Florida, oh, Florida

Everyone says it rains a lot in Florida.  Maybe they're right.  I drove three miles in a rental car before I figured out how to turn on the wipers.  Forgot to get those instructions before I drove out of the Fort Lauderdale Airport.  

Windows of the hotel lobby before it rained.  Scary.

Hollywood Bowl Forever

Tonight was no exception.  The Hollywood Bowl ended with a bang.

Travel Fact

In the wake of recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court supporting marriage equality, hotels, particularly those in California, which will become the 13th state to offer legalized gay marriage, are poised to reap the benefits.  California will host approximately 37,000 same-sex weddings over the next three years among couples who will spend almost $500 million, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.  As a point of reference, during the first year gay marriage was legal in New York State, it generated $259 million in New York City alone.

Grand Performances

Tonight's program at Gran Performances at the California Plaza celebrated women through a variety of musical styles.  The evening began in the sub-Sahara with the graceful a capella music of Adunni and Nefertiti, a Nigerian women's company with renditions of their native folklore.  Followed by Martha Redbone with warm melodies from the American south mixed with Native American roots.  Bluegrass, folk and country gospel from selected William Blake prose was refreshingly performed.  And finally LA's own Dessy di Lauro delivered some neo-ragtime.  Audience members picnicked and danced the night away. www.grandperformances.org for the balance of the calendar.

Horoscope

July 3, 2013, LA Times read: Sometimes the past is like something seen in your rear view mirror.  When it feels like memories are holding you back, step on the gas.
In the process of making over my apartment.  It all started with an offer from my landlord to paint.  Three weeks later, all of my stuff is in boxes in the middle of the living room or piled on top of the dining table.  Somedays I don't know where to begin.  But throwing some stuff away or making donations is a great way to start.

Forgetful

Almost forgot what I was going to write about tonight.  Ah.  My train of random thoughts circled 'round it was all about forgetting things.  Getting lost in the minutia.  Starting too many e-mails and forgetting where I put the drafts.  It's about the small things in life.  Found it!

Summer Is Officially Here

In North America, the summer solstice began today at 1:04 AM, EDT.  Sol + Stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" and "to stand still".  As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky.  As a major celestial event, the Summer Solstice results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year.  The northern hemisphere celebrates June, but the people on the southern half of the earth have their longest summer day in December.

Superman in the 21st Century

Man of Steel Steals Heart

In anticipation of "Man of Steel" screening with Australians in Film, I caught up with the Superman at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills.  The Center is currently showcasing Television Out of the Box, an exhibit by Warner Brothers.  There's also the Flintstones car on display as well as sets from your favorite shows such as Friends, Big Bang Theory, True Blood and more.  Open Wednesdays to Sundays 12 noon to 5:00 PM.  www.paleycenter.org

The Autry in Griffith Park

Visiting the Autry in Griffith Park was the perfect way to spend the early afternoon especially considering that I went there for the weekend Autry Farmers Market, which only takes place on Saturday!  Note to self.  We found instead Katsina in Hopi Life, featuring remarkable Katsina dolls from the Autry's Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection.  We were given a glimpse into  Hopi life and culture through the Katsinam who are spiritual beings, representing all aspects of life lessons.  Through December 1, 2013.

Travel Fact

Free breakfast is on the menu at more hotels than ever.  Hotels are adding complimentary breakfasts as a way to attract guests and give them more value for their money.  Last year 79% of hotels offered free breakfast, up from 55% in 2010, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Happy Birthday - sweet 16

Got a message on Facebook today to take a photo of myself holding up a sign saying happy sweet sixteen birthday! The father is putting together a collage of photos from around the world for his daughter.  What a sweet idea.  Here's one of three I took today on Melrose Place.

Thought for the Day

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.  - Oscar Wilde

Therein Lies the Truth

The Scottsboro Boys is a story that till resonates today as we struggle to give voice to those who are marginalized or disenfranchised - composer John Kander.  The Scottsboro Boys, otherwise known as the "Scottsboro Nine" served as a metaphor the the broken promise of equality and justice in America in the 1930's.  Multiple trials and appeals ruined nine lives but served as an inspiration for the Civil Rights Movement.  Kander and Ebb [lyricist] chose this jagged piece of American history and staged a moving, complex and often shocking musical; adapting the minstrel show to mock the judicial system.  Now through June 30th at the Ahmanson Theater.

Circa

Circa, the leading international jewelry buyer, opened its first office in Beverly Hills.  The opening event held in their second floor suite and hosted by Director, Wes Carroll, introduced the privately owned company to friends and luxury jewelry admirers.  Established in 2001 to address consumers' demand to sell jewelry they no longer wear, Circa redefined the experience of selling jewelry with offices in three continents and a team of nearly 100.  Champagne and little gems of passed hors d' oeuvres  were perfectly suited to the sophisticated  and discreet environment the Circa has created.  Located at 9696 Wilshire Boulevard.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all women, those with children and those who support mothers.  Celebrate all women who contribute to raising and nurturing our future. 

Rain, Rain Go Away

What is that old saying about April showers bring May flowers?  Calendar is a bit off but this was good for all those wild fires raging north of Los Angeles.  We're grateful.

Travel Fact

Americans' sentiment toward travel is higher than before the recession.   A new survey by MMGY Global indicates that the consumers' travel sentiment has improved, surpassing even a benchmark rating established in March 2007.  The study found that about 57% of all US adults are looking to go on a vacation within the next six months.  Business-travel sentiment also grew, with 20% of respondents indicating plans to take at least one business trip over the next six months.

Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future

The Getty Museum is currently showcasing the first ever groundbreaking exhibit of the regions diverse urban landscape.  During the 20th century, Los Angeles rapidly evolved into one of the most populous and influential industrial and creative capitals in the world.  Highlights include visionary planners and architects who transformed an expansive landscape into a vibrant laboratory for cutting edge design.  Overdrive refers to the extraordinary pace and worldwide impact of LA's impressive growth including our ambitious freeway network, sleek corporate towers, whimsical coffee shops, popular shopping malls, refined steel-and-glass residences and eclectic cultural institutions.  Through July 21, 2013, enjoy our rich and often under appreciated built environment. http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/overdrive/

Your Cable Appointment

I thought the cable company was going to laugh me out of their office on Saturday when I said that my TV was so old it didn't have anything to plug composite cables into.  So here I sit waiting for the technician to visit between "the hours of 4 and 5 pm".  In the meantime, I'm going to go out and buy a new television in case this technician personally laughs me out of my own apartment!  Better to be prepared.