Tu_triky wrote:

Wow, how cool. I think it's mostly a music venue now if I'm not mistaken.

Yup.

It isn't just Little Tokyo that's losing it's uniqueness:

Ban aimed at Chinatown Wal-Mart fails to get enough votes

A temporary ban on big-box retail stores in Chinatown fell short Tuesday, when Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes failed to get enough colleagues to add their support. The measure needed at least 12 votes, but got 10, with four members opposed.

The council is expected to reconsider the issue again at its meeting Wednesday, but could delay a re-vote until next week.

The proposed law was drafted to target efforts by Wal-Mart Inc. to open a 33,000-square-foot grocery store in the area. The project has been the subject of months of protests from community groups and labor unions, who say the project would endanger the cultural history of the neighborhood.

Even if the measure had passed, it would not have immediately blocked the Chinatown Wal-Mart, which obtained city permits before a ban was proposed. Construction is ongoing and hiring has begun. But activists had hoped the ordinance would come into play if they won an administrative appeal over the way Wal-Mart obtained its permits in March. That decision could be made within a month.

�gChinatown is special,�h said Reyes, who represents the community. �gI�fd hate for Broadway to turn into Main Street suburbia.�h

gaijinmark wrote:

It isn't just Little Tokyo that's losing it's uniqueness: Ban aimed at Chinatown Wal-Mart fails to get enough votes A temporary ban on big-box retail stores in Chinatown fell short Tuesday, when Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes failed to get enough colleagues to add their support. The measure needed at least 12 votes, but got 10, with four members opposed. The council is expected to reconsider the issue again at its meeting Wednesday, but could delay a re-vote until next week. The proposed law was drafted to target efforts by Wal-Mart Inc. to open a 33,000-square-foot grocery store in the area. The project has been the subject of months of protests from community groups and labor unions, who say the project would endanger the cultural history of the neighborhood. Even if the measure had passed, it would not have immediately blocked the Chinatown Wal-Mart, which obtained city permits before a ban was proposed. Construction is ongoing and hiring has begun. But activists had hoped the ordinance would come into play if they won an administrative appeal over the way Wal-Mart obtained its permits in March. That decision could be made within a month. �gChinatown is special,�h said Reyes, who represents the community. �gI�fd hate for Broadway to turn into Main Street suburbia.�h

Oh yeah I've been following this loosely for some time. Money talks, and bull...well you know the rest.

A true blue look toward Little Tokyo

Anybody that's ever watched KCET or any PBS station in California, this is sad news:

Huell Howser passes away at 67


By Greg Braxton
January 7, 2013, 1:25 p.m.

Huell Howser, 67, one of public television�fs most iconic figures, died Sunday night, his assistant Ryan Morris said. No other details were given.

His platform was traditional and unflashy — highlighting familiar and off-the-beaten-track spots all around California in public television series with titles such as "California's Gold," "Visiting," "Road Trip" and "Downtown."

But though his shows were focused on points and people of interest, it was Howser who turned into the main attraction, tackling his subjects with an awestruck curiosity and relentless enthusiasm. His upbeat boosterism accompanied an appearance that was simultaneously off-kilter and yet somehow cool, with a hint of retro — a thick, square mane of white hair, sunglasses, shirts that showed off a drill sergeant's build and huge biceps, and expressions that ranged from pleasantness to jaw-dropping wonder with some of his discoveries. Often, he wore shorts.

Topping it all off was a molasses-smooth Tennessee twang which gave an irresistibly folksy flavor to his frequent exclamations of "Oh my gosh!" and "Isn't that amazing?" The voice and the aw-shucks demeanor were also catnip for comedians who delighted in imitating his tone — he was once parodied on "The Simpsons" and he was a favorite target of comedian Adam Corolla on his radio shows and podcasts. But he also proved to be a savvy businessman through his deals with broadcasters and sales of his shows on DVD.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of Huell's passing. This is a tremendous personal and professional loss to his friends and colleagues as well as his legions of fans," said Al Jerome, president and chief executive of KCET. "Throughout his more than two decades with KCET, Huell inspired everyone at the station with his enthusiasm and storytelling about this great state in which we live.

"Huell was able to brilliantly capture the wonder in obscurity. From pastrami sandwiches and scarves loomed from lint to the exoticism of cactus gardens and the splendor of Yosemite, he brought us the magic, the humor and poignancy of our region. We will miss him very much."

Howser's death came only weeks after the announcement Nov. 27 that he was retiring and not filming any more original episodes of "California�fs Gold."

gaijinmark wrote:

Anybody that's ever watched KCET or any PBS station in California, this is sad news: Huell Howser passes away at 67 By Greg Braxton January 7, 2013, 1:25 p.m. Huell Howser, 67, one of public television�fs most iconic figures, died Sunday night, his assistant Ryan Morris said. No other details were given. His platform was traditional and unflashy �\ highlighting familiar and off-the-beaten-track spots all around California in public television series with titles such as "California's Gold," "Visiting," "Road Trip" and "Downtown." But though his shows were focused on points and people of interest, it was Howser who turned into the main attraction, tackling his subjects with an awestruck curiosity and relentless enthusiasm. His upbeat boosterism accompanied an appearance that was simultaneously off-kilter and yet somehow cool, with a hint of retro �\ a thick, square mane of white hair, sunglasses, shirts that showed off a drill sergeant's build and huge biceps, and expressions that ranged from pleasantness to jaw-dropping wonder with some of his discoveries. Often, he wore shorts. Topping it all off was a molasses-smooth Tennessee twang which gave an irresistibly folksy flavor to his frequent exclamations of "Oh my gosh!" and "Isn't that amazing?" The voice and the aw-shucks demeanor were also catnip for comedians who delighted in imitating his tone �\ he was once parodied on "The Simpsons" and he was a favorite target of comedian Adam Corolla on his radio shows and podcasts. But he also proved to be a savvy businessman through his deals with broadcasters and sales of his shows on DVD. "We are deeply saddened to hear of Huell's passing. This is a tremendous personal and professional loss to his friends and colleagues as well as his legions of fans," said Al Jerome, president and chief executive of KCET. "Throughout his more than two decades with KCET, Huell inspired everyone at the station with his enthusiasm and storytelling about this great state in which we live. "Huell was able to brilliantly capture the wonder in obscurity. From pastrami sandwiches and scarves loomed from lint to the exoticism of cactus gardens and the splendor of Yosemite, he brought us the magic, the humor and poignancy of our region. We will miss him very much." Howser's death came only weeks after the announcement Nov. 27 that he was retiring and not filming any more original episodes of "California�fs Gold."

One of California's legendary television personalities. They don't make him like that anymore.

Tu_triky wrote:

One of California's legendary television personalities. They don't make him like that anymore.

Yup.

I used to always watch Videolog and California's Gold when it was on KCET...

bmwracer wrote:

Yup. I used to always watch Videolog and California's Gold when it was on KCET...

California's Gold...watched it often.

gaijinmark wrote:

Anybody that's ever watched KCET or any PBS station in California, this is sad news: Huell Howser passes away at 67 By Greg Braxton January 7, 2013, 1:25 p.m. Huell Howser, 67, one of public television�fs most iconic figures, died Sunday night, his assistant Ryan Morris said. No other details were given. His platform was traditional and unflashy �\ highlighting familiar and off-the-beaten-track spots all around California in public television series with titles such as "California's Gold," "Visiting," "Road Trip" and "Downtown." But though his shows were focused on points and people of interest, it was Howser who turned into the main attraction, tackling his subjects with an awestruck curiosity and relentless enthusiasm. His upbeat boosterism accompanied an appearance that was simultaneously off-kilter and yet somehow cool, with a hint of retro �\ a thick, square mane of white hair, sunglasses, shirts that showed off a drill sergeant's build and huge biceps, and expressions that ranged from pleasantness to jaw-dropping wonder with some of his discoveries. Often, he wore shorts. Topping it all off was a molasses-smooth Tennessee twang which gave an irresistibly folksy flavor to his frequent exclamations of "Oh my gosh!" and "Isn't that amazing?" The voice and the aw-shucks demeanor were also catnip for comedians who delighted in imitating his tone �\ he was once parodied on "The Simpsons" and he was a favorite target of comedian Adam Corolla on his radio shows and podcasts. But he also proved to be a savvy businessman through his deals with broadcasters and sales of his shows on DVD. "We are deeply saddened to hear of Huell's passing. This is a tremendous personal and professional loss to his friends and colleagues as well as his legions of fans," said Al Jerome, president and chief executive of KCET. "Throughout his more than two decades with KCET, Huell inspired everyone at the station with his enthusiasm and storytelling about this great state in which we live. "Huell was able to brilliantly capture the wonder in obscurity. From pastrami sandwiches and scarves loomed from lint to the exoticism of cactus gardens and the splendor of Yosemite, he brought us the magic, the humor and poignancy of our region. We will miss him very much." Howser's death came only weeks after the announcement Nov. 27 that he was retiring and not filming any more original episodes of "California�fs Gold."

This is very sad news. Unless you've seen his shows, it's hard to describe just how endearing they were. I understand that he donated all of his videos, papers, and related items concerning his programs to Chapman University in Orange. He also donated his "Volcano house," a futuristic-looking domed home perched atop a volcano in the desert, to the university as well.

I don't know how many places in California he visited over the many years, but must number in the hundreds. I remember he once did a show on Little Tokyo.

It would be accurate to say that Huell Howser was beloved by many.

shin2 wrote:

I don't know how many places in California he visited over the many years, but must number in the hundreds. I remember he once did a show on Little Tokyo. It would be accurate to say that Huell Howser was beloved by many.

As best I can remember, he did at least 3 shows about Little Tokyo. An episode of "Visiting" in the early '90s covering Nisei Week, one about the late, great Tofu Festival, and another one about Mikawaya Bakery.

All his videos can be purchased on his website: http://www.calgold.com/

shin2 wrote:

It would be accurate to say that Huell Howser was beloved by many.

They had a farewell for Huell at the Griffith Observatory yesterday. A few people showed up: http://www.kcet.org/shows/tvtalk/tv-news/los-angeles-bids-farewell-to-huell-howser-at-griffith-observatory.html

And he got a farewell from the Simpsons last Sunday as well:

For foodies in the area, L.A. Restaurant Week starts today and goes until Feb. 1: http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=268&m=6

gaijinmark wrote:

For foodies in the area, L.A. Restaurant Week starts today and goes until Feb. 1: http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=268&m=6

Nice reminder. My friend called me out on this already. Might try to grab a bite at one of these spots next week.

This Thursday evening at 7:30, KCET is showing Huell Howsers 'Visiting' about SPAM:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4owMJAHqpHY

Looks like KCET 28.4 is changing over to a strictly NHK channel starting August 5th: http://www.kcet.org/shows/tvtalk/tv-news/faq-the-new-kcetlinknhk-partnership.html

I wonder how this will affect 18.2?

gaijinmark wrote:

Looks like KCET 28.4 is changing over to a strictly NHK channel starting August 5th: http://www.kcet.org/shows/tvtalk/tv-news/faq-the-new-kcetlinknhk-partnership.html I wonder how this will affect 18.2?

Maybe the competition will prompt 18.2 to upgrade to widescreen (at least)...

The first (and hopefully not last) Ramen Fest!! Sept. 14th and 15th: http://www.japanese-city.com/calendar/events/index.php?eID=31297

gaijinmark wrote:

The first (and hopefully not last) Ramen Fest!! Sept. 14th and 15th: http://www.japanese-city.com/calendar/events/index.php?eID=31297

Oooh.

gaijinmark wrote:

The first (and hopefully not last) Ramen Fest!! Sept. 14th and 15th: http://www.japanese-city.com/calendar/events/index.php?eID=31297

Are they offering samples or full servings? And if they're full servings, how many bowls of ramen will the average person be able to consume? One from each of the vendors listed would be quite gluttonous.

And speaking of ramen:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/08/22/food/the-ramen-burger-that-ate-new-york/#.UhZuVnCmyQI

Allow me to geek out like a fanboy for a moment. Just bought a ticket to see the Japanese play Shun-kin that's being performed at the Ralph Freud Playhouse here at UCLA at the end of the month.

NEWSFLASH: Eri Fukatsu is going to be performing in this play! Never in a million years did I ever think I would see somebody of her caliber performing live in LA.

The play will be in Japanese but English surtitles will be projected above stage for the audience.

There are still tickets available for the handful of performances if anyone is interested. Hit the link for further information.

http://cap.ucla.edu/calendar/event_detail.asp?id=410