TORRANCE (Losanjealous):: Former Mayor Dan Walker assumed things were all shored up once he agreed to pay for the costs associated with the installation of a 300-lb. bronzed frog he donated to the city with a stipulation that it be placed in Miramar Park, according to today’s Daily Breeze cover story:

Called “Dreaming of the Kiss,” the sculpture is an early work by Sedona, Ariz.-based artist Kim Kori, who specializes in charming sculptures of small animals with human attributes. Only 16 of this particular piece were cast and one recently sold for $30,000.

Not everyone in the sprawling seaside community is hopped up over the smug, arms-crossed, fully bronzed former tadpole and potential park resident (pictured), however, including Vista Bahia Home Owners Association President Chris Alan Michalski:

“While beautiful, it belongs in an appropriate environment where all may understand and appreciate its merits,” Michalski [said]. “That place is not at the beach.”

»continue reading Former Torrance Mayor’s Bronzed Frog Draws Ire of Coastal Residents; Frog’s Fate in City Council Hands

Did you find ash on your car this morning? Los Angeles is on fire! Reports are saying this may be the largest fire in LA County since 1897. Back in 1897, rogue analogue cowbloggers documented the raging wildfires of the time with handmade pinhole cameras, folding Kodets and Sanderson’s Universal Swing Fronts. These days, even my dog has a digital camera. Flickr springs into action! Below find some initial 2009 coverage of the initial 2009 coverage.

From NoHo (srd515)	From Santa Clarita (DisneyKrayzie)
From Huntington Beach (slasher-fun)	From Baldwin Vista (RobHelfman)
From Santa Monica (EricF2000)	From Antelope Valley (avcellshots)

»continue reading Station Fire Photo Coverage Coverage

Mere days into its new tar-curry-and-asphalt business model, the explosive chutney-laden and aptly-named India Jones Chow Truck suffered a fate no lonchera would wish on another Wednesday prior at 5750 Wilshire Food Truck Takedown ‘09: Impound! Unsatisfied with simply slapping all manner of tickets and fines onto and into the truck and its wares, The Man opted to drag the glittering chrome-goat-milk-and-wheels box back to central for additional consumption, belches and post-tow betel nut chew. Take heart, for the story has a coconutty-sweet ending: Said truck is back on those mean Los Angeles streets as of today and Chef Sumant Pardel, having survived the ordeal in one piece, will be slinging Bombay Frankies, spicy food and various mango sundries again; very soon, in fact, with a possible appearance at this weekend’s Sunset Junction festival, according to that one website where everybody text-messages each other:

@losanjealous we r getting our truck back 2day they almost took it for 30 days… Thanx 4 awsome coverage we got in touch w/ Bobby of green

» LAPD Throwing All Manner of Fines Under the Sun At Your Fave Food Truck
» India Jones Chow Truck (official site / blog)
» http://twitter.com/indiajonesct
» Meals on Wheels: IJCT (Eater LA)

File under hearsay text messages: The following phone-to-phone transcript comes direct from our good buddy Bobby over at Green Truck On The Go (screw twitter, too much noise; tweet away but old-fashioned txtmsgs still own me end of day and he knows it). Verbatim txtscript:

FROM: Bob N/A
TO: Losanjealous Ryan’s Wireless Device
Anti-lunch truck task force action here. The cops formed one due to complaints at our museum square route, and cracked down today, throwing down fines and citing for trucks parking too close to the curb, trucks parking too far from the curb, trucks beeping whey they back up, trucks not being equipped with beepers when they back up, trucks protruding into red zones, trucks serving up sub-par food (joke) and god only knows what else. Word is that they also dished out $5000 fines – we hadn’t opened yet and avoided that bit, at least. (no citation for “failing to open in a timely fashion”?? -ed) Their stated purpose is to clear wilshire of lunch trucks.

FROM:Ryan’s Wireless Device
TO: Bob N/A
Wilsh and where??

FROM: Bob N/A
TO: Ryan’s Wireless Device
5750 Wilshire – between Curson and Masselin. Toshi’s Asian Food keeps calling the cops. 10-15 squad cars per day for the next week or two, task force to ticket trucks for anything and everything until they leave.

»continue reading DEVELOPING: LAPD Officially Tasked With Throwing All Manner of Fines Under the Sun At Your Favorite Food Truck

Also: “Cyxymu” says he was the target of an Online Attack.

Watch out for that west side traffic snarl and seek ye local watering hole. KTLA says:

SEPULVEDA PASS — A fast moving brush fire has forced the evacuation of thousands of people from the world famous Getty Center art complex in the Sepulveda pass.

The fire has burned between 30 and 40 acres of dry brush at Getty Center Drive above Sunset Boulevard west of the 405 freeway, according to Los Angeles City fire spokesman Eric Scott.

Sepulveda Boulevard has been closed between Sunset Boulevard and Mulholland Drive, near the Skirball Center due to the fire.

Some 800 staff members and several thousand visitors have been evacuated from the Getty Center, according to Getty spokesman Ron Hartwig.

» Brush Fire Forces Evacuation of Getty Center (KTLA)

Photo: Major League Eating / IFOCE

CONGRATULATIONS to Joey Chestnut, who downed an unprecedented 68 Nathan’s Famous hot dogs in 10 minutes at noon EST today, the fourth of July, at the corner of Surf and Stillwell on Coney Island, setting a new world record and keeping the Mustard Belt right here at home WHERE IT BELONGS. Fellow USA gurgitator and wig-and-vintage-ruffle-shirt-clad daytime chef Pat Bertoletti also showed remarkable prowess, downing some 55 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

Dog Count: The Top Three
Joey Chestnut…………………68
Takeru Kobayashi…………..64.5
Pat Bertoletti………………….55

Chestnut told ESPN that he plans to eat a Cobb salad with ranch dressing for dinner this evening, offering further proof that the USA can and will eat more than any other country. Never forget that. Happy 4th!

DID YOU KNOW?
Ryan is no stranger to the IFOCE judging process, having witnessed and judged a popcorn-eating contest and a chili-cheese-fry eating contest for George Shea and the IFOCE at various points in his shady past.

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.