ACHTUNG, BABY ...!

I don't know whether it's my "high speed" connection here in what used to be East Berlin or something's going wrong at AOL, but I'm having a terrible time trying to post updates to this blog.  It's enough to make me want to bang my head against what's left of the Berlin Wall (which is conveniently located beside my hotel)!

BLOGGING FROM THE STRATOSPHERE ...!

Ladies and Gentlemen:  This just might be one of the first blog entries ever from an airplane (I'm testing a new in-flight wireless service from Boeing).  The news from the sky is that chivalry is as dead at 30,000 feet as it is at sea level.  After watching the woman in front of me struggle to stuff her duffle bag in the overhead bin, a man sitting near her pulled her bag out again, claiming it might wrinkle his suit.  I took pictures the whole time!

GOING, GOING, GONE ...!

"Where are all your friends today?"  That was the question the nice lady at the next table (pictured here) asked me this morning at 7th and Montana.  Since she asked:  Kovar is in Chicago, Our Favorite Building Manager is in Canada, Howard and Cathy are in Colorado, Terry is in Firenze and Bob and Joyce are MIA (presumably at Big Bear).  It's enough to make me want to hit the road, too.  Stay tuned for further updates!

TWIGGY MAKES AN APPEARANCE ON 7TH STREET!

Fans of the towering Eucalyptus (pronounced "you-clipped-us") trees on 7th Street take heart!  The City of Santa Monica has replaced the eleven mature trees they removed with genuine twigs.  As these "before and after" photos suggest, the newbie trees might offer some actual shade ... in the next century.  Meanwhile, don't go anywhere near them with a wet noodle, or you might just bowl them over!  

GREECE IS THE WORD ...!

Greece was the word today at 7th and Montana as Genevieve returned from a month-long sojourn to Skopelos, an island retreat known for its peace and tranquility.  Evidently, Toby was surprisingly peaceful and tranquil on Genevieve's return.  The beloved pooch merely nodded his head in her direction as if to request a treat!

UP, UP AND AWAY ...!

Things were looking up today at 7th Street's latest renovation project as an unsightly new story began to take shape atop a charming bungalow.  Oh well, another day, another construction project!  Maybe Fabrizio has the right idea ... he's getting ready to high-tail it back to Firenze for a while!

A REAL GLASS ACT AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...

The on-again, off-again home construction project near 7th and Montana was definitely on-again this morning as workers installed actual windows in what neighbors have begun calling "Molasses House."  While some viewed the addition of windows as a sign of progress, I won't start celebrating until they remove the Porta-Potty! 

WHO PUT THE GOOSE IN GOOSE EGG PARK ...?

Ever wonder why they call that oval patch of land near Howard and Cathy's house "Goose Egg Park?"  Some say it's shaped like a goose egg.  Others say it's just a sanctuary for every silly goose in town.  Yesterday I spotted a real Loon there:  A middle-aged gentleman in business attire posing like an airplane in flight.  It was enough to make me think Tai Chi is for the birds!

OUR VERY OWN ENERGIZER BUNNY ...!

It might have been a slow news day at 7th and Montana, but that didn't stop our very own Energizer Bunny from making her appointed rounds.  The dignified lady -- pictured here in her usual walking outfit, hat and cane -- arrived on the scene shortly after 9:00 and stopped for a quick rest before continuing, undaunted, up 7th Street.  Nice to know some things never change!

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN ...!

It was a match made in heaven for my sister Karen and hubbie Doug last night at Granite Links in Quincy.  The bride was especially beautiful, but don't just take my word for it.  Check out this photo (of the back of her head).  Professional photos will be available at grazierphotography.com! 

GOOD LUCK, TWINKLE-TOES ...!

In what was either a lucky "coincidence" or shrewd organization on my sister's part, a troop of dance instructors from the "Fred Astaire" studios arrived on-the-scene last night to instruct my future brother-in-law in the fine art of ballroom dancing.  By the time the impromptu lesson was over, Doug was out-maneuvering Fred Astaire himself.  Then, again, Fred Astaire died of pneumonia in 1987 ...!

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF STARBUCKS ...

Eureka!  I finally discovered a little corner of the world where they don't allow Starbucks:  My home town of Scituate, Mass.  In order to get my grande drip and a wireless connection this morning, I had to drive to nearby Cohasset, where Starbucks quietly took over what used to be our local bank.  I have to admit, the drive-through window is a nice touch.  I'm sure I'll stop by tomorrow to make a withdrawal!

CLAUSTROPHOBIA AT 30,000 FEET ...?

While I was at the airport this morning, news spread that a claustrophobic woman caused a ruckus on a flight from Heathrow, arousing suspicions among her fellow passengers with a screwdriver, matches and Vaseline.  What's the world coming to?  More importantly, isn't Vaseline considered a gel?  What next, assault and battery with a jar of Brilliantine?!?

THEIR MINDS ARE IN THE GUTTER ...!

Ever wonder what sort of filth accumulates beneath 7th and Montana?  Well, look no further!  A work crew arrived on the scene today to clear all kinds of debris out of the gutter (see Photo #1).  Based on the sheer volume of their discoveries, I wouldn't have been surprised if they unearthed Jimmy Hoffa.   

COMMUNE SWEET COMMUNE ...?

What do you add to the neighborhood that has everything?  A local developer evidently decided that what we really need North of Montana is a combination "Refugee Center" and "Place of Worship."  Best of all, they want to destroy the Teriton Garden Apartments on San Vicente to build it.  Let's hope the City nips this terrible idea in the bud and rides the developer out of town on a rail!

A RARE TREAT AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...!

Actor Treat Williams made a rare appearance at 7th and Montana this morning, pulling into Our Favorite Starbucks in a zippy Mustang convertible.  But an even bigger treat was in store for us as Terry and Fabrizio arrived on the scene.  In fact, if you expand the view of Photo #2, you can see Terry and Fabrizio's reflection in the Starbucks door as it closes on Treat Williams.

SNAP, CRACKLE AND POP AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...!

Kathy scored us ringside seats this morning near Our Favorite Parking Lot where we could watch car after car bang and clunk its way into Starbucks.  While Leah directed traffic, Karenina dreamed of opening an autobody repair shop.  One unhappy woman popped a cog as her boyfriend introduced their shiny, new BMW to the curb.  A good time was had by all!

JENNA REVISITED ...!

After seeing Jenna Linnekens' comments on my previous item about her bid for Santa Monica City Council, I decided that my original post was too glib (especially my comments regarding her rascally black Lab Dante).  A number of us think Jenna has good ideas and, as hard as it is to get new candidates elected, I say let's give her a chance.  Here's to a new Jenna-ration of leadership!

THE LITTLE PRO ...!

Mason sure doesn't waste any time.  Just yesterday he mentioned that he's busy promoting his father's new book -- Playing a Round with the Little Pro: A Life in the Game -- and today there's a great article in The Los Angeles Times about Mason's father, Eddie Merrins, the head pro at Bel-Air Country Club for 40 years.  Way to go, Mason!  Playing a Round with the Little Pro:  A Life in the Game (Simon & Schuster) is available wherever fine books are sold!

NEWBIE DOOBY DOO ...!

It was inevitable:  With all the "newbies" at 7th and Montana, I finally had to articulate my order this morning.  Granted, someone rushed right over with a Grande Drip saying "Got it, Got it" but by then the damage had been done.  Word has it we'll see even more turnover at Our Favorite Starbucks as the exodus to 26th and Wilshire continues.  I like Tanya as much as the next guy, but all this poaching has to stop!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, KOVAR ...!

Anyone who's into professional photography should check out the latest images from Kovar.  He just updated his website --  http://www.kovar.net -- to include some great new shots.  My favorites are in the collection he calls "Every Place and Soul" (just click on the cow).  Enjoy!

Cluck, Cluck, CLUNK ...!

Feathers were flying this weekend as news spread that Our Favorite Rooster-Mobile has been rear-ended (see Photo #2).  Authorities suspect fowl play.  Meanwhile, some dumb cluck rear-ended Kathy yesterday when she stopped for a pedestrian.  Let's face it folks, L.A. traffic is for the birds!     

A MATCH MADE ON LINCOLN ...!

Wedding bells were ringing on Lincoln yesterday as Joyce and Bob not only celebrated but also hosted Wes' wedding at their home.  Bob even performed the nuptials, after getting a certificate granting him the authority for a 24-hour period.  It sounds like the event went off without a hitch -- other than that of the happy couple.  Congratulations to all!

APOLOGIES ONE AND ALL ...

To everyone I kept waiting today, I apologize.  I know I promised to reveal the identity of the "mystery celebrity" I saw early this morning, but -- mea culpa -- I was delayed.  Moreover, I only managed to get this photo of the front of his head (not the back).  What can I say other than, "I'm sorry."  Then, again, as someone once said, "Love means never having to say you're sorry!"

THE KEYS TO SUCCESS ...!

Kudos to Santa Monica's very own Wes Abbott who is getting stellar reviews for his Manga Serial Dogby Walks Alone.  Way to go, Wes.  It sounds like you've discovered the keys to success!  Just don't leave them anywhere near your mother ... she's liable to inadvertently slip them into her purse and then, like Dogby, you might really end up "walking alone!"   

A BLAIR WITCH HUNT ...?!?

Imagine my surprise on arriving at the Century Plaza hotel for meetings yesterday to be greeted by a full-blown security force including a pack of German Shepherds.  Evidently, British Prime Minister Tony Blair was in residence.  Despite my best efforts, I only managed to get photos of his harried handlers rushing about the lobby.  What I wouldn't give for a decent photo of the back of Blair's head! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEAH!

Where else but 7th and Montana would you find a set of twins who celebrate their birthdays two months apart?  While Leah celebrated her birthday on Monday, Karenina doesn't turn 26 until September.  In any case, Happy Birthday, Leah.  Judging from this photo of the back of your head, it looks like you've discovered the Fountain of Youth!