Review - Tasca Wine Bar

Hot of the press...Here is the link:

http://www.campuscircle.net/review.cfm?r=3346

Unemployment in the City of Broken Dreams

So I was able to experience the glory of being unemployed for exactly one week out here in LA. And in thinking it over, I've decided that LA must have the highest percentage of people collecting unemployment in the nation. I have no idea if this is true, it's just my guess, but there are so many people out here doing absolutely NOTHING. Everyone of course is trying to do SOMETHING, but in their attempts, likely just go out every night and then spend all day at The Coffee Bean plugging away on their computers -- writing screenplays or just instead looking up people on myspace.

There is something about LA that sucks you into this mentality though. I was unemployed for a week, and honestly, if I could just find something to pay the rent, I realized that I would be completely happy doing nothing. By nothing of course I mean writing a little bit each morning, going to the gym, hanging out at Urth Cafe, taking a nap, and then going out later that night and/or watching movies on my couch. I think I'd really only feel that way in this town though (correction, I did feel that way in Avalon, NJ as well. To be expected, everyone that has been there completely understands).

But in every other major city in the country, you would be completely shunned for being this lazy. Can you imagine telling your banker friends in New York about your day? Here though, it's pretty much the norm. Is it a good mentality? Or completely irresponsible? Of course, I'm working again, so it doesn't matter anymore... but should I ever decide to jump ship, at least I know that I'm in the company of a lot of people that will understand, and will insist that living life this way is 100% OK.

Tanning in LA - where am I?

So I usually walk to my gym, which is right on Santa Monica Boulevard, in the heart of good old WeHo. Everyday (who am I kidding....maybe twice a week) when I go there, I pass by this super trendy tanning salon along the way. Over this past weekend, the tanning salon actually had a sign outside that read "Get your daily dose of Vitamin D today! Research proves that tanning provides Vitamin D, and getting your daily dose will help you to ward off skin cancer. New tanning packages available, discounts for all gym members. Come in today!"

Who is genius that came up with this ad campaign? I almost felt like I was being punked as a consumer. I mean, who would read this and actually buy a tanning package based on this sign created by a complete moron? The whole way it was marketed just really pissed me off, and I always think it's funny when little things like that bother me.

Sure Vitamin D does help, I'm not saying that it doesn't. But you need to be in the sunlight for about 5 minutes, wearing sunscreen. And isn't it sunny enough already, LA? The sun doesn't go away here, it actually becomes annoying after a while. Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine, BLAH.

Next time I see that sign, I'm kicking it over.

Everyone loves to spoon.

...even these guys.

Ta Da!

So here is the link to my first restaurant review!!! I don't think that it's my best work, but I didn't have a lot of time to write it. And I figure that it's probably a good thing that I will have room to improve as time goes on... Hard copies of Campus Circle are also available throughout SoCal -- 90,000 issues are distributed on college campuses, libraries, bookstores, music stores, etc. So grab one if you live here, and if not, just check out the links on the site:

http://www.campuscircle.net/review.cfm?r=3321

I'll be doing another restaurant review for next week, followed by a film review, and also will be working on a story about the comedy circuit here in LaLa over the next few weeks...

I must apologize now too for not writing as much on my blog. I'm sorry! Since I actually have real writing assignments now, they unfortunately take precedence. But I'll be sure to post something (including my articles) at least once or twice a week :)

Pictures from our Trip - as Promised!

Sorry that this took so long! Being unemployed this past week has made me completely lazy. (I can see how this would become addictive. Too bad I have to start a new job tomorrow). I didn't really feel like putting a caption in for each photo - so just know that our trip went from LA to Napa, Napa to San Francisco, San Francisco through Monterrey/Carmel to Big Sur, and Big Sur all the way down the PCH back to LA where we toured Paramount and got into some trouble.

Just copy and paste the link below into a new browser to see everything, I think that it should work:

http://www.photomax.com/web/mem_album_photo_slide_show.php?mal_id=943222

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

So this is the official posting about the changes going on in my life now -- some are familiar with them, others are not. Before I tell you, I must ask: Did anyone really EVER think that this blog would open up doors for me? Because I surely didn't, and still question why I even write on it at all. BUT I am proud to announce that Cmorg actually landed a freelance writing job from this stupid thing, by submitting it as a writing sample for an LA based publication. That's right, you are looking at one of California's newest film and restaurant critics!!! All freelance of course, which means that I've also picked up another job teaching EFL to international students at the largest language school in the entire world (because anything less would just be unimpressive). Lots of changes, and I could not be any more excited about them.

My first assignments will be crafted in the next two weeks, so I will be sure to either post some of them if I'm allowed.

HOLY CRAP, I'm actually going to be a published writer!!!!!

Sightings and Celeb Scoop

Today at Century City Mall, we had a celeb sighting at lunchtime - it was Sanjaya Malakar, from American Idol. Sanjaya!!!!

He was spotted with a friend and a bodyguard, and was looking around to see how many people were looking at him. He is loving the spotlight right now. But a bodyguard...I mean, does Sanjaya really need a bodyguard? I guess all of the press is working for him. No crazy hair-do though - he had a hat on, so you could barely even see it! Good Luck Sanjaya, America LOVES you!

Sightings and Celeb Scoop

Driving through Sunset Plaza last week, we spotted Tara Reid outside of her new restaurant that just opened up, Ketchup. She was in a red dress, and honestly didn't look that bad from afar. I've seen the pictures of her on Perez though, so I know what lies underneath...! Her new restaurant sells $25 sloppy joe's and yahoo, it's apparently supposed to be a big hit. I think I'll take my chances at the 7-11 though!

Sightings and Celeb Scoop

I'm back from vacation, and it was wonderful! Such an amazing time, and I promise to post pictures from the entire trip down the coast as soon as I get my new computer later in the week. But in the meantime, let's talk about sightings and celeb scoop. On Tuesday of last week, I was lucky enough to get invited to the SCRUBS wrap party outside at The Roosevelt Hotel, and also had access into the exclusive late night party held in one of the cabanas. It was awesome, and here is some inside scoop from the party. 1. Zach Braff was completely wasted. I mean good on ya man, the season is over - live it up. But I found it hilarious how intoxicated he was... 2. Donald Faison is still dating Casey Cobb, Jessica Simpson's BFF/assistant. They are really cute together. She's super pretty in person, and refreshingly not that skinny. 3. Sarah Chalke is gorgeous in person, and likes to take her high heels off at parties like myself. I actually took mine off because I saw her do it. When in Rome, right? 4. Donald Faison also walked in on my going to the bathroom! Yep, forgot to lock the door, and he saw me half naked. AWESOME. 5. The really funny janitor on SCRUBS is a giant, and we actually saw him 2 nights in a row - he was seen the following night feasting on a large Mexican meal at El Compadre at a table nearby. 7. We got to watch the gag reel, which included a spoof on "dick in a box" that was one of the funniest things I've ever seen in my life.

Thanks to JS for hooking it up!! Such a great night!

Greetings from the Pacific Coast Highway

Even the best of bloggers need a vacation, and I plan to take one next week. I'll be heading out for another adventure along California's great roads - stops will include Napa, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Carmel, Monterrey, Big Sur, and Pismo Beach among others. Although I won't be writing on my blog all of next week, I do promise some great pictures and stories upon our return!!

HotEnough.org

Many nights, whether it be at the Jersey shore or out at a bar with friends, you find yourself so-called rating people. "9, that turns into a 3 when drunk" is a common label that I give to many of my guy friends.

We all know that there have been many debates about where you or I fall on the HOT scale, and someone is finally making bank by exploiting the idea. Why on earth did we not think of this sooner? (Members of The Barn '05, take note). Check out what is behind this new site, HotEnough.org.

http://www.hotenough.org/

This particular online dating site believes that not enough dating sites have actual good looking people on them. The creators believe that typically, they draw lonely and desperate people. For this site, you must submit 3 photos (one must be a full body shot) and then already existing members will rate you. You MUST be rated an 8 or higher in order to get membership, and then you can date freely for only $9.95/month. Shallow? Yes! Do we love it? Yes!!

You better believe that I am trying this out. I've heard all of my friends ratings (from looks to personality), but now let's ask the public who doesn't care about personality one bit! I will certainly keep you posted and let you know if I am HotEnough.

Some Sites to Check Out

There are so many websites out there, but I thought that I would talk today about a few of my favorites (other than celebrity blogs of course). So check these out if you are bored on the days that I don't blog:

http://la.eater.com/ (or http://www.eater.com/ if you are a Manhattanite) Best food/restaurant blog out there, a Zagat's online if you will, only a bit more critical.

http://www.sierraclub.org/ Check out your local chapter if you want to do something active and good for the planet!

http://www.realage.com/ Love it (thanks BB!) Take a look to see how your daily habits are really impacting your lifespan. Take the free test. Really, it's shocking!

http://www.zoominfo.com/ A site great for business networking.

http://www.raceplace.com/ If you are looking for a challenge...or just to finally put that New Year's Resolution into action (never too late!)

and last but not least, http://www.variety.com/ -- the Wall Street Journal of Hollywood.

The Crazy Naked Lady

On Friends, they had The Ugly Neighbor Guy. For us, we have The Crazy Naked Porn Lady. One of our neighbors (one floor up, directly caddy-corner from our apartment) in our West Hollywood/Sunset Strip neighborhood, lays out every Sunday morning completely naked on her nearby balcony. At first we though "well, maybe she doesn't realize that we can see her..." No, she KNOWS. I've come to the conclusion that she's a total exhibitionist. And she has the biggest fake boobs that I've ever seen. She seriously looks like she's going to tip over. The weirdest part about it though, is that sometimes, this little guy in a speedo comes out on the balcony as well, and starts taking pictures of her with the downtown LA landscape in the background. I think it's her boyfriend....? Maybe they are European? I dunno, but I can't decide if it's hilarious or completely offensive. Since sharing this story, I have obviously had multiple requests for early Sunday morning visits from all of my guy friends ;) And the answer is no, unless you want to make me breakfast in bed.

Sorry, no pictures for this post- Cmorg does not need to get sued.

The Secret (con't)

I just wanted to let everyone know that I actually did watch the DVD for The Secret. It was a bit different than what I expected, and very much along the lines of self-help. Seemed like a lot of Christian Science propaganda to me, but I guess I'll make the bold statement and say that I think that it's worthwhile to see. I will probably only take about 30% of what they were saying and apply it to my life. (I actually did like the idea of the gratitude rock a lot). I'm extremely cynical/critical of what people have to say, and this is certainly a good example. I think that The Secret is probably great for people that have never had any sort of belief system implemented in their life before. I, on the other hand, attended Catholic school until 7th grade and grew up in a family with a huge belief system. So I think at this point in my life, I'm pretty much grounded and have figured out what works for me and what doesn't. Some of the people though are completely nutty though on this video. So I say, watch it for that (to get a laugh here and there) and apply what works for you to your daily life.

They're BACK.

Remember those friendship pins that we all put on our tennis shoes in the 80's? Well, I have decided to bring them back...that's right, a major comeback is about to happen right before your eyes. I think that they would look great on all the Converse sneakers that I see everywhere now-a-days. So, I'm starting a side business. Yes, I realize that this side business will likely only earn me enough to buy a small meal, but I don't care. If you would like your own friendship pin (or set!), please send $1 for each pin along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to me. I will in turn make you a lovely friendship pin that contains all sorts of different colored beads that depict how I feel about you. Speaking of which, does anyone remember what the colors mean? Because I was in a heated discussion over the weekend about it, and I can't seem to find any information about this online. Please help give feedback if you can-- the project is about to go underway shortly and I am going to have to make up meanings for each color otherwise! (Although I'm sure that the meanings that I choose will be much funnier...)

100th Post!!!!!!!

Today is a celebration like no other. This is Adventures in LaLaLand's 100TH POST! Can you believe it? The fact that I've actually written 100 of these things? I was shocked beyond belief!

Since it's a milestone, I guess I should use it as a time to reflect...(since you all are always asking me serious questions about LA as well). So here goes...I have come to the conclusion that moving to LA is the best decision that I've ever made. I've made a lot of big decisions in my past, so this was a tough choice. And it's not necessarily because of what Los Angeles has to offer, but because of the person that it's made me become. I think that having a large group of friends and loving family on the East Coast is a huge blessing, and it was really hard to leave everyone. But at the same time, I think that it's very important to step out of your element at some point in your life to re-evaluate what it's like to be on your own and find out again who you really are as an individual. Sometimes you can get caught up in some of the societal nonsense and lose sight of that if you aren't careful. LA has given me that opportunity. Stripped of my close friends and family, struggling to keep things positive at my job, and forced into very new situations on a constant basis -- it's not always easy. But I think that everyone should do something like this once in their life. I've learned more about myself as an individual in the past 8 months than I have in a long time. I think that I've grown up a lot too. So I recommend taking a break from whatever you do on a daily basis, and even if it's just for a couple of weeks, get out there on your own for a little while to figure out YOU. Take a trip to Europe or Asia, or even the beach for the weekend if that's all that you can manage -- just make sure to take that time. Because it's important, and helps you to realize what is truly meaningful in your life. Some things might even surprise you. (Trust me on this).

So that being said, LaLa has been a good thing. And it still is a good thing. And I can't believe that I've posted 100 blogs. Seriously?!?! And of course I will continue to bring you all the updates as things further unravel in the upcoming months.

Stay tuned...

The Secret

The Secret is all the rage. Have you heard about it yet? It's legacy is spreading faster than the Whole Foods chains. First it was a movie... and now a book... and then Oprah made it outrageously popular on 2 of her recent shows. It's all centered around the idea that like attracts like and about the Law of Attraction. I have yet to see the film or read the book (I don't even think it's possible to get a copy of it at this point they are flying off the shelves so fast!), but I may try to see the DVD portion this upcoming weekend. For those of you that aren't familiar, you can click on the below link to help better understand it:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/152581/oprah_knows_the_secret_do_you_know.html

Has anyone seen the DVD or read the book? Will you please let me know if so?

By the way -- I changed the settings on the blog so that now it should be much easier to leave comments. I am always asking you people for feedback, and no one ever does anymore! Does anyone even still read this thing??? Or am I just writing for shits-and-giggles?

TransPerfect/Translations.com and Ground Zero - An Awesome Project

"Cmorg, I don't understand what you do for a living." I hear this a lot. And it can be a little bit complicated, so I thought that I would post a link about my company's latest philanthropic contribution in order to give you a better idea of projects that we work on regularly. The world is getting smaller, whether you would like to admit it or not -- and language projects like these will be poping up everywhere. Trust me on this one!!

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070221/20070221005730.html?.v=1

I feel really great that we chose this as one of our freebie projects to complete this year. AWESOME, I can't wait to check it out when I'm in NYC this upcoming May.

The Oscars

Well, everyone has been asking me about Oscar season in LA. And it's certainly exciting. Everyone is partying like crazy. I only left my house once yesterday because so many of the major roads were shut down, leaving traffic to be a complete nightmare. I also couldn't get to sleep last night due to the number of helicopters over Hollywood. Out and about this weekend though, I didn't see a single celeb. I know, I'm very disappointing! I think that most of the actors and actresses were out last night, but earlier in the weekend they must have been getting their beauty sleep. I mean, I was even at the Chateau Marmont on Saturday night, and no one was in sight...and you know that the entire hotel was booked with attendees, as it's the hottest hotel around.

Overall, I thought that Ellen did a superb job hosting. Reese looked fantastic, but I'm beginning to wonder if she's lost too much weight. Her chin is so skinny all of a sudden. I also thought that Cameron Diaz and Penelope Cruz looked great. Jessica Biel's dress was horrid in my opinion - save the hot pink for your next Teen Vogue party, not the Oscars. And of course Kirsten Dunst looked like she just walked off of the farm. As for the guys, they always tend to look the same to me. But Mark Walberg raised the standards last night, I mean - he's so hot, it's just too much to handle sometimes. And Jack Nicholson always seems to steal the show somehow, even when he's not nominated. Overall, the show was pretty good, but way too long!