The Fern Dell at Griffith Park is fun for the whole family!

The Fern Dell at Griffith Park's Western entrance is a great place
to go for a hike, a picnic or just to clear your head.

One of my favorite places to go for a nice walk and clear my head is at the Fern Dell at Griffith Park. My grandparents would take me there when I was a kid, and when I visit now, it still takes me back to those very moments.

Recently, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at the Fern Dell with my long-time friend (and Hill & Knowlton alumnus), Lisa. We had a nice lunch, then drove to Fern Dell, had no trouble parking, and took a nice stroll through the treelined paths and over foot bridges, all while talking and laughing about life.  It's easy to forget that you are in the middle of Los Angeles when you are there.

The temperature was perfect – in the mid 70˚s – but the canopy of trees and ferns were doing a good job of shading and cooling the area. There are lots of places to sit – in the shade or in the sun – and there are plenty of public bathrooms.

There are over 50 types of fern species in the dell and there are lots of hiking trails to explore. There's a small snack-shack called 'The Trails' where you can get something to eat or drink and there are plenty of conveniently placed picnic areas and tables. There's a terrific play area for the little ones and there are a good number of people around walking their dogs, playing with their kids, or like us, simply taking time out of their busy day for a pleasant stroll in the park.

If you're trying to find things to do with your friends and/or family that doesn't cost any money, is close by and is a nice escape from our bustling concrete jungle, then Fern Dell at Griffith Park's Western entrance is worth visiting. Pack a lunch, bring a blanket, pack some games and bring your friends or kids and have a nice day at the park. You'll be glad you did. And, don't forget the camera.

The Fern Dell at Griffith Park is located where Western Avenue and Los Feliz Boulevard meet in Los Feliz, California.

Hiking trails at Fern Dell
Fern Dell to Griffith Observatory – Dan's Hiking Pages
Griffith Park-Fern Dell Loop – Todd Burke, Every Trail
Griffith Park-Fern Dell reviews, trails and more information – Yelp.com

Surprise, surprise – Things that make you go hmmm...

Why are there things in life that still surprise me?

Why are there things in life that still surprise me? Am I too optimistic or am I just stupid? When people hire me, do they really want an art director or just someone to do what they say? When it comes to life, should we all just come to expect less?

Why am I surprised to hear from someone I haven't heard from in years, only to never hear from them again? Someone sent me an email recently – an old friend – who was concerned that I would not think of them as an old friend, yet they reached out to me to say hello. I was happy to hear from this person and I cheerfully responded to their email, but I never heard back from them again. What made them want to reach out to me in the first place? They commented on my work, but how or why would they be looking at my work in the first place?

Why am I surprised when I freelance someplace that isn't fully integrated to CS5? Or, when a client isn't able to open a CS5 file? I know it's expensive to keep updating software, especially for companies with several employees needing upgrades and licenses, but we're almost half-way through 2011 and CS5 was released in 2010.

Why am I surprised when I can't understand someone at a local drive-thru? I find myself having to ask 'what did you say?' more than once or twice when I pull up at a local drive-thru. Wouldn't it make sense to have someone at the drive-thru who speaks English clearly? Or, is that too much to expect?

Finally, why am I surprised that motorists and pedestrians are not in sync here in the great city of Los Angeles? With all the heavy automobile traffic and ever-growing foot traffic in neighborhoods like Hollywood and Santa Monica, for example, pedestrians and motorists need to get in sync. There's nothing worse than 20 cars waiting for one person to hurry along. On the other hand, motorists could stand to be a little more patient and a lot more polite. I'm just saying.

Apple's Lion and iOS5 – Like having a second brain

Steve Jobs at the Worldwide Developers Conference
in San Francisco, June 6, 2011

I have been a Mac user for nearly 30 years now and I have always been impressed with this little machine and its ability to produce 'what you see is what you get' graphics at the hands of the designer. But, much has changed in 30 years. Gone are the days of the heavy, chunky, expensive computers, parts and software and here to stay are the days of wireless desktop computers with no towers, as well as iO hand-held devices like an iPhone or an iPad.

If you're a Mac user, then you will be interested in Apple's streaming video of the key note from the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) recently held in San Francisco that walks you through the top ten features of Lion and the new iOS5.

Presented by Steve Jobs, this key note focuses on software for your Apple products including Apple's new operating system, Lion; iOS5 and all it can do; and finally, iCloud – the new software that keeps all of your Apple products and software up-to-date, automatically.

The big take-aways:

Lion – Presented by Phil Schiller and Craig Federighi


This presentation was all about the Mac and its rise in industry usage. Mr. Schiller talks about the the evolution of OSX and how Lion comes complete with 250 new features – but Schiller only talks about the 'Top Ten' which include: Multi-touch Gestures; Full Screen Apps with Swipe; Mission Control (a dashboard 'like' app for open documents); Launchpad (another dashboard 'type' app for apps); Resume; Auto Save (a feature that 'auto saves' your documents system wide, not just with the application); Versions (which saves different versions of each document); AirDrop (an easier way to share documents with other users); and an all-new Mail.  Also, for the first time ever, Lion will only be available for download on the Mac Apps Store (for an extremely low $24.99). Available in July of 2011.

iOS5 - Presented by Scott Forstall

This presentation was all about the iOS devices and their strength in the market. Did you know that Apple sold more than 25 million iPads in the first 14 months of sales?  Forstall goes on to bring us some surprising (or not so surprising) statistics on iTunes, iBooks, and the App Store before he goes into iOS5, but once he does, it is exciting. Some of the new features include: a Notifications Center that you can access from any of your mobile devices; Newsstand (that holds all of your subscriptions to magazine and newspapers, alike); Twitter integration; an all-new Safari with some amazing new features; Reminders (automatic reminders that can remind you to do things from a stored list); an all-new Camera (with a new shortcut from the lock screen); an all-new Mail (with rich text formatting); PC Free (meaning, you can use your iOS5 devices without needing a computer to sync); a better Game Center; and finally, iMessage (basically, iChat for all iOS5 devices).

iCloud – Presented by Steve Jobs

Basically, iCloud is the reason iOS5 can do some of the things it can do. You see, iCloud is basically an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) site for your files, pics, books and music...but way more. Not only does it hold all of your information, but it syncs and 'pushes' these files directly to your devices and apps, automatically. It sounds simple, but it is very complex in its entirety. The one thing Jobs did make a point to tell the audience is that 'it just works,' meaning there is no set-up, copying, updating or syncing required – it just works. Complete with 5 GB of storage space (not including music or photos), iCloud is free with iOS5.

iTunes in the Cloud – iTunes in the Cloud allows you to play anything purchased through iTunes on any device, up to 10 devices, with no additional charge.

This was a fairly long key note to watch, nearly two-hours, but if you're an Apple device user, you should want to know the details. In my opinion, Apple is always coming up with the most innovative solutions in technology, and although I have had my problems with customer service in the past, I remain a loyal Apple user today. I look forward to Lion, the new iOS5, iCloud and all that this new technology brings. It's like having a second brain to store and update all of your information, automatically. iBrain.

Apple Special Event, June 6, 2011 – Key Note from WWDC Conference in San Francisco

Hotel Erwin – The Beach Is Back

Hotel Erwin in Venice beach is the place
for the young and hip to congregate,
especially on its rooftop lounge.

When you do a search for a hotel on the beach in Santa Monica, a 'top ten' list shows up that includes hotels like Shutters, Loews, Casa del Mar and Viceroy – which are all nice, but a little stuffy and bit pricey. So, what if you are young and hip and want something that is more your style?

Hotel Erwin in Venice beach is just what you're looking for. Literally located in the heart of Venice, the once tattered Marina Pacific Hotel is now the newly upgraded Hotel Erwin – a Joie de Vivre Hotel – is a boutique hotel complete with one of L.A.'s best rooftop drinking and dining areas is only 200 feet from the ocean!

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending my friend Debi's birthday bash that was held on the rooftop of the Hotel Erwin in Venice beach and I had a terrific time. Our server was fantastic – she didn't miss a beat – and the food and drinks were pretty good, too. It was a cloudy evening, which made the sunset spectacular in my opinion, but the temperature outside was a nice 60-degrees (and this was in June!). We've had amazing weather in Los Angeles this year – not too hot, not too cold. I would highly recommend that you visit Hotel Erwin or suggest it to a friend who might be visiting L.A.

According to the hotel's web site, the top reasons to stay at Hotel Erwin are: Hash & High (the dining room and rooftop, open-air lounge), the sun, beach and sights. And, as a native Angeleno, I would have to agree with them.

The best part of the Hotel Erwin is the view from the rooftop and festivities that lie therein. The next best thing about the hotel is its location. If you're a guest, imagine walking, running, skating or biking on Venice boardwalk, laying out on the beach to catch some rays, or cruising the boardwalk to people watch, it's all right there at your door step. Not to mention all the great shops and restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. Minutes from the 10-fwy, the Hotel Erwin is perfectly located for your L.A. adventure.

If you're under 40 and traveling to Los Angeles and want to stay somewhere that screams Southern California, the Hotel Erwin is the place for you.

The view from the rooftop of Hotel Erwin in Venice beach is spectacular!
(click to enlarge)

Hotel Erwin is located at 1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice Beach, CA 90201 (310) 452-1111

The Odyssey 1 Disco – A legend remembered

Once upon a time (in 1976), literally across the street from Rexall Drugs at Beverly and La Cienega, there was a dance club called 'The Odyssey 1' that was the rage of the town (if you were into clubs at that time). I think it was 1981 when I went for the first time and 'The Odyssey' was everything you expected a disco to be.

Recently, I joined a group on Facebook that is basically a memory page for Odyssey 1 Disco, but it's been great reminiscing with the old DJs, doorman and regular patrons, online. I only have fond memories of The Odyssey 1 and my friends from that era. Most of us are, in fact, still friends.

The Odyssey 1 was an under-18 dance venue that did not serve alcohol, but it was open 7 nights a week with after-hours every night. The people were the coolest people ever and they made you feel accepted, no matter what. Of course, I had my regular group – Angela, Mark, Frank, Jaime, Scott, Denise, Dori and Kenny – and many of us were at The Odyssey 5 nights a week, sometimes. I also remember meeting and hanging out with Louise Foley (from ABC's Family), multiple award-winner Kristy McNichol (from ABC's Family, Little Darlings and Empty Nest) and one of their friends, Kevin Gentry. It was the best place to dance in L.A. with the best DJs in L.A. (Chuck E. Starr, David Rubenstein and Steven Frederick Smith) and the best lights and sound system. Not to mention that at that time, quaaludes were hugely popular (I was too young and too scared to try them). But, it was fun just hanging out, dancing.



Mondays and Fridays were New Wave night when they played re-mixed music from Lene Lovich, The Pretenders, B-52s, Haircut 100, Go-gos and Devo, to name only a very few. And, if you paid to get in on Monday nights, you would get a free pass for Saturday night. I remember hanging out in the parking lot and in the Exxon station (yes, it was still Exxon, but a smaller, older version) asking people if they had an extra free pass. We were teenagers, for crying out loud. My friends were so nice to always pick me up (I was younger than most of them and one of the few without my own car, yet). Thank you, my friends (mostly Denise), for picking me up and driving me home from The Odyssey. I really appreciate it.

Besides the music, The Odyssey 1 was a place where a young person could go and be themselves – or anyone else they wanted to be, for that matter. It was a fantasy you could lose yourself in, night after night, and the outcome would always be different, but always an adventure.

Unfortunately, The Odyssey 1 burned down in 1985 and there was no rebuilding. Today, a mini-mall exists where the famed Odyssey 1 once stood, but the Exxon station is still there. Only, it's bigger now.

Thank you, Odyssey 1 Disco, for giving me so many great memories, good friends and fun times. I will always think of you fondly and with a smile.


An original post about 'The Odyssey' from March 6, 1981 - TVParty.com
Odyssey 1: Nightclubs of the 1970s and 80s - DiscoMusic.com