When It Rains It Pours...

The weekend before last we spent in Los Angeles again. We had theater tickets for Saturday evening to see the musical stage version of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at the Pantages in Hollywood.

It was also planned to meet up George’s brother Thomas on Sunday to spend the day at Six Flag’s Magic Mountain. Well, that plan fell through as Southern California happened to experience record rainfalls that day and the next.

Instead of riding some of the fastest and most insane roller coasters in the world we decided to take in some culture. The three of us braved torrential rains and gusty winds and drove into downtown L.A. to see and hear a live orchestra perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Having always marveled at this architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry, we have been planning to see a symphonic concert there for years.

This particular Sunday afternoon the Los Angeles Philharmonic would be playing symphonies by Mozart and Beethoven, directed by their star conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Guest pianist Jeremy Denk accompanied the orchestra. It was quite an astounding recital and was well received by the audience.

A concert review by the Los Angeles Times can be found here.

Afterwards we thought we would visit the huge L.A. Live entertainment complex but continuing rains and winds, along with ridiculously high parking fees, put a damper on this plan. So we ended up driving back to the Pasadena area, where George and Thomas grew up, and have dinner at a traditional local staple, the Clearman’s North Woods Inn restaurant. The two brother’s reminisced childhood memories while all of us enjoyed a delicious and hearty dinner.

The next day, we stocked up on our beloved Peet’s Coffee at their coffee house on Lake Avenue before heading back home to Las Vegas. Just as we entered the I-210 freeway, the floodgates in the dark clouds opened and a deluge of water came crushing down. It was raining so hard that I could barely see the car in front of me. At times, the winds were again so strong that it felt like we would be blown off the road. But as soon as we’ve reached the high desert the rain would subside and eventually stop. We made it back to Las Vegas without further delays or disturbances.

Although it was a rather wet weekend we still had tons of fun. Come rain or shine, we always seem to have a grand time in the City of Angels. And it looks like we’ll be back again sometime in April.

We still need to cash in those rainchecks for Magic Mountain. We’ll ride those darn roller coasters yet...

These palm trees just scream L.A.

On Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz, after we had the most scrumptious dinner at the Alcove. The blackened salmon I had was out of this world. We love that place.

The main reason for our trip to L.A. this time. George has never seen "Beauty and the Beast" before and I'm up for any opportunity to go back to the Pantages again. I love this theater.

Starstruck in Hollywood? George admiring some of the architecture along Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood Boulevard at Vine Street, with the Hollywood sign on top of Mt. Lee in the background.

This is actually a relatively new neon sign but I love the retro feel of it.

This is one of the most famous murals that can be found in many of the side streets off Hollywood Boulevard. This particular one has been featured in countless magazines and is described in every imaginable travel guide and photo book published around the world.

The entrance of the relatively new W Hotel in Hollywood, right across the Pantages Theatre.

What would Hollywood be without a grand staircase? Inside the lobby of the W Hotel in Hollywood.

The lobby area of the W Hotel.

The bar inside the lobby area of the W Hotel.

The neon marquee of the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. This iconic movie palace from 1922 was recently renovated and is again open to the public.

The ornate chandelier inside the auditorium of the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. I love art deco and this theater is art deco in its purest form.

I took this photo of George right after the theater. It was a fabulous show.

I took this picture of the iconic Los Angeles city hall tower the next day. I love this photo. It was also rather hard to take photos with all this rain and strong winds. We actually enjoyed the rain since it basically never rains in Las Vegas. Angelinos didn't quite share our enthusiasm though.

The Dorothy Chandler Pavillion across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It's L.A.'s opera house, but many Academy Awards ceremonies were held here before the Oscars moved to its permanent home at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood just a few years ago.

The Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall is a true architectural masterpiece. That very morning we decided to see the L.A. Philharmonics, hoping to still get some tickets. Conducted by Gustavo Dudamel with guest pianist Jeremy Denk, they played Beethoven, Mozart and a little Charles Ives. An interesting mix.

Another exterior detail shot of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Lots of wooden paneling inside the lobby areas of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Indoor detail photo of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Another interior detail shot of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall auditorium. We were lucky to find three seats together as the concert was nearly sold out.

A dark and rainy downtown Los Angeles. To the right is the Bonaventure Hotel with its massive atrium, which was used in countless movies. All of downtown has been used for films and TV shows for that matter.

The Simon brothers at Clearman's North Woods Inn in San Gabriel, an old restaurant that's been around for ages. George and Thomas had fun reminiscing the good old days.

George and I after having way too much food at the Clearman's North Woods Inn Restaurant. I think those cheese breads alone had over 10,000 calories, lol. But it was so good.

George and I stopped at Peet's in Pasadena on Lake Avenue to stock up on coffee for the next few weeks. A luxury we'll never let go. Here's George enjoying some freshly brewed Peet's coffee. It's just simply the best coffee around. I also found my new favorite pastry there, a Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffin. Yum!

Low clouds hanging over the San Gabriel Mountains, near George's old neighborhood. It's usually on the way and we almost always are getting gas here since it's one of the cheapest in the greater L.A. area. Pssst...don't tell anyone. ;) Besides, it is really beautiful here and always worth a stop. You should see it when it's warm and sunny.

On our drive through the Mojave Desert back to Las Vegas. While still in Los Angeles we were almost washed and blown off the 210 freeway. I thought the ocean was coming down. When it rains in California...it rains!!! Once in the high desert, we had snow, rain, sun and high winds. It's never boring along I-15.

Somewhere in the middle of the Mojave Desert, on the I-15 freeway. In the higher elevations it was snowing and some views of the mountains were just beautiful.

Hotter Than July

Not a whole lot has been going on in our lives this week. Let’s see...work, studying, working out, sleeping, work, studying, too-tired-to-work-out, sleeping, work... I think you get the picture. We truly live sinfully exciting lives in this City of Sin.



Then again, it’s a bit of drag be to sinful right now, especially during the month of July. A July in Las Vegas basically means that it is hot and sunny. Or sunny and hot. Take your pick. Actually, make that sunny and hotter than hell. At one point this week the temperature rose slightly above the 120˚F mark. Now that is hot! And that was not even the hottest day I’ve experienced in the almost 20 years I’ve been living in this town.



But it was hot enough for me. The last few summers George and I were pondering with the idea to look for greener and much cooler pastures. Then we took the trip to Germany last December and I was instantly reminded why I absolutely hate Winters. I take hot, dry desert summers anytime over bitter cold winters. But a nice little balance in-between would be nice though. We would love to live in the bay area but the economy in California is currently anything but favorable. And it’s not necessarily the cheapest spot in the block to live in. George and I do love Seattle, even though its weather is a bit more on the damp side. We hear Vancouver in Canada has nice, moderate weather all year long. What do you think? Any suggestions?



Still, the heat usually doesn’t deter us from going out to jog in the park or stroll down the Strip. However, last weekend is so damn hot that we didn’t even set one foot outside our house. That almost never happens, since we’re always out and about doing stuff. Luckily, this weekend is suppose to be “cooling” off a bit. The temps may just hover around the 100˚F mark. Which, after almost two weeks of being broiled like steaks on a grill, will almost feel like a breath of fresh air.



I hope I won’t need a jacket.



Below are random photos, taken sometime before Las Vegas was somehow mysteriously transplanted onto the surface of the sun.




George sitting out in our patio, enjoying the morning sun.


In our kitchen. Obviously...duh!


The moving video screens under the “Cloud” of the Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas Strip. The luxurious Encore Resort and Casino, a sister property of the Wynn Resort, is seen in the background


Clouds are reflected in windows of the Wynn


The caribbean village of the Treasure Island on the Strip with the Trump International tower peeking from behind


The marquee of the Treasure Island, or TI as it’s called now, once donned a gigantic pirate’s skull with cross bones. Now the marquee has been updated with huge video screens and color-changing letters.

Still Talking About the Weather

It looks like the weather forecasters got it right after all. After my ranting in my entry last Friday that the weather forecast is never accurate anymore, I was proven wrong. With a two day delay, the cold winds did in fact whip through the Las Vegas Valley yesterday. They did not bring the freezing temperatures as predicted, however it was cold enough for us having to turn on the heater.

So I do apologize to all the weather guys and gals out there. But maybe next time, work a little more on the timing of predicted occurrences?

On Friday evening we took our friend Margaret out for dinner. Even though her birthday is not until this Friday, we celebrated this special occasion a little early. We always have a good time chatting and catching up on each others lives. After a scrumptious meal we walked around the “Strip” and by the time we said our good-byes it was already 2 o’clock in the morning. Time flies when you’re having fun.

The “Strip” can be a very educational observance platform on human behavior. Especially on a Friday night or early Saturday morning. It’s interesting to see how people become completely different beasts, given that Las Vegas has the reputation to be one big party town where everyone can just act out. It’s a hell of a place for people watching. Who needs television and those stupid reality shows? It’s all right here...Live and in Living Colors. We love it!

Oh, about that little destructo-porn movie “2012” which I also mentioned in my last entry. It made over $225 million worldwide on its first weekend. Not bad for a gay movie director from Germany. We have yet to see this film. I guess people still love watching another epic destruction of good ol’ Mother Earth. And apparently they are pretty darn good at putting it into practice too.

Below are some impression from a fun-filled Friday evening on the Las Vegas “Strip.” And two pictures from our brunch that George made at home on Sunday morning. Sage breakfast sausage, sautéed onions and tomatoes, and melted pepper jack cheese, all wrapped up in a fluffy omelet. Served with hash browns, toast and freshly brewed strong coffee. Yum!

Are you getting hungry?

Maybe we should open a bed and breakfast yet.

A Grand Lux birthday wish

Black and white shopping at Sephora

Plumbing

Men’s room art

The reception area at Paris Las Vegas

Bonsoir

Night traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard

George was cooking a delectable Sunday morning brunch

It was absolutely divine...as usual

Nice Weather, Isn’t It?

The weather forecasters predicted a cold front sweeping into the Las Vegas Valley this weekend and bringing with it apocalyptic high winds of “2012” proportions. And...gasp...rain! Now they’re saying that the weather will pretty much stay the same as it has been for the last few days...balmy 70°, sunny with some high clouds.

Have you noticed that the weather dudes and dudettes never get it right anymore? Not too long ago, the weather forecasts seemed to have been fairly accurate. I was always amazed by that. Now however, it seems that weather forecasts are merely fillers for subconscious advertising or to show off another over-the-top made up Barbie doll face.

With all the advanced computer technology and warning systems placed around the globe, one would think we should be able to pinpoint where every single rain drop will hit the ground by now. Instead, things have gotten backwards somehow.

But I think I’ve figured out what the problem is. The more modern technology progresses the more stupid the human race becomes. In return, humans are programming their stupidity back into computers and their applications.

For example, have you seen the millions of iPhone Apps that are floating around out there? An App for Starbucks? A Wal-Mart App? What is this stupid thing suppose to do? Will it do the shopping for your already way-too-lazy-ass? Is it going to forklift you to a certain shopping aisle or maybe even wiping your butt so you don’t have to waste any time to check your text messages while running over a couple of your fellow shoppers with your forklift?

Shouldn’t we be further ahead with the advancement of technology and science to make this a more livable place? Oh wait...let me rephrase that. Shouldn’t America be a little further along? Because the rest of the world has already whisked way past us at light speed. While Americans are still all goggle-eyed about what pretty things a useless iPhone App can do, other nations are reaping in the rewards on their investments in environmental technologies to make tomorrow’s world more efficient and cleaner. Or how about other countries’ achievements in the medical field to find cures to eradicate serious illnesses?

Here, a lot of Americans still believe that universal health care is some form of evil communist devil worship that wants to destroy the holier-than-thou tradition of deep-fried Twinkies. Because that‘s what wiped out Europe. Not the Twinkies but that evil health care system which seems to be working pretty well for those hoity-toity Europeans. Do they not deep-fry croissants over there?

Oy!

Now on with our regular programming...

What America also still doesn’t realize is that scientific research and development in the renewable energy and medical area, as well as implementing new technologies is where the future lies...and eventually wealth and prosperity. And isn’t that what America so desperately seeks? But in this country the clueless sheep are still led by a few wolves in form of religious dimwits and greedy conglomerates, constantly screwing their flock over and over again while proclaiming it’s done for God and Country. Therefore all is well in America. And God said so too when he was personally interviewed by Rush Limbsack and Glenn Fuck on Faux News the other day.

Yesterday I said that I was happy on my Facebook page. Nothing has changed, despite my little frustrating rant above. I’m still very happy. How can I not be? I have the most loving person in my life. We have a wonderful home together. I even love America, believe it or not. It’s a great country, even though some Americans are out to destroy the few remaining good things and lay all the blame on us gays for the apocalypse.

Or are they blaming Germans again? The disaster porn flick “2012” was directed by a German director after all.

Shouldn’t Germans be happier too? Especially 20 years after that darned wall came down? Well, don’t get me started on that little chapter in history. I have my own little tale to tell from that event back in 1989. But that would take too long and turn into another rant.

Besides, I am happy. Remember?

What was this entry about again? I forget. Who cares? It’s Friday and the weekend is upon us. So don’t worry and be happy.

Have a great weekend, ya’ll. Only two more years until the end of the world.

Perfectamente

What a perfect weekend this was.



George and I did absolutely nothing.



Okay, we did a little somethin’ somethin.’ And a few other things like thanking the universe for having each other, cooking amazing meals and enjoying “cooler,” cloudy days.



Yes, we actually enjoy clouds. Because we rarely have them here in the desert. For a brief moment it looked as if it was also going to rain. The smell of rain in the air was so intense. And there may have been two or three tiny drops here and there but that was about it. Of course. Nature can be such a tease.



Yes, that right. We like rain too.



While people in other parts of the country complain of constant gloomy and rainy days, especially when rain can threaten to ruin precious weekend plans, we here in the Mojave Desert hope and pray for just a little bit of precipitation every now and then. Every time we spot a cloud in the sky it’s like some divine miracle has just descended upon us.



You know, like seeing the image of Jesus’ face on a burnt slice of toast.



Even the temperature dropped considerably. It can already hover in the lower 100° F in early June. What am I saying? We already had our first wave of 100° F days in May.



So this little deprive of hellish temperatures into the lower 80s was a truly welcomed change. You see, for us desert dwellers 80 degrees feels almost cold and the nightly lows in the lower 70s is downright wintery to us. At night we needed to cover ourselves with an additional blanket again which we‘ve already stored away.



Likewise, this “cold spell” was such a relief on everybody’s wallet. There was no need for turning on any air conditioning units. We ripped open every window in the house and let the cool breezes fill up every nook and cranny with fresh air.



Ah, so this is how normal people live?!



The few chore-related things we did over the weekend were cooking, watering the plants in our backyard and lifting our arms to point the remote control at the TV to either change channels or to press the play button to watch a recorded film on the DVR. We were planning on going to the movies to see Sam Raimi’s new horror flick “Drag Me To Hell,” but ended up walking in the park instead.



Yeah, we’re real bad asses. That’s what we are.



On Saturday morning, George made this amazing light and fluffy omelette, filled with fresh vegetables and provolone and cheddar cheeses. Add two slices of sage breakfast sausage and some hash browns, along with freshly brewed Peet’s coffee and we were both in breakfast heaven.



And yesterday evening we enjoyed our masala chicken, which we’ve prepared with a medley of multi-colored potatoes, asparagus and okra. It was absolutely delicious. Just thinking about it makes me all hungry again.



Somewhere in-between we also stuffed ourselves with bowls of french vanilla ice cream with dark chocolate syrup and slices of cheesecake, topped with whipped cream and pecans.





Potato Medley: A mix of yellow, red and blue organic potatoes

Meisterkoch George is sautéeing onions in sesame oil

Chicken Masala on its way to perfection

Guten Appetit! I had to nosh a little masala before dinner...
you know, to make sure it was done right

Did I mention that we had the perfect weekend? Good food, pleasant weather and the love of your life right next to you. What else could one possibly ask for?

Exactly!

I rest my case.