The Joy of Family and Making New Friends

Today, Sarah and Luna visited and we went to the 3rd Street Farmer’s Market with my brother-in-law, Ray Agutter, who is visiting from Salt Lake City. Ray was my sister Leslie’s husband and is the father of my beloved niece, Kevin, and my nephew, Jim. Ray is also a gregarious character and loves to chat…

The Ordination Today at St. John’s Cathedral in LA

Today was a happy day for our church, St. Thomas the Apostle in Hollywood.  Two of our parishioners, Shireen Baker and Steve DeMuth, were ordained as deacons; in six months, they will become Episcopal priests.  They were 2 of the 11 people who were ordained today downtown at St. John’s Cathedral with Jon Bruno, Bishop…

Frankenweenie – Not What I Expected

We went this afternoon to see Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, a movie I’ve been looking forward to seeing. Alas, I must say that I was disappointed. The film is in black and white to begin with, and I immediately longed for color. Second, though I liked the main character and his dog, Sparkie, I didn’t like…

Not My Cup of Tea

We made it to the Wiltern tonight to see Alfie Boe. Unfortunately, we left at intermission because despite Alfie’s beautiful voice, his type of music – a sort of Opera/Pop was just not something that was compelling to either one of us. I felt bad on one hand because he was quite an entertainer –…

Movie Recommendation: Perks of Being a Wall Flower

We went to the movies this evening and saw Perks of Being a Wall Flower. It covers adolescent angst without reducing teenagers to stereotypes, and it has a twist you will not see coming. Emma Watson from the Harry Potter Saga is strong in her portrayal of a high school senior and Logan Lerman as…

A “Cool” Secret

I am sitting in an overly warm living room at my round glass table with a big fan aimed in my direction. I can see the bushes outside swaying in the breeze, but the cool ocean air appears to be only out there, not making its way through the windows and doors of our house,…

Tonight

All dressed up tonight Big party for my student Bar Mitzvah gala Downtown Hollywood Big club with music and food Four hundred people People there I knew Students and their families All dressed up with smiles This is rare for me To go and participate But this boy is dear This is the fourth child…

Run, Don’t Walk to This Place if You’re Anywhere Near LA

My daughters gave me gift certificates for several massages for my birthday and today Rachael and Liz took me to the “Oasis Relax Spa Foot Massage” location, where we all three had an hour-long massage for 20 bucks a piece. Yes, that was an HOUR for TWENTY bucks and it wasn’t just a quick slam,…

LA News Highlights 11 pm January 14, 2012

Murders in Orange County Returned Iraqi vet Accused of killing four homeless men Crowds mourning the men’s deaths Tracking rain tonight A few clouds out there already Rain likely for later tomorrow We really need the rain Two LA area women Managed to escape the sinking Italian cruise ship Life boats went down sideways Since…