Of Scrap and Steel from the roof of the URM

On Thursday, I saw the city skyline from a different perspective- from the rooftop of the Union Rescue Mission in skid row.  The URM, along with LAVA (Los Angeles Visionaries Association) hosted a screening of the 1949 film, Of Scrap & Steel.  The film was produced by the Union Rescue Mission, started Porter Hall and told the story of one man’s struggle and how he found redemption through the help of the URM.

Rev. Andy Bales welcomed us and spoke before the film.  Also in attendance were Richard Schave and Nathan Marsak who gave us insight on the neighborhood’s history.  Boxed dinners, “Meals with a purpose”, were provided at a low price and proceeds went the URM to feed others.

If you’d like to learn more about the URM, or find out how you can help, their website is: http://www.urm.org

More photos HERE

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Day trip to Temecula Wineries

Some friends and I decided to take a day trip to Temecula last weekend for a change of pace.  We printed out a list of the wineries and headed down in the early afternoon.  I’m not much of a wine connoisseur, but I’m always interested in seeing new sights.

We started off the day at the Longshadow Ranch Vineyard & Winery.  This was my favorite stop for two reasons: the horses and the 2008 Muscat of Alexandria dessert wine.  Of the wines and champagnes I tasted over the course to the day, this muscat made my taste buds the happiest!  Next up was the Thornton Winery where we thoroughly enjoyed a flight of 5 different champagnes and some appetizers.  Our last stop was the Miramonte Winery where we had more wine, watched the sunset and enjoyed the scenery.  We didn’t put much of a dent on the vast list of wineries, but we had a great day!

More photos HERE

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Sevendust 10/12/11 Key Club West Hollywood, CA

When I first saw that LA was missing from the Up Roar itinerary, I was pretty bummed out.  But, Angeleno Sevendust fans got something much better than a thirty minute set a few hours away.  We got a headlining show at the Key Club!  This band is one of my absolute favorites and they continue to put out great music year after year!  They never disappoint live, and as a bonus, are all very approachable, cool and appreciative to their fans (really, they treat us more like friends and family) who come out to support them!

Sonny Mayo came out to join them on Pieces:                                                                 

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Finding Nature in a Concrete Jungle

When you live in a concrete jungle, I feel that you need to seek solitude in nature to find balance. I recently spent the day exploring a section of Griffith Park that I’d never been to- Amir’s Garden.  It was a little tricky to find, but I’ll post some photos with landmarks to make it easier for the next person who wants to visit.

Amir’s Garden is a beautiful oasis nestled in the hillside of Griffith Park.  Created by Amir Dialameh in 1971, this piece of zen covers about 5 acres and is comprised of lush greenery, flowers, multiple paths and sitting areas.  There are several different clearings with picnic tables and benches.  It wasn’t surprising for me to learn that Amir worked on this garden for over 30 years.  There are multiples paths, layers and stairs built into the slope.  This is the perfect place to have a picnic, rest in the shade mid-hike, read a book or just meditate and find your inner peace.  Amir passed away in 2003 but left this gift for all of us to enjoy.  His garden is cared for by volunteers and the City of Los Angeles Park Rangers.

More photos HERE

How to get there:

I entered Griffith Park from Los Feliz Blvd which ended up being a huge mistake due to the Haunted Hayride detour.  I’d suggest coming in from Zoo Drive by the 134.  Turn right on Griffith Park Drive and continue about a mile until you reach Mineral Wells picnic area.  There is a fire road that will take you to the garden just behind the parking lot.  From here, I’ll show you the way through photos…

Look for the Mineral Wells sign. Park here.

Park to the right of these signs. The fire road to Amir's Garden is very close.

Parking on the right, path to Amir's Garden on the left.

Take the path on the left.

Water Tower 73. You are more than halfway there!

You've arrived at Amir's Garden.

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Jane’s Addiction John Anson Ford Theater October 4, 2011

When Jane’s Addiction last played at the John Anson Ford Theater, I was living on the East Coast and about a decade too young.  In the years since, I have grown to love this band and have amassed quite a collection of live recordings- including five from their seven night JAFT stand in 1989.  These shows are some of my favorites to listen to, so seeing them at this venue was very special to me.

The music of two bands fueled my desire to move to Los Angeles- The Doors and Jane’s Addiction.  When Perry quoted Jim Morrison last night… “The West is the best”, he was preaching to the choir!  The band played a tight set with a few new songs mixed in with the old.  The new tacks were well received, especially Irresistible Force.  Factor in the fantastic sound quality, light & laser show, smoke, confetti and dancing wood nymphs and it did seem like we were at the “center of the universe” as Perry phrased in between songs.   It would have been nicer if the chairs weren’t there, but I suppose ripping them up for two nights would have been too much to ask.

Prior to the show, Stephen Perkins and the Street Drum Corps had a drum circle at the venue entrance.  It was a nice nod to the 1989 shows, where I was told he did something similar.

Jane’s Addiction’s new album, The Great Escape Artist, comes out on October 18, 2011.

Setlist:

Whores
Just Because
Ain’t No Right
Ted, Just Admit It…
Been Caught Stealing
End to the Lies
Ocean Size
Three Days
Irresistible Force
Then She Did
Mountain Song
Stop!

Encore:                                                                                                                                                                                 Jane Says

Side note:  There is a photo at end of this gallery of Corey Feldman, whom I spotted in the crowd.

More photos HERE

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