slice the numbers any way you want, but all you'd end up with is a recipe for disaster ... a business more flat than a Pizza Margherita. The good news is, you can still get Patty's by ordering online. Just register, build your pizza by choosing the size and toppings you want, enter where and when you want the pizza delivered and -- voila -- you're in business. And so is Patty. Patty's Pizza is also available at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Bristol Farms and Gelsons.

Friday, February 26, 2010

CREATIVE JUICES ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA

The Creative Juices were flowing at 7th and Montana this morning as Ace Photographer Kovar announced an exhibit of his work on Monday night from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Salon Nesou (1914 Wilshire); The Screenwriter Brothers scored a positive review for their new movie Cop Out in today's Los Angeles Times; and word spread that Kathy has auditioned to be a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune." Not to be outdone, the Local Loon known as Rigolatte -- famous for locking himself in the men's room at Our Favorite Starbucks and belting out opera tunes for hours on end -- appeared to be auditioning for a role of his own this morning. His heated monologue seemed sure to land him a part in the highly-anticipated Sci Fi spin-off, "Babble-On 5: Men in White Coats."

Thursday, February 25, 2010

A LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO FLIGHT ... !

It was a Long Day's Journey into Flight this morning as I was caught smack in the middle of the French Air Traffic Controllers Strike which caused hundreds of flight cancellations across Europe, including my own to London. Because of the strike, nearly all of the flights leaving Barcelona -- except for those from Air France -- were prevented from flying over French air space. The only way I was able to leave Barcelona was to quickly scramble behind-the-scenes at 5:00 a.m. to get myself on a flight to Paris via Air France and then from Paris to Los Angeles. In other words, I flew right into the belly of the beast as far as the Air Traffic Controllers' strike was concerned. Speaking of Beastly Bellies, the whole ordeal seemed to be too much for the person sitting next to me -- a man I'll call "Chuck" (pictured above) -- who couldn't stop bellyaching about all the inconvenience the strike was causing him. Shortly after takeoff, he proved his point by up-chucking like there was no tomorrow, filling up two-and-a-half Barf Bags. Thank God they weren't serving any Bone Marrow Omelets for breakfast or things might have been a lot worse ...!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

A MARROW ESCAPE ... IN BARCELONA


It was a Marrow Escape at the breakfast buffet at my hotel in Barcelona this morning as I narrowly missed biting into a Bone Marrow Omelet. Yes, it's true, the delightful creation pictured above was called a Marrow Omelet. Actually, I have reason to believe the chef at this hotel -- not at the restaurant serving the Marrow Omelet but at the fancier Restaurante Evo upstairs -- has a bone to pick with me for other reasons. The other night I inadvertently brought five people there for dinner, even though my reservation was only for four (a fifth had joined us at the last-minute). "Sir, this is a Michelin Star restaurant and this is not how we operate," said the Maitre d'. "When we set a table for four people, we expect four people ... not more, not less." He went on and on. If I were back home, I probably would have left the restaurant, but the reality is, the chef at this restaurant is famous and I did want to taste his cooking. It was delicious. I guess you could say the evening was a bonifide success ...!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

CATS ON THE MENU ... IN BARCELONA!

It was Four Cats for dinner last night in Barcelona ... and boy was I hungry. Just to clarify, the name of the restaurant I went to was called 4Gats, which means the Four Cats in Catalan Spanish, and it's something of an institution. It opened in 1897 as a comfortable, local bistro and immediately began attracting local artists who hung out there every day. Foremost among them was a 17-year-old Pablo Picasso who held his first exhibition in the backroom and designed the restaurant's menu (pictured below). As for the food, it was whisker-lickin' good ...!

Monday, February 22, 2010

STRANGERS ON A TRAIN ... IN BARCELONA


A funny thing happened yesterday when I took the subway from my hotel, the Hesperia Tower, to downtown Barcelona. I don't mean "funny ha-ha." It was more like funny as in "strange," "offbeat" and "sad." An elderly gentleman boarded the train in Cataluyna, wearing one shoe, torn jeans and a tattered sport coat. He stood at the front of the train, cleared his throat and made an announcement in a deep, booming voice. Even with my limited understanding of Spanish, I could understand him. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I suffer," he said, "I haven't worked for 15 years. I live on the streets. I eat my shoe for dinner." He walked up and down the length of the train, collecting money from nearly every passenger. He bowed deeply to one and all and got off at the next stop. Moments later, the process was repeated, this time with another poor soul who boarded the train with a different story. "Help me, help me ... I need money," he slurred. He seemed drunk. This time, few people responded. Were they all tapped-out, I wondered, or were they making judgments based on each man's presentation? My heart goes out to anyone in need, but the Internet is full of warnings about people to avoid in Barcelona and the list includes everything ranging from pick-pockets to little old ladies who appear out of nowhere and pin carnations to your lapel. I think I'll stick with the taxis from now on.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES ... IN BARCELONA

If you're into architecture, Barcelona is the place for you. Like many European cities, Barcelona is steeped in history and you see that reflected in its buildings. But, unlike anywhere else, Barcelona was also the birthplace of an architectural revolution -- the "modernist" movement in the early 20th Century -- which paved the way for the Art Deco movement in the 1920s. Architects in this period began to experiment with space, turning buildings into works of art. The best known modernist was Antoni Gaudí, who took what he saw in nature and translated it into his designs. His masterwork (pictured above), the Sagrada Família, a Catholic Church that Gaudi began in 1882, rises above Barcelona like a series of giant, graceful tree trunks. It's the most amazing building I've ever seen -- complete with colorful, religious imagery throughout -- and it's still under construction. Gaudi knew he would never live to see it finished. When asked about the unusually long construction process, he said, "My client is not in a hurry."

One client who was in a hurry, however, was Pere Mila -- a wealthy developer who commissioned Gaudi to build the apartment complex pictured above, now called Casa Milà. I toured Casa Mila, taking-in one of the apartments, the attic and a rooftop patio and it was amazing.

Walking around the building was almost like being inside a giant beehive. Each space flowed naturally to the next, with one room leading almost organically to another. The patio, pictured above, featured air vents that looked like a collection of hives. Today, the building is World Heritage Site.

Everyone associates Gaudi with the best of Barcelona architecture, but in my opinion, one of the nicest buildings in town was designed by one of his competitors, Lluis Domenech i Montaner. The Palau de la Música -- a concert hall -- is one of the best-kept secrets in Barcelona from an architectural perspective. It doesn't get the same attention in all the guidebooks as Gaudi's work and that's a shame. I think it's a victim of its location: The Palau is hidden away from public view on a virtually unmarked street in the old section of town, where the streets are narrow and the buildings are huddled practically on top of each other. But that's also what makes Domenech i Montaner's work so striking. He surrounded the concert hall with colored glass, bathing it in light and giving it the appearance of an indoor garden. The walls are covered with mosaic flowers and sculptures; pillars -- also covered in mosaics -- resemble trees and the ceiling features a bright gold, stained glass sun in the shape of an inverted cupola. Unfortunately, the Palau doesn't allow visitors to take photographs and a pesky security guard was watching me like a hawk. But here's a link I found on Trip Advisor to a whole series of photos from someone who got a little luckier than I did: Forbidden Photos of the Palau de la Musica.

Naturally, I popped-in to another Starbucks -- this one near the Palau de la Musica -- to torture yet another unsuspecting Barista. This one listened closely as I ordered a Grande Half Caff, asked me to repeat my order twice, then gave me an Americano without blinking. I think they're getting wise to me ...!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

BARCELONA OR BUST ...!


It snowed last night in Amsterdam -- just enough to create a glittering, white layer on the streets -- and ice was starting to form on the canals, again. You know what that means: It was time for me to make tracks! I left my hotel at dawn and by 9:30 was on my way to Barcelona, where I'll be at an event for the next few days. Barcelona is a lively, creative city. I spent some time this afternoon walking around, starting at the Plaça de Catalunya (pictured above), which is considered the Times Square of Barcelona (only instead of neon signs and skyscrapers it features graceful fountains and statues). Catalunya is where the "old" part of Barcelona, the Gotic quarter dating back to Roman times, meets the "new," which was developed in the 19th Century. I walked down La Rambla, one of the main pedestrian streets, famous for its an array of kooky characters who will do just about anything for a few Euros. The line-up today included:


A pair of Derangels, Deranged Angels who flapped their wings in the breeze;

The Invisible Man, a quiet character who wore a pair of sunglasses and a hat that seemed to be floating in mid-air;


A disembodied head on a plate, who stared up at me from a pile of Paella and shouted "Welcome to Barcelona!;" and last but not least ...

A "Living Statue" who sat on a toilet, reading a newspaper and watching passersby. Judging from the pile of Plaster of Paris by his side, I think he had the runs.

La Rambla culminates in a monument to Christopher Columbus which stands atop the very place where Columbus returned to Spain to report to Isabella and Ferdinand after his first voyage to the Americas. The statue of Columbus (pictured above, on a 130-foot column) is supposed to be pointing to the New World but, in reality, it points East, towards Columbus' home city.

I walked along the banks of the Mediterranean for a while, before turning inland to check out a few more sites, including:

La Seu Cathedral, a church which dates back to the 13th Century but incorporates elements from earlier Roman ruins in the area; and

The Arc de Triomf, built in 1888 to commemorate a "Universal Exhibition" in Barcelona, welcoming other nations to the city.


Speaking of Triumph, I enjoyed a Victory of sorts at the Starbucks near Via Laietana. The Poor Barista on duty was thoroughly confused when I ordered a "Grande Half Caff." "You want what?!?,' she screeched. "You know," I said, smiling, "A Half Caff." She squinted at me and perched her head on the pastry counter -- striking a pose not unlike the "disembodied head" I saw on La Rambla -- and then she began rambling away in Spanish. "Let me help you," I said, "I just want a Half Caff ... nothing else. No pastry!" I thought her head was going to explode. She asked her colleague for advice -- speaking so quickly all I could understand was "Ay, Ay, Ay ...!" and finally she handed me a Grande Americano. It was bliss. The coffee wasn't bad, either ...!

Friday, February 19, 2010

JUST TRYING TO HELP ... !


It was a hectic day in Amsterdam today as I rushed from meeting to meeting and office to office. But that didn't stop me from doing my Civic Duty. I couldn't help noticing some unsightly graffiti in the square across from our offices (at the base of the building pictured in the foreground above) and decided to use the handy, dandy GORequest Application on my cell phone to report it. Once again, I got an automated e-mail response from the City of Santa Monica saying that they'll look into the problem within ten business days. I hope they have a travel budget ...!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

DOGGONE DINNERTIME ... IN AMSTERDAM!

It was Many Happy Returns today as I arrived at the Starbucks in Amsterdam, intent on playing my usual games with the Barista. Every time I'm here, I make it a point to order the same thing I always get at 7th and Montana -- a "Grande Half Caff" -- just to watch the Dutch Baristas squirm. Usually, they look at me like I have three heads before telling me that they've never heard of a "Half Caff." You see, they don't drink a lot of decaff around here, so the notion of mixing regular and decaffeinated coffee is entirely alien to them. Today, however, my Barista was One Smart Cookie. She figured out what I had in mind and whipped it up in no time. I wasn't as lucky when it came to dinner. For 15 years, I've been going to the same restaurant in Utrecht, the Taj Mahal, a quaint Indian restaurant in the shadow of the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, dating back to the 1300's. I've been there so often they remember me. "Hello, Chicken Tikka Masala," they always say, "Your table is waiting." Well, my table wasn't waiting today and neither was I. I remembered that there was another Indian restaurant nearby, the Restaurant Gandhi, so I decided to give it a try. "Will you be having the special?," asked the waiter. I glanced at a sign hanging on the wall in front of me and couldn't help noticing that the special was something called "Mango Lassie." Gandhi was known for a lot of things, but his appetite wasn't one of them. I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala and it was pretty good. Who knows, maybe I'll return tomorrow for a little hair of the dog that bit me. Rin Tin Tenderloin, anyone ...?!?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

THANKS! ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!


It was an Epiphany at 7th and Montana this morning as Mr. Laptop -- the man known for working round-the-clock from a table at Our Favorite Starbucks -- discovered a full-proof way of dealing with local Opera Buff(oon) Rigolatte: Just humor him. The fun began when Rigolatte, known for locking himself in the bathroom and belting out opera tunes, made the scene in one of his "religious" moods. He marched right up to Mr. Laptop and began delivering a sermon. "The key to life can be found in the teachings of St. Jude," Rigolatte began. "Thanks!," said Mr. Laptop, barely looking up from his PC. "Repent ye sinners," said Rigolatte. "Thanks!," said Mr. Laptop. "Yeah though I walk through the Valley of Death ...," continued Rigolatte. "Thanks!," said Mr. Laptop. Finally, Rigolatte couldn't take it anymore. He simply left a religious card on Mr. Laptop's table and continued along his merry way. Mr. Laptop, if you're out there, I have just one word to say to you: "Thanks!"

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

BEST DRESSED ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!


Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Dapper Dan, the well-dressed newcomer who has taken to wearing a suit and tie every morning to Our Favorite Starbucks. And, believe me, he goes all out. With his French collar and cuffs, gold cuff links and slicked back hair, he looks like he'd give Gordon Gekko a run for his money. There's just one catch: Every morning he wears the same Boutonniere, a bright blue plastic flower on his lapel that practically screams Acme Joke Shop. I just hope I'm not around when it starts squirting seltzer water ...!

Monday, February 15, 2010

FOR THE BENEFIT OF MR. KITE ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!


Eyes were popping at 7th and Montana this morning as an Anonymous Bird Brain peddled across 7th Street on his bicycle, pulling a large bird-shaped kite in his wake. "What's he trying to do, cause an accident?," I asked as the kite -- a larger-than-life bluebird with a wing-span the size of a Pterodactyl -- bobbed and weaved its way into traffic. All he needs is one good updraft and he can join Actor Jim Carrey in the Skywriting Hall of Fame ... only his message would be: R.I.P. ...!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

A VALENTINES MESSAGE ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA

Love was in the air this morning at 7th and Montana as an Anonymous Lovebird hired a skywriter to deliver a high-fallutin' Valentines Day message: "J Loves J." The word "loves" was depicted by a heart and the message was punctuated with a smiley face. Who exactly are J and J? No one at Our Favorite Starbucks would fess up. But one thing's for sure. It's not the couple who live upstairs from Genevieve. Neither has been heard from since yesterday's creepy incident.

UPDATE: Thanks to my friend and reader, Bari -- otherwise known as The Girl with Too Much Time on Her Hands -- we now know that the mysterious Valentines Message floating over Our Favorite Starbucks today was from Jim Carrey to Jenny McCarthy. Now that's what I call taking your relationship to new heights...!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

FROM PUPPY LOVE TO THE DOGHOUSE ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!

Valentines Day came early today for Spa Dog Einstein, the lovable Bichone Frise who holds court daily at 7th and Montana, and his new friend, Duke, an energetic Jack Russell Terrier. Shortly after meeting each other in front of Our Favorite Starbucks, the pooches embraced each other like old friends and waltzed up 7th Street in perfect lockstep. Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, tensions are mounting between Genevieve's argumentative new neighbors -- an annoying couple who have been screaming at each other virtually round-the-clock for more than two months. Things apparently came to a head last night when the man -- known among insiders as Mr. Tattoo -- went on a drunken rampage, destroying public and private property and ranting about all the SOB's who live in Santa Monica. His girlfriend vanished shortly thereafter. Hours later, he was spotted under cover of darkness wheeling a Mysterious Load of Trash to a dumpster two blocks away, following which he ran from door-to-door frantically begging for a "jump start" so he could hit the road. He hasn't been seen since. Genevieve and I quietly paid a visit to the Dumpster-in-Question this morning and found: A new-but-discarded Mattress Pad, a Coffee Urn and an Umbrella. I think I've seen this movie before. It was called Rear Window. Happy Valentines Day, folks ...!




Friday, February 12, 2010

COME FLY WITH ME ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!


It was "up, up and way" this morning at 7th and Montana as Brothers Colin and William took to the skies, fueled by a combination of hot chocolate and a big breakfast. Nothing, it seemed, could keep them down. And while it may have looked like they were giving the Flying Wallendas a run for their money -- taking turns leaping off the bench at a nearby bus stop -- they were actually under close supervision at all times. Which is more than I can say for a couple of hags who made the scene at Our Favorite Starbucks this morning determined to give the staff a hard time. Nothing, it seemed, could satisfy them: They griped about the service, the coffee, the ambience ... you name it, they complained about it. Colin and William eventually came back down to Earth and, by now, I'm sure they're safely tucked in their beds. As for the Hags, rumor has it they're still on their broomsticks, circling the skies over 7th and Montana in search of the Perfect Double Espresso ...!

FAREWELL TO HEATHER ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!


It was a bittersweet morning at 7th and Montana today as our Friendly Neighborhood "Gidget" and one-time Barista, Heather, made the scene to say goodbye to one and all before her Big Move to the Big Apple. A week from Saturday, she, her dog and her surf board will take a one-way flight from LA to New York. This makes three departures in recent weeks: Paul and Judy (who moved to Arizona), Susan (who moved to Paris) and now Heather. Maybe it's the Fritters ...?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

DOG POOP, AHOY ... ON SAN VICENTE!


It was three cheers for the City of Santa Monica today as word spread that they've launched an innovative new iPhone application called GORequest that allows concerned citizens to report all kinds of problems to the City with the push of a button. I first heard about it from Neighbor Bob who sent me an e-mail urging me to check it out. "Having read your blog for many years, I'm sure there are a lot of items at 7th and Montana in need of attention," he said, "Maybe you could start sending a few pictures to the city to see what happens." Today I decided to do just that. I downloaded the application after work and went on an evening inspection tour of the neighborhood, intent on finding something something amiss. I was so busy examining the sidewalks for signs of cracks or graffiti that I nearly walked right into a Sweet Little Old Lady. "Is something wrong, dear?," she asked, "Have you lost something?" I couldn't help noticing that she was walking two poodles. "Well," I said, "I haven't lost anything but maybe you can help me. Have your dogs done their business yet?" I showed her my new iPhone application and explained how it allowed me to report all kinds of incidents to the city. "I'm just trying to put it to the test," I said. "I'm sorry I can't help you," she replied, waving a plastic bag in my direction, "They've already gone!" "Oh, well," I said, "Perhaps we can stage something?" She politely declined, but not before giving me some valuable advice. "Why don't you check the sidewalk in front of the Carlthorp School," she suggested, "Nobody cleans up after their dogs around there." She was right. Seconds after arriving on the scene, I came face-to-face with a steaming dog turd. I whipped out my Spycam, opened the GORequest application and submitted a report to the City entitled "Dog Poop, Ahoy!" I've already received an e-mail from the City, thanking me for my efforts and promising to take action within ten days ...!


DISCO FEVER? ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA

It was an open casting call at 7th and Montana yesterday as Barista Tyler did an impromptu audition for Tom Hanks' new movie in production, How Starbucks Saved My Life. Rumor has it that Hanks' production company, Playtone, is currently casting for the movie -- about a man who finds salvation through a job at Starbucks -- and Tyler's hope is that they're looking for a real-life Barista. To emphasize his point, he struck a pose not unlike John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Who knows ... if he doesn't get a part in the Starbucks movie, maybe Neighbor Tom will have something for him on Dancing with the Stars. Speaking of movies, the Screenwriter Brothers' movie, Cop Out -- starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan -- opens on February 26.




Monday, February 8, 2010

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!


To bee or not to bee, that was the question this morning at 7th and Montana as a Mysterious Newcomer made the scene wearing a Bee-Keeper's Hat and Veil. The whole neighborhood was abuzz. "What's she hiding?," asked one insider, "A bad case of the hives?!?" I whipped out my Spy-cam and went in for a closer look, but it was all to no avail. Her face was completely covered except for a small patch around the eyes ... and even that was obscured by a dark pair of sunglasses. "Nice hat," I said, cheerfully. She merely grunted and walked right past me, as if to say "Mind your own Beeswax ...!"

Sunday, February 7, 2010

HAIR WE GO, AGAIN ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!

It was hair today, gone tomorrow at 7th and Montana this morning as the man known locally as Tommy Toupee for his obvious attachment to a synthetic hair piece made the scene wearing his signature weave, a revealing, auburn number that only he could pull off. "He's not just ready for the Red Carpet, he's wearing it!," I said. "I think there's a line showing," said Mel. Rumor has it he's a hair's breadth away from winning an Oscar for Best Costume Design. An Oscar Madison, that is ...!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

STANLEY TAKES A BRIDE ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!

Look out, Hugh Hefner, there's a new Playboy in town and his credentials put yours to shame. On paper, that is. His name is Flat Stanley and he was created by Bob and Joyce's grandson, Colin, as part of a school project. If you've never heard of Flat Stanley, you don't know what your missing. The character originated in a children's book about a boy named Stanley who became flatter than a pancake when a bulletin board fell on his head. In 1995, an enterprising school teacher in Canada created a Flat Stanley Project whereby elementary school students all over the world create their own Flat Stanley cut-outs and see what sort of adventures the character can have in a one-month period. If today is any indication, Colin's Flat Stanley is not just a cut-out, he's a cut-up. He started the day with a cappuccino at 7th and Montana, went for a brief swim in a puddle on 7th Street, slipped-in an Acupuncture Session with Dr. Feng and then it was off to Vail, Colorado on a Private Jet with Howard and Cathy. Oh, and in between all of this he found time to get married. The bride, a Colorful Character known locally as Crystal Crayola, celebrated the nuptials by dying her hair to match Stanley's florescent orange pants and tie ...!

Friday, February 5, 2010

TIMBERRRRRR ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!


"I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree ... a tree that may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair." Those immortal (if not downright sappy) words were written in 1913 by the poet Joyce Kilmer. Our very own Joyce, however, had some more practical words of wisdom today when she heard that the City was tearing down yet another Towering Eucalyptus near Our Favorite Starbucks. "I think they are only removing trees that are diseased or perilously leaning toward a structure," she said, helpfully. I'm sure she's right ... but there's still some Poetic Justice in the situation, nevertheless. The tree-in-question was leaning distinctly towards the home of Ms. Mukluk, the woman known for wearing Eskimo Footwear in 90-degree heat. I, for one, think a nest of robins would look great in her hair. Let's just hope they don't lay any eggs in her Mukluks ...!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

CHUTZPAH EXTRAORDINAIRE ... ON WEST 57TH!


It was Chutzpah Extraordinaire this morning at the Starbucks on West 57th -- between 8th and 9th Streets in mid-town Manhattan -- as a Local Nerr-do-Well made the scene, intent on hogging-up the one remaining seat without ordering any coffee. It gets better: Shortly after plunking himself down, he looked around to make sure no one was watching, then pulled out a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee from the inside pocket of his overcoat and placed it on the counter. I tell you, some people have no common decency. At least at 7th and Montana we restrict our smuggling activities to baked goods (for obvious reasons ...).

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

FROM STEM TO STERN ... AT 35,000 FEET


The Friendly Skies got a little friendlier this morning, as I boarded a flight to New York -- United #22 -- and, to my surprise, noticed that Howard K. Stern, the controversial attorney-lover of the late Actress-Model Anna Nicole Smith, seemed to be seated behind me. Stern attracted notoriety when he was charged with conspiracy in the delivery of the controlled substances that led to Smith's tragic death in 2007. He was initially granted custody of Smith's newborn daughter, Danielynn, only to fend off a parade of other contenders ranging from on-again off-again boyfriend Larry Birkhead to Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband, Frederic Prinz von Anhalt. DNA testing revealed that Birkhead was the father. Today, it appears that Stern still faces six felony counts and up to five years, eight months in prison for allegedly "enabling" Smith, an addict, to have easy access to controlled substances. Far be it from me to eavesdrop, but thanks to the miracle of modern technology, he seemed to be on the phone with a lawyer as the flight was taking off. Also, thanks to the miracle of modern technology, I'm posting this entry live from my flight. If you have any questions for Howard, post them here and I'll see if I can ask them for you ... without getting my chops busted.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

STAR-CROSSED CROSSWORD ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA!


It was a star-crossed morning at 7th and Montana as one of Hollywood's crossest celebrities, Alec Baldwin, known for his occasional tempestuous tongue-lashings, made the scene last week. I missed the big event, but Genevieve was there to photograph it and Kathy was there to gush. "I think you're very funny," she said. He accepted the compliment gracefully, which was of course a relief, especially in light of the cross words he's been known to have for some people, including his daughter. Speaking of crosswords, by complete coincidence, he was also the answer to number 9-down in the Los Angeles Times Sunday Puzzler ("Actor with actor brothers"). Too bad he wasn't still around when we were doing the crossword ...!