"unrealized visions for Los Angeles"

A spiraling, 1,290-foot tower built of magnesium. A rapid-transit system with hundreds of miles of subways and elevated tracks. A comprehensive network of parks, beaches, and open spaces linked by greenbelts and parkways. These are just a few unrealized visions for Los Angeles featured in an upcoming exhibition at the Architecture and Design Museum, "Never Built: Los Angeles."


Curated by Greg Goldin and Sam Lubell, the exhibition draws on plans preserved in the region's archives to present an alternate history -- and an alternate present -- for a place where inspirational solutions to the city's problems have often been downscaled, defeated, or altogether forgotten.

Lloyd Wright's Civic Center plan of 1925.

http://www.kcet.org/updaily/socal_focus/LloydWrightCivicCenter.jpg

X Games Moto X

This is the Big One, the event that put X Games Moto X on the map. The riders compete to nail the biggest wildest tricks on a big course with multiple ramps. They get a bike, ramps, and a time limit and can try any trick they think they can pull off. They are judged by execution, style, and originality.

The Athletes Taka Higashino won Gold at X Games LA 2012 with a run featuring a never before seen in competition backflip Rock Solid double grab. He is looking to add another title at Foz, competing with Rob Adelberg Andre Villa,  Jackson Strong and Dany Torres -- shown above.

http://images.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/Dany-Torres.jpg

the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo in Portugal's beautiful Azores

The world's best cliff divers will be landing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean for the third stop in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2013.

Set in the remote and unique location of the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo in Portugal's beautiful Azores, this challenging stopover will truly test the mettle of the skilled competitors.

http://www.redbull.com/uk/en/events/1331580437332/red-bull-cliff-diving-azores

Hamster balls

Hamster balls are hollow spheres made of clear plastic into which hamsters, gerbils, degus and other small rodent pets are placed, allowing them to run around outside their cages without the risk of running away, getting lost under furniture or in walls.^[1] The balls also produce an audible rumble across many surfaces, making the hamster easier to find.

Most hamster balls are made of durable, transparent plastic with air holes and a small door or lid to allow the owner to insert or remove the hamster from the ball.^[2] Hamster balls are supposed to provide exercise for hamsters.^[3]

Although hamster balls are designed to protect hamsters, there are hazards such as stairs and other high places from which hamsters can fall, resulting in injury or even death. So in order to protect the hamsters, the owners place hamster balls on the lower level of their house, away from any stairs.^[4] Some also create a simple barrier near the stairs, so that they will not roll down the stairs.

Although hamster balls have air holes, hamsters should be allowed to take breaks and leave the ball regularly due to a lack of water that could potentially induce heatstroke or exhaustion.

Hamster and other small pet owners should also be advised that it is important to keep watch over the hamster ball at all times while the pet is inside.^[1] Some hamster owners have noted that at times the ball can pick up too much speed, causing the hamster to somersault inside and potentially be injured.

Hamster balls are recommended by the manufacturers for use with hamsters, gerbils, mice, degus and small rats only; they should not be used for rabbits, chinchillas or guinea pigs, as their size and body structures are different from small rodents, posing a serious hazard to them if placed inside

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamster_ball

BORN ELECTRIC

http://www.autocarzine.com/2011/08/bmw-i3-concept/bmw_i3_concept_02/

"the longest gloved ring battle on record"

Jack Burke (1869–1942) was a boxer who fought in the longest gloved ring battle on record in the late 19th century.

Burke went 111 rounds with Andy Bowen in New Orleans on April 6, 1893, in a bout which lasted seven hours and 19 minutes. The marathon fight was called "no contest" by referee John Duffy when neither man could continue. Burke broke all the bones in both of his hands and considered retiring after the fight, but chose to continue competing.

The boxer died at Mublenberg Hospital in April 1942.

https://www.google.com/search?q=jack+burke+andy+bowen&client=firefox-a&hs=7cR&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=5lT8UbLgO8n5iwLkooCAAg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=629#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=BTp7aMZ1iPEx1M%3A%3BXbOVWTtubQ6fiM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F_n5DJIrTSbzA%252FTCjRPtdHKrI%252FAAAAAAAAAN0%252FzOY5WljT-_o%252Fs400%252Flongest-boxing-match.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fstraysnippets.blogspot.com%252F2010%252F06%252Flongest-boxing-match-in-history.html%3B719%3B522

" the world's most expensive hotel "

The hotel, which has 2,560 rooms costing from £350 a night, was officially opened in 2010 with a concert by Diana Ross.

The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, estimated to have cost £2billion when it opened in 2004, was previously the world's most expensive hotel.

But with its indoor canal, opulent art, casino, outdoor plaza, convention centre, theatre, crystal pavilion and museum shaped like a lotus flower, the Marina Bay Sands has taken its crown.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1289194/Marina-Bay-Sands-resort-opens-Singapore.html#ixzz2arNKmxQa
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Waterfront redevelopment remains a passionate topic in Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach officials late Tuesday pushed ahead with efforts to revitalize the city's waterfront, agreeing to launch an environmental review of a proposal for a new hotel, movie theater, shops, restaurants and more.
The City Council's 3-2 vote also extends an agreement with the El Segundo firm that was selected last fall to spearhead the eventual overhaul of King Harbor and much of the city pier. Since then, CenterCal Properties has held eight meetings to gather community feedback.

Waterfront redevelopment remains a passionate topic in Redondo Beach, where officials have been talking for at least a decade about making changes to the town's aging harbor and horseshoe pier. And that was apparent by the spillover crowd that showed up Tuesday night at City Hall, where many people stood waiting for hours outside the council chambers and watched the meeting on a television set that had been rolled out onto the sidewalk.

http://tbrnews.com/news/redondo_beach/redondo-beach-pushes-forward-with-waterfront-revitalization-plans/article_52e0be48-fa0a-11e2-906b-0019bb2963f4.html

Los Angeles -- In the Works

The Vermont
22 and 28 stories – residential/retail

Under Construction

Cedars-Sinai's Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion - 11 story

Emerson College Extension
10 stories- Educational Campus
Hollywood

Century City Towers
50 stories - office, hotel, residential

proposed

 

Wilshire Gayley
29 stories - hotel/residential
Wilshire and Gayley

 

Wilshire Catalina
24 stories – Residential
Koreatown (Wilshire and Catalina) 

 

Koreatown Hotel
23-story - Hotel
Koreatown

Ametron Tower
?-story - Office
Hollywood

 

 

Pantages Theater
12 stories – office
Hollywood

 

The Dream Hotel
9 stories - Hotel
Hollywood

NoHo Art Wave

? stories – mixed

North Hollywood

Glass Tower
? stories - office
Jefferson and La Cienega

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=142650

 

 

 

 

Base-jumping at its best

Photo UgoJump

Hair-raising pictures show the world's top base jumpers throwing themselves off huge mountain as they attempt to become the 'world's fastest flying human being'

Jumping off the top of a mountain and hurtling as fast as you can to the bottom may not sound like everyone's cup of tea.

But as these incredible pictures show, there are plenty of daredevils who see it as a fun way to spend their free time.

These stomach-churning images were taken at the annual World Base Race in Norway, which attracts base jumpers from all four corners of the globe.

The event was won this weekend by brave British flying ace Tony Uragallo, 59.

Competitors wearing state-of-the-art wingsuits throw themselves off a platform 1,300 metres up a mountain cliff - with the winner being the fastest down.

They release their parachutes at an optimum point to glide safely to the finish line.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2171810/Hair-raising-pictures-worlds-base-jumpers-throwing-huge-mountain.html#ixzz2aUMR56JU

 

One GIANT Leap After Another

Nerves of steel were on display at the 2012  world cliff diving championship event as international thrill-seekers took it in turns to take one giant leap of faith.

Jumping from a dizzying height of 28 metres into a tiny blowhole below, competitors pulled out all the stops at the Red Bull competition, impressing crowds with a series of sensational dives.

Hundreds of spectators headed to Ireland’s Serpent’s Lair on the island of Inis Mor to witness the fourth round event

It was won by Russian Artem Silchenko, who received a standing ovation from his fellow divers for his efforts.

The 28-year-old was on top form, impressing judges with the difficult nature and perfect execution of his dives.

‘You know it’s a good dive only when you’re underwater,’ he explained after. ‘You’re travelling so fast it’s impossible to take it all in. Only after the entry can you say “yes, it’s a great dive”.’

http://metro.co.uk/2012/08/06/daredevil-cliff-divers-take-the-plunge-at-red-bull-event-525660/

Red Bull Flugtag Moscow 2011

Spectators in Moscow were treated to the site of humorously designed makeshift aircraft plunging into the Muskova River during the Red Bull Flugtag Moscow 2011 competition. 38 teams took part at the Flugtag – which means “flying day” – a competition in which teams in fancy dress attempt to pilot human-powered, home-made flying machines off a six-meter-high platform into water.

 

http://avaxnews.net/fact/Red_Bull_Flugtag_Moscow_2011.html

 

 

"designed around the exhaust"

The international racing community got its last look at the front end of Red Bull's new F1 car, the RB8, unveiled on video today. It's expected to be showing the rest of the field its exhausts for the rest of the season.

Red Bull dominated with a car literally "designed around the exhaust" during the 2011 season. Now that the FIA banned last year's killer app, the exhaust-blown diffuser, everyone is looking for the secret new trick on the RB8 that will outpace the competition.

Don't expect to find it on this dummy car, trotted out with generic wings and panels to trick rival teams' engineers. If we do see Red Bull walk away from the rest of the field at the season opener in Australia, you might want to look for some trick airflow management in the little mail slot at the back end of the RB8's duck bill.

http://jalopnik.com/5882758/2012-red-bull-f1-car-shows-competitors-its-nose-for-the-last-time 

"Alejo Muniz celebrates his win"

Brazilian surfer Alejo Muniz is hoisted off the sand as he celebrates his win at the Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. 

 ( Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times / July 28, 2013 )

"Looking for gold"

Looking for gold. Soccer’s quest. The USA defeated Panama on Sunday to win the Gold Cup. A one goal nugget was enough, that rare element. What can the US take from their prize?

The Gold Cup team features some players not regularly picked for the national team in the more prestigious World Cup qualifying games. The good news for coach Jurgen Klinsmann – the pool is deep. The players execute Kinsmann’s tactical plan – a must. A cohesive spirit prevails. No surprise there. Patriotism blends with confidence – American traits.

Inclusion at the World Cup Finals in Brazil next year has still to be earned. The USA is currently top of the World Cup qualifying group. Crucial games lie ahead against Mexico and Costa Rica. The team can drink from the Gold Cup tonight but tomorrow it’s back to the mine to work. The bigger nugget is found in Brazil.


http://blog.sfgate.com/soccer/2013/07/28/usa-wins-gold-cup-and-more/

"He could make anybody (everybody) laugh"

Bob Hope was the wisecracker. Milton Berle was a clown. George Burns and Gracie Allen were farceurs of domestic life. And Jack Benny was the "Everyman" comedian.

For nearly half-a-century, Benny kept audiences in stitches with his alter-ego of a vain penny-pincher who was forever 39 and delusional about his skill at playing the violin. His catchphrases — "well" (with a long pause) and "now cut that out" — were part of the pop culture landscape for decades.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-jack-benny-classic-hollywood-20130722,0,1825339.story

"Outrage and Tragedy"

It was only last October that boxer Orlando Cruz, after 24 years as a professional fighter and with nine knockouts to his credit, announced, in an effort to be "true to myself," that he was gay. Like NBA player Jason Collins, who came out publicly in April, and Robbie Rogers, a former member of the U.S. national soccer team who did so in February, Cruz took what was seen as a brave step given the macho culture of professional sports. At the time of his announcement, The Times reported that Cruz was believed to be the first professional boxer to declare that he was gay.

It's a new world for gay athletes, and those who don't remember the old one need only read the obituaries in Wednesday's papers of Emile Griffith (above), a former welterweight and middleweight champion who died Tuesday in Hempstead, N.Y. Griffith struggled with his sexuality for many years and eventually acknowledged his attraction to men — but before that, a slur on his manhood may have led to a fatal fight at Madison Square Garden.

It happened at a nationally televised welterweight title bout against Benny Paret on March 24, 1962. At the weigh-in, Paret called Griffith — who had been rumored to be gay — a maricon, a nasty Spanish slur for homosexual. Griffith was furious. He was taken for a walk to cool off, but in the fight, he cornered Paret in the 12th round and began hammering him with uppercuts, an "unrelenting fusillade," according to Sports Illustrated, "as remorselessly as the clapper of a great dark bell." Paret died 10 days later.

Was Griffith punishing Paret for the slur? Who knows. Later, in his dressing room, he reportedly said, "I pray to God — I say from my heart — he's all right." Over the next few years, Griffith repeatedly won and lost the middleweight and welterweight championship titles. Eventually, he publicly acknowledged his attraction to men. In 1992, he was badly beaten outside a Times Square gay bar by five men wielding bats and chains.

There may be no lessons to draw from Griffith's life and death other than to remember the obvious: that gay men and lesbians have always existed in all parts of the world, in all social classes and professions, but that until very recently, they have often been forced to hide and deny who they were, sometimes at enormous cost to themselves and others. That Orlando Cruz received what he called "unconditional, 100% support" for his announcement last year, and that Jason Collins got a phone call of support from President Obama, are signs that while the road to justice and acceptance is a long one — with bumps and depressing detours — we are traveling in the right direction.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-emile-griffith-homosexuality-20130725,0,6815639.story

Scottish Rite Masonic Temple

The imposing marble-clad Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on Wilshire Boulevard in L.A., which has seen little use since 1994, will undergo a major renovation to house contemporary art collections. It will be operated for the most part as a private property, with occasional exhibitions open to the public. Above, a bicyclist is framed within the temple, conceived by Millard Sheets, one of Southern California’s best-known designers. (Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times / July 23, 2013)

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-property-report-20130725,0,845153.story

"radically altering the Hollywood skyline"

The Los Angeles City Council approved a plan Wednesday that would radically alter the Hollywood skyline despite warnings from state officials that the project site may lie on a major earthquake fault line.

The 13-0 vote in favor of the Hollywood Millennium project allows New York-based developer Millennium Partners to build two skyscrapers and more than 1 million square feet of office, hotel and retail space on several vacant parking lots surrounding the iconic Capitol Records building. The towers would be 39 and 35 stories tall.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-millennium-vote-20130725,0,456526.story

Mayor Eric Garcetti, who championed new development in Hollywood for 12 years on the City Council, said he planned to sign the deal. Newly elected Councilman Mitch O'Farrell, who replaced Garcetti after he termed out this year, called the $664-million project a "game changer" that would create jobs and new tax revenue while bringing more life to Hollywood's eastern edge.

"first landing by a drone on a Navy carrier"

A X-47B Navy drone approaches the deck as it lands aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush off the Coast of Virginia on Wednesday, July 10. It is the first landing by a drone on a Navy carrier.

Steve Helber/AP

Monday's DEADLY RECORD ATTEMPT

 

 A motorcycle racer reached 287 mph before he veered off course and was launched into the air in front of 400 spectators.  Record holder Bill Warner died at the hospital.

Just before the crash, he said going 290 mph can be both "fun" and "scary."

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/988240_10151546382696028_197849547_n.jpg

The Running (ROLLING) of the Bulls

PAMPLONA, SPAIN - JULY 12: A toy bull collides with a child during the Encierro Txiki (Little Bull Run) on the seventh day of the San Fermin Running Of The Bulls festival on July 12, 2013 in Pamplona, Spain. The annual Fiesta de San Fermin, made famous by the 1926 novel of US writer Ernest Hemmingway 'The Sun Also Rises', involves the running of the bulls through the historic heart of Pamplona, this year for nine days from July 6-14.

 (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/getty/article/ALeqM5ii7C4ZJeLtjcQjEXg9MGLTPU7I1g?docId=173338265

 Spanish bullfighter Julian Lopez 'El Juli' performs with an El Pilar ranch fighting bull during a bullfight of the San Fermin festival, in Pamplona, Spain, Friday, July 12, 2013.

(AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

HAUNTING IMAGES . . .

https://www.google.com/search?q=all+quiet+on+the+western+front&client=firefox-a&hs=5vJ&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=TrrYUaDLHuf0iQKO6oGgDA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=800&bih=461#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=7mIczoZ3MlFHiM%3A%3B7gbC7fjED2DaTM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-vgNcazSCdqo%252FUUhQVgEPzAI%252FAAAAAAAAAJI%252FmkK0-vW0aEQ%252Fs400%252Fallquiet.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Frafbrynolf.blogspot.com%252F2013%252F03%252Fall-quiet-on-western-front-aftermath.html%3B353%3B500

" the oldest man in recorded history"

Japan’s Jiroemon Kimura, recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest man in recorded history, has died at the age of 116.

Born on April 19, 1897, when Queen Victoria still reigned over the British Empire, Kimura dodged childhood killers such as tuberculosis and pneumonia that kept life expectancy in Japan to 44 years around the time of his birth. He became the oldest man in recorded history on Dec. 28, 2012, at the age of 115 years and 253 days. The oldest woman in recorded history, France’s Jeanne Calment, died in 1997 at the age of 122.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-11/jiroemon-kimura-oldest-man-in-recorded-history-dies-at-age-116.html

"undeniably elegant"

"Hannibal," the recently renewed NBC drama about psychiatrist-serial killer-cannibal Hannibal Lecter, may be as fiendishly gory as TV gets, but the interior decorating is undeniably elegant. Series creator Bryan Fuller, a partner in L.A. design store Fuller + Roberts, hired production designer Patti Podesta and set decorator Jaro Dick to bring Lecter's deadly lairs to life.

Podesta, whose credits include "Cinema Verite," provided L.A. at Home with a detailed postmortem via email on the show's stylish and atmospheric interiors.

Read more at ONTD: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/78454223.html#ixzz2WKxYYXPb

CLICK Below to Learn about getting a Liftoff at Dockweiler Beach

http://ushawks.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=961

New York's Grand Central Terminal hits 100 this year

" the magnificent Pacific Ocean "

With ocean views selling at a premium throughout Southern California, it can be dumbfounding to encounter a prominent downtown Santa Monica hotel that deliberately averts its gaze from the water.

The boxy former Holiday Inn near the Third Street Promenade, however, is probably not long for this world. At the prompting of city officials, the owners have come up with a plan to raze the aging hotel and erect a three-tiered showplace that embraces the Pacific with outdoor terraces, a rooftop restaurant and sea vistas from every possible angle.

The proposed hotel and condominium development, which could cost as much as $175 million, would undo a decision made in the 1960s when Santa Monica’s seedy seaside posed a potential affront to visitors from the Midwest and other more wholesome environs, hotel executive Debra Feldman said.

The former Holiday Inn at 120 Colorado Ave. was set perpendicular to the coast with a blank wall facing the ocean because the owners of the chain catering to middle-class travelers did not want guests looking out on what the company’s chief designer saw as “the drug-infested, crime-ridden Santa Monica Pier,” Feldman said.

“An architect from Springfield, Mo., was making a calculated choice,” she said. “Unfortunately he forgot that in addition to the pier there was the magnificent Pacific Ocean.”

In a reflection of how far Santa Monica has come since the 1960s, the pier is now the city’s signature tourist attraction, where well-kept shops and a bright amusement park have replaced the sleazy waterfront bars and broken-down storefronts of an earlier era.

Terranea

Dramatically poised at the edge of the Pacific Ocean on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea’s 102 acres are infused with the elegance of a classic Mediterranean estate, the casual energy of coastal Southern California, and countless ways to spend your days – all tied together with authentic, genuine hospitality and a deep respect for this irreplaceable oceanfront setting. Terranea Resort, located just south of Los Angeles, includes guest rooms, suites, Bungalows, Casitas and Villas and a host of world-class amenities, including spectacular dining venues, a world-class spa, a stunning 9-hole golf course and family-friendly activities.

http://www.terranea.com/images/masthead/aerial.jpg

Greece Ready To Start Selling Its Islands

A year ago the mere mention of Greece selling its real estate, let along its prized islands, was enough to fill Syntagma square with tear gas, laser light pointers and the occasional riot dog. Now - nobody cares, which is why the statement by Greek PM Samaras that he is ready to start selling Greek islands was largely met with a yawn across the investing world.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/greece-ready-start-selling-its-islands 

 

 

Medal of Freedom Winner

Actress and entertainer Marlene Dietrich wears a Women's Army Corps uniform with forage cap, worn by U.S.O. Camp shows performers, as she walks down a street in London on Sept. 28, 1944. The German-born legend sold war bonds, toured for the USO and earned the Medal of Freedom.

( Associated Press / May 27, 2013 )