Monthly Archives: March 2010

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Wednesday – San Francisco

March 12, 2010 19:13 | Leave a Comment |

Steve had classes so I took the train into the city by myself and did a little sight-seeing.

I visited the Cartoon Art Museum. There was a Batman exhibition on but I found it mildly disappointing. They could filled the entire gallery space with just Batman so I would’ve thought they’d be more selective in what they put up as I found it less then thrilling. But maybe I’m biased because I don’t like Frank Miller’s work in The Dark Knight Returns and they had a whole wall of that. The exhibit I really liked was Drawing the Sword: Samurai in Manga and Anime. It was really interesting as they covered quite a long timeline of art in a very small space. Plus they had some Usagi Yojimbo pages.

After spending about an hour and a half in the gallery, I walked up to a bike shop I’d found online. I promised myself that I wouldn’t buy anything else but I really wanted some new bike gloves and they had the Specialized ones my riding partner loves at about $25 cheaper. So now I have two new pairs of gloves – one short and one full fingers. I also discovered this particular bike shop is willing to ship complete bikes to Australia. Maybe next time I upgrade, I’ll investigate that as it’s much cheaper. They’re also willing to send group sets.

I did have a less then fun experience while I was ambling about. I went looking for an ATM to check how much money I had and I found one in a parking building that was right next to a counter. I went in and put my bag down on the counter so I could swap my sunglasses for my prescription ones when the guy using the ATM started abusing me for being too close to him (which I wasn’t by the way). I tried to ignore him at first, then turned my back so I was facing away from him and couldn’t see what he was doing but he kept going. As he walked away, he called me a bitch. So I retorted by calling him a wanker but later realised he probably had no clue what that meant. To a degree I felt sorry for him because if he’s like that every day of his life, he must be a very miserable individual. But he really upset me so I find myself unable to feel particularly sorry for him. It took me totally by surprise as pretty much every other person I’ve met has been incredibly friendly. I’m usually fine being on my own but at that particular moment, I felt really lonely.

He upset me so much that when I found the Levis store I decided to buy myself a new pair of jeans to cheer myself up even though I’d told myself no more spending. But it worked. It worked because I had to try on four different sizes to find the right one and the sizes got smaller each time. Not too long ago I had a 36 inch waist pushing towards 38. Now it’s 29. I left the shop feeling mildly better about myself but also guilty for spending even more money. Still the jeans were about half what they’d cost in Australia so I consider that a win.

Headed back to Oakland where Steve picked me up and treated me to In-N-Out, which also helped with the cheering up. The people who own the company may print bible references on their packaging but they certainly know how to make a really good burger. They treat their employees really well which I think helps enormously. It would have to be my favourite fast food. Just a shame I can only have it when I’m in California.

Anyhoo, I did take some of photos during my travels so let the showing of the happy snaps commence!

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First of three really weird sculptures in a building forecourt on Mission St.

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Number two.

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And number three.

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Fountain across the road from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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There was lots of really impressive graffiti.

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A man-hole with steam rising from it! I didn’t think it really happened but there it is.

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American flags.

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Really didn’t expect to see this! But there is was – a crumpler sticker on a bike rack.

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Umm… I think this was on Mission St? Maybe. Not sure.

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Had to crank the exposure a hideous amount but look! It’s a W class tram!! The city of Melbourne donate a couple to San Francisco. It sounded just like it would if it was at home.

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Bike couriers’ trusty steads.

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Streetscape shot as the sun was starting to set. And yes, I was standing in the middle of the street. Got off it quick smart when I realised the light was about to change.

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Hey look, even more buildings!

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Tuesday – Disney Studio & FlashForward sets

March 10, 2010 20:42 | Leave a Comment |

Today was one of those days were if something could go wrong, it pretty much did. The plan was to leave nice and early to have plenty of time to get to the Disney Studios at Burbank so Quinton to take us on a studio tour and show us the sets of FlashForward.

Things started off according to plan. We were out of the house and on our way by 8am. We got caught in a bit of traffic which was to be expected. We were making steady progress when we got caught out a highway closure. It looked like there had been an accident which had been cleared but the road hadn’t been reopened. This meant we got sent off in a different direction that was packed full of traffic.

It started to get closer and closer to our appointed meeting time and we were still a little distance away from where we need to be so Jackie suggested I call Quinton to tell him were were going to be late. That’s when I realised I didn’t have my phone in my pocket. That worried me slightly so I searched my bag the best I could. We pulled off the freeway so I could properly search my bag by tipping the contents all over the seat. No phone! Turns out I’d left it behind on the coffee table. Feeling monumentally stupid, I called Quinton to say we couldn’t make it because we had to go back and get it. It didn’t cross my mind to simply buy another phone until Di called up to say just that. Yup, monumentally stupid – that’s me!

We continued on our way towards Burbank but got tricked by confusing signage and missed our exit. We decided it would be better to turn around and simply drive back towards Burbank and turn off when we thought it was about right and at worse, ask for directions. We eventually made it to the lot, about two hours after we should’ve arrived. LA is such a confusing place to drive, even for those who grew up there.

The studio tour was kept short and sweet. There are some fabulous examples of art deco buildings on the lot but the only one I managed to take a successful photo of was the theatre that they re-did for the first screening of The Princess and the Frog

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A tiny snippet of the front doors.

Quinton took us through one of the production buildings that started out life as the animation building. It acts as a small gallery and they had some wonderful pieces of animation art up – background drawing, character development sketches, costume designs and preliminary drawings.

After this, Quinton took us to Stages Two and Four, where FlashForward is shot. I’ve never been on a tv set before and it was pretty cool to see how much work goes into building a set. The cityscapes which look so realistic when they shot inside people’s houses are simply a backdrop. Amazing how good something can look if it’s slightly blurred and not in focus 100%.

They were filming in the hospital set that’s on stage two but we were allowed inside the FBI set that shares the stage. While we were waiting to see if we could go inside, Di snapped this photo of me. Been awhile since someone took one of me that I actually didn’t mind.
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The level of detail in the FBI set was incredible. It’s amazing how real and unreal the set looked. It was strange to walk out a door and be outside again. There was a guy getting about in a hospital gown who was a special guest for the episode but I had no idea who he was. Turns out he’s an actor on Battlestar Galactica. So there you go.

After our tour, we had lunch in the commissary. Turns out FlashForward crew had broken for lunch because Jack Davenport (Lloyd Simcoe) and Sonya Walger (Dr. Olivia Benford) wandered past with their lunch. And then as we were leaving, Stan Lee walked pasted. He’s much shorter than I thought he was. Maybe he just seems tall because every time I’ve seen him he projects such a big personality.

Di did a brilliant job of getting me to LAX on time, even with a stop at a Best Buys to get a new cell phone. The flight was packed and when we first got on it was like a sauna. I think the A/C wasn’t working properly because a maintenance guy came on board as I was waiting to get down the aisle.

So, right now I’m lying on Steve’s bed with his cat curled up next to me. I seem to be a cat whisperer. Apparently Steve’s cat hasn’t slept on the bed in ages. Last night, one of Jackie’s and Jake’s cats slept on the bed with me as well. Tomorrow I’m heading into San Francisco. I’m going to check out the Cartoon Art Gallery on Mission St and have a walk around looking for bike shops. Thursday night, Lisa and I are going to see Princess Mononoke.

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Monday – visiting with Jackie, Jake and Daniel

March 9, 2010 18:07 | 4 Comments |

I had a great day hanging out with Jackie and Daniel. Jake had to go to work unfortunately. I had a slow start to the day after not being able to get to sleep last night. Stopped by Target to pick up some peanut butter M&Ms where I discovered I had left my wallet behind. At least we were close to home so it wasn’t a hassle to go back and get it. Lunch was In ‘n’ Out. Yum!!!

We then visited Downtown Disney so I could hit the Lego store in the hope of finally getting a Batman keyring to go with my Catwoman one. Sigh. I discovered the Batman line of key rings has been discontinued. So I bought a Darth Vader one instead. My first choice was Boba Fett but I wasn’t surprised when I was told they didn’t have any. I imagine he’s hugely popular.

It’s a Lego store. Of course I took photos.
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To scale Darth Vader.

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To scale (!!!!) giraffe.

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Can’t decide if it’s meant to be a T-Rex or a robot.

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An absolutely not to scale Lego Indiana Jones. Loved it!!!

We wandered around a little and I saw the most gorgeous shirt featuring Snow White and the Witch Queen. So I bought it. Never in a million years did I think that a) I’d buy something so obviously Disney and b) it’d be a cream coloured top. But it reminded me so much of James Jean’s covers for Fables I had to buy it. There was a t-shirt version of it but I decided to get the more stylised top. Need to get cream coloured singlet to wear underneath it. I’m not sure the style actually suits me but I’ve decided I don’t care.

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The photo doesn’t do it justice. It’s the most delicate cream colour with branch detailing all over it.

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Close up of Snow White and the Witch Queen.

We ended the day by going to Jake’s parents’ restaurant. His parents do southern style cooking, which means loads of spicy sauces and smoked – or pulled – meat. I had an extremely yummy sandwich with pulled beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and mayo. I’m sure it had something else in it but I can’t remember what. Doesn’t matter, it was delicious. I’m definitely a fan of southern style cooking but I can’t imagine it’s terribly good for you. But aren’t holidays meant to be about indulging yourself to a degree?

And speaking of indulging myself…

My red Sidi bike shoes:
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Batgirl tee:
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Catwoman tee:
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Sunday – sleep is proving illusive

March 8, 2010 20:58 | Leave a Comment |

So I figure I might as well blog about today.

First port of call was a trip to the art store so I could buy some new Itoyla folios so I’ve got somewhere to keep my comic book pages/art. I also picked up a Bristol sketch pad. Art shops are dangerous places for me. There are always so many thing I could buy but I managed to make it out of there with just what I’d gone in for.

Next stop was a spur of the moment visit to a bike store, Cynergy Cycles so I could check out bike shoes. They had an amazing range of Specialized bikes but that’s not surprising seeing their water bottles state they were the number one dealer in 2008. Somehow I managed to come out of the store with a pair of Sidi bike shoes, even though I told myself I wouldn’t buy any bike shoes unlike the end of my trip. I spent more than I should’ve but I did learn one very valuable thing – I’m a 39 in Sidi shoes, not a 38 like I am in Shimanos. Having bought the shoes, I now understand why they’re so popular. They’re a dream to wear and my feet felt supported and comfortable even walking around in the shop. Can’t wait to get them home and try them out!

After spending ages in the bike shop, we went down to Santa Monica pier. It was so windy I think I’m still pulling knots out of my hair even now. But it was really amazing. The pier was packed so I could people-watch to my heart’s content. I really like Santa Monica. There are loads of cyclists around and people are out with their families. It has a great community feel to it that I think is missing from a lot of LA.

We eventually wandered back to the car and to Hi He Ho Comics. I bought myself two t-shirts; a lilac retro Catwoman tee and a grey Barb Gordon Batgirl one. Lilac not a colour choice I’d usually make but Haley assured me that it looked good. I have to get over this thing of only feeling comfortable in mostly black clothing. If I can get about in skin-tight lyrca, I should be able to wear a pale lilac t-shirt!!

Anyhoo… after the trip to the comic book shop, we headed to Quinton and Trisha’s house for dinner. But of course, I didn’t take a single photo. I never seem to manage photos in social settings like this so you’ll just have to take my word that it happened. There weren’t too many of us but that just made it easier to converse and catch up. Much good food was consumed and the mint slices I bought were a hit (think I’m going to be sending a few packets of those over when I get home). I don’t usually eat pork but the pulled pork Jackie and Jake brought with them was so delicious I went back for seconds.

I am so fortunate to have the friends I do here. They’re all so unfaltering in their generosity. When I’m here I feel like I’m the centre of attention and it’s a nice way to feel. Maybe I’m a better version of myself here, a more likable one that encourages people to be good to me. I don’t know. Maybe they do it at home too but I’ve gotten used to it so I don’t notice.

Right now I’m crashed out on a fold out couch at Jackie and Jake’s house, sharing space with a kitten. I don’t know what Jackie, Daniel and I will get up to tomorrow (or rather today when the sun is up) but I’m sure it’ll be fun no matter what. Daniel is such an adorable kid and he actually remembers me from the first visit. Maybe tomorrow will be a trip to Target to stock up on peanut butter M&Ms and other chocolate treats.

Tuesday is going to be a cracker, with a tour of the FlashForward lot. I’m really looking forward to that. Never been on a studio lot before so it’ll be exciting to see all the sets and be able to walk around. Maybe I’ll get to see filming.

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Sunday – Santa Monica and the Palisades

March 8, 2010 19:12 | 3 Comments |

I’ve had a great day today but it’s quite late and I should be asleep so perhaps a photo blog entry is in order.

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Haley and I at the end of a very windy Santa Monica pier.

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Muscle Beach. Yes, really. It’s a bunch of (mostly) guys parading around without their shirts on.

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These two gentlemen were sitting on a bench near Muscle Beach.

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Little bit of chop in the Pacific Ocean today.

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Sail away, sail away, sail away!

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The rides at Santa Monica pier from the water side.

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A memorial has been set up near the pier for the soldiers who have been either killed or injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

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One of the memorial crosses for a solider who died in Iraq.

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Carousels are creepy. Nuff said.

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There are bunch of rings set up on the beach that you can swing to and from. This girl was extremely graceful but every time I tried to get a shot of her holding a position she moved!

And some views of the beach.

Looking towards Malibu.
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Looking towards Santa Monica/Venice Beach
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Isn’t the sun always supposed to shine in California?

March 7, 2010 14:49 | Leave a Comment |

But it’s raining! Meh. What can you do? It has to rain eventually.

It’s been a very long day. My body clock is totally out of whack right now but I’m hoping it’s better tomorrow. I did get an empty row on the flight which was awesome. So much easier to sleep on a plane when you can lie down. But I paid for my luxury of being able to lie down. The kid behind me fidgeted the whole time except for when he was asleep which wasn’t for very long. A few rows back, there was a toddler whose parents seemed completely incapable of managing her. She was so annoying. Every time the seat belt light came on, she’d start squawking when they tried to belt her in – which she should’ve been in the first place. Still, I have my fingers crossed for another empty row on the way back. Being able to lie down was excellent, even if I couldn’t fully stretch out.

I was pretty pleased with V Australia. The seat did seem a little wider and the food was pretty good. I skipped breakfast this time though. Long haul breakfasts are always so disgusting and this time the smell was enough to persuade me not to eat it. But it seemed to concern the hostie a good deal who asked me twice if I was okay, which I thought was a nice touch. The lunch earlier in the flight more than made up for it though. Cheese and spinach ravioli with a salad and a yummy cake for dessert. They also give out bottles of water that you’re encouraged to refill which is a great idea.

I really liked having a row to myself. I could get up whenever I wanted, stretch out even when I wasn’t lying down. I had three pillows and two blankets. Booyah!

Tail wing of V Australia 777
All I could get was the tail of the plane.

Still getting my butt kicked with the change in time zone. My body is wonder what’s going on. I’m not as nauseous as I was last time but the only sugary thing I had on the plane was the cake with lunch. That seems to have helped. I also drank a lot more water, something Qantas doesn’t seem to encourage at all.

I’m staying with Haley in Pacific Palisades. I’m so lucky I have people in my life who are willing to open up their homes to me. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do trips like this because I wouldn’t be able to afford the accommodation. It’s great to be somewhere that I feel secure and know that I’ll have people looking out for me.

I think I’ve found a bit of Los Angeles I really like. The Palisades and Santa Monica are gorgeous. A trip out to get me a cell phone gave me a chance to have a look around and it’s just lovely. We headed towards Santa Monica pier (yes, the Santa Monica pier) and were going to have a look but it started to rain so we headed back to the car to get out of the weather.

I did manage to get two photos I liked quite a lot.

Ferris wheel at Santa Monica pier
The ferris wheel at Santa Monica pier.

Clouds rolling in
Then I turned around and took this photo. It was meant to be a shot of the clouds rolling in (amazingly quickly) but it ended up being a photo of the fence. But I like it anyway.

Hopefully the weather will improve tomorrow and so we can actually go to the pier. It’s been in so many movies so it’ll be cool to see it up close.

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How very remiss of me!

March 4, 2010 14:51 | 6 Comments |

Two days until I head overseas and there’s been nary a peep about my trip on my blog.

So yes… two days until I fly off to America for the third time. Whoo! I’m visiting the same places as I did last year (LA, San Fran and Seattle) but that’s because I loved them so much I had to go again. Part of me hopes it’ll snow but part of me also knows it’ll be a huge hassle if it does because I’m totally unprepared for it. It’s going to be really weird to go from very mild, warm weather to the cold. And it’s going to be cold in Seattle, probably in San Francisco too.

I called V Australia about seats on my flights and managed to get window seats on empty rows. Everyone must cross their fingers for me that it stays this way as that would be totally awesome. I love, love, luuuuuuuuuuurve the idea of having an entire row to myself. Being able to lie down would be blissful. On my first trip, I slept much better on the way home because I had an empty seat next to me and was able to sprawl a lot more. So, wish me empty rows ‘kay?

I’m heading off with my usual minimal plans and waiting to see what happens once I arrive. A few things have been arranged but mostly I’ll be deciding what I want to do once I’m there. I’ll definitely be seeking out some bike shops as I have a hankering for some new bike shoes and have been taken aback at how insanely expensive they are in Australia. Plus I want to see what jerseys I can get my hands on. And some new gloves wouldn’t go astray either. Hhmm… at this rate, I’m going to be spending all my money in bike shops and not on comic book art!

Speaking of comic book art, there’s only a few artists I’m actually interested in getting pieces from. In order of wantedness:
1. Phil Hester
2. Skottie Young
3. Dean Trippe
4. Joelle Jones
5. Joe Kelly
6. Dustin Nguyen/Derek Fridolfs
7. Francesco Francavilla

I have my fingers really crossed for Phil Hester and Skottie Young. Hester was my favourite artist on Green Arrow and I’m hoping I can get a GA sketch from him. I don’t have that many hopes of getting anything from Skottie Young but I figured I’d try my luck anyway. If I can’t get something, I just hope he’s got a a print of the awesome Amazing Spider-Man cover he did that features Deadpool. Every time I see it, I chuckle. Hopefully Mr Sale will have finished inking the page I bought last year and that’s the only thing I want from him. I got my 10 minute ink wash last year so I’m set there. Plus Tim has been extraordinarily generous with me and I have more pieces from him than I thought I ever would.

I am slightly worried about how I’m going to go on the flights with torn rib tendons. 14 hours in a seat is a long time. But my doctor did give me drugs that will knock me out so if nothing else I’ll take some mersyndol and pray I venture off into the land of nod.

My ribs are healing nicely and sometimes I actually forget they’re anything wrong with them. Until I stretch and then it’s a world of weird pain. It doesn’t exactly hurt, it feels really tight and constricted – like I’ve reached the maximum amount of flex they have. I am looking forward to the day when I can stretch my arms above my head without it hurting.

Ten days off the bike has really affected my riding. I’m at least five ks slower than I was a few weeks ago and I feel like I’ve lost a huge amount of power. I think my fitness levels have crashed too. I feel slower and heavier on the bike. But at least I’m back on it. I’m riding far more cautiously at the moment and I’ve noticed I’m taking far, far fewer risks than I was. This isn’t to say I took that many risks beforehand but I’m definitely backing off whereas before I wouldn’t have. Maybe that’s a good thing though. I’m sure I’ll live a longer life if I ride with more caution.

And finally, two stories from The Age website that caught my eye: Number of peak-hour cyclists soar and 14 cyclists injured in spate of accidents.

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