Married to the Blog

Primary Election Results

2009-02-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

None of the candidates won enough votes to be elected outright, inaugurating round two of the election madness. See the official results here. The Burbank Leader's story is here.

First, a complaint about the election site: It's waaay too small and hard to read. I understand the live video streaming, but it's essentially illegible. How about a simple text listing, eh? That'd be much better.

Anyhow, without further ado, here are your Burbank City Council primary election candidates:

Jess Talamantes -- 3,951 votes

David Gordon (i) -- 4,537 votes

Elise Stearns-Niesen -- 2,019 votes

Kimberly Jo -- 2,471 votes

Garen Yegparian -- 1,989 votes

Dave Golonski (i) -- 4,858 votes

Interestingly, the candidates with the most support and money where not necessarily the ones who garnered the most votes. See my earlier post on campaign finance here.

Let the next round -- and the exponential increase in campaign emails, calls and mail -- begin!

Mid-Week Zen -- Delayed

2009-02-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

As it's Ash Wednesday, my fav back-lit purveyor of random wisdom is, instead, advertising Ash Wednesday services. Fine. I'll check back tomorrow.

Election Day!

2009-02-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

So, as you know, today is election day in Burbank. Or, if you didn't, well, vote, damnit. From my rather unscientific research, I'm guessing a fairly low turnout. When I stopped by City Hall to drop off my ballot, the election workers outnumbered the voters by about 3:1.

Of course, this was an mail-in election, and most people probably had already dropped it in the mail. Now, I was about to do this myself, until I read the print on the ballot telling me that the ballot had to be received by the City Clerk by Feb. 24 and POSTMARKS DO NOT COUNT.

That is, in order to mail in the ballot for the mail-in election, you'd have to have the foresight to mail it a couple of days ago... Just to be safe. More than one piece of candidate literature reminded me to mail in my ballot by Feb. 20.

So, the election is on. Check back for the results here.

Mid-Week Zen 2.17.09

2009-02-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

It's a little early, I suppose, but it is a short week... Ladies and gentlemen, your mid-week Zen:

Now, this is a pretty straight-laced. Perhaps they'll be passing out God's Oscars. Best performance in a ethically difficult situation? Best picture of holiness? As always, this is the marquee of the Westminster Presbyterian Church at Clark Avenue and Buena Vista Street in Burbank. Send your suggestions for other Zen koan banners to daniel.j.evans(at)mac.com.

Craigslist Ad O' The Day

2009-02-16T18:29:00.001-08:00

I know the economy is getting bad, but this is ridiculous. Broken neon? Only $100? Whadda deal. As always, this is an actual craigslist ad. And, as always, I have no connection to the seller. I just think it's funny.

10 or more Batman Neon Signs Take them all (Burbank)

Reply to: sale-1037468759@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-02-16, 1:59PM PST

I have 10 (maybe more) Batman neon signs still in their boxes. They don't work (at least the few I've tried), but for the price maybe you could do something with them. $100 obo takes them all! Email for more information.

Dimensions: 22" (w)x13"(h)x5"(d)

SKU: SKU1481038 Also have a lot of Comics and Comic Book related stuff, statues, anime manga as well.

The Burbank Follower 2.16.09

2009-02-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

Peanut Recall
Sigh. More tainted goobers. Apparently, a number were sold to the Full O'Life Natural Food Markets in Burbank. Be careful out there with your PB&J, people. AP.

Post Office Closing
Hmm. Check this out. The San Fernando Business Journal and the Burbank Leader have the exact same headline for this story, reporting on the closure of the Magnolia Park office. The headline: "Post Office is being shipped." SFBJ. Leader's version here. (The Leader shows a publish date of Feb. 15, while the SFBJ has a Feb. 16 pub date.)

***
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***

One of those "So, You Think You Had it Bad" Kinda Days...

2009-02-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

Following my WiiFit workout -- yes, I'm one of THOSE people -- I spotted something in the paper that made me feel absolutely nauseated. I realize there's plenty of stuff in the news to make one's digestive tract go in reverse, but this one hit particularly hard. From the LA Times:

Last week, Beverly Eckert was at the White House to talk with President Barack Obama about how the new administration could deal with those suspected of terrorism.

This morning, Eckert -- the widow of a man who died in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center -- was among the 50 people killed when a commuter plane crashed outside Buffalo, N.Y.

Really? This is what fate, or God, has thrown this woman? Really? For what it's worth, Beverly and her husband are together again. Cold comfort for her friends and family, I'm sure.

In any event, it does make all the problems of the last few months fade into the distance a bit.

New Facebook Page

2009-02-11T15:19:00.001-08:00

Hey y'all... I've created a new Facebook page to promote my photography biz. Check it out here... Become a fan!

Burbank Follower 2.11.09

2009-02-11T10:10:00.001-08:00

Burbank House Fire Seen for Miles
I didn't see it, but it does sound like a doozy. MSNBC. Also see CBS2 and ABC7.

Burbank Homeless Shelter Roils Residents
People upset regarding size of Burbank homeless shelter, as well as the fact that a number of sex offenders were found to have stayed there. Leader. [Warning, news-like commentary: This seems like NIMBY-ism in the worst way. Where the hell are these people going to go? Sex offenders should, indeed, be watched carefully. However, they are human beings and must be treated as such.]

Editor of Burbank Leader, Glendale News-Press Moving On
Danette Goulet is stepping down from the big chair. Her future plans include moving to Boston and raising her 7-month-old son. Good luck in Beantown, Danette! Leader.

***
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***

Mid-Week Zen

2009-02-11T10:03:00.001-08:00

I've driven by Westminster Presbyterian dozens -- nay, hundreds -- of times, constantly marveling at the wisdom and weirdness that shines from its marquee. Here's the latest:

Burbank Follower 2.10.09

2009-02-10T09:34:00.001-08:00

Chase Ends in Burbank
Police took a suspect into custody after police chase ended at the Burbank Airport. Leader. The chase began in Newhall. Also see CBS2 and ABC7.

Burbank, Glendale in talks to combine armories
Officials from Burbank and Glendale are currently discussing a proposal to combine the National Guard armories in each city, potentially opening up a 10-acre lot near the Burbank Airport for use as a homeless shelter. Leader.

Police Helicopter Partnership Adds a Third
The Glendale and Burbank police departments, which have pooled their helicopter resources since 2007, added Pasadena to the party to save money. Leader.

Burbank Follower 2.9.09

2009-02-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

That Other Election
Yes, indeed, there are two elections going on in Burbank. The fair more locally interesting city council and school board races and... the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees. Who are these guys? LA Times.

Home Prices Falling, But Sales Up
Ahh, can you see the vultures circling? Caa-CAA! LA Business Journal.

***
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***

Burbank Campaign Finance

2009-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Below is a listing of the money contributed to -- and expended by -- candidates for the upcoming Burbank municipal elections. To see the statements for yourself, or to just check my math, click here. My figures below include any money the candidate has loaned him or herself.

The order below mirrors that seen on the City of Burbank's website, and does not constitute any type of endorsement on my end. Frankly, I'm still trying to figure that out. Comments welcome.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Angela Nakashyan

Figures unavailable today. Will try back later.

Jess Talamantes

2008 Contributions: $2,905
2008 Expenditures: $1,407

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $549
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $39

Lee Dunayer

2008 Contributions: $5,700
2008 Expenditures: $524

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $0
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $0

Barbara Sharp

2008 Contributions: > $1,000 (short form)
2008 Expenditures: > $1,000 (short form)

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): > $1,000 (short form)
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): > $1,000 (short form)

David Gordon (i)

2008 Contributions: $25,588
2008 Expenditures: $10,846

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $350
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $0

Jeffrey W. Prutz

2008 Contributions: > $1,000 (short form)
2008 Expenditures: > $1,000 (short form)

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): > $1,000 (short form)
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): > $1,000 (short form)

Elise Stearns-Niesen

2008 Contributions: $5,435
2008 Expenditures: $1,068

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $1,845
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10):$1,488

Kimberly Jo

2008 Contributions: $8.199
2008 Expenditures: $6,013

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $350
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $1,518

Greg Jackson

2008 Contributions: $775
2008 Expenditures: $575

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $4,875
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $0

Dan Humfreville

2008 Contributions: > $1,000 (short form)
2008 Expenditures: > $1,000 (short form)

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): > $1,000 (short form)
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): > $1,000 (short form)

Steven Ferguson

2008 Contributions: $1,501
2008 Expenditures: $163

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $745
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $288

Garen Yegparian

2008 Contributions: $15,763
2008 Expenditures: $2,950

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $2,482
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $564

Dave Golonski (i)

2008 Contributions: $3,400
2008 Expenditures: $3,331

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $4,529
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $0

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES

Gregory Bragg

2008 Contributions: $1,000
2008 Expenditures: $871

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $650
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $500

Larry Applebaum

2008 Contributions: $0
2008 Expenditures: $0

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $0
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $0

Debbie Kukta

2008 Contributions: $0
2008 Expenditures: $0

2009 Contributions (through Jan. 10): $0
2009 Expenditures (through Jan. 10): $0

Burbank Follower 2.8.09

2009-02-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

Rain, Rain and More Rain
A bunch of the flying wet stuff fell from the sky over the weekend, with more expected Monday. Burbank appears to have received 3.22 inches. Crazy. LA Times. Glendale News-Press article here.

Alliance Closes
The troubled Culver City-based, which has branches in Burbank, closed its doors during the weekend. Branches will open on Monday as California Bank & Trust, a San Diego bank. San Diego Union-Tribune.

***
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***

The Burbank Follower 2.6.09

2009-02-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Burbank Unearths Time Capsule
City workers dug up a 50-year-old time capsule in Burbank Thursday. The citizens of 1959 were expecting atomic power and monorails. Well, they got Pres. Obama and the Internet. LA Times. Read the Daily News and Burbank Leader versions.

Record Rains at Bob Hope Airport
Thursday's downpour set a record: 1.46 inches. Whoa. CBS2

City Officials to Cut Budgets
Department heads have been asked to make across-the-board cuts. Burbank is facing a $7 million deficit. Leader

School Year to Start a Week Earlier
After years of meetings and negotiations, the Burbank Unified School District School Board of Education agreed to start the academic year a week earlier. School will now begin Aug. 17.

The Burbank Follower 2.1.09

2009-02-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

Burbank Time Capsule
A time capsule, interred in 1959, is scheduled to be opened on Feb. 5, 2009. That's this week! Now, will it actually occur? Stay tuned. LA Times

Rescue Mission Going Broke
The Union Rescue Mission, which runs the Burbank facility, needs money desperately and is asking the City Council for funds. Leader

***
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***

The LA TImes is Dead, Long Live the LA Times

2009-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Is it to early to start an LA Times deathwatch? News of the upcoming collapse of the California section, tales of 70 newsroom layoffs -- atop the news of the Tribune bankruptcy -- are making me pessimistic indeed about the overall health of the industry. Of course, people have been predicting the downfall of newspapers for nearly a century. First radio was going to kill newspapers, then television, and now the Internet.

But radio and television-news companies, though they have their non-profit iterations, are still largely profit-driven. The Internet is based on an open-source model: Information ought to be free. My impression is that this comes from the phreakers and hackers that helped to build the foundation of the modern Internet. If you didn't share your code with other programmers, hackers would find it, steal it and post it.

On some level, this continues. There are plenty of open-source programs and operating systems. Only those with the technical knowledge use them. However, since hackers never had much use for the geek-ignorant, that does not likely bother them.

For us end-users, there's still a ton of free applications out there. If you have an iPhone, you've almost certainly downloaded some free applications. There are a ton of free ones, many of which "lite" versions which effectively serve as test drives for the paid versions.

On the illegal side, there's a ton of stuff out there. If you lack the technical knowledge to hack or the $1,200 to buy Adobe CS4, you only have to look on Craigslist to get a drastically reduced copy. Only the ignorant or the self-deceptive don't know what's going on here.

In a facsinating way, though, this is okay for programmers. Adobe spends millions on its security and anti-priacy systems. Hackers make money off selling hacked copies. Everyone wins. I'm sure Adobe doesn't feel this way, but the coders certainly seem to continue to get work regardless.

Newspapers, on the other hand, are stuck. Even in the golden days of newspapers -- whenever that was -- subscription costs barely covered the cost of delivery. The product was worth somewhere between 25 and 50 cents. It seemed like such a low cost that it must have made sense for newspaper executives to decide to simply give away their product.

This fateful decision may have doomed newspapers. If, a decade ago, most newspapers decided to charge their customers for online subscriptions, I believe we would be in a different world. As it stands now, people believe that information should be free. Providing it, however, is not. My guess is that more and more newspapers are going to collapse, and the ones that are left will start to charge online subscription rates.

Why? Because, without a competitor giving away news reports for free, why not charge?

***
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I run a wedding, event and portrait photography business. If you have any need for such services, please think of me. Samples of my work can be viewed at www.danevans.org and at danielevans.smugmug.com.
***

Burbank Follower 1.30.09

2009-01-30T20:23:00.001-08:00

I actually wasn't going to do one of these today, as I found nearly shite about Burbank in our local news-content-providers. However, here's a bit of Burbank-related news you may have missed.

Starving Yourself to Live
The newest trend, so sez the LA Times, is starvation diets. That is, people desiring to lose weight simply put down the fork -- and don't pick it up. Is it safe? Ruth Frechman, a Burbank-based registered dietitian says it's generally a bad idea. LA Times (The date stamp on this one is Feb. 2, 2009... I'm waaay ahead of the curve on this one.)

Fitness Fashion
In a related story (I've always wanted to write that), the Times picks up on fashion in Los Angeles-area fitness centers, focusing on Burn Studios in Burbank. LA Times (This one is dated Feb. 1, 2009. What the hell is going on?)

***
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***

The State of Newspapers

2009-01-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

Oi. It looks like things are going to get worse before they get better... And fewer and fewer people seem to be believe that it ever will. The LA Times semi-announced that it is killing the California section, deciding to fold local news into the front section. They do this at their peril, I'm afraid.

I currently get the Times, but only Thursday-Sunday, and only because I was offered those days for $39 a year. A year! Good deal. I can probably find enough coupons to make money on the deal. Besides, I still like reading the paper. I find I read the stories more thoroughly than when I read articles online.

And, besides, if newspapers go out of business, the news aggregation sites and blogs that bitch about the MSM they depend upon will go out of business. Ahh.

Anyhow, check out this video of a 1981 KRON video about the rise of Internet news:

The Burbank Follower 1.29.08

2009-01-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

Burbank Leader Website Redesign
Clearly, I've been out of it for awhile, but it looks like the Burbank Leader has a new look. I like it. Leader.

Council Wrap
Playground equipment, bike lanes, development deadlines, oh my! Leader.

Homeless Shelter Operators Looking for New Site
The Union Rescue Mission, which operates a shelter at the Burbank National Guard Armory, is seeking an alternative site. The Armory will be closed Feb. 6-8 and March 6-8 for, presumably, Armory-type-activities. Leader.

Airport Curfew Study
Stop me if you've heard this one already: The good people at Bob Hope Airport have agreed to spend $6 million on whether people are annoyed by airplane noise. Sigh. Leader.

Saturday Rally About Chandler Crossing
Edison Elementary parents hope to goad the City Council into making the crossing at Keystone Street and Chandler Boulevard safer for the kiddies. (I live near that intersection, and it's a nightmare.... Good luck, guys.) Leader.

***
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***

Upcoming Burbank Election Schedule

2009-01-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

From the City of Burbank Website:

February 2, 2009 -- Semi Annual Statement due

Period covered is 7/1/2008 through 12/31/2008

February 3, 2009 -- Last day to mail Sample Ballots (BMC 2-3-1201)

February 9, 2009 -- Last day to register to vote in Primary Election

February 10, 2009 -- Last day to file as write-in candidate

February 12, 2009 -- Campaign Expenditure Report #2 due (GC 84200.8)
Period covered is 1/11/09 - 2/7/09

February 20, 2009 -- Additional Pre-Election Campaign Expenditure Report #3 due
(BMC 2-3-2506). Period covered is 2/8/09 - 2/18/09

February 21, 2009 -- Saturday Voting in City Clerk’s Office and Ballot Drop-Off Sites
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

City Hall – 275 E. Olive Avenue
Joslyn Center – 1301 W. Olive Avenue
Tuttle Center – 1731 N. Ontario Street
Buena Vista Library – 300 N. Buena Vista Street
McCambridge Recreation Center – 1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd.

***
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***

The Burbank Follower 1.28.09

2009-01-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

So, just to revive a feature of the blog-past, here's your semi-regular roundup of Burbank news...

Federal Grant to Insulate Burbank Homes

A $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will be used to insulate homes near Bob Hope Airport in Burbank from jet noise. CNS

Maybe Time for Whole Foods, Says Burbank Leader Reader
"I am a new Burbank resident, but have always enjoyed spending time here, going to the movies or shopping. With the current economy and drop in spending, we are seeing a lot of businesses either closing their doors or leaving town..." Leader

Pasadena Public Transit Facing Financial Difficulties

Other city-operated bus lines -- like Burbank's -- may be facing shortfall. Star-News

Burbank Masons Celebrate Anniversary

The local order has been around for 100 years now. Leader

Almost gave on me, didya?

2009-01-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

So, after an extraordinary hiatus, I'm back to blogging. Frankly, I'm amazing that this little site gets dozens (dozens!) of readers, despite a lack of any new information for, umm, nearly a year.

But, the good people at Blogger (thanks Google!) don't kick one off for a lack of writing. However, I notice that I'm still getting inquires about the Lasik procedure and the Metrolink ticket. Many people, it seems, still have eyesight they want corrected and/or fail to pay the fare.

So, then, here's the updates:

LASIK -- My eyes are still good. They itched something terrible for a few weeks, and I needed the eyedrops for about six weeks... But, then again, they said my eyes would itch and I would need eyedrops for about six weeks. I'm suspecting that the economy may blur (heh heh) the eye-repair business, but I've been pretty satisfied with the work. All my other criticisms still apply.

METROLINK -- I was forgiven the ticket. A couple of days prior to when I was scheduled to go to court (I even scheduled the day off), I received a note from LA Superior Court saying that my case had been dismissed. My impression (though, I must admit, I do not know for sure) is that Metrolink requested that the case be dismissed and the court obliged. I did send Metrolink (at Metrolink's request) a check for $5 (the cost of the trip in question), which I believe did the trick.

Bottom line: Pay your fare. It's a good deal, and getting caught without a valid ticket is a royal pain in the ass.

***
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***

Metrolink Citation - More Updates

2008-04-18T16:43:00.001-07:00

Hello all... As you may recall, I received a citation for riding on Metrolink without a valid ticket. For a review of my previous postings on the topic, check here and here and here. Have you read 'em? Good.

Since that point, I've been getting a rather large number of hits and comments on the topic. Many people want to know, well, what happened. I have been somewhat remiss about sharing the conclusion of this little tale, so, without further ado:

My court date, as I recall, was Jan. 17, two months after I received the citation. I had, as the good people at Metrolink had requested, sent in the missing $5 fare. I had also filed an appeal of the issuance of the citation. I do not know if these were put into the same file, different files, or ignored completely. However, I received a letter from Metrolink in late December letting me know that my appeal had been denied.

I don't recall the exact language in the letter, but it said something along the lines of "...if you believe there are further circumstances regarding this citation, you should speak to the court at your hearing." Basically, "tell it to the judge, sucker." The letter was CC'd to the court.

Though I don't remember the exact wording of the Metrolink letter, I can tell you with fairly great accuracy that my next words were "dirty f***ing bastards!" You see, I thought I had been screwed: I had paid the missing $5 fare, and I was STILL on the hook for the $250 fine. Great. Maybe the judge would reduce it to $245.

So, fuming, I sent my own letter to the court, including all of my correspondence with Metrolink, and, essentially, laying out my defense. I think I sent a copy to Metrolink as well.

And, then, nothing. Christmas came and went, as did New Years and the post-New Years' hangover. Then, two days prior to the date of my hearing, I got a letter from the court.

Case dismissed, the letter said.

Now, why? I don't know. It's possible that Metrolink denied my citation appeal, pro forma, but still, as I had been told before, asked the court to dismiss my ticket. It's also possible that the judge that would have heard my case (I didn't know the name of the judge...all my letters simply went to the courthouse division dealing with my case) decided I had a point and saved me the trouble of showing up.

Though I'd love to say I convinced the judge, through the wisdom of my words, to toss my case, my guess is that Metrolink requested the dismissal. I did what they requested - paid my missing fare - and they did what they said they'd do - request a dismissal if I had no priors. The appeal, goes my thinking, was a separate process on whether the citation should have been issued in the first place. They decided it had been issued properly, so no dismissal.

Whatever the case, I ALWAYS get my ticket validated now. I've missed a few trains b/c of it, but it's worth it. Next time, I'm guessing, I'll get that fine, so I'm trying to avoid that next time.

Good luck to all of yous in similar circumstances.

Random Los Angeles Transit Minute

2008-02-13T09:31:00.001-08:00

I went to the gym last night downtown. I belong to Bally's, which happened because my lovely wife had a membership there, and I certainly didn't want to become the resident fatbody while she became increasingly toned and sleek.

The Bally's at 7th and Fig is usually pretty crowded, and last night was no exception. So crowded, in fact, that I wasn't able to get in a full workout, just 20 minutes on one of the resident elliptical machines. Still, I was sweaty, and that's a good thing. I left at around 7:15, intending to take the Red Line back to Union Station where I would catch the 7:35 p.m. Lancaster-bound Metrolink back to Burbank.

I was staring absently at the transit map in the station when I heard a male voice:

"Dan? Is your name Dan?"

As it is, I turned. Before me stood a smiling Drew Coombs, a former colleague of mine at the LA Daily Journal. With him stood a woman named Alexia, who I remembered still did work at the Daily Journal and (I believe) is Drew's girlfriend. I had not seen either of them for close to a year. It was good to see them.

We chatted briefly until my train came. What was interesting about all this was not the interaction itself - Drew and Alexia are, as always, friendly and good people - but that it happened at all. That sort of meeting used to happen to me all the time in New York -- I even ran into an ex-girlfriend from Los Angeles. It had not, until yesterday, happened here.

Maybe Los Angeles is starting to become a more cosmopolitan city, based, in large part, on the increasing number of professionals using public transit. Interesting thought, no?

Anyhow, there was a guy on the train that was carting a large mound of recyclables on a baby stroller. The cans kinda smelled, as they do, and I was glad to see him get off at Pershing Square... the next stop down the line.

I wished I had my camera, though. As he got off the train, the man pushed his cart west, giving me a clear view of the back of his t-shirt. It read "Anything To Make You Look Better."

Nice. Good on you, man. Good on you.

South Beach Diet -- Stalled

2008-02-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

OK, so I haven't written down my eating habits regarding my South Beach Diet for, well, nearly two weeks. The reason? I haven't been all that South Beachy in my eating habits. I am back up (or down, really) to 184 lbs., which is an improvement from 187. Still, it's a rather hard diet to stick to. Here's my issues:

- A good majority of my social activity involves going to see a band, going to a bar or going out to eat... and during Phase 1, you're not supposed to touch a drop of booze. This is harder than I expected.

- The recipes in the South Beach Diet book are quite good. Unfortunately, it's tough, near impossible, to make the foods required based on my 9-hour workday and hour (each way) commute. Who wants to stop by the Ralphs after such a long day... and then make food afterward? Mind you, eating whatever happened to be around is how I started to get chubby in the first place, but, man, this is also harder than I expected.

- Donna is not doing this with me. This means that all the food I make is essentially for me, either because a) it's not palatable to Donna and/or b) contains some sort of meat product (she's gone veggie in the last few months).

Still, I'll solider on. I'm essentially doing a modified version of the diet, keeping down the carbs as much as possible, eating a lot of salads, and drinking only vodka... Less sugar.

South Beach Diet, Day 6

2008-02-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Weigh-in: 183.6 lbs. (7:30 a.m.)

I'm feeling a bit sluggish this morning, possibly due to the drinks had last night. Oh well, I'll be good today. I am still loosing weight, though, which is definitely a good thing.

Breakfast:

Coffee

South Beach Diet, Day 5

2008-01-31T11:47:00.001-08:00

Weigh-In: 184.6 lbs
Gym: No

Well, maybe it was the drinks that failed to make my weight decrease. Perhaps the lack of gym-going. Who knows, yo? But, at least it hasn't increased. Tonight is going to be a challenge, as I'm moderating a panel discussion on media convergence (details at www.spj.org/losangeles) at a Chinese restaurant... Not places usually known for their low-fat, low-carb offerings. Oh well. I'll try and be good during the day, and a minimum of bad tonight.

Breakfast:

Coffee
Turkey and swiss omelets

Mid Morning

Coffee

Lunch:

1/2 lb. grilled chicken from the Farmer's Market downstairs

Salted almonds

Dinner:

2 gin gimlets

Assorted Chinese dishes, including (gulp) shrimp fried rice, lemon chicken, beef with green peppers and string beans

2 fortune cookies

After dinner:

2 vodka drinks

Daniel Evans Photography

2008-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

In my continuing (and continuous) attempt to better market myself, here's a reminder:

I am a wedding and event photographer. Check out my work at www.danevans.org or at my photoblog at danielevansphoto.wordpress.com...

If you have any photographic needs, please check out my work and give me a call at (562) 331-5516 or email daniel.j.evans(at)mac.com

Additionally, you can check out my LinkedIn profile here and my Facebook profile here...

South Beach Diet, Day 4

2008-01-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

So, I woke up a bit hungry this morning, which is fairly unusual. I have to admit, it is strange for me to go home and not pour myself a nice drink, but I am sleeping better. I don't know if that's due to a decreased alcohol intake, specifically, or to better nutrition, generally. Whatever the reason, it appears to be working.

The Weigh-In: 184.6 lbs.

Gym: No.

Whoo! So, now I'm down nearly two-and-a-half pounds from Sunday. Again, I don't know if the rapid decrease will continue, but I'm hoping so. That'll be nice.

Breakfast

Cup of Coffee (even though I was hungry, I was late, so food will have to wait for a bit)

Mid Morning

Spanish Frittata thingy
More Coffee

Lunch

Cobb Salad
Water

Dinner

Italian salad (no bread)
Two martinis
Water

After Dinner

Two string cheese sticks

South Beach Diet, Day 3

2008-01-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

So, I'm now on the third day of the South Beach Diet. I have tended to feel rather tired at night, though I think I am sleeping better... Maybe because the tiredness makes me want to go to bed earlier. Anyhow, on with the documentation:

Weigh-in: 186.2 lbs. (7:45 a.m.)

Gym: Yes. 20 minutes incline machine, ab work

This is weird to me. I have been eating well, and yet my weight has increased from yesterday. I suppose there's plenty of reasons why this could be the case (water weight, etc.), but it's still a bit discouraging. Additionally, I was pretty hungry last night and I did eat something at about 11 p.m. I know that this may lead to weight gain, as your body doesn't digest things all that well while one is sleeping.

On a random note, I have now been on hold with the South Beach Diet Online people for nearly 15 minutes. It turns out I lost my SBD book, and wanted to see if I could get a few recipes online... Well, it turns out the best place online is the South Beach Diet Online. They offer a free seven day trial of the site...

The site seems pretty good, I'll admit. However, the price they want for it, $65 a quarter (at $5 a week), is way too much... Especially since the actual book will run you all of $15. Additionally, the cost of the online program is buried at the bottom of the "FREE TRIAL" button.

I'll let you all know how it turns out. Wish me luck.

Breakfast

Piece spinach frittata
Cup Coffee

Lunch

Cheesy Tuna & Bean Soup (yeah, I know, but it tastes better than it sounds... won't be making it again, though.)
Salad with Grilled Chicken
Water
Fat Free Pudding Cup

Snack

Half of a proferred cream puff (whoops... but, as they say, admit your mistakes and sin no more) It was probably no more than 200 calories, anyhow. I hope.

Dinner

More Soup
Chicken Breast
Pudding Cup
Crystal Light

Craigslist Ad O'The Day (Burbank Edition)

2008-01-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

WTF? View in its original glory at here...

Reply to:xxxx
Date: 2008-01-28, 4:33PM PST

1994 COCA COLA WORLD CUP 6-PACK

{Coca-Cola Commemorative 8 Oz. Bottles.(ARGENTINA)}

FULL 6-PACK WITH CARRIER

MINT CONDITION-NEVER OPENED

BOTTLES WITH COKE STILL IN THEM.

JOHN OR JOANNE xxxxxx

South Beach Diet, Day 2

2008-01-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

Starting Weight (7:30 a.m.): 185.8 lbs.

Gym: No.

Whoo! It's already working. Still, I'm betting that my weight loss will not continue at this clip for too long. Nice to get that immediate affirmation, though. I am noticing that I tend to get hungry during the late afternoon and evening, though. Since the whole philosophy of the South Beach Diet is to NOT go hungry, I may have to pack a few more string cheeses and/or pudding cups.

Damnit, it's hard not to snack on those cookies my office peeps bring around. Very hard.

Breakfast

- Slice Spinach Frittata
- Cup Coffee

Mid-Morning

- Two String Cheeses
- Cup Coffee

Lunch

- Pre-Packaged Chief Salad (Lettuce, Ham, Turkey, Dressing)
- Water
- Fat Free Pudding Cup

Dinner

- Piece Spinach Frittata
- Bowl Broccoli Soup
- Fat Free Pudding Cup

Late Night
- Four string cheeses
- Two spoonfuls peanut butter

South Beach Diet, Day 1 (Sunday)

2008-01-28T16:51:00.000-08:00

As part of my goat to slim down to 170 lbs. by my birthday (if you want to send a card, it's March 31), I am exercising more (two to three times a week) and eating better. And, to facilitate my intake, I am going to be using the touted (or scorned, depending who you ask) South Beach Diet.

Donna and I used this diet about a year ago. It seemed to work, but for a few logistical issues, and we both lost a few unwanted pounds. Since then, Donna has been going to the gym far more regularly than I have and has been watching her food intake. I have been learning web design and eating Cheetos.

As a result, I need to get back on the South Beach wagon while she does not. So it goes.

As a way of keeping myself honest, I will be writing down my food intake, exercise regimen and reporting my daily weigh-ins. Why? Why not. You're reading it, right?

Day One - Sunday

The first part of the South Beach Diet (the so-called Phase 1) is the hardest. You are severely restricted in the foods you can eat. You need to avoid all bread products, cereals, potatoes, carrots, fruits (and fruit juices), sweets and booze. You eat lots of eggs, chicken, lean beef, salads, beans and fish. The recipes listed in the South Beach book are actually quite tasty. The biggest problem is time. I don't know about you, but the reason I eat Life in the morning instead of eggs and bacon is that the latter takes a hell of a lot longer to make, eat and clean up.

Also, when you work downtown (as I do), you lunchtime options do not tend towards the breadless and low-fat, but rather towards the starchy and the fried. This means having to pack a lunch each day, another time issue. Maybe I'm just lazy. I do like to cook, but I'm generally so tired and hungry by the end of the day that I just want to stuff something in the ole pie hole and be done with it... Either that or eat out. (That I've gained a few extra pounds comes as no particular surprise.)

Anyhow, here's what I ate yesterday.

Sunday, Jan. 27

Starting Weight (at 11 a.m.) : 187.0 lbs.

Gym: Yes. 20 minutes stairmaster, ab work, arms

Breakfast:

- Three poached eggs
- Lettuce
- Three slices cheese
- Three slices turkey breast

No Lunch

Dinner

- Bowl Cheesy Broccoli Soup
- Small Chicken Breast
- Two String Cheese sticks
- Fat Free Pudding Cup

After Dinner

- Fat Free Pudding Cup

Response from US Air...

2008-01-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

This, as it turns out, happened a couple of days ago. In fact, US Air responded to my complaint approximately three hours after I emailed it. Pretty amazing, though they did spell my last name "Evens." Oh well. Still pretty cool:

Dear Mr. Evens,
On behalf of US Airways and the entire Customer Relations team, please accept our sincere apology for the travel difficulties you experienced. Your concerns have been thoroughly documented and your comments have been shared with the appropriate management teams to help us improve our service.
To convey our apologies we have authorized two $200.00 Electronic Travel With Us Vouchers as a gesture of goodwill, in hopes you will allow US Airways another opportunity to regain your confidence. Your E-TUV is valid toward the purchase of travel on US Airways. Please be advised the E-TUV is not valid with Internet bookings. The E-TUV must be redeemed one year from the date of this letter. In addition, please take a moment to read the terms and conditions listed below to receive the full benefit of this compensation. When you are ready to make your future travel arrangements, please call our Reservations Department at 1-800-428-4322 and provide the ETV code listed below.
We know that you have many choices when it comes to traveling these days and we would like to say thank you for choosing US Airways.
Sincerely,
US Airways Customer Relations
Corporate Office
rn

Houston Trip!

2008-01-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

So, Donna and I went to Houston to visit her friends (and bridesmaids) Jill and Meredith. Good times, my friends, good times. We saw a very weird art exhibit featuring stuffed (i.e. taxidermy) and be-sweatered squirrels and deer in Galveston, watched my beloved Chargers flail against the damned Patriots, and drank much Shiner Bock.

The airline travel, however, was far from awesome. We took US Air, a carrier that I cannot recommend and may, someday, strongly discourage others from taking. It all comes down to how they respond to my complaint letter (below). I'll keep you all updated.

To Whom it May Concern:

I traveled with my wife, Donna Huffaker, to Houston to celebrate her birthday over the MLK holiday weekend. I choose US Air, despite rarely having used your carrier in the past, due to its reputation and excellent prices. Unfortunately, we were disappointed – nearly from the beginning – with surly and inattentive service.

Upon arrival at LAX for our outbound flight to IAH , we were told by a ticket clerk that we would not be able to make our plane due to the long security line. I’m not exactly sure why this woman (whose name, I’m sad to say, I do not know) kept repeating “You’re not going to make it,” but it did not bode well for our experience with US Air. As it turns out, we made the flight in plenty of time.

All went well until it came time for us to return from Houston. Though our plane pulled back from the gate a few minutes early, we sat on the tarmac for 30-40 minutes waiting to takeoff. As a result, we landed in Phoenix significantly later than scheduled. This, I want to stress, is not my complaint. It is not US Air’s fault that the plane was held by traffic control in Houston. It is not, then, US Air’s fault that the plane arrived late in Phoenix.

However, I believe US Air personnel could have – and should have – conducted themselves differently upon on arrival in Phoenix. That, I believe, is US Air’s fault.

Here’s what happened. (Times are approximate. You may be able to gauge things more accurately via flight records.) We arrived at the gate in Phoenix at 10:40 p.m. Our connecting flight to LAX had a scheduled departure of 10:54 p.m.

I asked the flight attendant whether we would be able to make our connecting flight. “Depends on how fast you run,” she replied, shrugging. I asked if our connecting flight was the last one leaving for LAX that night. She responded it was. I asked if it was possible to let the gate agent for our LAX flight know we were coming. She said it was not possible. (This, by the way, doesn’t sound correct. I have to believe there is a way for an airplane, prior to reaching the gate, to make contact with the gate agents, if only for safety reasons.)

Mind you, I had the ability to ask all these questions for two reasons. We had the fortune to have the front seats of the plane and the misfortunate of having to wait nearly 10 minutes for the jetway driver to make it to our plane. By the time we made it off the plane, the arrival/departure monitor stated that our connecting flight had already left.

Despite a delay caused by the jetway driver and an obstinate refusal by the flight attendant to let our connecting flight know we were coming, we were told that US Air would not be paying for a hotel room. The reason? The delay was not the result of human error, but due to “weather issues coming from Houston.”

I beg to differ. Our luggage made our originally scheduled flight, so I can see no reason why we could not have as well but for the simply outrageous behavior of US Air personnel.

Adding insult to injury, we also received poor advice from Custom Relations as to available hotel rooms. (The number on the blue “Distressed Traveler” slip connected us to a room 10 miles away, $99 a night, and no airport shuttle service.) Fortunately, we ran into a stranded JetBlue flight attendant who clued us into a $65/night room with airport service.

Because of all this, I am requesting that I be reimbursed for the cost of the hotel room, which, with tax, came to $74.15. (A copy of the receipt can be made available, if you wish.) Without some sort of consideration, I do have to warn, I will not likely be considering US Air for any of my future travel.

Thank you for your time.

Yours,

Daniel Evans

The First Post of the Year!!

2008-01-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, verily, it has been quite a while since I last blogged. I would say life has been hectic (when isn't it?) or that I had nothing to write (this has yet to happen), but the sad truth is that I've just been overfed, over-liquored, and under-slept.

So, then, let's work backwards: the annual NYE bash was held at Chateau Evans (Burbank edition) to much merriment, eating, drinking and a wicked hangover. Seriously. Donna, my buddy Nelson, his girlfriend Kelly, Lindsey and I didn't get up until about 5 p.m. It was ugly. Each year I forget not to do this, and each year I don't feel human until Jan. 3. So it goes.

A week prior, I got my eyes zapped via LASER at LasikFirst in Hawthorne. Hawthorne, if you're not from Los Angeles, is a up-and-coming (read: seedy) burg near LAX. LasikFirst is, I believe, the cheapest laser eye treatment in the county, costing a mere $999 for both eyes. It may also be in one of the most ghetto medical facilities in the county.

If you get past the scratch-graffiti on the front door and elevator, past the fifth-floor toilet that blinks like a prop in a low-budget horror flick, past the weird prospect of having surgery with 100 other people on the same day (performed by the same surgeon!), than LasikFirst is for you.

Now, it may sound like I'm bashing the place. I'm actually not. They are helpful, professional, honest and, from my experience, pretty good at what they do. There is a reason why they cost a half-to-a-third less than EVERYONE else, though.

Several people have written asking for an update on the laser-eye thing. So, in the interest of satisfying my, literally, dozens of readers (hi Dad!), here's the zap-by-zap account of my experience with the good people at LasikFirst.

I wake at 5 a.m., feeling rather anxious. I have to be in Hawthorne at 7:30 a.m., nearly 40 miles from Burbank, so it's not that weird that I'm up. Still, I can't sleep. It's really not every day you get your eyes worked on, and my mind starts racing: what happens if they fuck up, and this is the last day I see ANYTHING?!

In the interest of relieving my anxiety, and giving Donna, who driving me to the doctor, another hour-plus to sleep, I get up and make coffee. (This, I'll admit, sounds weird. If you're anxious, why the hell would you drink coffee? Still, it works, maybe by overloading the anxiety chemicals and pushing them over to the calm... Well, probably not. Still, it seems to work.)

Soon enough, though, the appointed hour rolls along and Donna and I make our way south to Hawthorne. I'm driving with my glasses, the last time (I hope) that I'll be doing so. Suddenly, there it is: a eight-story glass and concrete building down the street from a dirt mall and a used car lot. Now, I was at this building not too long ago for my free consultation and sales pitch, so the building and neighborhood is not a shock. Donna, however, is a bit aghast.

"Huh," she says. "This is it?"

Any final spousal warning, however, is overshadowed by Donna's overpowering need to sleep, which she plans on doing in the car while waiting for me. (She later tells me she felt very bad about this, feeling like she was abandoning me in my hour of anxiety... But, as you'll see, there was no room for her upstairs anyhow.)

So, onward I go. Thought it is 7:30 a.m., the appointed time, the front door is locked, and I have to gain egress via the parking lot in the back. Classy.

In the lobby are several bespeckled people, all of whom (I assume) are there for surgery. I, though, being me, ask one, and get an affirmative, if somewhat nervous, nod. We pile into the elevator (tastefully decorated with graffiti) and head up to the fifth floor. Upon arrival, I am surprised (though not exactly shocked) to see that people are already spilling out of the front door. A sign on the front request that all non-patients wait someplace else, and still, there is not enough room for everyone.

Despite the large group, I am called to a secondary waiting room only a few minutes after announcing myself. There, the wait begins. I and seven other souls sit and stare at one another for a time, occasionally making small talk, but mostly attempting to focus on "The Pacifier," an extraordinarily lame Vin Diesel vehicle, running on continuous loop.

Conversation, though, does begin amongst us patients once the nurses bring in the drugs. Yes, friends, all this and a Valium. One of the dudes, a muscled guy with close-cropped hair and, suddenly blurts out:

"You guys nervous? Huh? Huh?"

A little, a few people respond.

"Yeah, me too. I keep wondering what'll happen if they fuck it up."

A few icy glares. He fails to notice.

"You guys feeling the drugs? I think I feel dizzy. Whoa. Yeah, definitely."

Fortunately, before he can further elaborate on his feelings of worry and Valium, a the surgeon comes in to explain how the surgery is going to work. The whole process takes about five minutes, she said, and does not hurt, though you will feel pressure on your eye.

Good enough. A few minutes later, a nurse comes by and takes the first of our group off to surgery. Sure enough, five minutes later, we see him being led out of the room to the recovery area.

Then, for what seems like an eternity, I wait. For whatever reason, I am one of the last in our group. Then it is my turn.

As advertised, the whole thing takes about five minutes. It does not hurt and, but for the pressure on the eye, I felt nearly nothing. There are two relatively creepy things about it, however. First, when the device goes over your cornea it makes a little whirling sound which sounds a touch like a dentist drill... Then, like magic, you see the little clear flap of your eye being lifted off. Thoughts of "oh my god, they're drilling my eyeball" go through your head.

Second, after the corneal flap is lifted, the laser part begins. Again, this does not hurt. However, you can see tiny smoke tendrils floating above your eye. Yeah, that's part of your eye going up in smoke. Weird.

Afterward, I was led to a small, dark room where another nurse put a shield on my eyes and dark glasses. They called Donna, who, refreshed from her nap, took me to the car. I finished up by about 10:30 a.m.

So, there you go. Immediately following the surgery, and for a couple of days afterward, my eyes were very sensitive to light. Additionally, my eyes still get tired fairly quickly. However, as this is only the week-anniversary (weekiversary?) of the deed, I'm told this is well within normal ranges. I also need to keep eye drops around, as my eyes also tend to dry out. I also understand, however, that this will fade in another week or so.

But, then, the upshot: did it work? Yes. My vision is not perfect, however. I believe it is about 20/25 during the day and 20/30 at night. I'm told that my vision will continue to get clearer as my eyes fully heal, and, certainly, my eyes have gotten better in only the week since the surgery.

And what did I think of LasikFirst? A harder question. The $999 for both eyes is certainly a good deal. The surgeon is very friendly (for the 10 minutes, total, I spent with her), and the staff is helpful and kind, despite the hoards of people that tromp through the facility on semi-weekly basis.

However, as mentioned above, the building is a bit ghetto. I do understand keeping costs down, but, man, the state of that building is atrocious. Also, I thought it a little weird that I got asked about "lifetime insurance" (at a low, low cost of $149 per eye) on the day of surgery. Basically, they claim that up to five percent of all patients will need a touch-up at some point in their lives. If you sign up for this lifetime deal, you can get this done for free. If not, you'll pay whatever the going rate happens to be.

This seemed like a bad deal to me for a couple of reasons. First, paying $300 to insure a $1,000 product seems waaaaay steep. (By way of comparison, I pay about $300/yr for a $1 million liability insurance policy for my photography biz.) Second, when pressed, the staff said that nearly all touch-up operations occur within the first two years following surgery, and, unless I heard incorrectly, all needed touch-ups or post-op work within the first year is free anyhow. So, you're basically paying $300 for the slim chance that you'll need something done after the first year.

Third, I kinda feel that if something goes wrong, or the doctor messed up my eyes (or some combination therein), there's no way in hell I'd go back to the same doctor.

And, finally, I got wigged out by the fact it was sprung on me on the day of my surgery, which made me feel pressured into doing something I didn't need to do.

On the whole, though, I've been impressed with the surgery and follow-up care. Good times.

Metrolink Citation...Update!!

2007-12-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

So, how about this for fast service: I received a call this morning from Jackie Cosby at Metrolink regarding my citation appeal. She said that I needed to provide a check to Metrolink for the cost of the one-way ride between Burbank and Union Station -- that is, five bucks. Once she received that, Cosby said she would look to see if I had any other citations (I don't), and assuming that I didn't, she would recommend that my case be dismissed.

She said that it is ultimately the judge's call whether to dismiss my case or not. However, 98 percent of the time (her estimation), the case is dismissed if Metrolink requests it. Very nice.

The Burbank Follower

2007-12-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

CAR CRASH TRAPS TWO
A car overturned early this morning on I-5 near the Buena Vista Street off-ramp. Two occupants were briefly trapped, but both will apparently be OK. AP. MyFoxLA. KNBC. Leader. (Leader article weirldy states the accident occured Saturday... Breaking news about the future! I love it!)

***Update*** Leader says they'll fix the problem.

Metrolink Citation...

2007-12-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

So, as I mentioned before, I got a ticket for fare evasion in November. I couldn't find my ticket when the conductor asked for it, so he gave me a citation. Sigh. This happened on Nov. 15, and since that time, I have not received the usual courtesy notice informing me of the details of my violation, my rights under the law, etc. (On a side note, does "courtesy notice" seem like a misnomer to anyone else? Courtesy would be a dismissal of this damned ticket... but I digress.)

The reason, I believe, I have not gotten my official notice is because the conductor wrote down my address incorrectly.... Very incorrectly. When I asked, via Metrolink's customer service email system, how I could find out details of my citation absent such a notice, was told that I needed to simply show up at court on the state stated on the ticket. All questions would be answered at that time.

The anonymous Metrolink response also told me that I could formally request that Metrolink dismiss its complaint against me. I have done so, and the results of that letter are pasted below. My understanding is that I will receive a response within 10 business days. When I get it, I'll share it with y'all. Wish me luck!

Daniel Evans
xxxx
Burbank, CA 91506

Metrolink-Customer Service
Attn: Citation Appeals
700 S. Flower St., Ste. 2600
Los Angeles, CA 90017-4104

December 6, 2007

RE: Citation #C001633

VIA FAX & US MAIL

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Daniel Evans, and I am writing to formally appeal the issuance of the above numbered citation. As requested, I have enclosed a copy of the citation, as well as documentation I believe will be helpful in your determination of this matter.

To date, I have no received any information from the court on this matter. The reason for this, I believe, rests in part of the carelessness and inattentiveness of the citing authority. In particular, the following details about my person are incorrect (please refer to the attached copy of my driver’s license):

- My address is xxx N. xxxx Pl, Burbank not xxx N. xxxx Pl., Burbank
- My eyes are blue, not brown
- I hold a CM1 license, not an M1 license

I believe the above details make the citation itself suspect, and subject to further scrutiny by your agency.

I am a regular rider of Metrolink, as can be shown by the attached copy of bank statements. Since late October 2007, I have purchased 10-trip tickets from Burbank to LA Union Station on the following dates: Oct. 25, Nov. 6, Nov. 11 and Dec. 4. When the conductor asked for a copy of my ticket on Nov. 15, I was unable to produce it because I had misplaced it. In fact, it is still lost.

Because of the above factors, I respectfully request that citation #C001633 be dismissed. I am clearly a regular rider, and one that regularly pays his fare. In addition, the errors on the citation itself make it legally suspect.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours,

Daniel Evans

The Burbank Follower

2007-12-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

DAILY NEWS TAKE ON HOMELESS SHELTER
The Valley paper follows The Leader on the homeless shelter story. Daily News.

BLOG FOR AND BY THE HOMELESS
LA's Homeless Blog, not surprisingly, also has a take on the whole Burbank shelter issue. Other takes: Glendale News-Press, Glendale Church of Christ.

AND REMEMBER...
I am a professional photographer, specializing in weddings, events, product photography and all sorts of nifty stuff. Click here to see my website, and here to see my photoblog. Thanks for visiting, and please keep me in mind for any of your photo needs! www.danevans.org * danielevansphoto.wordpress.com

The Burbank Follower

2007-12-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

12-YEAR-OLD POST RESPONSE TO AUSTIN COOK TRAGEDY
Middle-schooler Megan McKenna posts her thoughts about Austin Cook, the Burbank pre-teen who died during a school running exercise last month. McKenna thinks that the obsession with childhood health may have, in part, caused the tragedy. Daily News.

BURBANKBUS RIDERSHIP UP
Ridership is apparently at record levels for BurbankBus. Leader.

HOMELESS SHELTER TO BE OPENED
The City Council votes, 4-0, to open the Burbank Armoy to the homeless. Councilman David Gordon absteins, saying he wishes he had more time to analyze the potential impact. Would that analysis occur in your warm bed, Mr. Gordan? Leader. Not everyone is happy about this decision. Leader letter.

Not Too Much News Today...

2007-12-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

There doesn't seem to be all that much going on in good ole Burbank today (or, rather, yesterday). A lack of news has never stopped this blog from sallying forth, however, so here's a few of the things on my mind currently:

Lasik: I'm quite tired of wearing glasses. I have an appointment this Saturday to check out one of the many and varied Lasik surgery centers. It's called LasikFirst in Hawthorne. Has anyone out there heard about them? The most attractive thing about them, so far, is that they want $999 for the surgery, while other places seem to be charging twice or three times that amount. I don't necessarily want to go on the cheap for my eyes, but I don't exactly want to pay more than necessary, either.

Also, since I am a photographer (check out my work at www.danevans.org or my photoblog), I wonder whether or not having the lasik surgery done would be tax deductible. I think I'll have to call my tax guy and find out. Seems like a reasonable question.

Shopping: I'm trying to figure out what the hell to get people for Christmas. Donna has already (and repeatedly) said that she doesn't want to spend too much, as she's going to be taking off much of next year and part of 2009 to complete her teaching credential. To me, 2009 seems waaay too far in advance to be worried about, but I do have to say she is probably right to be thinking ahead.

Still, this leaves me in a quandary. How much to spend? On whom? For what? Hey, I didn't say this post was going to be interesting. I'm just trying to write in it more often, if only to get the cobwebs out of my brain.

Amtrak Follow Up

2007-12-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I was required, much to my chagrin, to purchase an additional set of tickets after losing my non-transferable Amtrak tickets. Details of that debacle can be found here.

I shot off a letter to Amtrak requesting a refund of the double-purchased tickets, arguing that, since no one besides me could use the tickets, it made little sense for me to purchase another set. To be honest, I had no expectation that this would go anywhere. I mean, I did lose the tickets. Life sucks, get a helmet.

But less than 48 hours after filing my online complaint, I received a phone call from Amtrak customer support. After verifying that I had, indeed, purchased two sets of tickets, the service rep told me that I would receive a voucher for future travel equal to the cost of the unused tickets. Very nice. I am quite impressed. Good job Amtrak. Good job indeed.

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

BURBANK 11-YEAR-OLD COLLAPSES FOLLOWING RUN, DIES
Austin Anthony Cook died Thursday after running less than a lap around the track at John Muir Middle School. The 11-year-old was described as athletic and in excellent health by school officials. LAT. Leader. AP. Daily News. ABC7. CBS2. KNBC.

NON-WRITER STAFFERS LAID OFF
Numerous non-writer workers of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" have been laid off. Sigh. I guess the strike is starting to hit home for A LOT of people now. San Fernando Biz Journal.

EDITOR OF TOLUCAN TIMES AND CANYON CRIER STIRS THE POT
Sandy Sand posts her thoughts about the Sudanese "Muhammed the Teddy Bear" imbroglio and gets a grip of venom for her trouble. (Her bio doesn't make it clear whether she is the current or former editor of the Tolucan Times. The newspaper's website is no help.) OpEd News.

Amtrak Complaint

2007-11-27T14:07:00.001-08:00

Here's a copy of the letter I sent to Amtrak... Let's see what happens.

---

Daniel Evans
xxxxx
Burbank, CA 91506

Amtrak
Los Angeles Union Station
810 North Alameda, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012

RE: Double Payment of Fare

November 27, 2007

To Whom It May Concern:

I, along with my wife, recently traveled to Solana Beach from Los Angeles Union Station for the Thanksgiving holiday. We took the 4:10 p.m. train out of Los Angeles and arrived in Solana Beach at 6:18 p.m., exactly on time.

After leaving the train, but before the train had left the station, I realized that I had left my ticket in the seatback. I went back to retrieve it, but was advised by a Amtrak conductor that the train would likely continue on to San Diego before I would be able to retrieve the tickets and re-exit the train. However, he said he would tell the crew that my tickets were onboard, and that I would, hopefully, be able to pick them up at the train’s terminus.

This did not happen. I find it outrageous that I could not have been give the 30 seconds necessary to retrieve my tickets – especially with the conductor radioing the crew as to my predicament – or, failing this, that the crew did not find my ticket. Further, I am disappointed that I had to purchase an additional set of tickets despite being told – both during the initial purchase and the second purchase – that my signature ensured no one by my wife and myself could use the tickets.

As such, I believe I should be refunded the price paid for the second set of tickets, $54. Here is the information regarding the trips:

11-23 DEBIT PURCHASE Nov23 07:34p xxxx

AT 19:34 AMTRAK xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx $ 54.00

11-20 DEBIT PURCHASE

AMTRAK xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx $ 114.00

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Daniel Evans

Thanksgiving Holiday

2007-11-27T11:57:00.000-08:00

I, it seems, may have bad train luck. This time, instead of getting caught for not having a ticket, I had to buy TWO sets of tickets because I lost 'em. Brother.

Donna and I headed down to San Diego for our booze-free Thanksgiving (more on that later, perhaps). She met me at Union Station after work, and the two of us merrily hopped on the southbound Amtrak. All went well until our stop in Solana Beach. I left our return tickets in the seat back, realizing it only after stepping off the train.

The train was still at the station, but the doors would have closed before I could have jumped on, found my seat and retrieved the tickets. Though a conductor promised the crew would be looking for them, they were nary to be found. AND, though I had a reservation number which, I was told, ensured that no one besides Donna and I could use the tickets, I had to purchase a second set.

This seems very strange to me. So, in the interest of seeing what happens, I'm going to write a letter to Amtrak seeking a refund of my double-purchased tickets. Maybe, just maybe, someone will see things my way. Maybe.

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

WOMAN CAUGHT IN $10K CON
Burbank police said a North Hollywood woman was convinced to give two Spanish speaking women$10,000 who claimed they had just won the lottery. Ur, if they just won the lottery, why did they need $10,000? Leader.

SHELTER GIVES THE BIRD
The Burbank Temporary Aid Center is giving out loads of turkeys for the holiday. Leader.

BISTRO PROVENCE, BURBANK
Reviewed on Chowhound by Das Ubergeek. Great name.

AND REMEMBER...
I am a professional photographer, specializing in weddings, events, product photography and all sorts of nifty stuff. Click here to see my website, and here to see my photoblog. Thanks for visiting, and please keep me in mind for any of your photo needs! www.danevans.org * danielevansphoto.wordpress.com

Thanksgiving Break...

2007-11-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

Donna and I are headed down to San Diego for Thanksgiving. Good times to be had, good times. However, I will not be updating this blog until we get back on Sunday... And, as you may notice, I am a bit spotty about updates during the weekend.

Have a great holiday!

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

MORE AIRPORT DELAYS
This time, the fog has delayed flights out of the Los Angeles and Long Beach airports. I heard on KNX this morning that some flights out of Bob Hope are also delayed, but I can't seem to find it anywhere online. AP.
**Update** Flights are apparently operating normally in Burbank.

BURBANK AND PASADENA SUPERVISING JUDGE KEEPS POST
Coleman A. Swart, supervising judge of the Pasadena and Burbank judicial districts, will remain in his position, Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Stephen Czuleger said yesterday. The announcement was part of a larger discussion of the management team for the county court system, which remains largely intact. MetNews.

HOW TO HIDE A FACTORY...
Nifty photos from the WW2 era. The Model Hanger.

GLENDALE'S HOMELESS MAY BE HOUSED IN BURBANK
A Glendale homeless advocacy group is looking into housing the city's homeless at the Burbank armory. The Glendale Housing Coalition had been using the city's National Guard Amory, but decided is unable (or unwilling?) to use it this winter. Burbank Mayor Marsha Ramos said her city would do whatever it could to help its neighbor. Glendale News-Press.

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

FLIGHTS DELAYED IN BURBANK
Heavy fog delayed or cancelled dozens of flights out of Burbank's Bob Hope Airport this morning. Planes began taking off again at 9 a.m. LAT. LAist. Useful flight info from the FAA and Burbank Airport regarding the delays. Good luck to everyone.

LOS ANGELES CITY TAXPAYERS PAY MORE THAN HALF THE COST FOR DEVELOPER PERMITS...
...But Burbank taxpayers pay even more. Burbank is not the focus of the Daily News article, but it sure is interesting. Hmm.

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

JOHN EDWARDS TO WALK STRIKE LINE
The Democratic presidential candidate said he plans on joining the striking writers on the picket line outside NBC's Burbank studios today. KNBC. RealClearPolitics.

...AND MITT ROMNEY TALKS TO BURBANKERS
The Republican hopeful held at a "Ask Mitt Anything" town hall-style meeting in Burbank on Thursday. LAT. New York Sun. AP.

A WRITER'S LEVEL VIEW OF THE STRIKE
By, well, a writer. A Writer's Life.

Metrolink Woes

2007-11-15T11:38:00.001-08:00

So, this very fine morning, I was running late. This is not a particularly unusual occurrence. I drove into the downtown Burbank Metrolink lot just as the 8:08 a.m. train arrived. I hustled out of the car, and jumped on the train.

I failed to validate my 10-trip ticket. Oops. I figured that if the conductor came around, I would simply explain the situation, he would write in the time and date, and all would be fine. (This had happened on a prior occasion, though that time was due to a failure of the ticket validator, instead of a failure of the ticket holder.)

I had bought a 10-tripper a week ago. It should have been in my wallet. It was not. Tickets are very rarely checked between Burbank and Union Station. Today, however, tickets were checked. I was given a ticket.

Damnit.

I feel foolish, truly. I really thought my ticket was in my wallet. I'm hoping I can get some sort of reduction in the fine by showing the judge that I did, in fact, own a ticket, even if I couldn't show it to the conductor at the time in question.

Maybe some of you out there can give me some advice... Has anyone been through this? Does anyone know the fine? I've tried to do some research, but, so far, I haven't turned up anything definitive. Word is the fine is about $250, but that's the MTA fine, so I think people may be confused. I suppose they could be the same fine, though. Ugh.

Anyhow, that's my day so far. It'll get better, seeing as it has to.

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

YES, VIRGINA, THEY DO SERVE BEER AT WIENERSCHNITZEL
I had seen the Budweiser sign myself a few times, but never thought to blog about it. And, damnit, now it's been done. The Burbank Der Wienerschnitzel is one of the few fast food joints to serve suds, but, as it turns out, not the only one. Two Carl's Jr. downtown serve the sweet brew. Read about it at LAist.

GANG SWEEP
Los Angeles police officers and FBI agents arrested 70 or so gang members early Thursday morning. The sweep of the El Salvadorian gang, known as MS-13, primarily focused on the Hollywood and Rampart districts of Los Angeles, but also focused on activities and members in Lawndale, Burbank and Huntington Park. LAT.

RANDOM BURBANK ART...
...Provided by a blogger named "Dankrail." Sketch Book Drawings.

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

WEIRD AND/OR AMUSING (WEIRDLY AMUSING?) POLICE BLOTTER LOGS...
From the Burbank Leader:

300 block of North San Fernando Boulevard: A 16-year-old was arrested Monday for allegedly challenging an Urban Outfitters store employee to a fight.

2300 block of Hollywood Way: A 32-year-old Glendale man was arrested by Fry’s store security Friday after he allegedly tried to steal an Xbox game valued at about $20.

What do you think the Urban Outfitter near-fisticuffs was about? Do you think the words "poseur" or "douche bag" were involved? Seems likely. Also, I didn't think you could buy an Xbox game for $20...theft of the sale rack, eh?

TRAFFIC STUDY
The City Council has set aside a cool quarter-million to study traffic issues in Burbank. The streets to be studied include (but are hopefully not limited to) Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way. How about that ugliness at Victory and Burbank? Leader.

AND IN RELATED NEWS...
The council voted in a measure that makes it easier for itself to make residential streets permit-only or permit-restricted parking. Now let's see if they use that new found muscle. Leader.

PIZZA AGAIN A LA CARTE IN BURBANK HIGH SCHOOLS
An ill thought out and lesser regarded policy requiring Burbank high schoolers to purchase an apple and a carton of milk along with their slice of Domino's has been tossed. The teens no longer get brand-name pizza (which always tasted like wet cardboard to me), but they can buy their cafeteria-made slice a la carte. Leader.

LOPEZ SWINGS FOR...UR, ON...VICTORY
Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez checks in with the formerly homeless violin virtuoso Nathaniel Anthony Ayers. The two hang out and take batting practice at the Batcade on Victory Blvd. LAT.

CAN'T BUY ME LOVE, BUT YOU CAN BUY ME LUNCH
Celebrities are sending the striking WGA writers food on the picket line. Leno started the trend with boxes of Krispy Kreme last week, and the food just keeps coming. LAT.

REMEMBRANCES OF LOST LOVE
...And the fact Burbank dive bars don't check ID. A Girl and Her Blog.

AND REMEMBER...
I am a professional photographer, specializing in weddings, events, product photography and all sorts of nifty stuff. Click here to see my website, and here to see my photoblog. Thanks for visiting, and please keep me in mind for any of your photo needs! www.danevans.org * danielevansphoto.wordpress.com

Black Diamond Love..

2007-11-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

So, it's kinda a funny name, and I still have no real idea as to how they came up with it, but...

They are a super cool band, good peoples, excellent sound, and good fun. Of course, it helps that my buddy Jeff (who was my best man) is the kick arse bassist. I took some photos of them last night, and I think a few of 'em actually came out. I'll post a few more later. Check out their MySpace link here.

The studio space, somewhere in the wilds of North Hollywood, is a trip. It's at the end of an industrial court, looking all the world like the beginning of a budget horror film. In fact, given this IS Los Angeles, I wouldn't be surprised to find that the area has been used as a location for a horror film. The website for the rehearsal space, here, doesn't do the weirdness of the area nearly enough credit... But then again, they do want people to rent the studios, and it would hardly do to freak them out prior to their arrival.

Check out the photos by clicking on my other blog, Daniel Evans Photo. Enjoy!

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

BURBANK CONNECTION TO OJ
Like there was some doubt that our fair berg wouldn't have SOMEONE involved in that mess. Well, that someone is Alfred Beardsley, one of two sports memorabilia dealers allegedly robbed by da' Juice. Beardsley, arrested shortly after the Las Vegas incident on a (presumably) unrelated parole violation, was transfered to Nevada authorities yesterday to testify at Simpson's preliminary hearing. FoxNews.

TAKE YOUR KIDS TO PICKET DAY
Striking writers took advantage of the Veteran's Day holiday to take the their tykes to the picket line outside Disney. I guess the idea is that Mickey hates mommies and daddies. Oi. Daily News.

AND REMEMBER...
I am a professional photographer, specializing in weddings, events, product photography and all sorts of nifty stuff. Click here to see my website, and here to see my photoblog. Thanks for visiting, and please keep me in mind for any of your photo needs! www.danevans.org * danielevansphoto.wordpress.com

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

MUSIC AT THE BURBANK LIBRARY TUES
According to the Daily News: "The Muses will perform Celtic music, 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Burbank Central Library, 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd. and 7 p.m. Thursday at the Buena Vista Branch Library, 300 N. Buena Vista St. Admission is free. For more information, call 818-238-5610 or see www.burbanklibrary.com." Nifty.

VET DAY SCHEDULES
Also according to the Daily News:

GOVERNMENT: Federal, state, county and city offices, courts, libraries and animal shelters will be closed.

MAIL: The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail.

SCHOOLS: Schools will be closed.

TRANSIT: Buses and subway services in Los Angeles will run on a regular schedule as will Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita, Ventura County Dial-a-Route buses and Metrolink trains.

BANKS: Banks will be closed. Financial markets will be open.

TRASH: Trash pickup will be on a regular schedule in Los Angeles, Burbank and Glendale.

STORES: Most malls and supermarkets will be open.

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

ONE BENEFIT OF COMING FROM IOWA...
...Is that your local newspaper writes an article about you getting a part in an independent film. I'm guessing it was filmed in Burbank, giving that's the dateline of the article, but the story does not make it clear. The Daily Nonpareil.

AND CONTINUING OUR MIDWEST COVERAGE...
The South Bend Tribune does a profile of a Notre Dame graduate who now works at NBC. South Bend Tribune.

PHOTO BLOGGER
Checks out the Burbank flora. LA Thing.

AND AN UPDATE FROM THE STRIKE LINES...
The "United Hollywood" blog posts some updates regarding strike locales and assignments. Not that fascinating, unless, of course, you're part of the strike. What did strike my funny bone, though, was a recitation of the following:

...The numbers of picketers increased each day last week from 3,029 on Monday to 3,262 on Thursday, while the rally on Friday brought out over 4,000.

Guild staff: "Week Two will be a test. The AMPTP expects us to crumble this week."

Well, what do we think of that? WILL WE CRUMBLE?

Rousing cry from crowd: "THAT SEEMS DECIDEDLY UNLIKELY!"

Ahh, writers. Good luck to you. United Hollywood.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE
My buddy Myk is in New York City celebrating his birthday. Happy birthday, big guy!

AND REMEMBER...
I am a professional photographer, specializing in weddings, events, product photography and all sorts of nifty stuff. Click here to see my website, and here to see my photoblog. Thanks for visiting, and please keep me in mind for any of your photo needs! www.danevans.org * danielevansphoto.wordpress.com

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

BURBANK VOTING QUESTIONS
A random person asks a random question about whether Burbank citizens are, in fact, citizens of the city of Los Angeles. No. Jeez. Answer Questions.

BAGGAGE FACILITY APPROVED
A Burbank city official approved the building of a new baggage handling facility at Bob Hope Airport. Some critics believe the building violates a vaguely referenced "development agreement." Ur, huh? Leader.

SOUTHWEST REVAMPS BOARDING PROCEDURES...
...At Bob Hope Airport anyhow. The new ways will supposedly cut down on the cattle-call nature of the Southwest beast. If anyone's see how it works, drop a line. Leader.

BURBANK COPS SEEKING PAY INCREASE
The matter, which would raise BPD salaries 13.6 percent over the next two years, will be discussed at next Tuesday's City Council meeting. Pay jumps always get people up in arms, should be interesting to see what happens. Leader.

WOW, THERE IS A BLOG FOR EVERYTHING...
...Even one dedicated to the WGA strike. Well, I suppose that's not so surprising. Anyhow, enjoy. Writers' Strike Chronicles.

NO LOVE FOR MARIE
Self-described author and restaurant critic Christine Putnam pans the food and service at the Burbank/Toluca Lake Marie Calendar's. Huh. What did she expect? I believe she does stuff for the Leader. Eat, Drink and Blog.

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

And, now for something completely different...

Well, no. It's exactly the same, but this time with all fresh Burbank news! Aren't ya excited? I know I am... On with the show.

WGA STRIKE, DAY 5
Continuing coverage of the madness by all your favorites... Or mine. It's my blog, so there. Defamer. AP. LAT. Daily News. LA Weekly (Deadline Hollywood). InkTank. We even have a spoof now! Ahh, people. I love you. The Spoof.

NBC JUST CAN'T CATCH A BREAK
Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge and county Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky are taking issue with the studio's proposed move from Burbank to Universal City. The pair is concerned about possible traffic problems. Daily News.

AND REMEMBER...
I am a professional photographer, specializing in weddings, events, product photography and all sorts of nifty stuff. Click here to see my website, and here to see my photoblog. Thanks for visiting, and please keep me in mind for any of your photo needs! www.danevans.org * danielevansphoto.wordpress.com

Silly, but somewhat interesting...

2007-11-08T12:06:00.001-08:00

Getting a three-letter domain name is, apparrently, impossible, and has been for a number of years. When, exactly, the last of these precious domains got snapped up is unknown -- at least to me. However, I thought it might be interesting to give a quick map of the three-letter domains of all the same letters. Here they are, in alphabetical order:

www.aaa.com: The American Automoblie Associate. No suprise there.
www.bbb.com: The Better Business Bureau
www.ccc.com: Broken link (but taken!)
www.ddd.com: Dynamic Digital Depth (some sort of 3-D company)
www.eee.com: Lame-o Search Site (SEO bs, most likely)
www.fff.com: Same as www.eee.com
www.ggg.com: Great Glorious Grapevine (looks like more SEO bs, but a bit more clever)
www.hhh.com: A cartoon and drawings search-seach (odd...does anyone USE these things?)
www.iii.com: Innvative Interfaces (library technology company)
www.jjj.com: Yet another obscure search site
www.---.com: Not even going there...but, yes, it IS what you think
www.lll.com: Broken link
www.mmm.com: 3M Worldwide
www.nnn.com: Serach site... but it's for sale! Lame.
www.ooo.com: Search site. Yawn.
www.ppp.com: High-end (from the prices) German hotel
www.qqq.com: JoHo. Apparently some sort of eco-tourist site. Kinda neato.
www.rrr.com: Risk Rentention Reporter. Sounds like a newsletter of some kind... But who wants to retain risk? I generally want to eliminate risk, not retain it.
www.sss.com: Search site. Ugh!
www.ttt.com: Test Technologists Team. OK, good for them.
www.uuu.com: Broken link
www.vvv.com: CSP Internet. Canadian ISP.
www.www.com: Probably the first of the lame-o SEO web serach sites.
www.xxx.com: Duh. Of course.
www.yyy.com: YYY World Trading. Not quite up yet.
www.zzz.com: ICCOM Internet. ISP, I'm guessing.

Well, that was sorta a waste of time. Have fun!

AND REMEMBER...
I am a professional photographer, specializing in weddings, events, product photography and all sorts of nifty stuff. Click here to see my website, and here to see my photoblog. Thanks for visiting, and please keep me in mind for any of your photo needs! www.danevans.org * danielevansphoto.wordpress.com

The Burbank Follower

2007-11-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Restarting the Magic...

Yes, friends, I have been away for quite awhile. However, today seems like an excellent time to restart the daily digest of pre-chewed news bits. News of Burbank, as of late, has been focused mostly on the WGA strike. But, I'm wondering, besides the usual roundup of news, what local writers are saying on their blogs. It might just be interesting. And, whether or not is actually is, you'll see it here first... ur, second.

PARAMOUNT LOOKING FOR ODD-LOOKING PEEPS
Despite the strike (or perhaps because of it) the Burbank studio is looking for a few good freaks for an upcoming Star Trek movie. Producers are looking for (according to the casting call) "long necks, small heads, extremely large heads, wide-set eyes, bug eyes, close-set eyes, large forehead, short upper lip, pronounced cheekbones, over- or under-sized ears and/or nose, facial deformities." Awesome. Reuters.

STRIKE NEWS ROUNDUP, DAY FOUR
Some involves Burbank directly, some just doesn't. It's hard to tell sometimes. But, hey, have some news links. They're good for you. NY Times. E! Online. Fox LA. CNS. Defamer. LA Times (Dedicated strike coverage page). Deadline Hollywood (LA Weekly). (The Leader, which comes out semi-weekly, published its coverage of the strike on Tuesday here. I'll note that it was not, weirdly, given the "Top Story" billing... The strike story, however, did land above the fold.)

USA TODAY ASKS SILLY QUESTION
No statshot, though. Sigh. Is is better to fly out of Bob Hope than LAX? Duh. USA Today.

PAIR ACCUSED OF ROBBING IMMIGRANTS
Man. That's low. Police claim the alleged bastards ripped off people from Orange County to the Valley posed as sheriff's deputies. A number of the the victims live in Burbank. Go, Leader, go! Grab that story! LA Times.

META-REALITY TELEVISION VIEWING REVIEW
Kitchen Nightmares, a Fox (heh) reality show about restaurants, apparently has featured Sebastian's, a Burbank eatery. A Texas blogger (who goes by the nom de plum HamsterDame) pens her thoughts. (I've eaten there, and I was far from impressed... A friend of mine, though, loves it. Who can tell?) Silly Reality. Kitchen Nightmares.

AND REMEMBER...
I am a professional photographer, specializing in weddings, events, product photography and all sorts of nifty stuff. Click here to see my website, and here to see my photoblog. Thanks for visiting, and please keep me in mind for any of your photo needs! www.danevans.org * danielevansphoto.wordpress.com

The Verdict...

2007-10-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

The trial last five weeks. The deliberations lasted two days. The newspaper articles about the case stated -- variously -- that we talked about the case for either one day or one hour. This is inaccurate. We received the case on a Thursday afternoon, deliberated briefly, and came back the following day.

That Friday, one of the jurors called out sick. After considerable pleading by the court staff, she agreed to come in that afternoon. We began deliberating again at about 1:30 p.m., and reached a verdict a little before 5 p.m.

In addition, the article stated that the plaintiffs, Jack Davis and his wife, were awarded $35.1 million. This is also inaccurate. We found the two defendants, Leslie Controls and Warren Pumps, each 7.1 percent liable for the Davis' injuries. To us, this meant the Davis family would receive about $5 million.

Finally, the article stated that a number of other entities, including the US Navy, would be responible for at least part of the $35.1 million figure. This is not true. Davis did claim that a number of other entities besides Leslie and Warren caused his mesothelioma. However, whether or not these entities settled had nothing to do with the jury's decision.

Other than that, the article is fine. Read it here.

A Month!

2007-10-11T08:52:00.001-07:00

So, as of today, I will have been on jury service for a whole friggin' month! I really had no idea that answering my summons on Sept. 11 would led to a special type of terror: hours of repetitive testimony, countless delays due to unknown causes, delays because of late fellow jurors, having to drink endless cups of coffee to stay awake.... Man.

However, we are scheduled to get the case today, meaning that our long nightmare is nearly over. It is a complicated case, however, so I imagine it will take a fair amount of time to work everything out. I figure I'm not allowed to go into much more detail - or, rather, I know I'm not allowed. Hizzoner Mooney has been making that part incredibly clear during pretty much every break, every lunch, every end-of-day speech.

Strange and Possibly Foolish Behavior

2007-10-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, I understand, I live in LA. As such, my purchase of a bottle of ErogLEAN AMP!! (TM) should probably surprise no one. I am generally able to ignore the deluge of adverts requesting, cajoling, demanding that I try one of the many can't-fail, idiot-proof, guaranteed-weight-loss programs, pills or pill-programs.

But not today. After a rather long and difficult weekend, the details of which may or may not be shared (haha), I was feeling bloated and nasty. This, of course, was because I had spent a large portion of said weekend ingesting all manner of junk food. Mmm.

I am still on jury duty... it will be a month on Friday. This is only relevant as I was let out today early, the details of which I suspect I am not able to share. (Once I am freed of my legal obligation to keep quiet, dear reader, I will spill all! It's quite dull, however, so don't hold your breath.)

Anyhow, I used my free afternoon to go to the gym. Outside the gym is a health food store, selling the usual assortment of snake oils, weight gain powders, untested and unverified memory boosters, sexual endurance enhancers and... weight loss helpers! These pills, as I understand, do generally work. The problem, also as I understand, is that the weight lost is temporary, which is bad for the heart.

These pills usually seem to involve some proprietary method of speeding ones metabolism. This is, usually, also rather bad for your heart.

Throwing caution to the wind, I am going to take this regimen for the next few weeks and see what happens.

I chose this particular brand (Ergolean Amp), as it promises to deliver without making you jittery.

Interestingly, the directions state one should take between 1-4 pills up to three times a day. Each pill contains 140 mg of caffeine, which is the amount seen in a fairly strong cup of coffee. Hmm. Though it says one ought not take more than eight pills a day, even having six cups of coffee would probably make me jittery. Actually, I know it would.

Anyhow, I took a single pill at 4:30 p.m. following my workout. I am feeling, not surprisingly, like I had a pretty strong cup of coffee. My head feels clear, I have the slight high that comes from caffeine, and I'm plugging away at the work that needs doing.

I do feel I need to concentrate a bit harder than normal, else my thoughts fly away. This may be connected to the caffeine or, perhaps, to the proprietary blend of Ergolean AMP!!

We'll see. I'll do my first weight-in tomorrow, with sporadic postings on my weight-loss, exercise regimen, food intake and whatever damn else I feel like writing about.

Nice Suit

2007-10-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

I had a most enjoyable and random Hollywood experience last night: the movie premiere! Whoo!

Now, I had always figured that if I lived in Los Angeles long enough, I would become an adjunct member of "The Industry," a theory that has not, as yet, proved itself. However, I was able to attend the premiere of "The Darjeeling Limited," by dint of my friendship with Leslie, who works at The Hollywood Reporter. The Wes Anderson movie, which is pretty good, incidentally, stars Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman, all of whom were in attendance. Neat.

Leslie rather urgently whispered that Wilson was making his first public appearance following his recent suicide attempt. I dunno if a movie premiere constitutes a public appearance, judging from the security, tickets, metal detectors and the like. But, shucks, if public appearance means Wilson was sharing air with a bunch of people he didn't know (like myself), then it probably was.

At the very least, Wilson did seem to have enough verve for a touch of ball-busting of Brody who was wearing a shiny silver number. While the stars of the show - including Natalie Portman, who starred in a short shown before the feature - were on stage, Wilson mouthed "nice suit" to Brody.

Ahh. Very nice. Like I said, the movie was good, the wine was free, and the conversations were silly, somewhat vapid, but pleasant. There you go: my first Hollywood premiere.

Television News Redux

2007-09-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

I'm still rather amazed by the number of people that actually read the previous blog entry regarding Mary Beth McDade. In all fairness, many of you pointed out a few of my copy editing errors, which have been corrected. (I do, seriously, need a copy editor. I strive for clean copy, but, frankly, it's never been my strongest suit. Ask any of my editors.)

I suspect Ms. McDade is less than pleased by the attention. This, of course, assumes she has heard about it. Based on the attention and hits this has received (notes in LA Observed and the Daily News blog), it seems fairly likely. Journalism is a small world, no doubt.

Do I feel bad about this? A bit. Blogging about life in Burbank does not ethically require me to announce my intentions. A writer for a newspaper (or television station) must tell his or her source that he or she is speaking to a reporter. That is, they must be given notice they may be quoted.

Mary Beth got no such warning from me. Mind you, it probably wouldn't have mattered. I wasn't trying to interview her, nor get in the way of her reportage (as the blog in the Daily News has suggested). I simply noted her reactions, got suitably annoyed, and published my thoughts through the magic of Al Gore's internet and the good people at Blogger.

I suspect, though, that as blogging becomes increasingly trusted as a source of news, the rules of old-school journalism will come into play. Snarky, gotcha journalism will certainly have a place, but it's probably not fair to call it news.

Adventures in Television News

2007-09-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Donna wants cookies.

This is an unusual desire for my bride, as she is more of the low-carb, high-protein, "ewwww, look at the fat content on the Pirate Booty!" type of girl.

However, following a strenuous workout at her gym, a tasty dinner of sole and crab (prepared by yers truly), Donna wanted dessert. We, due to the above-mentioned dietary decisions, often have little in the way of tasty treats.

The most obvious decision, then, is the corner liquor store for some partially hydrogenated sweet. The problem: it is 9:45 p.m. and the store closes rather promptly at 10 p.m.

So hoof it down Reese we go, grumbling all the while about the closing time, wondering if our semi-beloved corner liquor was the only one in the county with a curfew. And then we see it: two news trucks.

Donna gets excited.

"I wonder if someone just won the lottery," she says. "You know, bought the winning ticket."

"Yeah," I respond. "Either that, or..."

And, alas, the grim "or" of that grim equation turned out to be the truth. Earlier that day, the store had been robbed by, according to the clerk, three men. One, he said, beat him up when he tried to, ahem, delay the redistribution of beer scheme.

Joined with Donna and I at the counter was a blond television reporter. (Later research would reveal it to be KCAL9 personality Mary Beth McDade.) The clerk told McDade that he put one of the perps in a headlock, and that he got punched for his trouble.

"But I've seen worse," he said. "I'm from Cambodia. I escaped from far worse people."

Whoa.

"You mean Pol Pot?" I asked.

He nodded.

"Who?" asked the reporter.

"The dictator," I said. "The Khmer Rouge. You know?"

"No," said the reporter.

"Yeah," said the clerk, lifting up his shirt to show a constellation of long-ago scarred burn marks. "They did this. Those kids, they nothing."

"Uh-huh," said the reporter. "Now, where were you standing when they came in again?"

Now, just so you know, I have little love for local television news. The coverage is mostly an appendage, a talkie version of the LA Times and Daily News. It is at best silly, and at worst venal.

My interaction with Ms. McDade failed to make me feel much better. Good God. I might understand if a civilian had never heard of Pol Pot or the millions murdered and raped at his direction. Might. But this sincere, and seemingly willful, ignorance, made me nauseated.

We left empty handed. Viewers of the piece were, I'm sure, left empty as well.

The Jury, Day 6

2007-09-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

So, I understand that I can't really write about my impressions about the happenings during the day, but I am going out on a limb and assuming that a discussion regarding the peripherals...

Anyhow, we spent more than half our day waiting. Waiting for Terry the Clerk to wave us in (I assume he's a clerk, as he grimmaced when one of the attorneys called him "Terry the Bailiff"), waiting for other jurors to show up, waiting for... well, I have no idea. It's happening behind closed doors. From my previous trial experience, I imagine they're quarreling over some procedurial matter.

I've been wearing sandels for the last few days, since opening statements last Thursday. I thought that the judge might be annoyed by this (or Donna, at least, thought he might), but he has made no mention.

I realize this is a small post, but I have too much damn stuff to do. One word of advice: the cafe at the top of the civil courthouse (Top O' The Court) is freakin' AWFUL. Don't eat there. It's terrible.

Juror #1

2007-09-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

So, friends, it happened: I have been chosen for the jury. Now, on one level, it seems pretty neat. I've spent many years covering trials and never (until today) had the chance to actually sit in the jury box. On another level, the majority of my waking hours until mid October will be spent in the confines of Dept. 68. The case, as I've mentioned, does not exactly inflame the passions, and will likely be rather boring.

And, as I and my fellow jurors have been told many, many times, I am not supposed to come to any conclusion about the case until I've heard all the evidence. I would presume that writing down my thoughts in this blog, during the course of the trial anyhow, would be a large no-no. However, since we all do have free speech rights, this would only extend until the end of the trial... Seeing as I will have no ability to remember my thoughts at the end of this (estimated) three week trial, I willl be writing my thoughts down... I simply shall not publish my thoughts, waiting until the end of the trial to do that.

From the Be Careful What You Wish For Dept...

2007-09-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

We left off our little tale of Dan's jury service at noon yesterday. Since then, I've waited and waited and waited... Nothing much, as yet, has happened.

We were shuffled into Dept. 68 at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 1:30 p.m., having enjoyed the court-standard 90 minute dining experience. Directly after being seated, the judge (whose last name is Mooney, though I can't remember for the life of me his first... maybe Michael?) informed us that this would be a long trial, between three and four weeks. Because of this (and, likely, because most employers pay for a max of 10 days of jury service), hizzoner asked if any of us poor souls needed to be excused for hardship reasons.

(Many of my fellow jurors thought this might be a long one, if only by the number of attorneys in the smallish courtroom. I counted 12: three for the plaintiffs, nine representing various companies presumably being sued by the plaintiffs.)

Interestingly, he heard the excuses, pleadings and reasonings in open court. As a former reporter, I kinda like that: if you are unable to fulfill your civic obligations, you have to tell the rest of us poor schmucks why. Due to the potential length of the trial, a little less than half of the assembled asked to be excused. This took quite a bit of time. Some people said they would fail to make their rent or loose their cars if forced to sit on a jury for a month. Others claimed poverty or unemployment, and, memorably, one large black man expressed a heart-felt fear of his diminutive landlady.

Though I wasn't keeping an exact count, it appeared Mooney excused all but one or two of the potential jurors (causing the guy next to me, who had not requested to be excused, to curse under his breath)... all but the attorney who claimed his firm would be damaged by the long trial. (My guess is that he will get knocked off for cause by one side or the other before this is through... or do something to cause himself to be kicked off.)

Anyhow, when this was completed, it was 3:30 p.m. Of course, this meant it was time to excuse the jury...with instructions to come back today at 11 a.m. This, apparently, is to go through the hardship/excuse process for a new group of suckers so we can start voir dire (finally) this morning or, more likely, this afternoon.

Should I get on this jury, I suppose the early days will make up for some of the dullness. And, should I get on this jury, I plan on blogging my thoughts about what's transpired during the day... Though I imagine I will be prohibited from publishing until after the trial is completed. That's fine.

Jury Duty!

2007-09-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

Random thoughts as I sit here in the jury assembly room. It’s amazing to me how quickly my feelings dropped from excited to be part of the jury process to annoyed at the wait. I have no idea how long we’ll be here, and whether I, for the third time, will spend an entire day in this room, never being called to a court.

I have wanted to serve on a jury for years, if only to see what the whole process looks like from the inside. But each time I have been called, nothing happened. I believe the first time, I was a student at ucsc. Seeing as I was not a permanent resident of Santa Cruz, and seeing as I was called to serve on the grand jury, I fought for an excuse.

The second time was at the Alhambra Courthouse, where I spent an entire day waiting in a stuffy, boring courthouse. I was not called to serve, and I went home unfulfilled. The second time was in San Diego, where the exact same thing happened.

And now, today. It is about 10 a.m. and we have all been in this room since 7:30 a.m. In that time, we have heard two separate orientations (one welcome and one regarding the pieces of paper we were given), a welcome by a Judge Wiley, an call to drop off our jury paperwork, a break, then a call for the fools who failed to listen to ANY of the preceding instructions to fix their paperwork, and then…a video? I wouldn’t be surprised if we have to listen to the entire thing again, in Spanish. Oi.

Then again, maybe not, seeing as one of the questions on our form is whether you can understand English, so there is that.

It’s now 11:30 a.m. and the disembodied jury room voice ™ has now called two sets of jurors. I am not on either list. Honestly, I’m beginning to think this whole jury thing is a joke, a tremendous waste of time for everyone involved, notwithstanding the patriotic video shown.

Not only that, but you get such strange looks when you tell people that you really wanted to get on a jury, that you wanted to be involved in the judicial process. Everyone thinks you’re nuts, have a serious screw loose, or, perhaps, are just an incredibly boring person. But really, is there anything worse than spending the whole damn day in a room with a broken internet connection (no wireless, natch), old newspapers and mostly uncommunicative seat mates? It’s like being on an intercontinental flight: the food is bad, there’s nothing much to do, and it’s nearly impossible to sleep in the seats.

So, I have now been in the service of the county of Los Angeles for four hours, and I have done nothing. It’s pretty much like work, save for the fact that I don’t have the ability to check my email every few minutes. My cell phone gets no reception (T-Mobile users appear to be in the minority here, though… it seems pretty much everyone else can make calls at will).

11:53 a.m.
Whoo! I just got called to go to Dept. 68 on the sixth floor. I have, after two tries, finally made it to round two. Amazing. Now, let’s see how long it takes before I get kicked off. Whoo!

Food Intake, Monday

2007-08-27T16:30:00.001-07:00

Breakfast (7:30 a.m.)

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers:
49 calories: 1 g protein: 1 g carbs: 2 g fat

Power Crunch bar
195 calories; 15 g protein; 10 g carbs; 11 g fat

Snack (11 a.m.)

Trail Mix
480 calories; 15 g protein; 36 g carbs; 30 g fat

Lunch (2 p.m.)

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers
49 calories: 1 g protein: 1 g carbs: 2 g fat

Two slices combo pizza
370 calories; 25 protein; 42 g carbs; 11 g fat

Totals so far:

Calories: 1,143
Protein: 57 g
Carbs: 90 g
Fat: 56 g

Food Intake, Sunday

2007-08-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Breakfast (9:30 a.m.)

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers:
49 calories: 1 g protein: 1 g carbs: 2 g fat

Lunch (3 p.m.)

4 slices combo pizza
740 calories; 51 protein; 85 g carbs; 22 g fat

one beer
146 calories; 1 g protein; 13 g carbs; 0 g fat

Dinner (9 p.m.)

Two carne asada burritos (small) w/beans and meat
800 calories; 46 g protein; 46 g carbs; 50 g fat

Corn on the cob
77 calories; 3 g protein; 17 g carbs; 1 g fat

one beer
146 calories; 1 g protein; 13 g carbs; 0 g fat

two mojitos
200 calories; 0 g protein; 14 g carbs; 0 g fat

one Red Bull
155 calories; 0 g protein; 10 g carbs; 0 g fat

***
Totals:
Calories: 2,313
Protein: 102 g
Carbs: 199 g
Fat: 74 g

Terribly boring, I'm sure...

2007-08-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

...all these posts about my food intake. But I want to see what happens, and if I'm shamed into eating correctly (or, at least, better) when I write it all down. So far, well, no. But it'll work out eventually, I'm sure.

Not quite sure even why I'm doing this, other than the fact that I have so many other things on my plate, it only makes sense to add one more, totally unnecessarily, task to my day. Ah, life. I certainly do need a bit of code blue to make the days pass.

Food Intake, Saturday

2007-08-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Breakfast (1 p.m.)

One Mozzarella Stick
80 calories; 6 g protein; 0 g carbs; 6 g fat

Two Pieces Bread w/butter & jam
290 calories; 8 g protein; 47 g carbs; 9 g fat

Two eggs w/cheese
240 calories; 18 g protein; 2 g carbs; 17 g fat

Three pieces sausage links
120 calories; 4 g protein; 0 g carbs; 12 g fat

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers:
49 calories: 1 g protein: 1 g carbs: 2 g fat

Snack (3 p.m.)

2 cheese sticks
160 calories; 12 g protein; 0 g carbs; 12 g fat

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers:
49 calories: 1 g protein: 1 g carbs: 2 g fat

Snack (7 p.m.)

one glass red wine
74 calories; o g protein; 2 g carbs; 0 g fat

two peanut butter crackers (large)
350 calories; 14 g protein; 28 g carbs; 20 g fat

Dinner (8:30 p.m.)

One and a half veggie patties
150 calories; 3 g protein; 15 g carbs; 10 g fat

Broccoli
20 calories; 2 g protein; 4 g carbs; 0 g fat

Martini
70 calories: Protein 0g; Carbs 0g; Fat 0g

***
Totals so far
Calories: 1,652
Protein: 69 g
Carbs: 101 g
Fat: 92 g

Calories are down, but still not doing so well with the carb/fat/protein ratios. Looks like I might be getting there... so long as I don't get too hungry later on....

Food Intake, Friday

2007-08-24T15:38:00.001-07:00

Weigh-in (7 a.m.): 180 lbs.

Breakfast (7:30 a.m.)

1 bowl of Life cereal w/milk
238 calories: 13 g protein: 39 g carbs: 6 g fat

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers:
49 calories: 1 g protein: 1 g carbs: 2 g fat

Snack (9:30 a.m.)

1 buttermilk bar (donut)
219 calories: 3 g protein: 26 g carbs: 12 g fat

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers:
49 calories: 1 g protein: 1 g carbs: 2 g fat

Lunch (2 p.m.)

One large chicken breast, one small chicken breast
176 calories: 32 g protein: 0 g carbs: 4 g fat

12 'nilla wafers
147 calories: 2 g protein: 22 g carbs: 6g fat

12 wholegrain crackers
60 calories: 1 g protein: 6 g carbs: 3 g fat

Snack (3:30 p.m.)

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers:
49 calories: 1 g protein: 1 g carbs: 2 g fat

Snack (5 p.m.)
Pure Protein Bar
270 calories: 32 g : 26 g protein: 7 g fat

***
Totals prior to dinner:

Calories: 1,277 calories
Protein: 88 g
Carbs: 122 g
Fat: 42 g

OK, doing a bit better. Who knew that a donut would be approx the same nutrition value as life cereal? More vitamins in Life, I'm sure, but still...
***

Dinner (9 p.m.)

Reuben Sandwich w/french fries
Calories: 906: Protein 33 g: Carbs 50 g: Fat 60 g

Two martinis
140 calories: Protein 0g; Carbs 0g; Fat 0g

***
Totals

Calories: 2, 183
Protein: 121
Carbs: 172
Fats: 120
***
Trip out, right? Well, hell. It's hard to eat right, no doubt. Let's keep truckin'

Food Intake, Thursday

2007-08-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

Breakfast (8:20 a.m)

Pure Protein Bar:
290 calories
28 g protein
30 g carbs
10 g fat

20 oz Coffee w/three creamers:
78 calories
1.2 g protein
1.8 g carbs
5.1 g fat

Snack (10:10 a.m.)

12 oz Coffee w/two creamers:
49 calories
1 g protein
1.2 g carbs
2.4 g fat

Lunch (12:30 p.m.)

12 oz Coke
155 calories
0 g protein
40 g carbs
0 g fat

1 cup spaghetti w/sauce
284 calories
9 g protein
53 g carbs
4 g fat

1 cup breaded and fried chicken
313 calories
27 g protein
11 g carbs
17 g fat

1 cup mixed veggies
17 calories
1 g protein
4 g carbs
0 g fat

1 dinner roll w/butter
84 calories
2 g protein
14 g carbs
2 g fat

****
Whoa. OK, so my goal is to lose a bit of weight, and supposedly the best way to do this is by keeping the calories down (total intake) and having the protein and the carbs be about the same. Let's see how I'm doing so far today (as of lunch)

Calories: 1,270
Protein: 69 g
Carbs: 155 g
Fat: 40 g

So, if I'm planning on keeping my intake down to about 2,000 calories/day, I can pretty much have a big meat sandwich (minus the bread) for the rest of the day. Lunch is definitely the most difficult meal for me, as it's really the only time I get to leave the office, something that I need to do mostly for the sake of my sanity.
***
Exercise (8 p.m.)

20 minutes on elliptical
20 minutes on stair-stepper
60 sit-ups
***

Calories burned: approx. 450

Dinner (9:10 p.m.)

Swiss cheese, four slices
352 calories
32 g protein
1 g carbs
24 g fat

Sliced turkey, 1/3 lb.
290 calories
50 g protein
12 g carbs
5 g fat

Rice cakes, two
70 calories
2 g protein
14 g carbs
1 g fat

Booze (afterward)

9 oz booze
576 calories
0 g protein
0 g carbs
0 g fat

10 oz light grapefruit juice
198 calories
0 g protein
49 g carbs
0 g fat

***
Huh. This is sort of embarassing. OK, now for the totals:

Calories: 2,756
Protein: 153 g
Carbs: 231 g
Fat: 70 g

So, then, the good news is that I'm keeping quite a bit of fat out of my diet. The bad news is that it probably doesn't much matter for health or weight-loss purposes. Oi. Try again tomorrow...
***

A Food Experiment

2007-08-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try to write down my food intake over the course of a week. I'm also going to include how much exercise I do, and my weight. It's just an experiment, so it should be interesting to see how it works. To keep myself honest, I'll post my intake on this blog.

Amazing, but Yes, I am still Alive

2007-08-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

So, OK, it's been far too long since I last wrote. That is true. I had an excuse, I suppose, or a series of excuses: I had a bunch of weddings to shoot, city work got extremely (oi) busy, and my own personal wedding planning, happening and aftermath bore down on me like a juiced Giants outfielder (yes, Barry, I'm talking about YOU).

But this is, well, lame. Mostly I think I just had a long bit of malaise. I don't know if the life of a professional writer is again in my future. Actually, dear reader(s), you'll have to suffer though a bit of unedited type, as the my writing engine has become a touch rusty, and some of my phraseology might be a bit weird, stilted or just plain hard to follow.

I've come off my honeymoon. Donna and I spent 10 days in Aruba and Puerto Rico. It was a sublime experience, filled with joy, sex, warm nights and a hell of a lot of rum. I have the deepest tan I can remember since high school (I appear off-white now), and I have several megabytes of photographs of water so blue they look doctored.

But, in the ying and yang of life, there where some issues as well. As perhaps due to my outlook on life, journalistic training, or simply because drama and pain are more easier to write about, this section will be a bit longer. But, again, misquoting Dostoevsky, "all happy moments resemble each other, unhappy moments are there own pain."

Anyhow, the honeymoon started at 4 a.m. on August 7. My mind was restless, and I was unable to sleep. The wedding celebration, less than 36 hours prior, still rang through my mind. I was overwhelmed, tired, maybe a bit drunk (though it's funny how little you can drink at your own wedding). And then I shot awake: our plane leaves today, the Super Shuttle will be arriving at our Burbank abode in an hour! Shit!

Donna and I were well aware that the honeymoon started on Aug. 7, but for some reason both of us thought that it Aug. 7 was a Wednesday. No. Tuesday. Despite the rude awaking, Donna proved herself in rare form and the both of us got packed and ready (including a mad dash to deposit our gift checks) in a bit under an hour. Nice.

We had a connecting flight through Miami, and only 50 minutes to make the transfer... This would have been fine, as we arrived in South Florida right on time, only to sit in on the tarmac for 40 minutes. We jumped off the plane, pleaded with the American Airlines ticket agent to call our connecting flight (they promised they would, but said it would not likely do much good) and proceeded to run.

Now, perhaps many of you know how big the Miami airport is. Perhaps some do not. But rest assured, that fucker is HUGE. Our flight arrived in the B Terminal, our connecting flight was in the D Terminal... more than a mile apart. Donna, who was still recovering from bronchitis, wheezed her way through the gates.

"Go on without me," she said, coughing.

"No one gets left behind! No one!" I shouted, giggling.

We made it with plenty of time to spare, as it turns out... The flight to Aruba sat on the tarmac at its gate for another 20 minutes. Oi. Seems the good people at American could have let us know that, seeing as it was their damn fault we came in 40 minutes late. It seems that airline travel gets more and more difficult as the years progress. Maybe I'm getting crankier.

Anyhow, we got to Aruba in fine shape. Well, I did, anyhow. Poor Donna pretty much coughed her way through the first few days: we spent more on medicine and doctor bills than drinks that first few days. Still, since the whole plan was to drink, sit on the beach and lie in bed, things hardly seemed marred.

And that way they remained. The light, weather and people of that ridiculously small island keep one smiling, that's for sure. Aruba has a few casinos in town, and Donna and I walked away with more than $300 one night and $150 on another trip. Turns out this windfall was fortunate, as on Sunday I lost my wedding band while snorkeling. Fuck.

Seawater tends to make fingers shrink. Oops. My ring slipped right off as I jumped into the sea, dropping down probably 15 feet to the ocean floor. Though the crew on board helped, the ring had been lost.

About this time, I came down with a cold, presumably from the dying strains of Donna's bronchitis. This cold would remain with me for the remainder of the honeymoon, and it would be returned to Donna, who, at this moment, rests uncomfortably in bed.

Still, the cold did not mar things too much. I have no idea what Puerto Rico smells like, nor much of what the food I ate tasted like. But the food felt good, and the drinks still made me loopy. How much more, I suppose, could one want?

My broken hand is still in a brace, I'm out of Vicodin and I'm at yet another professional crossroad. I'm not in the best mood, I'll admit, and bitching about the bad luck on my honeymoon seems to help. How did I break my hand, you ask? I punched a wall in frustration a week before my wedding. This did not exactly endear me to Donna, and was quite embarrassing for me, especially in front of so many relatives that I had never seen before... But then again, I may never see many of them again.

Anyhow, this posting is getting too long, so I'm going to sign off now. Write back.

Love,
Dan

The Election...

2007-05-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I worked as a City Employee Pollworker at an obscure precinct for an ignored election in Burbank. It was an experience, to be sure. I am at once awed by American democracy and deeply concerned in its long term viability.

We had about 600 registered voters for our little area, 12 of whom showed up at the polls. I am not sure how many people voted absentee, as the paperwork that would have showed that never arrived. From conversations with my fellow pollworkers, it seemed that this vital piece of paperwork often shows up days after the election itself.

It was dull, friends, dull. I did get a fairly lengthy discussion about Burbank politics going with my fellow workers, but spending 15 hours in a flooring showroom off Hollywood Way is about as much fun as it sounds.

Was this because no one knew about this election?

I received no campaign materials for the one race in our area, the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees. In fact, I had to spend a fair amount of time researching who the hell these people were, what they stood for, and what, exactly, the LACC board does.

Perhaps. It still made me sad that people don't seem to care about this race. And, from looking at the results, it was an EXTREMELY close race. Maybe people just chose randomly. Check out the results here. 2:30 a.m. bulletin (LA City Clerk).

Fire Coverage

2007-05-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

So, that fire got damn close to Burbank, eh? And, I'll note, a day after the LA Times wrote a lengthy piece about fire danger in 'dem hills.

Anyhow, here's a quick rundown of some of the news outlets running news bits about the fire:

- LA Observed, here
- LA Times, here and here (blog)
- Daily News, here
- Bloomberg, here
- CBS2.com, here
- Metroblogging LA, here and here
- Asymptotia, here

The Trash Can

2007-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 7
It sits, motionless, on top of the scale. Why is it on the scale? Why do I need to know that our frosted-plastic and metal IKEA bathroom trash weighs two pounds?

A mystery, truly. But, as it is morning, 7:15 a.m. to be exact, I have neither the time nor inclination to explore it further. I place it on the wall, underneath the towel rack. It seems happy there. I shower.

Tuesday, May 8
I shower. It is 7:45 a.m., and I am running late. Still, never to economize time for cleanliness, I clean my ears with a Qtip. Finished, I toss them in the direction of the....what?! The can is again on the scale, Kate Moss-eque obsessed with its mass. I gently place it back to its true home, under the striped green towel on the rack. I hear the two of them are friends.

Wednesday, May 9
The can is on the scale again. I fear the can may be suicidal. I decide to lock it in the shower stall for its own good. More bulletins as events warrant.

Daniel Evans Photography

2007-05-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Just in case you forgot, I am a wedding photographer as well as a semi-dorky Burbank blogger... Here's the site www.danevans.org

Just visit it, man. Let me know what you think.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 28

2007-05-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

MICKEY MOUSE SELLING...WAR?
OK, folks, the official odd news of the day: Hamas is allegedly using a Mickey Mouse rip-off to garner support for its struggle against Israel... among little kids? This looks to be an AP story, though reported by the Casper (Wyo.) Tribune. And from the story itself:
"A spokeswoman from Walt Disney Co.'s headquarters in Burbank, Calif., did not immediately return messages asking for comment about the use of a Disney-like character."
Awesome. Casper Star-Tribune.

HUGE TURNOUT FOR MURDERED DEPUTY
About 3,000 showed up Monday to mourn Detective Raul Vasquez Gama, who was killed May 1 after a vehicle rammed his surveillance van in North Hollywood. Gama died at St. Joesph's in Burbank. Daily News.

UPDATES ON KILLED MOM
Roxanne Todd Paul, murdered last week in Burbank by an ex-boyfriend, had a lot to live for. Man, this one just gets worse, don't it? Daily News.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 27

2007-05-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

UNITED FLIGHTS FROM PALMDALE COULD AFFECT BURBANK
Or, perhaps not. However, Palmdale is a hell of a lot closer for many people that use Bob Hope. Is this good, bad? Know not, I. Daily News.

ONE DRIVER NABBED IN BURBANK DUI CHECKPOINT
Headline pretty much says it all. East of the 5 (Daily News blog).

Wow, not a lot going on this morning. More randomness later.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 26

2007-05-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

UPDATE ON BURBANK SHOOTING
Updates on the apparent murder-suicide in Burbank early Friday morning. Roxanne Paul, who looks to be the murder victim, is the mother of two young children. Poor kids. The Leader article has a bit more in the way of details than the Daily News. Daily News. Leader.

GET ON THE BUS
A Sherman Oaks resident takes the Orange Line and Burbank Bus to Bob Hope Airport, pronouncing it just fine. Zach Behrens of LAist also calls the Media City "Bizarrebank," which is something I hadn't heard of. I suppose if you live in Sherman Oaks, most everything else is bizarre, though. LAist.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES TO BE UPDATED
Emergency procedures are slated to be tightened following an electrical fire Monday at John Burroughs High. School officials, believing the fire alarm to be false, kept students inside the school for 15 minutes. Leader. Leader Editorial.

PLATT PROJECT FACING FORECLOSURE
A proposed office and residential development on Olive Avenue faces foreclosure later this month, potentially dooming the project. Developers scaled back the Platt development in 2005 after residents complained the increased traffic and noise would be bad for the neighborhood. Leader.

Losanjealous Betrayal Review

2007-05-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Whoo! It got posted on Losanjealous. Read the exact same version here.

Well, Shut My Mouth - Seagate, Part II

2007-05-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Seagate might not be that bad, after all. After much hand wringing and phone tag, the company has decided to send me a 500GB usb-powered drive to replace my 300GB eSATA drive. Ahh, shucks. Still, it seemed like it was much harder than it needed to be, if only because the people in charge have to call you back, often days later, to answer relatively simple questions.

Still, OK. Seagate, you don't suck. I take it back.

The hold music is rather weird, though. It's very 70s-era organ music, the type you might hear while waiting for of those grindhouse movies that Quentin Tarantino loves so much.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 25

2007-05-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

TWO FOUND SHOT TO DEATH
A man and a woman, both 28, were found shot to death at 3 a.m. in the 1700 block of West Alameda Avenue in an apparent murder-suicide. ABC7 via CNS. KNBC.

TENNESSEE RESIDENT HITS IT BIG ON "PRICE IS RIGHT"
Cookeville, Tenn. pharmacist woman gets her wish, chills with Bob Barker in Burbank. Ahh, rural news. Herald-Citizen. In case any of y'all are wondering where the hell that is, here's a map.

Seagate... Damn Their Eyes

2007-05-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

OK, this has started to become extraordinarily irritating. First, I bought a hard drive from CompUSA that I can't use, can't return and can't sell. This, as better detailed in an earlier post, was frustrating in itself, but Seagate's technical support is one of the worst systems I have had the displeasure of running across.

The first, and biggest problem, is actually getting someone on the line that can solve your problem. I would like to return my brand-new, unused eSATA 300 drive. It works, as far as I can tell, anyhow, but I can't use it b/c my computer doesn't have the correct ports. Awesome. Because CompUSA is going out of business, they won't let me return it, and because it's a pretty common type of drive, I haven't had any luck selling it on craigslist.

This pretty much leaves a return to Seagate itself. I have called no less than six times, over the course of the past two weeks, only to be told that someone will call me back. No one, however, does. Or, rather, the only people who I CAN talk to tell me they can't help me, and that a mystery person will call me back.

Everyone who I speak to has an Indian accent, leading me to believe the call center is 4,000 miles away. The tech support people are unfailingly polite, and helpful as much as they can be. However, when an issue arises that requires the Scotts Valley corporate office to make a decision, everything gets lost in translation.

Either that, or they think that I will just go away. I did attempt to call the corporate office this morning, but was quickly shuttled to the same tech support hell as before. Damnit, the call center can't help me!

The joke of it all is this: it seems increasingly likely that my request to exchange products will simply be denied. It's not Seagate's problem that I bought the wrong thing, nor that the staff at CompUSA assured me that it would work with my Mac. However, since I'm stuck with the damn thing, I figure I should do everything within my power to make things right.

Wish me luck.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 24

2007-05-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

SF RESIDENT STILL HATES LA... SORTA
A SF'er named Chuck Jordan blogs about his coming to terms with the beauty of Los Angeles... Or, at least, the tech reporter on KTLA and a damn fine sushi place in Burbank (Sushi Dake). Spectre Colie.

"IDOL" JUDGE ACTING BADLY
A flight attendant blog details boorish behavior on the part of "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul on a Southwest San Jose to Burbank flight. According to a related story in TMZ, the ill behavior took place mid-April. Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew Stories.

WWII BOMBERS TO VISIT BURBANK
Today, in fact. The B-24, B-25 & B-17 will be arriving this morning. Ventura County Star.

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 23

2007-05-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

FOUND MONEY
Well, it's sorta Burbank related, so I had to throw it in. A dude in Simi Valley (or so it appears from his blogger profile) logs all the money he finds (lost pennies, nickles, etc.) and writes about it. Turns out he found some at the Burbank Airport on the way to Vegas. It's a strange blog, but very readable. Found Money Jar.

CHEAP TIX GONE
The much vaunted Skybus $10 tickets from Burbank to, ahem, Columbus got snapped up almost as soon as they became available. Leader.

Betrayal - The Losanjealous Review

2007-05-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Robin Roy (Emma) and J. Richey Nash (Jerry) share a moment
photo by James Carey

"Betrayal" by Harold Pinter
Directed by James Carey (no, not THAT James Carey)

The Attic Theatre & Film Center
5429 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Playing until May 12, each Thursday through Saturday @ 8 p.m. Tickets, $20

To begin, a small rant:

For the love of the ever living g*d, why the fuck does every damn theater in Los Angeles County insist on calling its space a theatRE?! We’re not in the UK! We don’t use cheques, the last letter of the alphabet is pronounced “zee” not “zed,” and cricket is a cousin of the locust, not a game.

I mean, really.

A can of pickled herring from the private stock of Dan the LA City Bureaucrat to the best answer to this question. Post your answer in the comments section. And no whining. My decision is final, damnit. It’s my smelly fish, and I’ll give it to whom I please.

I grew up in a part of San Diego called Rancho Penasquitos, which is Spanish for “Rancho Penasquitos.” The main shopping area, which came complete with a Jack In the Box AND a El Pollo Loco, was known as the Penasquitos Towne Centre. This irritated me, and not only due to the dearth of dining options, but because a friggin’ strip mall does not bring to mind Jolly ‘Ole England. It calls to mind Jolly ‘Ole Topeka, hardly the place I want swimming to mind when thinking upon the halcyon days of my youth.

But, anyhow...

“Betrayal” is an excellent play. You should go see it. It has two things I love: a plot (weirdly missing from a lot of current shows) and a twisted time frame. That is, the taleis told backwards, opening at the point where an affair between Emma (Christine Stump/Robin Roy) and Jerry (J. Richey Nash), the heart of the plot, ends.

And then Emma's husband Robert (Christopher Cappiello) shows up, revving up the play's engine and motoring it backwards to its beginning. It's like a stop-motion film of flowers blooming, whithering and dying, only in reverse. It's all the more wrenching, looking at that reformed whole, as we all know Emma and Jerry's love is doomed.

The play has a staccato feel, the lines coming at you fast, deftly transversing the tragic and farcical scenes, and keeping the whole sordid business from collapsing under its own weight. But it slows down too, abruptly switching gears into a series of pregnant (and ultimately stillborn) pauses, making the audience squirm a bit. Emotion! It's what's for dinner.

Burbank Craigslist Ad O' The Day

2007-05-02T10:48:00.001-07:00

I need to borrow a wheelchair... Not for filming

Reply to: sale-322937317@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-05-02, 9:42AM PDT

Hello: I know this is a random request, but my grandma's coming into town this weekend with my mother, and we want to go on a couple of tours and maybe do some shopping. The problem is my grandma gets winded very easily. She doesn't have a wheelchair of her own (yet), and I was hoping if by some random chance anyone had one, you could loan it to me just for Saturday May 5th. Nothing fancy, just need it so she can keep up with my mom as we shop our hearts out. It would be for the The Valley (including Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena)and I need one that folds down so I can put it in my little car. Also, if you know where I can rent one cheap, that would be swell also. Thank you kindly. Cheers! Kat

Location: The Valley
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interestsPostingID: 322937317

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 22

2007-05-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

NEW MAYOR ELECTED
Following the installation of the two newest council members, Gary Bric and Anja Reinke, the Burbank five unanimously selected Marsha Ramos as the new mayor. The largely ceremonial job has a one-year term. The council also bid farewell to the two outgoing councilmembers, Mayor Todd Campbell and Jef Vander Borght. Much praise was heaped on the two, though the Leader only quotes city officials. Did no one in the community want to weigh in? Leader.

BURBANK HOUSING CORP. FACES AUDIT
The Burbank City Council ordered an audit of its own housing authority following allegations that a recent apartment complex purchase resulted in windfall gains for the seller, developer David Augustine. I believe the Leader was first on this story. Nice job, guys. Leader.

Craigslist Ad O' the Day

2007-05-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

And now, for a feature that needs no introduction...

---

Overweight Spanish Speaking actress wanted

Reply to: gigs-322385591@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-05-01, 11:22AM PDT

we need an overweight actress that can speak spanish for a 1 hour shoot. Pay is $40

Location: Burbank
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: $40

PostingID: 322385591

The Burbank Follower, Vol. 2, No. 21

2007-05-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

BURBANK SCHOOL SMOKED OUT
A malfunctioning transformer forced the evacuation of approximately 2,600 students Monday morning at John Burroughs High School. No one was hurt. CBS2 (via AP).

Craigslist Ad O' the Day

2007-04-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

VIDEO FOOTAGE WANTED

Reply to: gigs-321760926@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-04-30, 12:35PM PDT

Need surgery footage of overweight black male, preferably gastrointestinal. Also need orthoscopic surgery footage, preferably gastrointestinal.

Location: Burbank
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: Negotiable. It's for a low/no budget movie.

PostingID: 321760926