sha in LA

Independent Shakespeare redux

Independent Shakespeare makes a return appearance this summer at the Barnsdall Art Park and is definitely worth consideration in your weekend plans anytime between now and August 13th.

They are featuring 2 shows in rep, Hamlet and As You Like It. I saw Hamlet last year and As You Like It this past Sunday and had a great time at both shows. Bring a picnic basket (complete with “grape juice”), a winter coat and a blanket (TRUST ME, it gets cold up on that hill). The price is worth it, FREE! Although they obviously need support from the community to continue these shows so they do “pass the bucket” afterwards. Reservations are recommended and you can access the complete calendar through the link above. Go and enjoy.

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what in the dickens???

Doing my part in helping a friend find a new home for his kitty, see below:

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Hello everyone,

Many of you have met me already but for those who haven’t, my name is Dickens. I’ve snuck onto Dan’s computer while he’s at work to let you know that I’ll be looking for a new home around the end of July. As most of you know, Dan is moving and he and I both decided I’d be happier staying here in California instead of going through the trauma of a cross-country move, adjusting to a new climate, and subjecting myself to Dan’s new roommate, who isn’t really a cat person (though she was very nice in offering to try and become one!)

A little bit about me: I’m five years old, male, neutered, Ragdoll/Himalayan (long, pretty hair), up to date on all my shots, and I was recently given a clean bill of health from my vet. I’m also the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, if I do say so myself. I’m an indoor cat and I’m used to living with just my human, but I grew up with several other cats in the house, so I could probably get used to another cat if given the time. I LOVE people and anyone who’s met me will tell you I’m the friendliest feline on four legs. I’m very clean, i.e. I never “miss” when using my litter box, though being a long-haired kitty I do have the occasional hairball. But if you brush me every day those can usually be avoided.

If you are interested in meeting me to see if we hit it off, please email Dan at [email protected]. I know that Dan loves me very much and wants to find me a good human, so please only respond if you are serious about giving me the best home a cat ever had.

Kisses and clawmarks,
Dickens

at 1 we row

What a way to plummet readership huh?

Yeah, Shannon’s a bad blogger but soon she shall be picking herself up from the depths of darkness and get back in the saddle again.

Let me start by letting everyone know that Dragon Boat Team “Blogging.LA”, of which I am a part of, has just received a race time of 1pm on Saturday July 8th at the Lotus Day Festival. We shall set sail from Tom Sawyers Island…wait a minute that’s Disneyland…well whatever that weird island-type mass is at the north(ish) end of the park, travel the lake lengthwise and return back victorious in our pursuits. We will need a cheering section to boost our spirits and guide us in our quest for victory. This is where you, my/our loyal readers come in. Please come out and show your support, trust me when I speak for the group in saying that it would be ever so much appreciated and not go unnoticed.

In other Echo Park Lake water adventures, Jillian forwarded the following info to me and my head started spinning…in a good way. Now all I need is 1-3 friends who would be interested in joining me…anyone?

The Echo Park Yacht Club Presents:

PADDLEBOAT RAGATTA 2006
SUNDAY, JULY 23, NOON
ECHO PARK LAKE BOAT HOUSE

The time has come once again to decide who is the master mariner and ruler of the Echo Park high seas. A race to the death (or finish) by crews of 2-4 sailors will take place at noon via paddleboat upon that treacherous body of water known to most as Echo Park Lake. Pirate, mariner, mermaid attire encouraged. Water pistols and other nefarious means will not only be tolerated, but rewarded! Awards and BBQ to follow.

I think July is going to be a fun month.

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click refresh often

LA Animal Services
Pet of the Day

Adopt a pet today!

my what a large body of water you are...

I had no idea that when I signed up to be a part of blogging.la's Dragon Boat Race Team for the Lotus Festival that rowing a boat was so strenuous, or that the dynamics of the whole thing resembled makin' whoopee. "Stick it in deep and pull it out all the way, " G-money says to us in our rowing tutorial...heathervescent and I obviously share similar brain functionality because at the exact same time we look at each other and practically die laughing. Then, to top things off he decides to use the word "stroke" to keep us in rowing unison and repeatedly uses that word in drum type fashion. "stroke, stroke, stroke." It was all we could do to keep it together. Echo Park Lake is one large body of water. Must do lots of weightlifting between now and July 8.

Postscript: I opened my e-mail today and was floored when I read a link to fellow rower joz's blog. Words cannot describe the sadness I feel for my new friend. I'm sending lots of good thoughts her way and hope you do as well, if so inclined.

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it's a beautiful day

A year ago Sunday I had the most amazing experience of my entire life. I jumped, or rather was gently pushed, out of a plane at approximately 12,000 feet. Thankfully I had someone strapped to me who had a parachute big enough for 2. I spent an extra $100 to have a videographer go with me and record the event onto DVD and it was clearly the best money ever spent. Being able to re-watch that day brings the feelings back as if it were yesterday. The soundtrack to my jump is “It’s a Beautiful Day” by U2 and if I’m ever feeling particularly down I watch that DVD and am instantly pulled out of my funk.

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3 Thursdays

Most Thursday nights I can be found at the Elephant Theatre running a show. Every once in a while I get to take a little break. Coming up in July I will get such a break as things will change for 3, yes count 'em 3 Thursdays. I must make good use of my time as I won’t see anything like this again for a few months. In a perfect world, one where I don’t come home and decide to A) workout or B) pass out from exhaustion, the following would be my intended plans for the 3 Thursday’s in July.

July 6 – Take in Dinner and a Movie at the Autry National Center, Mexicali Rose plays tonight. For a mere $15 some sort of dinner is served in the plaza area beginning at 5pm, then at 7:30 the movie is screened at the Wells Fargo Theatre. Other options would be July 13 (In Old Monterey), July 20 (South of the Border) or July 27 (Down Mexico Way). Or, if you’re like every other semi-normal person and have numerous Thursday evenings at your disposal then you really won’t want to miss the Sizzling Summer Nights Live Music Series in August. For $5 enjoy live music and dancing from 6pm – 9pm with some of the hottest Latin bands in town. Make sure to check the calendar for more information.

July 13 – this one is a no-brainer for me. Finally go on the Downtown Art Walk held on the 2nd Thursday of every month and sponsored by the Gallery Row Organization.

July 20 – Go see the SpyAnts new show, The Reunion: Everything Changes, Everyone Stays the Same. In this production the Howard Fine Acting Studio will be converted into the fictional Woodrow Wilson High School of Woodland Hills hosting the 10 year reunion of the class of 1984. The inspiration for this piece came from a play called Tamara which had an extended run in Los Angeles in the 1980’s. In the SpyAnts piece you can follow one character throughout the evening or switch to another if that suits your fancy. Maybe some day soon the 'Ants will get their website updated and it will have more detailed info on the concept.

Movies, Music, Art and Theatre. How cultured am I? Anyone wanna join in on the festivities?

x

row, row, row your boat

Coming up in a few weekends is the annual Lotus Festival in Echo Park. I've never been but have heard about it for years, the festival coincides with the blooming of the Lotus flower and it's mission is to promote and create an atmosphere of understanding of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Southern California. This year the focus is on the Philippines.

With the word "festival" comes all of the standard "festival" type activities including live music, dance, food, artisan booths and most importantly Dragon Boat Races! This is where I come into the picture. The blogger kids over at blogging.la have put together a team and I was invited by Jillian. I very promptly agreed and this coming Saturday morning we have our first (and only) training session. Then we row our little hearts out at some point over the 2 day festival on July 8 & 9. I'll be sure to post that info when I get it in case anyone wants to don some pom-poms and cheer us on.

I'm very excited for this opportunity and laughed at Jillian's response when I said thanks for thinking of me, her reply: no problem, whenever I think of "wacky city activity" I think "Shannon!"

x

Slap & Tickle

Yes kids, it's Slap & Tickle time again. For those of you not in the know, Slap & Tickle is a conglomeration of some of the finest comedic actors and writers in Hollywierd. They come together every 6 months or so to put on a show and next week is their "Mid-Summer's Eve Comedy Show."

Details to follow, or you can click on the picture above to biggify.

SLAP & TICKLE
Mid-Summer's Eve Comedy Show
Tuesday June 20 & Wednesday June 21
8pm

Starring: Alex Alexander, Sarah Allen, Steve Altman, Paul Bartholomew, Mark Carnessale, John Cariani, Larry Clarke, Eliza Coyle, Kathleen Dennehy, Jenny Eakes, Loretta Fox, Adam Greener, Anne Jordan, Jim Hanna, Jay Huguley, Joan Lauckner, Jeff Lewis, Jayden Lund, Rod McLachlan, Chris MacKenzie, Dee Ann Newkirk, Brendan O'Malley, Amy Scribner, Mike Sikowitz, Alyssa Steck, Liz Warner

$10 Includes Complimentary Drinks and Snacks
The Lillian Theatre
1076 Lillian Way
(south of Santa Monica, between Cahuenga & Vine)

Reservations: (323) 461-7834
doors open at 7:30

I'll be in the booth, hope to see you there!

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photo update

For those of you who are interested, I've updated the Bergins Blue/Brew Crew post to include the photos from the event. Click here to see the long awaited photos.

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