Film Vaults - "The Lot," Hollywood, California

I had a chance to visit an old studio lot in Hollywood, CA today. It's the old Pickford-Fairbanks Studios, later named Samuel Goldwyn Studios, and now known as "The Lot." Before leaving, a friend of mine took me to the back of the lot -- no, she wasn't going to strangle me -- to check out the old film vaults where they used to store the old very-combustible nitrate film reels. It was pretty surreal being back there. Check out the video.

World Trade Center Jazz Fest 1993 (photos)

Summer 1993, Shadowfax performing at CD101's "Jazz at the World Trade Center." This was my view from the stage when I looked straight up and saw the towers behind me. (click photos for full size)

Video - Satellite Flyby (International Space Station)

Saw this tonight! (Watch this on youtube in HD - looks much better)

Hi-Tech Piano Tuning

My piano tech, Daniel Ene, tuning my piano using computer software.

I Can See! I Can See!

Hello. Radio Shack, may I help you?

(me) Yes, do you have any contact cleaner in the store?

Contact Cleaner?

(me) Yes. a high quality one in the can that won't leave a residue)

You mean for like HDMI TVs?

(me) No, for contacts, electronics --

You mean for like contact lenses?

(me) No man. It's ok. Thanks. [click]

Lesson learned:
Maybe I should have asked if he had Prince Albert in a can? I'm going to Fry's Electronics.

Update (fast forward 2.5 hrs):
It gets better. I go into Fry's...walk into the electronics section. A 20-something dude accompanied by another 20-something dude asks if he could help me.

"Yea thanks. I'm looking for a can of contact cleaner."

He looks at the other guy who shrugs. Then turns around and asks me, "You mean like for contact lenses?"

Lesson #2 learned:
I should've gone to Radio Shack. It's way closer. On top of it, the contact cleaner didn't fix my studio problem.

Blood Sport

I never thought of softball as such an offensive and hostile sport. Then again, I haven't seen this team take the field yet!

Timing is Everything

This vanity plate is even funnier and more significant today than the day this driver acquired it. In comedy, timing is everything.

Yes, We Serve Anyone Here

So male, female, handicap and ...ducks?