By: Tim McLaughlin

Dracula Drool: This vile vial gets bonus gross-out points for its graphic name. It’s not just blood, it’s hemoglobin-stained saliva that dripped off the Count’s slobbering fangs.

Vampire Hair: Candy hair would have made this list on its own; so would candy vampires. The combination in a flossy candy that explodes on your tongue puts it at No. 2. Also noteworthy is the revelation that Marge Simpson is indeed a vampire.

Toxic Waste: There’s a classic trope of hazardous waste turning people into heinous mutants. This version turns kids into people who enjoy sucking on unpleasant, intensely sour candy. According to the barrel’s chart, keeping one of these in your mouth for a minute makes you a full toxie head. If you last only 45 seconds you’re just a toxie wannabe.

Blood Energy Potion: This sugary maroon liquid claims to have “similar nutritional content to natural blood.” A serving does provide 55% of recommended daily iron value and 880mg of amino acids. It even tastes like blood, but only Franken Berry’s blood. An impressive Web tie-in poses it as a synthetic blood substitute for vampires, an alternative to feasting on humans. With its microwave instructions to heat to 98.6°F and transfusion bag packaging, we give this an A(Rh)+ for commitment.

Body Parts Sushi: There’s something about eyeballs, fingers, and ears topping seaweed-wrapped rice that gives us an extra kick of queasiness. Associating hacked body parts with customary fare legitimizes cannibalism in a way that puts us ill at ease. Also, the list of ingredients includes the word “pork.” Wretch. Comes with chopsticks.

Be prepared for our next quake

By: Tina Stern

If you’re like most people, after every California earthquake you tell yourself, “I’m going to get prepared for the next one.” Then you don’t do a thing about it.

Well, now you can do something about it. Just by reading this page, doing what it says and saving it. Many earthquake experts in Southern California recommend the following tips to minimize damage in the event of an earthquake.

1. Put together a kit of basic emergency supplies. Include a portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit and handbook, wrenches to turn off gas and water valves, and food, water and medication for every member of your family for at least one week.
2. Secure your hot water heater. If your hot water heater falls over during an earthquake, the gas line can rupture and create sparks which can lead to a fire or explosion.
3. Know where your gas, electric and water main shutoffs are and how to shut them off.
4. Secure your tall and heavy furniture. Bookcases, entertainment centers and china cabinets can easily fall over during an earthquake.
5. Put some extra nails in heavy objects that are off the floor such as shelves, mirrors and large picture frames.
6. Hunt for hazard areas in your home. Teach your children to stay away from windows, mirrors and tall furniture.
7. Search for safe places in your home. Show your children how to take cover under a table, desk, or against inside walls.
8. Have a plan to reunite your family after an earthquake. Travel may be difficult and phone lines may be down, so don’t drive or call anyone unless it’s a real emergency.
9. Check for injury or damage after the shaking stops.
10. Above all, do not panic.

Practicing earthquake drills with your entire family and being prepared with the above instructions will put you in a safer position during any ground motion. Stop rumbling about how you’re going to get ready for “the next one.” Prepare for it today. The County of Los Angeles has an Earthquake Survival Program (ESP) with easy monthly preparedness steps.

For more information, call the Office of Emergency Management at (213) 974-1166 or visit the ESP website at www.espfocus.org

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Help identify lost possessions in case of disaster

By: Tina Stern

Photographing the interior of your home is a great way to document your belongings & most valued possessions, just in case disaster strikes. While it is never convenient for theft, natural disaster, or fire to damage your property, unfortunate things do happen and being prepared can give you a great head start in rebuilding your life.

To create a digital inventory of your home and possessions, simply use a digital camera to take shots of each room at varying angles, while making sure to include all valuable objects. These digital images can later be used to identify your exact losses.

Photos should be stored on a flash drive or CD-R and kept in the safe or safe deposit box, and this digital inventory should be updated every few years.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Lisa Stanley

Okay, today I start a weekly blog about little tips to a potentially happier existence. In these interesting times, people tend to worry, have anxiety and basically concentrate on the negative in their life. Not only is this unproductive, it perpetuates more of the same.

That said, today’s little tip is to stay in the now. When you are being choked by situations hanging around your neck, just step out of it and look at nature, or notice your surroundings. It is a nice tool to get away from something that is not happening at this moment, which is irrelevant anyway. Remember this quote:

“The greatest disappointments are those which never come.”

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Joan Duffy

The classic suburban home that was popularized following the gilded age and through the 1930′s soon gave way to a very different style home; the ranch house. Seen primarily in New Jersey and the suburbs of Chicago, the 2 story house had little functionality in the open farm lands of the San Fernando Valley. In 1945, just after World War II, men were building lives in the greater Los Angeles area; namely, the San Fernando Valley. In the late 40′s and 50′s, as people began to discover the walnut and orange groves, the valley began to grow. People bled into the valley through the Cahuenga pass and the hills of Studio City began to populate. With Lockheed in Burbank supplying most of the jobs in the area, developers like Mellenthin began to make their mark.

Due to the change in available materials, the rise of modernism soon began to take hold. With aluminum becoming a more used material, and the recent use of slab style foundations, the modern homes of the Los Angeles area arose. But that’s another topic entirely.

My point in explaining these architectural trends is to illuminate a much more profound point. As I saw Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley expand and I noticed the catalyst for such changes – art. Art influenced the society. It influenced clothing, cars, and homes. It is society’s director and it has affected architecture throughout the ages.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Joan Duffy

Known as one of the world’s finest Architectural photographers, Julius Shulman’s 100th birthday will be celebrated on 10.10.10 at Woodbury University (click for map). There will be a symposium featuring 2 provocative panels hosting architects and photographers in conversation and an exhibition showcasing distinct artistic visions.

The $15 symposium takes place on Saturday, October 9th, 2010 at the Fletcher Jones Auditorium at Woodbury University. The 2 panels of architects and photographers will be moderated be Neil Denari and historian Kazys Varnelis. This event will fill up as seating is limited – prepare to come early for the 3pm – 6pm event.

From 6pm-9pm the free exhibition opens to the public at the Ahmanson Space. You’ll see works from Julius Shulman, James Welling, Iwan Baan and Aze Tsung Leong to name a few. The exhibition was designed by Victor Jones and the event will be curated by Audrey Landreth.

For more information go to: Shulman’s 100th Birthday

The next evening’s celebration will take place at Union Station. Starting at 6pm on 10.0.10, cocktails will be serve with hors d’oeuvres and music followed by a dinner and entertainment by Janelle Sadler and band. The winner of the live auction will go on a weekend trip with private helicopter ride.

818.394.3360

Email Emily

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Shelley Rizzotti

Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank is one of the best nights out in Burbank. I found these photos on the Burbank leader and thought I would show them just to give everyone a little taste of this cool burbank comedy club.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Classic car show in Burbank

By: Shelley Rizzotti

On Magnolia Blv between Hollywood Way and California Street, get ready for an afternoon of singing, dancing, eating and, of course, car showing. On Saturday, August 21st from 3pm-9pm, soak up the sun and watch as 200 pre-1972 cars get chosen for the following prizes:

• Burbank Mayor Award for most
All-American car
• Police Chief Award for the
coolest car
• Fire Chief Award for the hottest car
• Magnolia Park Partnership Award
for the most “vintage” car
• Jay Leno Award for the funniest ca

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Hot BBQ on Magnolia Blv in Burbank

courtesy of burbank leader

By: Shelley Rizzotti

The weekly cookout at the Handy Market has become more of an event over the last years as the customers seem to plan their week around the sizzling BBQ. Handy Market also provides exclusive catering for the summer concerts at the Starlight Bowl, in the hills overlooking Burbank. If you’re looking to get some massive portions of BBQ chicken, baby-back ribs, beef ribs, tri-tip and turkey drumsticks, this is the place to go.

They also sell have fabulous BBQ sauce made by “D’s” based in Sylmar. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart, with essences of anchovies, tamarind and celery added to the expected tomato paste, distilled vinegar and molasses. They sell it the sauce inside for $4.95 per 19.5-ounce jar.

Where: 2514 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank

When: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday only

Prices: Meat sold by the pound, grilled corn $1 per ear

Phone orders: (818) 848-2500

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

By: Shelley Rizzotti

Considered some of the worst roads in Burbank, Buena Vista Street and Empire Avenue are undergoing resurfacing construction which will tie these roads up until early August, reports suggest. Both roads were rated “very poor” during a citywide survey of roads in 2005. Stretching from Jeffries Avenue to the alley south of San Fernando Blv, this is the final phase of the $824,000 project. The funds are coming from 2 places — $600,000 from city redevelopment funds and the second from state gasoline-tax revenue.

Most of Buena Vista construction will be complete by July 24th where Empire Avenue will remain open. The final touches on Empire Avenue will take place through next week during the late night, early hours.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.