Mulholland Dr. (The Last Bend Before Laurel Canyon)

We were this close to getting home last night when we rounded the last bend before Laurel Canyon, only to be stopped by a police officer in the middle of the street.

'Turn around,' he said in no uncertain terms.

We pull forward and I see an 18-wheeler up ahead, partially hidden by the bend. It took me a second, but it finally registered. There was a sports car literally crushed underneath this 18-wheeler. The paramedics weren't there yet.

The Apple Pan (10801 W. Pico Blvd.)

Basis for the Johnny Rockets restaurants. Opened in 1947. Our server had been working there 30 years. My entire life! From the time I was born until the time I sat down at that counter... he's been flipping burgers. That hurts my head. The Apple Pan appears in James Ellroy's 1981 novel, Brown's Revenge. David Sedaris discusses a trip to the Apple Pan in the story "A Can of Worms" from his book Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.

10801 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064-2105
(310) 475-3585

Record Surplus (11609 Pico Blvd.)

The coolest record shop on the Westside. Found a Solomon Burke record we had been looking for here! Almost bought the Prince Love Symbol album, but at $36, I thought otherwise. Go up to "the Attic" where nothing is more than $.92. Why $.92, I do not know. When they ring you up... they add up your total in their head, round down, and don't add tax.





11609 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064-2908
(310) 478-4217

"I sure lost my musical direction in Hollywood. My songs were the same conveyer belt mass production, just like most of my movies were."

-Elvis Presley

Spaceland (1717 Silverlake Blvd)

Spaceland is not only changing owners, but the name will soon change to The Satellite. I don't think much will change come the new owners. Which is a good thing. Spaceland is responsible for the LA debuts of bands like Arcade Fire, The Killers, and My Morning Jacket.

On the way back to the car last night after the Shonen Knife show someone on a bike was placing a flier on my windshield. I only notice those annoying fliers when I'm speeding down the 101 and they're flapping against my windshield. This time, it wasn't a flier for Shakey's Pizza. It was a $65 parking ticket. Don't park on the North side of Silverlake Blvd. without checking the signs. Or... just don't park on the North side of the street.

Oh, and stay away from their house vodka or you might vomit blood.

The Satellite
1717 Silverlake Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Magic Door IV (155 W 2nd Street)

This used bookstore is famous for staying open till the headliner goes on next-door at the The Glass House. Most of the bands stop by to sign their cds for Magic Door owners, a 60-something year-old couple who will show off their collection to anyone who asks. We stopped in before The Drums. The couple was listening to Surfer Blood. The opening band.

Quality Used Books
155 W. 2nd Street
Pomona, CA 91766

909-472-2991

Vogue Theatre (6675 Hollywood Blvd.)

Designed by noted theatre architect S. Charles Lee and opened on July 16th, 1935. Legend has it this theatre is haunted by a former projectionist, Fritz, who once worked there. Don't know if it's even possible to get into the projection room, or if such room even exists today. In 1995 the theatre was used for psychic performances. Wonder if they ever made contact with Fritz?

Vogue Theatre
6675 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Status: Closed.

Halloween Harvest Festival ( 20800 Victory Blvd.)

Lame festival with even lamer haunted houses. Showing up late was the one saving grace. No one was around. It felt like we were on a movie set. The carnival workers, high schoolers from an 80's horror movie, gave it that Children of the Corn vibe.









Bring some vodka in a flask for added enjoyment.


Halloween Harvest Festival @Pierce College
20800 Victory Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Only open till Halloween