OTHER SUNDAY SCENES

While we didn't do a good job of escaping the heat, we did manage to find some nice distractions. Started out on Olvera Street looking for a hat. You can find plenty online about its history and tourism, but not much about how Olvera Street area attracts thousands of local immigrants. Less than a block away from the market area, there is an active street scene full of vendors selling flowers, candles and food to those visiting the oldest Catholic church in LA, La Placita Church. Next, is a photo of a suspiciously clean alley near the location filming at 8th and Broadway. Finally, an image of a vaulted ceiling in the downtown public library. The globe chandelier is hanging down several feet from its center. Click the images to see them larger.

CELEB #7: LIFE ON O'MARA

Who: Jason O'Mara
What's he doing: Lead actor on David E. Kelley's new series "Life on Mars"
Where: 8th and Broadway downtown
Why I was there: They were filming on location and my brother does set construction for Boston Legal. We went to join him for lunch. Jason O'Mara is in the tan leather jacket, standing on the corner. It was a 70's era shot. Peter was there to change the marquees, storefronts, etc. I think it was 100 degrees outside.

PETER BUILT

Had to throw in a picture of Peter on the job at 8th & Broadway. He's holding double stick tape - tools of the trade, man! You can see production on the opposite corner, where I took photos of Jason O'Mara. Peter's in front of one the old cars and a hippie character.

CELEB #6: BEN WHO?

Who: Ben Weber
Claim to fame: OK, so I use the word "Celeb" lightly. Ben Weber's been in enough for me to suspect he was an actor when he and his wife came into the gallery. His TV credits include Sex and the City, West Wing and Medium.
Where: already covered
Why I was there: paid to be there

SUDDENLY, CEILINGS

I started taking pictures of bedroom ceilings. Exhibit A: Madelin's guest room. It provokes ceilng envy with its arched, vaulted ceiling and diamond plaster work. Exhibit B: Our bedroom. Not the best, but I like it just the same, with its fixture and blue hue.

CELEB #5: THE PEET ON 3RD STREET

Who: Amanda Peet
Claims to fame: Studio 60, Something's Gotta Give, The Whole Nine Yards, etc.
Where: She was ordering from the counter at Joan's on Third, a gourmet marketplace. She wore flip flops, had dishelved hair and held her young daughter. Nice and normal.
Why I was there: Well, I just finished viewing a 13 foot beard getting installed at Gagosian and decided to pop in J.O.3. to get desert for company the next evening. Those were some serioulsy good coconut chocolate meringue cookies.

CELEB #4: ROBELESS

Who: Hamish Linklater
Claim to fame: "New" Chritine's brother Matthew on the TV show New Adventures of Old Christine
Where: Ordering "three white vinos" at Eagle Rock hot spot The York
Why I was there: Grabbin' a beer with Jim and Christine after work.

WHAT WAS CAUGHT

Walking along the beach in Carpinteria with friends, I came across two women fishing. One was casting and this one came to unhook the line. They were smoking the whole time and not saying much at all. I don't know what they caught.

CELEB #3'S COMPANY

Who: Pricilla Barnes of Three's Company.
Where: performing in dress rehearsal and fundraiser for the production of "Hillary Agonoistes" at Studio/Stage in Hollywood.
Why I was there: We went to see our good friend Rebecca Metz perform in the same production.

THE HOOKER, THE HOMELESS + THE HUNGRY

With a "Back in 10" on the door, my simple walk around the block to retrieve a sandwich gives me an eyeful. A fit, but smudged, transexual hooker fans herself dramatically on a bench. Black 80s-style basketball shoes, short pleated orange skirt and a lacey tan tank. An Asian woman searches a trash can as a 7 ft square painting rolls by on a dolly. Tourists sip their bobas and smile for the camera.

Made it in 6. Open for business.

STOP BELIEVIN'

I must apologize to Steve Perry for my failed attempt at karaoke last night at Backstage. Ouch.