Two meals were foiled today, sadly. I was making dukkah-encrusted salmon for the fam (I didn't even know what dukkah was last night and today I was all set to wow them with the beautifully crispy topping) and, after I had made way more than necessary of the mixture, I notice an oddly darker piece. At first, it seemed like just a burned piece of coriander, but then it looked like it had appendages. With the use of a trusty magnifying glass, I was able to see that it, indeed, had legs. Gross! So I had to throw out all the mix. And now I am sufficiently concerned about all our spices--here's to the end of flavor! Thankfully, salmon is just as delicious baked with even a meager dose of salt, pepper, and some dill.
The other meal was ruined not by it's undeliciousness (it was a quite tasty chocolate twist I picked up on the way to work bright and early at 7:30 thi morning), nor did was it bugged. Breakfast was ruined because of the excruciating expedition finding parking at UCLA has become. I admit I got there about eight minutes later than the previous shift, but is that really reason for me to expect all street parking to be gone? Anyways, at that point I knew I was already going to be late to work. I really hate being late. So, already slightly anxious, I drive around campus only to realize they have removed ALL the meters I used to park at for even moderately reasonable fees. They also removed all signage. So, when I resign myself to paying a gazillion dollars at a "pay-by-space" space, I park and go to pay at the new machine things they replaced the meters with. It's only two hour parking; no sign for that, of course. I am already late, so I paid it. But it was SEVEN DOLLARS FOR TWO HOURS.
Having been ten minutes late to work, I had to leave two hours later in the middle of my shift to try to find another space. After looking all over the campus and the neighboring streets for 15 minutes, I park in one of the lots. WHICH IS NOW TEN DOLLARS.
Thus, I paid $17 to park when I was only going to be making $48 dollars today. UCLA parking FOR THE LOSE.
Sep 14, 2009
Sep 12, 2009
Hippies
I don't remember where I read it, so I apologize for the lack of attribution in advance, but I enjoy this sentence:
I hate war, man, just look at the circumference of my pant legs.
Aug 14, 2009
May 20, 2009
May 10, 2009
hello.
I've been wasting a lot of time on the internet today, which is fitting because I took a four day hiatus from the interweb and it was fabulous. Anyways, following is a variety of things 1) I want, 2) I want to read at a later point (but I'm not on my computer so I can't just bookmark them), 3) that are interesting, 4) or whatever.
Items of clothing/stuff I can't afford to purchase: purple sweater blazer, tank top (by the way, why are these called tank tops?), bow tie necklace ('guess this means I will miss being an usher), clogs, bag (in orange).
Listen: Turkish Psych Funk!
Read: Gas station architecture, sea&space
Look: Wu Tang meets Blue Note, Museum of Online Museums
Go?: Fiesta Shalom (name = eeek), MOTA day(although the name would possibly be worse than Fiesta Shalom, I would totally buy 'Arroyo Fro-yo')
Items of clothing/stuff I can't afford to purchase: purple sweater blazer, tank top (by the way, why are these called tank tops?), bow tie necklace ('guess this means I will miss being an usher), clogs, bag (in orange).
Listen: Turkish Psych Funk!
Read: Gas station architecture, sea&space
Look: Wu Tang meets Blue Note, Museum of Online Museums
Go?: Fiesta Shalom (name = eeek), MOTA day(although the name would possibly be worse than Fiesta Shalom, I would totally buy 'Arroyo Fro-yo')
Mar 3, 2009
really Star Trek weekend.
Brent Spiner in Man of La Mancha at Freud on Saturday (didn't recognize him, my dad had to tell me who he was) and Leonard Nimoy in audience at Royce on Sunday (definitely recognized him. Leonard Nimoy!!!)
Feb 17, 2009
baby, baby
Dear Tavis Smiley,
Your laugh brings so much joy into my life. Additionally, Lamont Dozier and Raphael Saadiq? What a show!
Danke,
Laura
Your laugh brings so much joy into my life. Additionally, Lamont Dozier and Raphael Saadiq? What a show!
Danke,
Laura
Feb 16, 2009
work woes
Dear girl ten feet away from me,
Yelling that you lost your voice seems a little foolish, doesn't it?
Sincerely,
Laura
Yelling that you lost your voice seems a little foolish, doesn't it?
Sincerely,
Laura
Feb 1, 2009
chain mail replacement
I'm writing this here and not on Facebook, because I don't want to participate in chain mail and tag 25 people afterwards but also don't want to disappoint the three people who have tagged me who obviously care so much about me (hehe).
1. My mother taught English. This has made me keenly aware of other people's grammar mistakes and super embarrassed when I make them myself. It bothers me that I am quite bothered by other people's mistakes--well, at least some of them. Just so you know, "number" and "amount" are different words. "Few" and "less" are, too. There should always be a comma before "too."
2. I have never desired to be a real banker, but, when I was younger, I had my own pretend bank. I made my own currency, checks, and log books. I printed weekly statements for my family members and allowed them to make transactions. The bank even had an awesome logo and a slogan I can't remember.
3. I have never had a pet. Assorted family member's allergies and aversions prevented it. My grandfather had two cats that my brother and I named. Then one of the cats jumped at my brother and created a huge gash in his neck. That was the end of us hanging out with the cats.
4. I truly enjoy learning. I can usually listen to people to talk about things that interest me for a long time. On the other hand, three hour classes usually only retain my full attention and interest for at most two hours. Additionally, I do not wish to be a writer of any sort and have only two or three times in my life enjoyed written assignments.
5. I did not have cable television until the middle of third grade. While that seems pretty early in life, I think much about me is related to the fact that I pretty much only watched PBS for those formative years. On family trips, Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite were the Coolest Things Ever. Once we got cable, classic television was all I watched until much later. Hogan's Heroes is still my favorite show, closely followed by Adam-12. I have seen every episode of Hogan's Heroes at least three times. I would totally be able to watch the same episode a few times in a row and each each viewing.
6. It is a little weird to me that I love prison movies, but I do. My favorite movie, not just in the prison genre, is Escape from Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood. This is, in large part, the cause of my love of Clint Eastwood, not due to my love of Clint Eastwood. My second favorite is Papillon.
7. I hate washing dishes. It also amazes me how easily I make my apartment incredibly messy, when I am a generally organized person.
8. I do not know how to ride a bike.
9. I have had a fireplace in my apartment both this year and last and never used it until right now (Sunday February 1st, 7:58pm). Unfortunately, it is not a real fire place. The logs are fake. I do not like that. Also, the flames are blue. There is not much heat. The logs will never burn down. The fire will never end, unless I turn it off. What the hell? That is not the correct fire place experience. I don't like the sound it makes or the unsafe feeling it gives me. It also took my building three months to turn it on. Ridiculous.
10. I really like cooking. I would be more than happy to cook you dinner, if you help me clean up after.
11. Ella Fitzgerald once serenaded me in an elevator.
12. This one should be obvious by now: I love the work of Raymond Chandler. For the most part, I also love movies based on the work of Raymond Chandler.
13. I painted a portrait of him recently. It's the first painting I've done in a really long time. This makes my mother really happy, because I used to be very into art. I almost went the whole art school route. But, in the past four years, I haven't done much art at all. My mom thinks I am wasting talent. I think I have the skill but not the ideas.
14. I enjoying drinking gimlets. I am not sure what percent of this affinity stems from my love of Raymond Chandler and the first book of his I read, The Long Goodbye.
15. I bought a harmonica and would like to be able to play it well. I have not yet dedicated any time to this task, however. Hopefully spring break will bring greatness.
16. I am finally going to Coachella this year. I am most excited 'bout Leonard Cohen. Sometimes I call him Lenny Cohen, like we're friends. We're not, but I have met him at a Christmas party. Sorta met him. More like too nervous to say anything other than hello. (OH MY, SO COOL).
17. I frequently think in song titles. When someone says "alley oop" at a basketball game, I first think of the song by the Hollywood Argyles, not the offensive maneuver usually involving a slam dunk.
18. I think James Franco is an okay guy but am really disappointed he is going to be the commencement speaker at my graduation.
19. I don't think participation should be so highly valued by professors. This pressure to participate causes people to say things just for the sake of getting those participation points and not because they have anything valuable to say. I cannot count how many times classes have been ruined because of idiots 'participating.'
20. My usage of the word idiot reminds of an interesting twenty minutes spent in an urban planning class a year or two ago discussing all the words related to city. In a roundabout way, idiot is one of them. See if you can figure out how.
21. I have a headache right now that is distracting.
22. I will watch any Huell Howser show. Even though I am way into them, they frequently are very helpful if I want to be sleeping. I will spend over five bucks (ridiculous) on a quart of Broguiere's milk if Huell Howser's face is on it. In my defense, it does taste better than most other milk I've had.
23. I really like Jewish holidays. I am going to have a seder this year at my apartment on the third night. You might be invited. Let me know if you would like to be.
24. I don't know why I didn't think of this one sooner: I really really really like postcards. I keep every postcard I get. I also, in general, like writing and receiving letters (not just the fake ones I write on this blog).
25. I do a lot of things for the future, which sometimes seems really silly to me but I like it anyways. For example, I took a yearbook photo and am buying a ridiculously expensive yearbook when I graduate, because I am really into my grandmother's college yearbooks and want to have one for my eventual granddaughter to find. This way/philosophy/appropriate-noun-of-which-I-cannot-think-currently has caused me to be quite the pack rat.
1. My mother taught English. This has made me keenly aware of other people's grammar mistakes and super embarrassed when I make them myself. It bothers me that I am quite bothered by other people's mistakes--well, at least some of them. Just so you know, "number" and "amount" are different words. "Few" and "less" are, too. There should always be a comma before "too."
2. I have never desired to be a real banker, but, when I was younger, I had my own pretend bank. I made my own currency, checks, and log books. I printed weekly statements for my family members and allowed them to make transactions. The bank even had an awesome logo and a slogan I can't remember.
3. I have never had a pet. Assorted family member's allergies and aversions prevented it. My grandfather had two cats that my brother and I named. Then one of the cats jumped at my brother and created a huge gash in his neck. That was the end of us hanging out with the cats.
4. I truly enjoy learning. I can usually listen to people to talk about things that interest me for a long time. On the other hand, three hour classes usually only retain my full attention and interest for at most two hours. Additionally, I do not wish to be a writer of any sort and have only two or three times in my life enjoyed written assignments.
5. I did not have cable television until the middle of third grade. While that seems pretty early in life, I think much about me is related to the fact that I pretty much only watched PBS for those formative years. On family trips, Nickelodeon and Nick at Nite were the Coolest Things Ever. Once we got cable, classic television was all I watched until much later. Hogan's Heroes is still my favorite show, closely followed by Adam-12. I have seen every episode of Hogan's Heroes at least three times. I would totally be able to watch the same episode a few times in a row and each each viewing.
6. It is a little weird to me that I love prison movies, but I do. My favorite movie, not just in the prison genre, is Escape from Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood. This is, in large part, the cause of my love of Clint Eastwood, not due to my love of Clint Eastwood. My second favorite is Papillon.
7. I hate washing dishes. It also amazes me how easily I make my apartment incredibly messy, when I am a generally organized person.
8. I do not know how to ride a bike.
9. I have had a fireplace in my apartment both this year and last and never used it until right now (Sunday February 1st, 7:58pm). Unfortunately, it is not a real fire place. The logs are fake. I do not like that. Also, the flames are blue. There is not much heat. The logs will never burn down. The fire will never end, unless I turn it off. What the hell? That is not the correct fire place experience. I don't like the sound it makes or the unsafe feeling it gives me. It also took my building three months to turn it on. Ridiculous.
10. I really like cooking. I would be more than happy to cook you dinner, if you help me clean up after.
11. Ella Fitzgerald once serenaded me in an elevator.
12. This one should be obvious by now: I love the work of Raymond Chandler. For the most part, I also love movies based on the work of Raymond Chandler.
13. I painted a portrait of him recently. It's the first painting I've done in a really long time. This makes my mother really happy, because I used to be very into art. I almost went the whole art school route. But, in the past four years, I haven't done much art at all. My mom thinks I am wasting talent. I think I have the skill but not the ideas.
14. I enjoying drinking gimlets. I am not sure what percent of this affinity stems from my love of Raymond Chandler and the first book of his I read, The Long Goodbye.
15. I bought a harmonica and would like to be able to play it well. I have not yet dedicated any time to this task, however. Hopefully spring break will bring greatness.
16. I am finally going to Coachella this year. I am most excited 'bout Leonard Cohen. Sometimes I call him Lenny Cohen, like we're friends. We're not, but I have met him at a Christmas party. Sorta met him. More like too nervous to say anything other than hello. (OH MY, SO COOL).
17. I frequently think in song titles. When someone says "alley oop" at a basketball game, I first think of the song by the Hollywood Argyles, not the offensive maneuver usually involving a slam dunk.
18. I think James Franco is an okay guy but am really disappointed he is going to be the commencement speaker at my graduation.
19. I don't think participation should be so highly valued by professors. This pressure to participate causes people to say things just for the sake of getting those participation points and not because they have anything valuable to say. I cannot count how many times classes have been ruined because of idiots 'participating.'
20. My usage of the word idiot reminds of an interesting twenty minutes spent in an urban planning class a year or two ago discussing all the words related to city. In a roundabout way, idiot is one of them. See if you can figure out how.
21. I have a headache right now that is distracting.
22. I will watch any Huell Howser show. Even though I am way into them, they frequently are very helpful if I want to be sleeping. I will spend over five bucks (ridiculous) on a quart of Broguiere's milk if Huell Howser's face is on it. In my defense, it does taste better than most other milk I've had.
23. I really like Jewish holidays. I am going to have a seder this year at my apartment on the third night. You might be invited. Let me know if you would like to be.
24. I don't know why I didn't think of this one sooner: I really really really like postcards. I keep every postcard I get. I also, in general, like writing and receiving letters (not just the fake ones I write on this blog).
25. I do a lot of things for the future, which sometimes seems really silly to me but I like it anyways. For example, I took a yearbook photo and am buying a ridiculously expensive yearbook when I graduate, because I am really into my grandmother's college yearbooks and want to have one for my eventual granddaughter to find. This way/philosophy/appropriate-noun-of-which-I-cannot-think-currently has caused me to be quite the pack rat.
Jan 29, 2009
Who ya gonna call? Trust Busters!
Dear Television Gods,
How did you let me miss this show? While I have only seen some clips, it seems to be the perfect cartoon for this particular gal. Silly songs about Teddy Roosevelt and other presidents?! How fab! It came out about the time I stopped watching Saturday morning cartoons I assume.
Release this on DVD, please!
Laura
P.S. These magazine covers are really swell.
How did you let me miss this show? While I have only seen some clips, it seems to be the perfect cartoon for this particular gal. Silly songs about Teddy Roosevelt and other presidents?! How fab! It came out about the time I stopped watching Saturday morning cartoons I assume.
Release this on DVD, please!
Laura
P.S. These magazine covers are really swell.
Jan 26, 2009
Vote of Confidence
yesssss!
Jan 23, 2009
bloggity bloggity blog
Dear Peter and Rob,
I like your blog. This post is particularly enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Laura
I like your blog. This post is particularly enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Laura
Jan 21, 2009
Removed from sidebar to make room for 2009 list!
Copying Susan Harris: Books I Read, Latter half of 2007
Jan 20, 2009
Uncharacteristic fashion post.
I put together this nice little image in Paint last night, because I was procrastinating as usual. I want these items of clothing, which would make all sorts of rad outfits together. I will not, however, buy any of these items, because they are all incredibly overpriced.
Pedro Garcia - Alanis jazz shoes
3.1 Phillip Lim - Leather motorcycle jacket
3.1 Phillip Lim - Lace Bubble Skirt
Oscar de la Renta - Crossover Faille Dress
Fendi - striped crepe dress
Jimmy Choo - heather leather boots
Jan 15, 2009
Top 6 Sandwiches of 2008
Ok, I just made a really delicious sandwich--a sandwich even you vegetarians can eat! I'll get back to that later. First, I think it's important that you know about these sandwiches.
6) Meltdown, etc., Culver City: Mozzarella, Fontina, Grilled Eggplant, Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Walnut Pesto on Focaccia Bread aka Grilled Cheese. mmmmm.
5) Alcove, Los Feliz: Crab cake sandwich: maryland style crab cake made from sweet blue crab meat on a caramelized onion bun, caramelized bermuda onions, wild arugula, tomato and chipotle aioli on the side
4) Golden West Five Grain Bun with
3) John O'Groats, West Los Angeles: O'Groats Crab Melt: Meaty, moist, and flavorful crab cake on a rustique roll with tomato and melted provolone cheese.
2) Damon and Pythias, Westwood: Portabella Caprese Sandwich: Portabella Mushrooms on Grilled Foccacia Bread with Roasted Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Fresh Basil and Mixed Baby Greens.
1) Tender Greens, Culver City: Free Range Chicken with Rustic Bread, Aioli, and Roasted Peppers.
Ok, now to the sandwich I just made. This is what you need to do. Toast two slices of Sourdough Wheat Bread with a few slices of fresh Ovoline mozzarella. While you're doing this, sautee sliced white mushrooms, shredded carrots, baby spinach, and a little diced fresh garlic in a pan. Add some salt and pepper and mix in Trader Joe's Caesar salad dressing. Cook for just a few minutes while bread and cheese is toasting. Take the bread out of the toaster, cover with the vegetable mixture, and then top with quartered cherry tomatoes and bean sprouts. Woila! realllllly tasty.
6) Meltdown, etc., Culver City: Mozzarella, Fontina, Grilled Eggplant, Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Walnut Pesto on Focaccia Bread aka Grilled Cheese. mmmmm.
5) Alcove, Los Feliz: Crab cake sandwich: maryland style crab cake made from sweet blue crab meat on a caramelized onion bun, caramelized bermuda onions, wild arugula, tomato and chipotle aioli on the side
4) Golden West Five Grain Bun with
3) John O'Groats, West Los Angeles: O'Groats Crab Melt: Meaty, moist, and flavorful crab cake on a rustique roll with tomato and melted provolone cheese.2) Damon and Pythias, Westwood: Portabella Caprese Sandwich: Portabella Mushrooms on Grilled Foccacia Bread with Roasted Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Fresh Basil and Mixed Baby Greens.
1) Tender Greens, Culver City: Free Range Chicken with Rustic Bread, Aioli, and Roasted Peppers.Ok, now to the sandwich I just made. This is what you need to do. Toast two slices of Sourdough Wheat Bread with a few slices of fresh Ovoline mozzarella. While you're doing this, sautee sliced white mushrooms, shredded carrots, baby spinach, and a little diced fresh garlic in a pan. Add some salt and pepper and mix in Trader Joe's Caesar salad dressing. Cook for just a few minutes while bread and cheese is toasting. Take the bread out of the toaster, cover with the vegetable mixture, and then top with quartered cherry tomatoes and bean sprouts. Woila! realllllly tasty.
Jan 14, 2009
Sorry
Dear gum chewers,
You look stupid.
Laura
P.S. People who buy Barack Obama coins, issued by the banks of countries like Liberia, on TV also look (are) stupid.
You look stupid.
Laura
P.S. People who buy Barack Obama coins, issued by the banks of countries like Liberia, on TV also look (are) stupid.
Jan 10, 2009
"a galvanic mixture of charm and energy"
L-R, T-B:
1) The Promise Ring: Very Emergency
2) Randy Newman: Little Criminals
3) Randy Newman: Trouble in Paradise
4) The Rascals: Time Peace Greatest Hits
5) Ray Charles: Modern Songs in Country and Western Music
6) Robert Clary: Meet Robert Clary
1) The Promise Ring were one of the first bands I really loved. It was a short but brilliant affair between me and their albums in middle school and early high school. Then I forgot about them. Suddenly, sophomore year of college, I get really into Maritime--an amalgamation of Promise Ring and Dismemberment Plan members. So I got back into The Promise Ring and bought this and a Maritime LP from their website. Oh yeah, Maritime was on my radio show. You should've listened.
2) I think I got this one from MAMSROC. Since I haven't written about my records in a while, I'll remind you that MAMSROC stands for "middle aged man sells records on campus." It's a good album, but I rarely listen to it. According to Wikipedia, "In 1978, legislation was introduced to make playing the song ("Short People") on the radio illegal in Maryland, though the bill failed to pass." That's super ridiculous.
3) Also from MAMSROC. "I Love LA!" And it's true, I do. Do you? I once saw Randy Newman at the Hollywood Bowl and the entire audience of 17,000 or so was shouting "we love it" in the correct spots. It was weird.
4) 99 cents from Rhino! I bought this because I thought it looked cool--very Lichtenstein. "Groovin'" "Mustang Sally" etc., exactly what's to be expected from a Rascals greatest hit album.
5) I can't remember where I got this. But it is of course a classic album. Revolutionary, even. "Big band arrangements by Gerald Wilson and Gil Fuller." I LOVE Gerald Wilson. He taught at UCLA, you know.
6) I bought this album on Ebay, 'cause I really wanted it, 'cause I love Robert Clary. It's probably been made clear enough already but Hogan's Heroes is my favorite show. Robert Clary played Louis LaBeau, a French POW and one of the titular "heroes." Not only does this have really cute illustrations on the back, but it prooves that Robert Clary is a really great singer. Surprisingly, most of that show's cast members were good singers. The best song this album is "Fleur Bleue." Try to find it. It's worth your time.
Down by the schoolyard.
Dear Arnold Schwarzenegger,
I have now felt the "public school overcrowding," and it is going to prevent me from taking the class on Ellingtonia with the awesome Kenny Burrell. BOO. I really wanted to take that class, but I cannot handle 200 people stuffed into a classroom that should contain fifty. Add in the fact that twenty plus people are on their sidekicks and one person WAS ON THE PHONE (talking!) in the middle of class. Also, Burrell is in his late 70s and doesn't talk too loudly in the first place.
BOO BUDGET CUTS,
Laura
Jan 8, 2009
Josh Heller doesn't read my blog, but he'd probably enjoy this truck.
Dear Mark Manguera,
Thank you for Kogi truck. The Korean BBQ chicken taco I just devoured was undoubtedly delicious. Sometimes I like food a lot because I am just really hungry and, thus, predisposed to liking whatever I eat. Tonight's case was the reverse. I was not hungry at all and, yet, the food still was tremendous. I am thinking about getting twitter just so I can follow your wearabouts!
That's a big deal,
Laura
P.S. Kim chi quesedilla! Oh my god.
Thank you for Kogi truck. The Korean BBQ chicken taco I just devoured was undoubtedly delicious. Sometimes I like food a lot because I am just really hungry and, thus, predisposed to liking whatever I eat. Tonight's case was the reverse. I was not hungry at all and, yet, the food still was tremendous. I am thinking about getting twitter just so I can follow your wearabouts!
That's a big deal,
Laura
P.S. Kim chi quesedilla! Oh my god.
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