Livin' it Up in California City, CA

There are only 18 cities in all of the United States that have the same name as the state in which it resides. There's Oklahoma City, Kansas City and New York City to name a few. But in all my 40 years, I have never been to the namesake city in my own state. Until now.


James at the California City maintenance yard. (11/07/2009)

California City, population 12,659, is located in California's Mojave Desert, near the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It sits 109 miles north of Los Angeles, and about 70 miles Southeast of Bakersfield. The closest thing to California City that anyone has probably heard of is Edwards Air Force Base, which is where Chuck Yeager famously broke the sound barrier in 1947 and has been the site of several Space Shuttle landings.

We were in town visiting our good friend Sergio, who currently lives and works in California City. Since we met Sergio earlier this year, he has always been the one to visit us. This was our first time visiting him.


What California City looks like. (11/07/2009)

After months of hearing Sergio talk about California City (more specifically, the lack of things to do in California City), I was dying to see this exotic locale with my own two eyes. So Friday night Tim and I packed up the Envoy, threw in Truman, and embarked on the 3-hour trek to Cal City (as the locals call it).

Our first glimpse of the town was not too exciting since we arrived at night (although we did stop at the city's one stoplight). But I was impressed to see that Cal City had its own McDonald's. The next morning Sergio gave us a city tour. We saw the city maintenance yard, the municipal airport and the Silver Saddle Ranch and Club, an 80-acre "resort oasis" (or as I would call it, a "campsite").


Sergio & James in California City. (11/07/2009)

Afterward, we decided to have some lunch and then go bowling. The nearest bowling alley, of course, was 42 miles away in Lancaster, CA. Despite the lack of a bowling alley and a decent grocery store, I thought Cal City had a lot going for it.

It had a Quizno's sandwich shop. It had a Wimpy's 1950s-themed diner. It had a Sears (albeit in a strip mall), but it was nicer than some Sears stores I've seen. Plus, the take-out food we picked up from Green Tea Garden Chinese Restaurant was pretty darn good.


The California City supermarket. (11/07/2009)

Another thing that California City has going for it is it's immense size. It has a total area of over 200 square miles, making it the third largest city in California (only beat by Los Angeles and San Diego) and 35th largest city in the United States.

Although I can't argue that there's a lot to do in Cal City, one great thing I can say about the town is that it's affordable. During Truman's morning walk, I came across a sign that listed apartment rentals. I was amazed that you can find a 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment for as low as $550 a month (it would be $1,200 in Orange County). There was even a 4-bedroom, 2-bath place for rent at the amazingly low rate of $850 a month (unheard of in Orange County).


James at the California City Airport. (11/07/2009)

So if you don't like living anywhere near a large city, want an affordable place to live, and don't mind the lack of diversions, then check out California City.

Celebrating Day of the Dead / Dia de Los Muertos

Once again we had our semi-annual dinner celebrating Día de los Muertos (aka "Day of the Dead"), the annual tradition celebrated on All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) or All Soul's Day (Nov. 2). This festive Mexican holiday pays respect to friends and family who have passed away, while at the same time honoring the continuation of life.


Our Dia de los Muertos altar. (11/01/2009)

The holiday symbolizes the belief that our connection with friends and family does not end at death. To commemorate the impact they've had on our lives, a special meal is prepared to welcome the souls into your home for a day of rememberance.


Johnny, Jon and Tim get ready to eat. (11/01/2009)

Today's special meal was Mexican of course, and our pals Johnny and Jon joined us in the celebration. We had carne asada, pollo asado, carnitas, beans and tortillas. (We skipped the rice this year since we're doing South Beach). Of course I made my award-winning fresh guacamole. We also bought a pan de muerto, a Mexican bread sold this time of year that looks like bones. We also skipped the cupcakes and instead celebrated with skull-like cups of sugar-free pudding (another South Beach modification).


Pan de Muerto. (11/01/2009)

This was our first time celebrating Day of the Dead in two years. We skipped it in 2008 because Tim's Grandma Helen in Buffalo, NY passed away a few days before, and her passing was too recent to celebrate Day of the Dead in the joyful spirit in which it was meant to be celebrated (it's not intended to be a sad holiday).


Dia de los Muertos pudding cups. (11/01/2009)

One of the traditions is to display a Day of the Dead altar, where you place candles and photos or mementos of the special souls who have touched our lives. My mother, my grandparents, Tim's dear friend Judi and our beloved dog Simon had their appearance. This year we added photos of Tim's Grandma Helen and our friend Jack Pitts who passed away this year. Although we were saddened to have lost them since our last Day of the Dead celebration, we were honored to include them in our celebration this year.

James & Tim's 2007 Day of the Dead celebration.

James & Tim's 2006 Day of the Dead celebration.

Halloween Impromptu

You may think we had all sorts of plans for Halloween. Especially this year since it fell on a Saturday. Nope.


James as Fidel Castro. (10/31/2009)

We had no plans. No party invitations. Nada. So our plan was to do what we do every year: Hand out candy to the kids. Our pal Amy also had no plans, so she came over for dinner (Tim made a great tilapia) and to hand out candy to the kids.


Tim as Coffee Matey Light. (10/31/2009)

We had maybe 35-40 kids drop by. By the time we shut down at 9pm, I was itchin' to go do something. I was already in my old Fidel Castro costume. So we quickly pulled out Tim's old Tigger costume for Amy, and Tim dusted off his old Coffee Matey costume.


Amy as Tigger. (10/31/2009)

Looking for something to do, we called our friends Scott and Erika, who we learned had just moved into their new condo that very day. Amazingly, they were up for an adventure. Even more amazingly, with all of their belongings stuffed in boxes and clothes hapers, they were able to improvise two costumes in less than 5 minutes!


Our posse at TGIF. (10/31/2009)

Our plans weren't huge. We went to T.G.I.Fridays at The Block for appetizers and drinks. But for an impromptu adventure, it sure was a fun Halloween.

Another Weekend Project

Yeah, it was Halloween and Day of the Dead this weekend. But despite these things, the joys of home ownership continue on. This week's project: Painting the front doors.


James paints the door trim. (10/31/2009)

We've had the new doors for almost a year now. They came primed. But we never got around to painting them until now. (We wanted to do it before the wet rainy season kicks in).


James while painting the front doors. (10/31/2009)

The door color: Whole Wheat, from Dunn Edwards. I did the majority of the doors themselves. Tim is taking on the white trim. You wouldn't think painting a front door would take very long, but it's time consuming. But they look great now, so we're happy.

From Mexican to Sexican - LOL

For the last year, I've been meaning to check out this barber shop that my co-worker Walter goes to. It's called Hawleywood's Barber Shop and Shaving Parlor, and it's right here in the OC. I was in desperate need of a haircut, and since we had no major plans this weekend, I thought this will be the time I finally check it out.


New Haircut, Before & After (10/24/2009)

Hawleywood's is a 1940s and 1950s era barbershop that specializes in straight razor shaves and high and tight old school haircuts. We're talking pompodours, duck tails, flat tops, crew cuts, etc.

The place was awesome. The room was long and narrow, with a line of maybe eight or 10 old-time Naugahyde barber chairs — complete with ash trays in the arms. The walls were covered with vintage motorcycle pics and stuff like that.


New Haircut, Before & After (10/24/2009)

Unlike most typical old school barbershops, all the barbers there were under 40. Although most were pretty heavily tatted, they were all dressed to the nines, complete with perfectly-creased trousers, leather shoes and vests.


New Haircut, Before & After (10/24/2009)

No women are allowed in the shop, a fact clearly stated by the array of male-focused magazines to choose from, including a few tittie magazine titles. When you sit down, an attendant will bring you a beer if you so choose — Pabst Blue Ribbon in the can. It's definitely a man's place (accentuated by the fact that they will kick you out if you wear a fanny pack, tennis socks or Oakley sunglasses).


New Haircut, Before & After (10/24/2009)

Cesar was my barber. I didn't have enough length on the top to pull some of the haircuts off, so I settled for what they call the "Business Man" ... a little long on top with a part. Cesar did a great job I thought. What do you think?

The Truman Show

In a world filled with uncertainties, there are many unanswered questions. What is the meaning of life? Why can't the world's nations peacefully coexist? And most importantly, why haven't Tim and James updated their blog in months?


James and Truman's first picture together. (03/14/2009)

We can't tell you bupkis about the first two questions. But the third question can be answered in a single word: Truman.


Truman the day we brought him home. (03/14/2009)

Yes, for the last seven months, our lives have revolved around a cute little miniature schnauzer puppy we adopted in March. Since then you could say our lives could easily be called "The Truman Show." And it goes without saying, we spend much more time taking care of this little fella, which cut into our blogging time.


Truman was so small when we first got him. (03/14/2009)

A birthday gift to me from Tim, Truman has been a welcome addition to our family. Most of the time anyway. It depends on if Truman is being the little angel that he sometimes is or the little devil that he sometimes is.


Truman's first bath. (04/04/2009)

We were glad to have a dog again, since it had been almost a year-and-a-half since we had to put down our beloved Simon. Although frankly, we were a little leery of going through the puppy phase. It was hard for a couple of months, but now that he's nine months old, it's a lot easier than when he was three or four months.


Truman in the car. (05/30/2009)

A lot of people ask me about his name. I wanted him to have a presidential sounding name, so I named him after president Harry S. Truman. As it turns out, our pup seems to share some of the traits of the former president.


Truman looking adorable. (06/18/2009)

Harry S. Truman was a feisty little son-of-a-gun who was often referred to as "Give 'Em Hell Harry." Our pup — who we jokingly call "Harry Ass Truman" — is also a feisty little son-of-a-gun who gives us hell quite a bit. But then moments later, he can be an irresistable little angel.


Tim & Truman. (07/11/2009)

We're still working on eradicating some of his bad habits (like his propensity to steal our socks). But despite his occasional behavior issues (and what puppy doesn't have them?) he is definitely a joy. Welcome to our family Truman!

Bob Baker's Marionette Theater now a Landmark

I was delighted to read in the L.A. Times this week that the Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been granted landmark status by the Los Angeles City Council in a 14-0 vote. Although the theater has been continuously performing marionette shows since the Kennedy Administration, Tim and I hadn't discovered this gem for ourselves until a year-and-a-half ago.


The Bob Baker Marionette Theater. (12/06/2008)

Our first taste of the Bob Baker Marionettes was in December 2007 when we saw a mini show as part of the Disneyland Tour of Downtown Los Angeles we went on with Charles Phoenix. During the Fantasyland section of our tour, we went to the theater to watch a scene from the marionette production of The Nutcracker.


We saw the marionette production of The Nutcracker. (12/09/2007)

Afterward, we were privileged to see a private performance and audience Q&A by the legend himself, Bob Baker (who, at age 83, looked far younger than he actually is). Baker's marionette work can be seen in the 1960 film G.I. Blues where Baker perfomed alongside Elvis Presley. Baker's work can also be seen in the 1954 Judy Garland film, A Star is Born, as well as a childhood favorite of mine, Escape From Witch Mountain (1975).


Bob Baker (left) discusses the art of marionette puppeteering. (12/09/2007)

In addition to marionette work, Baker was in charge of the special effects in Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971), one of Tim's all-time favorite movies. Baker's special effects work can also be seen on the original Bewitched and Star Trek television series.


Inside the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. (12/06/2008)

We enjoyed our experience at the marionette theater so much, that we went back a year later to see the full-length version of The Nutcracker. It was really cool, and totally surreal. It's like being in a time capsule from every decade over the last 50 years.


Bob Baker demonstrates Mr. Bojangles. (12/09/2007)


Admittedly, the theater is not much to look at from the outside. Aside from the unassuming marquis sign, the theater's exterior consists of simple white-painted cinder blocks that belie the richly-colored theater you'll find inside. One of my favorite areas is the hallway leading to the bathroom, where you can see many of Baker's original sketches for marionette designs.


Original marionette sketches line the wall. (12/09/2007)

For nearly 50 years, this theater has been putting on shows six days a week. So if you ever get a chance to check it out, DO! It's a treasure for both kids and adults alike. And best of all, after every show they serve ice cream in the connecting party room. It's not to be missed.


James & Tim at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. (12/06/2008)

The Bob Baker Marionette theater is located at 1345 W. First St., Los Angeles, CA, 90026. (213) 250-9995. Performances are Tuesday - Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. General admission for the show is $15 for adults and children. Reservations recommended.

Celebrity Footprints OC Style

Part of a continuing series of articles about interesting, unusual or underappreciated things Orange County has to offer. Click here for all Orange County articles.

One of the most iconic symbols of old Hollywood can be found on the cement just outside the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre. I'm talking, of course, of the cement enshrined foot- and hand-prints of celebrities from the golden age. Did you know Orange County has its own collection of cement celebrity footprints?


Marcel Marceau

The Orange County version can be found in Buena Park, CA, just outside the building that once housed the Movieland Wax Museum. Although Movieland Wax Museum shut its doors permanently in October 2005 (see my previous article discussing Movieland Wax Museum's final days), its collection of celebrity foot- and hand-prints is still accessible to anyone who wishes to see them.


Dorothy Lamour

Now before I continue, let me first warn you that the calibre of stars enshrined in Orange County is not exactly A-list. Don't expect to find Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, or Paul Newman there. But do expect to find the likes of Dudley Moore, Ray Charles or Liberace. My personal favorite is probably one of the smallest stars, both in terms of celebrity rank and stature: Herve Villechaize (aka "Tattoo" from Fantasy Island).


Herve Villechaize - Tattoo from Fantasy Island

The other thing you'll notice is that the celebrities feel like they came straight out of an early 1980s time capsule. We've got people like Loni Anderson from WKRP Cincinnati, Jack Klugman from The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.D., and Lou Ferrigno from The Incredible Hulk TV series. In fact, looking at all those names, it seems the only thing missing is the cast of Barney Miller.


Ray Charles

Although the collection seems a little dated, it's still pretty cool considering you can see it for free. When the Movieland Wax Museum closed, developers announced they would raze the building and replace it with "Movieland Plaza," a movie-themed retail center anchored by a Best Buy store. The retail center even planned to display some of the original wax stars in glass cases.


Eva Gabor

It's been more than three years, and there's still no sign of "Movieland Plaza." And with the current economic climate, I don't expect bulldozers any time soon. All that sits there now is the empty building, the iconic sign, and a Starbucks.


Vincent Price

So the next time you're craving a venti non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte and want to compare shoe sizes with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Tom Selleck or Gloria Estefan, you know where to go. Located at 7711 Beach Blvd. in Buena Park, CA. Ample free parking. For more pics, click here.

Sunday Brunch Nixon Style

It seems Richard Nixon is all the rage again, what with the fascinating film Frost/Nixon having been nominated for five Academy Awards (and deservedly so). So when we were looking for something to do yesterday morning, we decided to have brunch at one of Richard Nixon's favorite restaurants, El Adobe, in historic downtown San Juan Capistrano.


Nixon's favorite restaurant: El Adobe. (02/15/2009)

You don't have to search very far in Southern California to find Nixon history. Nixon was born and raised on the family lemon farm in Yorba Linda, where his birthplace, burial spot and presidential library now sit. He served as a congressman and U.S. senator representing California. Nixon even ran for California governor in 1962 (the loss was said to be the end of his political career).

But Nixon's fondness for El Adobe wouldn't come until 1969 when the newly-elected president purchased La Casa Pacifica in nearby San Clemente (just 10 miles away from the restaurant). The home, which became known as the Western White house, became his presidential getaway during his one-and-a-half terms. The Nixons lived there full time after his 1974 resignation until moving to New York in 1980.


A framed photo of President Nixon leaving El Adobe restaurant. (02/15/2009)

The history of the restaurant goes further back than that, however. The building it currently occupies was built in 1797 as a private home. In 1812 a courthouse and jail was built next door. In 1910, a local purchased both properties, combining them into a single structure. In 1948 the building changed hands again and became El Adobe restaurant.

Upon entering, you realize that this is one of those great, old-school Mexican restaurants, with thick terra cotta tile floors, heavy wooden chairs and wrought iron decor. And just in case you didn't know already that the restaurant was a favorite of Richard Nixon, you'll know when you see the Nixon-autographed menu on the wall, flanked by several 1970s photos of Nixon arriving there.


Inside Nixon's favorite restaurant, El Adobe. (02/15/2009)

Within moments of sitting down, the wait staff had already brought us a basket of chips and a bowl of freshly-prepared salsa to enjoy while we poured over the menu selections. When I saw "The President's Choice" on the menu, I knew instantly what I was having.

The plate includes a chile relleno, a chicken enchilada, a shredded beef taco, beans and rice. According to the menu, "President and Mrs. Nixon's favorite [was] served on countless occasions at El Adobe & the Western White House."


The President's Choice on the menu. (02/15/2009)

It didn't take long for our food to arrive. The first thing I noticed was the sheer volume of food. My God it was enormous! I'm telling you, there's no way that Pat Nixon ever finished her plate. Lord knows I know how to pack it down, but even I still had to take the chicken enchilada, rice and beans home with me.

But the food itself was delicious. Normally I think chile relleno is just okay, something I'd eat if you made it for me in your home, but not something I'd ordinarily order at a restaurant. But this one was very well done ... not too eggy like some I've had before.


President's Nixon's favorite dish. (02/15/2009)

And the taco? Pure bliss! A crunchy deep fried outer shell stuffed to the gills with perfectly-cooked shredded beef, crisp lettuce and fresh grated cheese.

I didn't get to experience the enchilada until this afternoon, and that too was fantastic, even after sitting in the fridge for a day. The chicken was still juicy, yet still shredded apart easily with your fork. I can definitely see why the Nixons enjoyed it so much.


The bar inside Nixon's favorite restaurant, El Adobe. (02/15/2009)

So if you're in for some great Mexican food, and some presidential history to boot, definitely check out El Adobe. Located at 31891 Camino Capistrano, in downtown San Juan Capistrano. (949) 493-1163. Open 7 days a week. For more pics, click here.

100 Fantastic Years of Carmen Miranda

Today marks the 100th birthday of the legendary Carmen Miranda, the Brazilian bombshell who took Broadway and Hollywood by storm in the 1940s. A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog post about her on the 50th anniversary of her passing. Today I'm using her 100th birthday as the reason to retouch on this woman's amazing journey.


Carmen Miranda sings The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat.

Although Carmen was born in Portugal, she spent most of her formative years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was there that she had become the country’s most successful entertainer.

At the height of her popularity in Brazil, someone asked Carmen what she needed to be happy. She replied: “A good bowl of soup and the freedom to sing.”


A portrait of Carmen Miranda from her Brazilian career.

She made her American debut in 1939 after legendary Broadway impresario Lee Schubert saw her show in Rio de Janeiro. He immediately booked her for his Broadway review: The Streets of Paris. Carmen went to New York and became an overnight sensation.

That show marked the beginning of an 18-month string of successive Broadway reviews and nightclub acts. Although her career in the U.S. was skyrocketing, she found an entirely different reception when she returned to Brazil after finding her success in the U.S.


Carmen Miranda in Brazil.

Upon her return to her home country, audiences rejected her. She had become "Americanized," they complained. She was no longer their Carmen Miranda.

The response broke Carmen's heart. It would be 14 years before she would ever return to her homeland.


Carmen sings The South American Way.

Back in the U.S., Carmen landed a new contract with 20th Century Fox. She was starting a new life in a new country, and she took the town by storm. Six months after the fateful return trip to Brazil, Carmen's hands and feet were enshrined in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater. Soon she would become the highest paid woman in the U.S.

By the mid 1940s, however, Carmen's novelty began to wear off. Despite Carmen's desire to expand her talents, 20th Century Fox wouldn't permit her to do anything else other than sing and dance in supporting roles.


Carmen sings Brazil.

She would later buy out her contract, dye her hair blonde, and take a lead role opposite Groucho Marx in the 1947 film Copacabana. The film was a flop. By then Carmen was unable to escape the type of roles that once made her so famous.

She went back to the nightclub circuit, but by then, she was almost a novelty act. After working two shows a night for months on end, Carmen began having problems sleeping. So she began to take a sleeping pill. Within a few years, she was taking up to 10 sleeping pills a night.


Carmen became the highest paid woman in the U.S.

After a nervous breakdown, Carmen entered into a deep depression. She went back to Brazil to recuperate with her family. Doctors there put Carmen through shock treatments, which were common at the time. A few months later, she began to show signs of life again.

But her own ambition turned out to be her downfall. She returned to Hollywood in 1955 and threw herself back into the turmoil of appearances and TV guest spots.


The last recorded image of Carmen before her death at age 46.

Three months later, appearing on the Jimmy Durante Show, she collapsed suddenly while dancing and had trouble breathing. But being the trooper she was, she picked herself up and finished the show, dancing gracefully out the door.

It would be the last time the public would see Carmen Miranda alive. She died later that night. Cause of death was a heart attack. She was 46 years old.


Carmen Miranda at the height of her career.

Fortunately today, Carmen Miranda continues to touch the lives of fans through her movies. Happy 100th birthday Carmen!