Something That Has Nothing to Do With My Writing ...

But then again writers do write because they love seeing their work published and their personally crafted thoughts and ideas communicated to others-some who they might never meet. And herein lies the slight ego embedded in all writers, eco journalist or not. I've always loved being in the spotlight (I'm a Leo) but dropped the music major when I was 22 years old, in lieu of becoming a ham of the written language. But who knows. I just started video media, so maybe I can integrate the two (entertaining and writing) this year.

I will say this, 1984 was a good year for me, as that was the year I discovered one of the biggest ego-inducing entertainers today: Madonna and the "Like a Virgin" album. And just like that, a little baby ego-turned writer was hatched.

Dwell-ing in DTLA Redux

Check out my piece on Dwell on Design, which blew up DTLA (Downtown LA for you non-acronymn folks) this past weekend. Dwell on Design.

 

Type Type Type

In between finishing up some pieces tonight and trying to decompress with some jams, I started listening to Jason Schwartzman's Coconut Records. He is my Jewish crush but lately I've realized many people don't know the Wes Anderson favorite has a band here in Los Angeles. Well, that's how cool I am, sharing this guitar goodness with you all. Anyway, look for my piece on Dwell on Design this week. Will post the article here when it's live. 

YDT Hits the Coast with Santa Monica Baykeeper

Check out my latest story with the Santa Monica Baykeeper here.

Unspeakable Acts with Sisqó

Last night provided its share of good times and perhaps slight absurdity of entertainment. This is what happens with grown women on a Saturday night behind closed doors gentleman. I blame it on the sangria. My sangria.

1 a.m.

Somehow, I've been writing every day for the past two months and my hands and fingers and nails have not fallen off or become embarrassingly deformed. Quite the contrary--they're currently painted a sweet tangerine color. Somehow, I've reconnected to one of my all-time loves, at least since I was 14 years old: girls on acoustic. By the way, it's one o'clock in the morning and all kinds of birds are chirping outside all the time. I think it's so cool that they even sing at night. I guess even the birdies work through the night. It is a full moon tonight, so maybe that has something to do with it. Living in an actual house, which is something like 100 years old, I feel at times like I'm not even in a big, polluted metropolis--seems so far away from the cliched stigmas L.A. is so known for: clubs, celebratti, traffic, lifestyles of the rich & the famous, scantily clad girls. I much prefer the closeness of nature, serenity and birds singing to me in the middle of the night. But then, maybe it's because I'm a writer and *naturally partial to hermit-like ambiances.  

Cupcake Challenge

I recently heard that Big Man Bakes is THE place for downtown LA cupcakes. I wanted to offer up my delicious version of dtla cupcake center. Introducing the Big Apple transplant, Babycakes NYC.

Dwell(ing) on a Digie

I am attending and covering the Dwell on Design this weekend and through my maze of planned and unexpected journalism jaunts, am realizing I constantly am in need of a stylie digital camera. I'm embarrassed to say I only carry the lens of a Blackberry Bold and Canon EOS Elan II. (Don't judge now, I am a writer, not photographer). Any input would be seriously welcomed! :)

~merci beaucoup

Vertical Gardening Interview

If you have an opportunity, check out my first video with your daily thread on vertical gardening here in Los Angeles. You can read the full story here.

Caught on Camera

On a Speedboat with the Santa Monica Baykeepers

This last Sunday, as part of an assignment for your daily thread, I headed out to Marina Del Rey to visit Malibu's coast with the Santa Monica Baykeepers. Some cool newspaper reporters and photographers also went along for the bumpy ride, which involved loosing our stomachs every time the boat leaped out of the water and came down. Whoa. Fortunately, all made it safe at the end of our 30-minute ride. We met representatives and activitists from Heal the Bay and the Surfrider Foundation at Zuma Beach. SMB is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to keeping Los Angeles' beaches squeaky clean. However, all three groups have been involved together and heavily invested in pushing a current act with the marine protected areas, which would basically make it illegal for fish boats to disrupt certain coasts along Southern California's beaches.  Professional surfers and members of Surfrider and Heal the Bay came out that day for a "paddle out" to bring awareness to the cause. In a few weeks, I will travel with them on an aerial tour of their restored areas along the coast. I will post a link here to the story when it's live.

Pulling out plastic from the ocean.

Some dolphins came to check out what we were up to, we literally saw dozens all along the coast from Marina Del Rey to Malibu -- a very good sign indeed.

Sans Paper or Plastic

Here is a recent piece I wrote for Sierra Magazine on California's newest plastic bag ban. You can read it here too. 

Sitting Down with Lisa Ling

This week I had an opportunity to sit down with journalist Lisa Ling. The Oprah and National Geographic correspondent talked with me about her recent involvement with Doors of Hope (DOH), an important shelter here in the San Gabriel Valley. DOH is one of the few shelters in the country that allow families, who are experiencing financial issues and homelessness, to stay together. It might seem surprising to you but most shelters separate the men from their wives and children--creating a disturbingly effective backlash of splitting up a lot of these families. An experienced reporter who's seen devastation at every level, worldwide, I asked Ling why she became involved with this little shelter in Pasadena. She explained that over the years, she was being drawn more and more to report on domestic issues, which she felt were not being talked about enough. She was first introduced to DOH after doing a SoCal Connect segment on a couple in California, who had gone from the American dream of five cars and a big home, to being left homeless, all the while dealing with having their first baby and facing potential divorce.

I found Ling an extremely genuine and kind person to talk with, particularly about a topic that every American should know about and understand, though may try to forget as quickly as possible. That same day of our interview Ling was speaking at a luncheon to benefit Doors of Hope. During her speech, she spoke about people witnessing America's homelessness every day, but then offer nothing but inaction and disregard. At this, Ling reminded the audience with words that Oprah once shared with Ling on the same topic, "Now that you know, you can't pretend that you don't." 

Larry Steele and Lisa Ling

I catch myself observing people--on the street or wherever--who have to face a bleak situation every day, thinking how challenging it must be for them to get up every morning ... and then 10 minutes later, I default to having a "I have no power to do anything significant so I won't do anything" attitude. I think now might be a good time for me (and maybe you) to start remembering not just Oprah's impacting words, but the words of those around us who are asking for our help, right now.

Look for my article with Lisa Ling in the coming months. I will post an update here.

Viva La Terra

People keep asking me where I got my little table. I found it at online eco furniture store, Viva Terra. I've grown to love looking online at this place. Check out my next little crush, the recycled French bottle lamp, made with the obvious, cork. But there's something entrancing about the combination of Amber-stained glass and the clear base. I love items that make you glance at them more than once when you walk past them. 

OK, Let's Go

Last month, the OK Store opened up its first satelite branch in Silver Lake. All I have to say about this is, is finally. OK, seriously, er, truly, I adore this shop. One of my favorites (when I afford it, but window shopping is nice too). OK offers a gamut of bric-a-brac, tableware, furniture to books and toys of bougie, eclectic, vintage to moderately priced pieces. Eastsiders (sorry, I realize many Silver Lake-rs don't consider themselves "east la") can now attend the shop in flock. If you haven't visited OK before, try it this weekend. Maybe I'll even run into there.

Here are its hours: Thurs-Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
OK Store, 1724 Silver Lake Blvd., L.A. 90026
(323) 653-3501

Tomorrow Night: DWR's 111 Navy Chair Makes its L.A. Debut

I recently wrote a piece for Sierra Magazine on Design Within Reach's 111 Navy Chair. Tomorrow, the  chair, made of 111 recycled Coca-Cola bottles, will debut at the Beverly Hill's Design Within Reach. All attendees will have a chance to enter a drawing to win one 111 Navy Chair, I'm hoping it will be me since I could use a new eco office chair. 

Funky Threads

Thinking of picking up the needle and thread sans the grandmother lesson? Summer might be a great opp to make your own sexy, crocheted bikini. Take part in former L.A. fashion designer Jin Kim's very-hip sewing boutique, where she offers everything from funky fresh threads (no, seriously) to lessons galore on making your own vintage shift dresses. Check it here.

 

Gunning for Summer Style

If you have a moment, check out my interview with Mr. Tim Gunn. We talked about summer styles and what not to wear when it comes to your stylish men.