MR. BIG

Meet "Mr. Big."  Mr. Big drives Mrs. Big's SUV all the way to Starbucks (two whole blocks from the Big House at 7th and Marguerita) for a Big cup of coffee.  Drive, Mr. Big, Drive!  Mr. Big blocks the entry to Our Favorite Parking Lot by parking wherever he likes.  Ha, Ha, Ha.  Laugh while you can, Mr. Big.  We're reporting you to Cathy ... !    

ANOTHER DOGGONE CANDIDATE ...!

Move over Bobby Shriver, Jenna Linnekens is running for Santa Monica City Council and she hit the campaign trail this morning at 7th and Montana.  While she seems to have a good command of the issues ranging from the homeless problem to our educational infrastructure, she didn't have much command of her dog, Dante, who got loose and barked up a storm.  Thank God she's not running for Dog Catcher!

THE WEEK IN REVIEW AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...

It's been a busy week at 7th and Montana:  Pavillions reopened with much fanfare;  Bob and Joyce harvested a bumper crop of tomatoes; Selwyn harvested a bumper crop of bumblebees; The City of Santa Monica announced a new effort to ban smoking at outdoor venues;  A gabby group of Israelis descended upon Our Favorite Starbucks;  A bicyclist popped a tire;  and Nada announced that she's moving to Arizona!

A REAL DUTCH TREAT ...!

I enjoyed a real Dutch Treat yesterday as a colleague took me to dinner at a small village near Eindhoven where it was as if time stood still.  What could be better than a relaxing dinner outside -- surrounded by a cobblestone square and houses that have been around for centuries?  Here are some photos of the village.

"JUST SAY NO ...!"

Nancy Reagan must have connections at the Crown Hotel in Eindhoven.  A sign in my room reads:  "Dear Guest:  We hereby notify you that it is not permitted to keep or consume drugs in your room.  Thank you for your understanding."  What next, no smoking?!? 

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM ...!

I scream, you scream, we all scream in 90-degree heat!  It's almost as hot here in the Netherlands as it is in Burbank but at Philips we've discovered a great way to beat the heat.  Today in the office we were treated to ice cream cones delivered on a silver tray.  Now that's what I call giving employees their just desserts!

HIRE THIS WOMAN AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...!

Take down the Help Wanted signs at 7th and Montana!  Our Favorite Starbucks should recruit Baristas from the Dutch Railway System.  Imagine my surprise today when a polite young woman -- pictured here -- served me coffee and cappuccino from separate nozzles sticking out of her uniform.  A faucet attached to her back dispenses soup.  Let's not ask where she keeps the condiments!