My favorite story this morning has nothing to do with the group of dignified fans who torched a few Staples-adjacent blocks, stole shoes and bashed some cars for good measure, following last night’s Lakers victory:

The chihuahuas, which weigh about three pounds each, had cornered the mountain lion. She says the big cat appeared to be angry and began hissing at her and foaming at the mouth.

Spray quickly called 911 and then grabbed her video camera to record a few pictures of the cornered cougar.

»continue reading Chihuahuas to Riverside Cougar: Size Doesn’t Matter

Got some sad news over the long weekend: Jay Bennett passed away in his sleep at 45 years of age, cause of death unknown. I was fortunate to catch Jay in the post-Wilco era, on tour with Ed Burch and members of Centro-matic, a few years back at the Troubadour. DeRogatis @ Chicago Sun-Times has the full story, including a statement from Jeff Tweedy. Our thoughts go out to Jay’s family and friends.

» Jay Bennett, dead at age 45 (DeRogatis – CST)

As an Oklahoma transplant here in Los Angeles last fall I took it upon myself to instigate what may, with hindsight, ultimately be considered a brutal email harrassment campaign of my friends and family from Oklahoma — those who grew up there, and those that live there still — urging them to vote for their favorite State Rock Song in an online poll. (“Vote Alice in Chains! Vote ‘Cocaine’ by Clapton, that one really screams Oklahoma! – ohshitnowaitjesus vote Jackson Browne! … ” etc ad infinitum) Following said inbox pummelling, the Flaming Lips eventually and somewhat predictably appeared victorious in the poll, their nominated 2002 hit “Do You Realize” now slated to become the first and possibly only official state rock song of Oklahoma. All ten finalists sans Jackson Browne can be found here. Where was I going with this? Oh, right:

Fuck Yeah Motherfuckers Oklahoma Has A State Rock Song. One Rodgers-and-Hammerstein-penned state song in this day and age simply doesn’t cut it. Call me selfish, but as a former resident I’d also like to see a State Country Song, State Punk Song, State Movie, State ABC Television Series, State Fast Food Chain (obvs Sonic [nasdaq: SONC]), State Domesticated Housepet, State OU-Fan-Driving-A-White-Dualie, and State Gravy. Hell, why not.

»continue reading Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize” To Become Official Rock Song of Oklahoma In Less Than Two Minutes

Note: This is the second of two galleries (first gallery here) focusing on George Harrison’s Walk of Fame star ceremony outside Capitol Records, April 14, 2009. Full gallery and writeup after the jump.

»continue reading Capitol Records, 14 April 2009: George Harrison’s Walk of Fame Star Ceremony: The Star Is Revealed At Last

As previously mentioned, former Beatle George Harrison (1943-2001) was honored with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside Capitol Records, shortly before noon today. George is now the second Beatle to receive an individual star following John Lennon. He succombed to cancer near the end of 2001 at Paul McCartney’s house, right here in Los Angeles. Surviving wife, Olivia, and son, Dhani, accepted today’s honorary award on behalf of George.

IN THIS GALLERY: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Leron Gubler, Olivia Harrison, Dhani Harrison, Eric Idle, Paul McCartney, Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, Jeff Lynne, Tom Hanks, Nancy Shevell.

Still to come: Tom Petty, the unveiling of the actual star, the footwear of your other favorite Beatle, full-on Beatlemania returns to Capitol, extensive event write-up and much more. Stick around.

UPDATE, 4/15: Full writeup now online.

HENRY ROLLINS RETURNS to THE LA AIRWAVES ON KCRW
Saturday Nights from 6 to 8pm PST

Appearing as a Guest DJ on Morning Becomes Eclectic TOMORROW, February 19

Starting March 7, KCRW DJ Liza Richardson will host Saturday night music from 8 to 10pm, followed by Jason Eldredge from 10pm to midnight.

Henry Rollins returns to the station where he got his start in radio, hosting a KCRW music show that will feature “a great mix of all kinds from all over from all time.” It will air live — on air at 89.9 FM and online at KCRW.com — Saturday nights from 6 to 8pm starting March 7. Each show will also be available on demand until the next show airs.
»continue reading KCRW Snags Rollins

WESTSIDE Jr. MARKET
11031 Santa Monica Blvd.
LA, 25

While not currently available on the CBS.com website, video of “15 Step” performed by Thom and Jonny of Radiohead, backed by the USC Trojan Marching Band, February 8th at the 2009 Grammys at Staples Center, has surfaced online.

The clip, which is apparently unauthorized and likely violating one or more copyright laws, has yet to be removed and remains viewable below as of press time.

Losanjealous has just received word of a major development related to the copyright infringement lawsuit Associated Press has threatened against artist Shepard Fairey. The AP has claimed that Fairey wrongfully appropriated their photograph of President Obama in creating his iconic “Hope” poster. A recent court filing, however, reveals that the AP in turn violated copyrights owned by Losanjealous author, Derby Doll hanger-on, and man-about-town DF. Excerpts from the 1,257-page complaint illustrate the overwhelming force of these shattering accusations:

“Whereas, heretofore, nevertheless, etc., DF herein alleges that the following is true and correct:*

“¶ 15. Extensive photographic evidence reveals that DF had, as early as 1993, and possibly though not necessarily earlier, looked pensively up and to the left—in precisely the same manner captured by the AP’s photograph of Barack Obama.

“¶ 17. Witnesses will amply and voluminously support DF’s claim of rightful ownership by testifying that they stated, upon seeing conduct specified in aforementioned ¶ 15, ‘Hey, DF, what is located up and to your left that is making you pensive?’

“¶ 78. Extensive documentary evidence reveals that DF had, as early as 1990, and possibly though not necessarily earlier, used the word ‘Hope’—the very same word used in the popular posters of Barack Obama.

“¶ 82. Among the many convincing examples of the phenomenon articulated in aforementioned ¶ 79 include DF utterances such as, ‘I hope that prostitute is not a cop’, ‘I hope that prostitute was joking about having the clap’, and ‘I hope this sensation that my urethra is on fire is not a symptom of the clap.’

»continue reading Major Breaking News in Associated Press-Shepard Fairey Kerfuffle: DF Files Suit, Accuses AP of Copyright Infringement

If you haven’t yet heard the news, the AP has claimed copyright infringement against Los Angeles-based Wrestlemania fan and graphic artist Shepard Fairey for his iconic “HOPE” poster depicting Barack Obama. Turns out Fairey used an AP photo originally taken by Manny Garcia as the basis of his 2008 poster without credit or prior permission (the artist had made this admission prior to recent litigation). The Associated Press now wants to see cash and credit; Shep is claiming Fair Use. While awaiting feedback and insight from various legal professionals regarding this debate, we now turn to you, dear reader, to weigh in on this pressing legal quandary…
»continue reading The Great Associated Press vs Shepard Fairey Obama Hope Poster Debate

Yep, it’s true. We should have some interesting takes on the Indie/Entravision station’s death soon. Meantime, Metblogs has posted what appears to be the twitter scoop here. Some kind soul (embittered staffer?) has already updated Wikipedia as well:

On August 19th, 2008, Station Manager Dawn Girocco announced her departure from the station.[2] Starting in October 2008, longtime specialty shows were either dropped (”Feel My Heat,” Community Service,” “Big Sonic Heaven,” “Camp Freddy Radio”) or moved to weekends (”Harmony in My Head”).[3] Upon the cancellation of his roots music show “Watusi Rodeo,” Chris Morris accused the station of “now being styled as KROQ Jr.” in an effort to increase the station’s ratings.[4]
»continue reading Indie 103.1 Has Imploded, If You Did Not Get The Memo

Crikey! I felt a nice, sturdy, 3-to-4 second swayer just now in tinseltown. No books fell off the shelf like they ostensibly did last summer during the 5.4, but I’m wondering how the Inland Empire is faring. USGS says: 5.5 magnitude (update: now 5.1), 16 miles WNW of Ludlow. That’s up the hill from the IE. Zac and the gang no doubt felt this one out at the Scripps College Performing Arts Center in Claremont, so let this be a lesson: Phnom Penh is no more dangerous a place to play a gig than Los Angeles on any given day. Discuss.

KCRW’s Music Director Steps Down

Nic Harcourt will continue with the station, hosting a 3-hour show on Sundays from 6 –9pm

After 10 successful years as host of Morning Becomes Eclectic, KCRW’s signature music program, KCRW Music Director Nic Harcourt is stepping down November 30 to pursue several independent projects. Harcourt will continue as a KCRW deejay, hosting a 3-hour show on Sundays from 6-9 pm.
»continue reading New Music Director Wanted: KCRW’s Nic Harcourt Steps Down Following 10-Year Run

Losanjealous’ own Mair sends in these photos of the 100 goats currently being used to clear the roughage on Angels Knoll downtown. See ‘em while they last. Additional photos: one, two

Full story:
Blogdowntown (recommended) (more) | Curbed | LAT

Did You Know? One of the earliest features on Losanjealous discussed similar lawnmowing goats – in San Pedro, back in 2005.

GOATS HEAD SOUP
» Profile: Chin Go Gae
» Lawncare jobs outsourced to goats
» Where the hell is the Mountain Goats secret show, dammit?

 

HEADS UP
The Vacation with Paul Chesne @ Les Deux (Hollywood) Mon 8/25
Cost: FREE
Details onna myspace

ON VACATION
» Interview: The Vacation
» The Vacation @ Swinghouse, 1/25/08
» The Binges, The Vacation, Yearlong Disaster, Tokyo Smog @ The Roxy, 7/3/07
» Kibitz Komune @ Canter’s, April 5: The Losanjealous Timeline
» The Vacation @ Concert of the Beast: The Losanjealous “Interview”

Vacation @ Swinghouse by Brian

HEADS UP
Stone Temple Pilots @ Casino Morongo (Outdoor Pavilion) Wed Sep 10

Regular and VIP tickets both now on sale. Remember: You don’t need actual dice in the craps pit to have a good time.

Stone Temple Pilots, possibly our favorite Weiland-inclusive band to watch and discuss, will stake a claim at the desert-defying- albeit-sadly-dice-barren Casino Morongo in a manner of weeks. I spent an entire evening loosely themed around nuptials out at Morongo in late spring of this year, so I have a couple of FYIs to get the ball rolling if you’ve never made the short trek to mini-Vegas in the Coachella valley. Consider it a Morongo primer, then, for those that have not been:
»continue reading Stone Temple Pilots To Play Casino Morongo (Sans Dice)

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.4 shook large parts of Southern California, shaking a wide swath from Ventura County to San Diego.

The quake shook downtown L.A. buildings and was felt as far east as Palm Springs.

It was centered near Chino Hills, about 30 miles east of Los Angeles, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

There were no reports of major damage or injuries. But the Los Angeles Police Department reported minor structural damage at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

The magnitude of the quake was originally set at 5.8. But Caltech officials downgraded it to 5.4 and said they doubted the temblor caused major structural damage. [LAT]

In my lifetime, I’ve seen the disintegration of unions, the peak of oil, and the death of Bob Hope.  But I never thought I’d see a return to the 1929 banking scares, with people running to withdraw funds from a cash-strapped bank–especially not at the IndyMac building in Pasadena near my work.

One poor lady even fainted right there on the curb!  I’d probably do the same thing if I lost my money due to a collapsed banking institution. Though, then again, in this economy, who can afford the ambulance or the emergency room visit?

These poor suckers must have really wanted some fast cash–unless they had over $100,000 tucked away in their savings, they’ll be covered by the bank’s insurance, and even after that they’ll get a large portion of it back.  Still, it makes ya think… about investing in gold!  That woman who got $600 for her scrap gold in that TV commercial is probably feeling pretty foolish right now.

More photos, including the aforementioned fainter below…
»continue reading The New Deal Is Officially Dead