The Potential to DESTROY U. S.!

By: Todd Perkins

The fifth named storm of the hurricane season is apparently headed up the east coast.  Right now Earl is a category 4 storm, and could reach the Carolinas by Friday. After battering the Islands in the Caribbean, Earl could reek havoc up the Atlantic seaboard.  In Raleigh NC, Federal officials urged U.S. Residents to prepare for possible evacuations.

So far this year we have had a mild hurricane season.  The Forecasts were for a Higher than usual number of named storms, but with September 8 being the pinnacle of the hurricane season, we are not out of the woods yet.

With the five year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina just behind us, I sense the monster storms could line up for the gulf of Mexico in the next few weeks.  I am eager to see what will happen if a category 4 or 5 storm comes into the area of the gulf where the oil spill occurred. I believe that most of the oil has sunk to the bottom of the gulf and could be stirred up by a larger storm. A category 5 storm picking up oil and dispersing crude up and down the beaches of our beautiful gulf coast could spell the end for B.P. I wonder what excuse Obama will come up with this time to save them?

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: Deena Nissley

…but that hasn’t stopped more than 50 vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains from producing delicious bottles of vino.

Malibu Family Wines
The wines featured here represent the bounty of the grapes harvested from the Semler family’s 1,000 acre estate in the SM mountains. There’s often an event here in addition to the standard tasting so whether you’re looking for a movie night or live music, make sure to check the schedule before you go.
31740 Mulholland Hwy., Malibu (818-865-0605)

Sip Malibu
At the Cielo Winebar, grab a seat at one of the shaded hillside tables and enjoy one of four wine flights for between $10 and $15. Some flights are Napa-focused, so if you want to try the local flavor, choose the reds.
2598 Sierra Creek Rd., Agoura (818-865-0440)

Rosenthal Estate Wines
Though the sprawling vineyard is closed to the general public, stop by the tasting room just off the PCH to try the estate’s wines and Surfrider wines for between $12 and $15. If you’re on your way North, make sure to snap up a bottle to prove to your NorCal buddies that SoCal can compete.
26023 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu (310-456-1392)

Cornell Winery and Tasting Room
Despite the name, there isn’t actually a winery here. Instead, they rotate the wineries they feature which gives you a reason to keep coming back. For $15, you’ll get to taste eight different wines while you browse the peacock-inhabited grounds and the gallery.
29975 Mulholland Hwy., Cornell (818-735-3542)

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.

[View with PicLens]

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: Karen Lee

Fresh Brothers is opening in October in the Calabasas Commons. They recently opened a restaurant in the Westlake Promenade. They offer all types of pizza, pasta, salads and buffalo wings. Fresh Brothers also has a gluten free section on the menu.

Come check it out this October.

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.

Septemberfest in Los Angeles

By: Karen Lee

DJ’s and bands will be present for this year Septemberfest-  America’s answer to Oktoberfest. Having felt shorted for years by German food, Polka music, and Lederhosen, America finally claimed its own tradition of BBQ and Daisy Dukes. The one constant? Beer.

Septemberfest will feature over 200 beers, bbq, music, and all in all, a celebration of everything that’s great about American culture. Admission is $50 and includes unlimited pours for four hours. If you don’t purchase your tickets, you’re letting the terrorists win.

Saturday, 25 September 2010Event starts at 3pm and ends at 7pm

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

Immaculate contemporary in the Studio City hills with breathtaking city and mountain views. Bright and open floor plan with large windows and skylights filling every room with light. Dramatic entry with soaring ceilings and marble floors lead into the spacious public rooms making this house perfect for entertaining. Cook s kitchen with granite counters and large breakfast bar opens to the family room with a private patio. Seductive master suite with a raised hearth marble fireplace, luxurious soaking tub, private patio and a large walk-in closet. Easy access to the Westside and minutes away from the Cahuenga Pass and Hollywood.

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: Sher Hann

For every parent of a child in school, this is a busy and sometimes emotional time of year. My son, now in college, has chosen an unusual place to go back to school: Amman, Jordan. He left early on August 25. Soon he will move in with a host family. Until then, he is ensconced in a hotel that offers intermittent Internet access. Here is his first letter from Amman, complete with slide show: Picture Show 1 from Jordan,

This is the first email out of many that I hope to send. I arrived in Jordan two days ago and have so far been overwhelmed by all that I’ve seen/experienced. I don’t want to mislead you into thinking I’ve done a lot, since I haven’t. But just being in such a different locale is an experience in itself for one who has never been outside the United States.

My trip started out less than ideal when I used the ladies restroom by accident at the airport customs department, and being consequently directed out of the restroom by the maintenance crew, who no doubt were laughing at me in Arabic (I blame the jet lag and not my inability to understand the universal signs for male and female). From there things went a little more downhill. I spoke Arabic with my cab driver, whose cab was a modified truck with no visible taxi decals (not my best decision). My driver failed to understand what I said most of the time, and I failed to understand what he said in return. This I’ve read, from CIEE (the study abroad organization), is perfectly normal, since local Jordanians speak a fairly different version of Arabic than that spoken by business and government officials (what I’ve been learning). But, even though it is to be expected, it does put things in perspective. I have a long, long, long journey ahead of me that will most likely push me over the edge of my comfort zone, my greatest challenge.

My arrival coincides with Ramadan. This means that most businesses are closed during the day, or open for limited hours. I have been roaming around my neighborhood and have managed to find some places to buy food and water (pretty inexpensive for a huge bottle). I had Texas Chicken last night… yes, Texas Chicken.

Walking around Amman is different, to say the least. One moment I’ll be walking in a fairly nice area and then find myself in a section whose buildings could use a lot of renovation. I hope the attached slideshow will clarify what I mean. As I walk around Amman, I still find myself feeling like I’m walking in the US. I think it’s because I can still hardly believe that I am in Jordan and so far away from home. I still have to remind myself that I am in an environment like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

I still get nervous speaking Arabic with the locals, but it should pass with time as I learn more vocabulary and get used to hearing and speaking the language on a consistent basis (at least I hope it does).

I hope things are well with all of you back home.

Cheers,

David

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: Sher Hann

Not to be outdone by my colleague Jeff Biebuyck, who found some great 1920s photos of Encino (http://ewingsir.com/historic-encino/), I’d like to present the early days of the Conejo Valley.

My favorite photo, shot by Thousand Oaks chronicler Ed Lawrence, is not in the public domain. It’s a photo from the 1960s that he took at the intersection for Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Moorpark Rd., right by the 101 freeway exchange. It shows shepherds together with their dogs, herding a mass of sheep (none of whom faced the camera). Lawrence’s collection – a 50-year chronicle called From Ranches to Residences – is private (as he one time said, if I were a rich man, I would donate it, but I’ll be working till I die).

However, I did find a trove of photos from the old Jungleland site, now the home of The Lakes shopping center, City Hall and the Civic Arts Plaza. These photos, actually dating to the 20s, can be found at http://stagecoachmuseum.org/jungleland_exhibit/jungleland_exhibit.htm. Don’t remember Jungleland? Take a look!

[View with PicLens]

There is also an archival video, a cross between Ronald Reagan’s General Electric Theater and Bonanza, at http://www.cosf.org/website/html/multimedia-video.html

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.

The first English print book inspired by Ishirō Honda

By: Irma Haldane

Courtesy of the Daily News

Woodland Hills relic falls

By: Steve Tipp

A nearly 100 year old landmark Oak fell in Woodland Hills Walnut Acres neighborhood on August 23. The tree fell on fell on Canzonet Street in Woodland Hills just West of Woodlake Avenue. The massive tree was a neighborhood landmark growing out of the center of the street and protected by a special concrete enclosure.

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.