Reality Check

I claim to not like so-called "reality tv." We all know those shows are creatively edited (and at times even scripted), so few truly portray reality.

Apparently, Americans can't handle reality anyway. The government has once again put a ban on reality. Personally, I'm a realist and like to know what is going on.

Anyway, that was an aside. I really came here to confess. There are several of those programs I do watch. I'm late to join in, but have recently become hooked on Rockstar: INXS. I even voted last night! Ack! (I'm pulling for Marty and I think he has a good shot).

I'm also watching The Real World: Austin. I haven't watched that show in years, but I work with a relative of one of the people of the show, so it's for the curiosity factor.

Tellin' You Questions, Asking Me Lies

More fun questions from Ren!

1. Do you have a favorite restaurant in L.A.?
Wow, there are so many good restaurants here. I honestly can't say I have one favorite. So, I'll list some of my favorites by cuisine or type of place:

• Indian: Electric Lotus
• Thai: Ruen Pair
• Pizza: Albano's
  
• Diner: Fred 62
• Deli: Canters
• Mexican: Casita del Campo
• Japanese: Yamakawa
• Burgers: The Counter
• Italian: Vitello's
• Fast Food/Chain: Sharky's
  

2. How about in the world?
Glenwood Pines, Ithaca, NY. (First thing to pop into my head). I haven't really been too many places in the "world" and certainly didn't have very good food on my limited travels abroad...we can discuss steak and kidney pie in another entry sometime.

3. Do you have a favorite quote?
No, I don't. I did see a quote recently that I like though:
"Anatomical dissection gives the human mind an opportunity to compare the dead with the living, things severed with things intact, things destroyed with things evolving, and opens up the profoundness of nature to us more than any other endeavor or consideration."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), German Poet

4. Depeche Mode is going on tour again. I saw them a long time ago and although I have always liked them, I was a little surprised how much I loved them in concert. Is there any band that you kind of went to see begrudgingly and then ended up loving?
Great Big Sea. We went along with a friend who was a big fan. I went thinking it'd be okay, but not expecting much. What a fun band...now one of my favorites! (I'd love to see Depeche Mode sometime).

5. What is the coolest thing you have seen in the past seven days?

Chocolate Peeps!

6. Are there any new tv shows you have heard about that you are curious to see or looking forward to seeing?

• My Name is Earl
• Prison Break
• Invasion
• Extras
  

7. When you go in a bookstore, what section do you head to first?
The dog section of animals. That or humor.

8. If you got a tattoo, what would it be and where?
I have no idea. If I knew, I'd have it.

9. What one skill do you not have but wish you did?
Musical ability of some sort. Maybe singing.

10. What is your favorite flower?
Daisy

Answers subject to change depending on day, mood, hormonal state, etc.

The Shell in the Canyon

I spent a great deal of my long weekend at the Hollywood Bowl. Three nights in a row, three very different shows with very different crowds. All fun. All attended with different groups of good friends. I'm in the process of getting photos uploaded to my Flickr site, but that may take me awhile.

In brief:

• Saturday, 9/3: John Williams conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The Hollywood Bowl seats just under 18,000 and it was sold out. Lots of light sabers appeared during the last part of the show which was dedicated to his Star Wars music. (We followed the Saturday night show with a midnight comedy show in Hollywood. 4 of our 6 friends that were at the Bowl joined us).
• Sunday, 9/4: Brian Williams with Polyphonic Spree. Not sold out, so we moved down to better seats. I enjoyed the good time, hippie vibe of the Spree. Brian Wilson was really enjoyable too, performing many Beach Boys tunes, taking a break, then returning to perform Smile. He followed that with a few more Beach Boys songs. He has a great band and strong back-up singers which help him out a lot. The crowd was generally older than Friday night and we had a great view of a dancin' granny right in front of us!
• Monday, 9/5: Louis XIV performed followed by a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Again, not sold out, so we moved to better seats. Many people in costume and armed with all of the props needed for audience participation during the film. Louis XIV was great...I'd been wanting to see them live and was quite pleased. Jane Wiedlin hosted the evening. She's a hoot!

It was nice to have a long weekend, but it went by too fast. I had my usual Sunday night insomnia/bad work dreams when I finally sleep Monday night instead, so I feel Monday-tired today. At least it's a short week.