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the pursuit of world class style in everyday life

Thursday, November 18, 2010

gift idea #4

the nutcracker in natural wood holding a little present is the best nutcracker i've come across.  it is unpretentious and refreshing.  that's the way i would imagine the original nutcracker to be.  available at west elm for $24.  part of proceeds will be donated to st jude's children hospital.  plus free shipping.  doesn't get much better than that.

1st street, little tokyo

little tokyo hasn't changed much since i first moved to LA in the early nineties.  some of the 24-hour restaurants are still intact.  there's a sense of nostalgia walking down 1st street.  i never cease to marvel at the brass/bronze inlays on the sidewalk.  the text is poetic, the isometric view of the crate with brass/bronze outline inlaid in the red terrazzo is bizarre and beautiful...  in the mini mall across the street, if you get lucky, you'll find this japanese cowboy performing pop/rock using all parts of his body on the strangest equipments assembled from everyday life.  he is quite an entertainer and will surely kick up some fun mocking you.  as you can see, he's been featured on jimmy kimmel live, etc.  and while you're in the neighborhood, go get in line for the best ramen in town - Daikokuya, literally translated as the Big, Black House.

franklin at vine

i love the graffiti underneath the freeway here.  it's a city icon, represents old hollywood glam, shows the artistry of the creator and is at the same time functional - it shows you where the storage entrance is!