Pumpkins, Ghouls, Etc.

There are many good things about Halloween like afro wigs, naughty nurses, devil horns and dressed-up weiner dogs.

Yet, what I enjoy most is walking down typical neighborhoods and seeing humor and horror. The free candy is a plus, too.

-H.

Bizarre Bazaar

Passing through the Chinatown bazaar is always a pleasure for me. I thrive on the unpredictable, randomness. I delight in the unbelievable lack of detail. I rejoice in the horrific knock-offs. I enjoy a good laugh.

Hmm, I'm sure if you paired one of these blouses with a good pair of jeans...

Rows and rows of women's shoes. And they have that 'bobe' brand that's so popular.

Your two year old would never suspect a fake until they choke on a loose Cookie Monster eyeball.

Next to the children's toys are the big boy toys.

Walt is turning in his grave. I can hear him screaming for the "E" now.

-H.

Lofty Dreams

I was in downtown last week and loft boom is still going crazy. It's good to see more life down there. Cool architecture and history, but I'm not signing up anytime soon.

My dreams will be lived elsewhere.

-H.

Working with Mickey

Had a "job" today. I say it in quotes because it didn't feel like a job at all. I went to Disneyland to hangout and explore a few areas so I can give the Disney Imagineers (imagination + engineers) some of my thoughts on improving the park.

Some of my friends rail against the Disney machine and its manufacturing of fun, but honestly after spending a full-day seeing their extreme attention to detail (from a designer's point of view), you can't walk away without being in awe. Their standards are inspiring.

As you enter the park, you go under a bridge and this tiny sign tells you exactly what to expect.

They allowed us behind this door to see "backstage." There was a no-picture policy, but I saw nothing scandalous. It looked like a movie lot, soundstage area. No one smoking, boozing or cavorting.

I found out in the New Orleans section of the park, there is a secret speakeasy called Club 33 where super exclusive members can go and have an alcoholic beverage. Don't even try to get up there.

You're not important enough.

I've always skipped the steamboat for the more exciting rides, but I guess I'm an old fart now because I enjoyed it. Felt like I was in a Tom Sawyer book. Wait...no one reads anymore.

This is Maggie the Cow.

I was impressed with Disneyland being rather progressive honoring Dia de los Muertos the 3-day Mexican holiday. But then again, it could also be the seasonal decoration for their Mexican restaurant. Whatever the case, Disneyland is wonderful.

-H.

Too Much

I love dogs. I do. Yet, as I took a walk one evening in Hollywood, I was appalled by this insane building of over-indulgence. C'mon, now. Really?

You dog freaks can check it out at www.dpethotels.com.

At least, they have a fun tagline for a hotel: Sit. Stay.

-H.

What Rain?

Summer has made an encore. The two days of cold temps and rain are a distant memory. I rearranged my schedule to play football on the beach, frolic in the ocean and bbq. It's mid-October. I guess there's an upside to global warming.

-H.

Night Rain

Its been pouring the last few days. Last night I caught a few pics with my phone as the world went by.

-H.

Ventura? Yes, Ventura.

Took a drive with a friend today. We went to Ventura because we found ourselves on the 101 North and Santa Barbara seemed too far away. I was pleasantly surprised with some quintessential California scenery.

- H.

Adventures in Griffith Park

Out with summer, in with the fall. Today was sunny, yet cool. It was perfect hiking weather. My buddy Kevin and I tackled the endless trails in Griffith Park for 5 long hours. Most of it was spent trying to find our way back to the car, but it added to the adventure. Good day.

The hazy downtown looked futuristic as if it were a floating city.

The park truly has endless trails. We took these big paths, but found the narrow ones more fun.

We made it up behind the Hollywood Sign. I saw the Hollywood Reservoir for the first time in my 20-years in LA.

We got lost and found ourselves trespassing at "Camp Hollywoodland." Below you'll see a video on how we got out of these eerie, deserted grounds.

So much randomness out there. We stumbled upon a movie set that wasn't being used.

Boys will be boys.

- H.

Adios Summer

With nighttime temperatures getting cooler and the sun sinking faster, my friends and I realized that the beach days of bodysurfing in the 70-degree waters are about to end. So we took time yesterday to say goodbye to summer with a memorable afternoon in Venice. Bring on fall.

-H.