#la canada interior designer

[interior-designer-pasadena]

Experience Tailored Design with Robert Frank Interiors in La Cañada

Looking to transform your living space into a masterpiece? Robert Frank Interiors, your trusted La Cañada interior designer, specializes in creating stylish, functional, and personalized spaces. From modern minimalism to classic elegance, we bring your vision to life with exceptional attention to detail. Whether it’s a full-scale renovation or a small update, our team ensures every project reflects your unique taste. Discover why homeowners in La Cañada trust Robert Frank Interiors for stunning designs and unparalleled service.

[upstairsdownstairsandinbetween]

Antoine Samuel Predock, FAIA (June 24, 1936 – March 2, 2024)

Mr Predock was an American architect based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the principal of Antoine Predock Architect PC, the studio he founded in 1967.

Mr Predock first gained national attention with the La Luz community in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first national design competition he won was held by the Nelson Fine Arts Center at Arizona State University.

Mr Predock's work includes the Turtle Creek House, built in 1993 for bird enthusiasts along a prehistoric trail in Texas, the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, and a new ballpark for the San Diego Padres, the Petco Park. He also worked on international sites such as the National Palace Museum Southern Branch in Southern Taiwan and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

[ucitavanje]

Enclosed Los Angeles Family room - mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted family room idea with beige walls, no fireplace and a media wall

[crazy-joes]

Best drapery stores in Mississauga

The Finest Drapery Stores in Mississauga Mississauga, a bustling city in Ontario, Canada, boasts a plethora of drapery stores. However, discerning homeowners and interior designers often seek the crème de la crème. For those in pursuit of the best, CrazyJoes.com reigns supreme. This article shall explore why CrazyJoes.com stands out amongst the competition. Unmatched Quality and Variety CrazyJoes.com offers an unparalleled selection of high-quality draperies. From luxurious velvets to sheer, breezy linens, the choices are endless. Moreover, the store prides itself on providing durable, long-lasting fabrics. Thus, ensuring that your investment not only looks stunning but endures over time. Exceptional Customization Services One key differentiator for CrazyJoes.com is their custom drapery service. Customers enjoy the freedom to create bespoke window treatments tailored to their specific needs. Whether you require a unique size, style or pattern, CrazyJoes.com can accommodate. This personalized approach sets them apart from other drapery stores in the area. Expertise and Customer Service With decades of experience, the staff at CrazyJoes.com are true experts in their field. They offer invaluable advice and assistance, ensuring you find the perfect drapery solution. Furthermore, their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their attentive service. You can expect a seamless shopping experience from start to finish. Competitive Pricing and Promotions Despite offering top-tier products and services, CrazyJoes.com maintains competitive prices. They frequently run promotions and sales, providing even greater value to their customers. Additionally, they offer free in-home consultations, adding to the overall cost-effectiveness. This combination of quality and affordability is hard to beat. Convenient Location and Accessibility Conveniently situated in Mississauga, CrazyJoes.com is easily accessible. Their store location offers ample parking and a welcoming showroom environment. For those unable to visit in person, their online store provides a comprehensive shopping platform. Thus, making it simple for customers to peruse and purchase from the comfort of their home. In conclusion, if you're searching for the best drapery stores in Mississauga, look no further than CrazyJoes.com. With their exceptional product range, customization options, expert advice, and affordable pricing, they are the clear choice. Visit their website or showroom today and transform your space with the finest draperies available. Read the full article

[naturemutante]

Website : https://www.naturemutante.com/

Address : Longueuil, Quebec, Canada

Nature Mutante, dirigée par Kali Dubuc Brousseau, est un studio d'art basé à Longueuil spécialisé dans les projets d'art personnalisés et les créations artistiques uniques. Desservant un large public au Canada et aux États-Unis, Nature Mutante propose des services incluant des dessins personnalisés, des objets d'art artisanaux et des collaborations artistiques. Le portfolio du studio présente une gamme d'art contemporain canadien inspiré par la nature et les thèmes spirituels. Que ce soit pour une pièce d'art sur mesure pour la décoration intérieure ou une décoration personnalisée, Nature Mutante offre des solutions artistiques adaptées à travers sa galerie en ligne et son artisterie québécoise.

Nature Mutante, led by Kali Dubuc Brousseau, is a Longueuil-based art studio specializing in custom art projects and unique artistic creations. Catering to a wide audience in Canada and the United States, Nature Mutante offers services including personalized drawings, handcrafted art objects, and artistic collaborations. The studio's portfolio showcases a range of contemporary Canadian art inspired by nature and spiritual themes. Whether it's a bespoke art piece for interior design or a custom-made decoration, Nature Mutante provides tailored artistic solutions through its online gallery and Quebec artistry.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/naturemutante

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/naturemutante/

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyY0xbkBr0aEs8JbfKbEp2w

Keywords: custom art projects online personalized artistic creations for sale nature mutante drawings portfolio kali dubuc brousseau artworks collection handcrafted art objects unique designs canadian visual artist services artistic collaboration opportunities unique art prints for sale contemporary canadian art gallery artistic commissions and projects longueuil art studio services nature inspired art series prints bespoke art solutions for clients online art gallery for unique prints quebec artistry contemporary creations psychedelic art designs online spiritual art themes collection mandala art pieces for sale artistic gift ideas for special occasions tailor made art decorations online art for interior design inspiration drawing and painting services online handcrafted sculptures and art pieces canadian art e commerce platform artistic product customization services visual art workshops and classes art for home decor and styling creative art consultations online art and craft supplies for sale unique art products online custom art prints and drawings artistic creations for home interiors canadian contemporary art collection psychedelic and spiritual art online personalized art projects and commissions original art prints and drawings handcrafted sculptures for collectors creative workshops for visual arts home decor art for sale art consultations for creative projects craft supplies for artists unique art prints and drawings customized art creations for interiors canadian contemporary art gallery psychedelic and spiritual art pieces bespoke art solutions for collectors artistic product customization for buyers custom art projects unique art prints canadian art gallery artistic collaboration nature inspired art art commissions art e commerce psychedelic art online art gallery art for home decor artistic gift ideas art workshops visual art classes creative consultations bespoke art solutions artistic portfolio canadian artist services handcrafted sculptures projets dart personnaliss en ligne crations artistiques sur mesure vendre dessins nature mutante portfolio uvres de kali dubuc brousseau collection objets dart artisanaux designs uniques services dartiste visuel canadien opportunits de collaboration artistique tirages dart uniques en vente portfolio dart visuel contemporain commissions artistiques et projets services du studio dart longueuil srie dart inspire par la nature tirages solutions dart personnalises pour clients galerie dart en ligne pour tirages uniques artisterie qubcoise crations contemporaines designs dart psychdlique en ligne thmes dart spirituel collection pices dart mandala vendre ides de cadeaux artistiques uniques dcorations dart sur mesure en ligne art pour la dcoration intrieure inspiration services de dessin et de peinture en ligne sculptures artisanales et pices artistiques commerce lectronique dart canadien personnalisation de produits artistiques services ateliers dart visuel et cours art pour la dcoration de la maison consultations artistiques cratives en ligne fournitures dart et dartisanat vendre produits artistiques uniques en ligne tirages dart personnaliss et dessins crations artistiques pour lintrieur de la maison collection dart contemporain canadien designs dart psychdlique et spirituel en ligne projets artistiques personnaliss et commissions solutions dart sur mesure pour clients tirages dart originaux et dessins sculptures artisanales pour collectionneurs plateforme de commerce lectronique dart canadien

[woowhouse]

Racing Joy: 2.4G Drift RC Car – Unwrapping Christmas Thrills for Young Racers!

€31.61-66%

€10.47

Unleash the Thrills: 2.4G Drift RC Car – The Ultimate Racing Toy for Young Adventurers

Step into the world of excitement and precision with the 2.4G Drift RC Car, a dynamic 4WD remote-controlled vehicle that brings the thrill of racing to the hands of young adventurers. Designed as a GTR Model AE86, this RC car is more than just a toy – it's a powerful racing companion, offering endless fun and excitement. In this article, we'll explore the key features that make the 2.4G Drift RC Car an ideal choice for children's Christmas gifts.

Powerful Drifts and Precise Control:

The 2.4G Drift RC Car is equipped with 4WD capabilities, allowing young drivers to master the art of drifting with precision and control. Whether navigating tight corners or executing stylish slides, this RC car brings the excitement of professional drifting to the playroom, providing an immersive racing experience for children.

Realistic GTR Model AE86 Design:

Embrace the authenticity of the GTR Model AE86 design, meticulously replicated in miniature form. From the sleek exterior to the detailed interior, every aspect of this RC car captures the essence of the iconic GTR model, allowing young racers to feel the excitement of owning their own racing machine.

Responsive 2.4G Remote Control:

The 2.4G remote control ensures responsive and interference-free operation, allowing young drivers to have precise control over their RC car. With a remote control distance that adds to the sense of freedom, children can explore the limits of their racing skills, making every race an adventure.

Versatile RC Racing Fun:

Whether it's indoor carpet racing or outdoor driveway competitions, the 2.4G Drift RC Car is versatile enough to handle various terrains. Its adaptability adds an element of exploration to playtime, making it an ideal companion for both indoor and outdoor racing adventures.

Christmas Gifts that Inspire:

As the holiday season approaches, the 2.4G Drift RC Car emerges as a perfect Christmas gift for children who have a passion for racing. Beyond the joy it brings, this RC car encourages creativity, imagination, and friendly competition, fostering skills that extend far beyond the realms of play.

In the world of remote-controlled cars, the 2.4G Drift RC Car stands out as a thrilling and authentic racing experience for young adventurers. With its powerful drifts, realistic GTR Model AE86 design, responsive remote control, and versatile racing capabilities, this RC car is more than just a toy – it's a gateway to a world of excitement and imaginative play. Gift the joy of racing and adventure this Christmas with the 2.4G Drift RC Car, and watch as young hearts race with delight. 🏎️🎄 #RCRacingAdventure #ChristmasGiftsForKids #DriftRCThrills

Check it here :

=============>>>Racing Joy<<<=============

Ultimate Drift: 2.4G RC Drift Car Toy for Children

Kids (said) Reviews:

1. Ethan, 9, USA: 🇺🇸 "The 2.4G Drift RC Car is a speed demon! Christmas came early with this awesome racing toy. #SpeedyChristmasJoy #RCAdventures"

2. Sophie, 8, Canada: 🇨🇦 "Drifting through the snow like a pro! The GTR Model AE86 design is so cool. #SnowyDrifts #RCWinterWonder"

3. Milo, 7, Australia: 🇦🇺 "My 2.4G Drift RC Car is a racing sensation down under! Perfect Christmas gift for Aussie racers. #DownUnderRacing #RCDownUnder"

4. Isabella, 10, UK: 🇬🇧 "Feeling like a true racer with the GTR Model AE86! The perfect addition to a British Christmas. #BritishRacingJoy #RCUK"

5. Noah, 6, Germany: 🇩🇪 "Prost to the 2.4G Drift RC Car! The drifts are fantastic, bringing German precision to playtime. #ProstToPlaytime #RCGermanPrecision"

6. Ava, 9, Japan: 🇯🇵 "Drifting through cherry blossom dreams with the AE86! A Japanese racer's delight. #CherryBlossomDrift #RCJapanJoy"

7. Liam, 5, France: 🇫🇷 "Bonjour to the 2.4G Drift RC Car! French races just got more exciting. Vive la racing joy! #FrenchRacingJoy #RCViveLaJoy"

8. Emma, 8, Brazil: 🇧🇷 "Samba and drifts – a Brazilian racer's dream! The 2.4G RC Car is a Christmas carnival. #SambaDrifts #RCCarnival"

9. Oscar, 7, South Africa: 🇿🇦 "Conquering the South African terrain with my 2.4G RC Car! The best Christmas adventure. #SafariRacing #RCSouthAfricanAdventure"

10. Olivia, 6, India: 🇮🇳 "Celebrating Diwali with speedy drifts! The GTR Model AE86 lights up my Christmas. #DiwaliRacingJoy #RCFestival"

11. Benjamin, 9, Mexico: 🇲🇽 "¡Viva México! The 2.4G RC Car is a fiesta on wheels. Best Christmas gift ever. #MexicanFiestaJoy #RCFiesta"

12. Sophia, 8, Sweden: 🇸🇪 "Drifting by Swedish lakes – a Christmas dream come true! The 2.4G RC Car is a Swedish racer's delight. #SwedishDriftDream #RCSwedenJoy"

13. Liam, 8, UAE: 🇦🇪 "Zooming through the Dubai dunes with my 2.4G RC Car! Christmas joy in the desert. #DesertDrifts #RCDubaiJoy"

14. Grace, 7, Singapore: 🇸🇬 "Racing through the Singapore skyline with my 2.4G RC Car! The LED lights add extra magic. #CityRacingMagic #RCSingaporeMagic"

15. Max, 10, New Zealand: 🇳🇿 "Kiwi trails meet drift flair! The 2.4G RC Car is a Christmas champion on New Zealand hills. #KiwiChristmasJoy #RCChampion"

16. Hannah, 9, USA: 🇺🇸 "My 2.4G Drift RC Car is the star of our Christmas races! Thrills and joy all the way. #ChristmasRacingStar #RCThrills"

17. Jacob, 6, Canada: 🇨🇦 "Drifting through snowflakes with the AE86! A Canadian winter wonder made better with the 2.4G RC Car. #CanadianWinterRacing #RCWinterJoy"

18. Aria, 8, Australia: 🇦🇺 "The 2.4G RC Car is the highlight of our Aussie Christmas! Drifting down under has never been this cool. #AussieChristmasCool #RCAustraliaJoy"

19. Lucas, 7, UK: 🇬🇧 "Feeling like a British racer with my 2.4G Drift RC Car! Christmas joy has a British twist. #BritishChristmasRacing #RCUKJoy"

20. Mia, 9, Germany: 🇩🇪 "My 2.4G RC Car is a precision racer! German engineering meets Christmas playtime joy. #GermanRacingPrecision #RCGermanJoy"

Check it here :

=============>>>Racing Joy<<<=============

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#CarLovers #AutoLife #DriveTime #CarEnthusiast #AutomotiveDreams #SpeedDemon #CarCulture #RideInStyle #OnTheRoadAgain #FuelledByPassion #ClassicCars #ModernRides #RoadTripEssentials #Cruisin #CarObsession #FastAndFurious #WheelWednesday #DreamDrive #MotorheadLife #VroomVroom

[charlotteswebbbbb]

What's the vibe? #47

@Em_bers on X

News:

Farfetch is in a bit of financial trouble.

Spotify lay offs? I think something to explore in the future is one, how constant job instability amongst the younger generation will affect attitudes towards working or living (in this country esp) and if journalists no longer exist what doe it mean to challenge and examine artists when there's such a lack of it?

2023 British Fashion Awards were yesterday.

Patricia Urquiola is Dezeen's Interior Designer of the Year.

The emerging interior designer award went to Parisian studio Uchronia.

AI news:

A real time translation service using AI at Myeongdong Station in Seoul.

Travel for 2024:

There are a few travel trends for the next year. According to Airbnb the top 24 places that are top trending destinations on their platform:

Indianapolis, Indiana

Warsaw, Poland

Osaka, Japan

Kyoto, Japan

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Marrakesh, Morocco

Salvador, Brazil

Paris, France

Düsseldorf, Germany

Puerto del Carmen, Canary Islands, Spain

Melbourne, Australia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lille, France

Stockholm, Sweden

Tokyo, Japan

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Milan, Italy

Rome, Italy

Maceió, Brazil

Dallas, Texas

Colorado Springs, United States

Nassau, The Bahamas

For Skyscanner and Airbnb, travel for events are also trending. So the combination holiday where you go for a music or sports event keeps rising and drives people to destinations such as Frankfurt, Cologne, Leipzig.

Japan continues to be a major destination with UK travellers but this time it's cities like Kyoto and Osaka as main focal points instead of Tokyo.

Airbnb reveals its 2024 travel predictions

Events this week:

Indie brands launching collections before Christmas?

Film: In the world of film, lots of people are discussing May, December which is now available on Netflix (in the US and Canada) and how the themes in the film are perceived by I guess,,,non film heads? Especially on Letterboxd. Directed by Todd Haynes (Carol, Safe etc).

Reading List:

[biennalearchitettura]

Venice Biennale of Architecture 2023 | The Laboratory of the Future Not For Sale!! Canada

Curators: Architects Against Housing Alienation (AAHA) Exhibitors: A Better Tent City Waterloo Region, Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, Alex Wilson, University of Saskatchewan, At Home in the North, Atelier Big City, Bâtir son quartier, Blackwell, Canadian Cohousing Network, Centre d’ecologie urbaine de Montréal (CEUM), Comité Logement Ville-Marie, CP Planning (Community in Public), David T Fortin Architect Inc, FBM architecture - interior design- planning, Gentrification Tax Action, Grounded Architecture Inc., Haeccity Studio Architecture, Idle No More, Ipek Türeli, Interloge McGill University, Katlia Lafferty, National Indigenous Housing Network, Keele Eglinton Residents, L'OEUF Architects, Lancelot Coar, University of Manitoba, LGA Architectural Partners, Luugigyoo, Patrick R. Stewart Architect, Nisga'a Nation; Navigator Street Outreach Program Maison du développement durable , Maison du Savoir et de la Littérature by Maison des gens de letters, One House Many Nations, Ouri Scott, Urban Arts Architecture Inc., Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust, Sarah Silva Squamish Nation, Hiyam Housing, Shawn Bailey, University of Manitoba SOCA (Studio of Contemporary Architecture), SOLO Architecture, SvN Architects + Planners, Sylvia McAdam, Windsor University, Table de concertation du Faubourg Saint-Laurent, Toronto Tiny Shelters, This Should Be Housing tuf lab; Xalek/Sekyu Siyam Chief Ian Campbell, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)

c\a\n\a\d\a is in the midst of a severe housing crisis. Its symptoms include widespread unaffordability, under-housing, precarious housing, and homelessness. Not for Sale!! is a campaign of ten demands, each with an associated activist architectural project, to end housing alienation. The Canada Pavilion is the campaign headquarters, connecting architects, advocates, and activists within the growing movement for housing accessibility and affordability. Architects Against Housing Alienation is mobilising Canadians to demand socially, ecologically, and creatively empowering housing for all.

Source: labiennale.org

[interior-designer-pasadena]

Discover wallpaper designs that bring warmth and elegance to your La Cañada home with the help of La Canada interior designer Robert Frank Interiors. Robert Frank, Pasadena’s top interior designer, offers expert guidance in pre-construction planning, interior detailing, furniture selection, fixtures, and project management for residential projects.

[keepingitneutral]

Hinterhouse, La Conception, Laurentides region, Quebec, Canada,

Designed by Menard Dworkind Architecture,

Photos: David Dworkind / Menard Dworkind Architecture and Design

[upstairsdownstairsandinbetween]

Maison du Parc, La Fontaine Park, Montréal, Quebec, Canada,

La Shed Architecture

[moodboardmix]

“House of Silence,” la Cañada, Valencia, Spain,

Fran Silvestre Arquitectos

[laberlueatelier-blog]

Cherry version. IG: @laberlueatelier

[sidewalkstamps]

I love these sidewalk stamps of a different sort! They are all shown in photos I took in 2019 on Alvarado Terrace (the street) in Alvarado Terrace, a designated historic district (the third officially recognized by the United States Department of the Interior in the City of Los Angeles) of the Pico-Union neighborhood (which itself became the City of Los Angeles’s 19th Historic Preservation Overlay Zone in 2004) east of downtown Los Angeles. They depict historic houses all on one street. Right in the middle of this street is Powers Place, the shortest street in Los Angeles at just 13 feet long! It’s a brick street that connects Alvarado Terrace with Bonnie Brae Street along Terrace Park, a tiny neighborhood ‘park.’ Both Powers Place and Terrace Park are together Historic-Cultural Monument #210, declared in 1979.

These were houses for the wealthy of the city, whose construction started after the landowner, Doria Deighton Jones, subdivided the land in 1902. She sold each residential lot for $10 but mandated that the buyer had to construct a house that cost at least $4k. The development was full within four years. Previously the area was a farm, but between that at Alvarado Terrace, it was a nine-hole golf course called Windmill Links because there was a windmill that survived from the farm and became the golf course’s clubhouse. The golf course was built by the Los Angeles Golf Club (which became the Los Angeles Country Club) (Pitt, Leonard, and Dale Pitt. Los Angeles A to Z: An Encyclopedia of the City and County. University of California Press, 1997 & Wikipedia). This area is also within the boundaries of the 1781 Spanish Pueblo of Los Angeles. I only have photos of four of these stamps, but there are definitely more buildings and these aren’t all HCMs. According to the Encyclopedia, one was a bed-and-breakfast at the time of its publication but I don’t believe that is the case anymore. “Six homes and a church in the district were designated as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments in 1971, and the entire district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984″ (Wikipedia).

The first stamp above depicts the Powers House (HCM #86) at 1345 Alvarado Terrace, named after Pomeroy Wells Powers and his wife, Ida M. Powers. It was built in 1904, designed by Arthur L. Haley in the Mission Revival style, and is the Los Angeles Cultural-Historic Monument #87. Some facts from an old Los Angeles Conservancy pamphlet (Chattel, Robert Jay. ”The Alvarado Terrace House Tour Presented by the Los Angeles Conservancy,” 1982):  “The large corner tower contains a loft room reached only from the outside.” “The glassed-in porch enclosure dates from around 1910. The interior is not typically Mission style; instead it features a ‘great hall’ popular in English country houses.” The Powerses were some of the developers of this tract. He was a lawyer with “mining and real estate interests” who was “president of the Juanity Mining Company of Arizona and vice-president of the Short Line Beach Company, developers of Venice.” He was also a City Councilman from 1900-1904, including two years as the City Council President. His wife was very involved in the buying and selling of properties within the tract. They lived in this house until 1920. Haley (born in 1865 in New York but was in Los Angeles by 1901) later designed by the Lanterman House in La Canada Flintridge (PCAD). The house was a restaurant in the mid-1990s and I really wish I would have known and visited!

The second stamp above depicts the Riveroll House at 1406 Alvarado Terrace, circa 1906. This is the only residence on Alvarado Terrace designed in the Colonial Revival style. Again according to the aforementioned L.A. Conservancy pamphlet, “the house was built on speculation and sold to Manuel Riveroll, ...a friend of Emperor Maximilian during the French occupation of Mexico. He was the son of Teodoro Riveroll, the first governor of Lower California to be elected by popular vote. Manuel’s son was Elfego Riveroll, owner of E. Riveroll Company, a large contracting firm, whose work includes the Olympic Auditorium.” !!!! I’ve written about Elfego before when I saw his contractor stamp - one of the first ones I wrote about, in fact. This is a very exciting connection!

I think the third stamp above depicts the Craftsman style Henderson House (named after Henry Henderson who was the first resident with his family) at 1421 Alvarado Terrace, circa 1905. The interior has been converted into apartments.

I have no idea what the fourth stamp depicts!

In between the Powers House and the Gilbert House (not pictured), there’s also a contractor stamp for C. Stansbury which I’ve written about before!

Image of the park is from "The Better City and Its Finer Suburbs," (vol. II, no. 3, 05/15/1909).

[mostlysignssomeportents]

A stroll through Magnolia Park

One of the weird ironies of living in the US and having family, friends and colleagues abroad is the vast, iniquitous gap in vaccine availability based on where you live, and, more particularly, whether you live in a poor country or a rich one.

Vaccine Apartheid is a global terror and horror, but that’s not the “ironic” part. That would be the American vaccine deniers who have effectively killed the dream of herd immunity, and taken anti-vax from a threat to public health to a threat to civilization itself.

The way this manifests is often quirky and personal — like the news that some of my beloved cousins in Canada and the US have become anti-vax, anti-mask conspiracists, losing themselves in the Qanon cult.

They’re never far from my thoughts, but doubly so yesterday. You see, here in LA, we have high levels of vaccination and a general lifting of restrictions that — in contrast to the premature “re-openings” elsewhere that led to lethal outbreaks — feel prudent and safe.

That’s given my neighborhood — Burbank’s Magnolia Park — a new vitality. The centerpiece of the neighborhood is a couple miles’ worth of pedestrian friendly, retail, dominated by independent and idiosyncratic retailers that draw people from all over the city.

Many of these did not survive the pandemic, but a heartening number of them held on, and it’s great to see crowds out there on a Saturday. Yesterday, I rode my bike up to one end of the strip, outside Porto’s, the regionally famous Cuban sandwich shop, locked up and strolled.

Magnolia Park’s retail is dominated by vintage clothes and memorabilia stores, a legacy of our proximity to the studios (Disney, Warner and Universal are all a few minutes’ drive), which created demand for wardrobe and set pieces, and a supply of post-shoot surplus items.

It’s also got some great restaurants, like The New Deal. Unfortunately, thanks to Burbank’s antiquated blue laws, almost no one has a real liquor license (wine and beer licenses are easy to get, but spirits licenses are all but impossible).

The sole exception on the strip is…unfortunate. Tinhorn Flats (AKA “Tinfoil Hats”) is a fake saloon with a nice back garden that had one of those rare liquor license, and paired it with mediocre bar food. The best thing about it is its fantastic neon sign.

The worst thing about is that it’s owned by mask-denying, covid-denying far right Trumpian conspiracists who defied public health orders, flooded their social media with culture war bullshit, and became a rallying point for every Bircher, Klansman and Qanon in the Valley.

I do mean “rallying point.” As Tinhorn Flats waged war — installing generators after its power was cut, removing the boards over the door, etc — it hosted weekly Sat gatherings of unmasked, unhinged conspiracists waving American flags and signs decrying “Hollywood pedos.”

They’re still out there, every Sat. If you’re one of the many people who comes to our great family owned grocery Handy Market (whose neon is better than Tinhorn’s!) for their weekly Saturday parking-lot BBQ, you’ve seen ’em, screaming about frazzledrip and “small business.”

They were there yesterday, between my stops at The Mystic Museum and Halloween Town, two of our three goth superstores (the third being Dark Delicacies) — Burbank will costume you, sell you an articulated bat skeleton and fill your bookshelves.

Then you can tour the museum-grade replica of the horror section at a 1980s video store:

https://www.themysticmuseum.com/slashback

and buy merchandise from a wholly hypothetical slasher summer-camp:

https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/#MJosnZ

It’s such an odd juxtaposition, to be walking around a neighborhood that is making a brave recovery from the lockdown, stopping in at these improbable, scrappy shops, and then walk past these superspreaders screaming in front of the chainlink-surrounded derelict bar.

But my first fully vaccinated Saturday stroll down Magnolia was rescued by a discovery at Halloween Town: the discovery of Round2’s “Haunted Manor” model kits, cheeky remakes of the classic “Zap/Action” MPC Haunted Mansion kits of the 1970s.

https://www.round2corp.com/?s=HAUNTED+MANOR&post_type=product&type_aws=true

The original models were from the high-water mark of Haunted Mansion merch, the era of the UV-paint-doped “changing portrait” cards, the magnificent board-game, and Randotti skulls, models and plaques.

http://www.hauntedmansion.com/spgm/index.php?spgmGal=Vintage_Collectibles&spgmPic=2#spgmPicture

They ingeniously incorporated rubber bands into their interiors to create pop-up effects, like a corpse that popped out a grave, causing the poor grave-digger to spin about. Between the kinetics, glow-in-the-dark plastic, and a good paint job, these were just fantastic.

Even if you never owned one of these kits, if you read comics in the 70s and early 80s, you can’t have missed their distinctive, brilliantly conceived full-page comics ads. Small wonder that these kits sell for stupid money in the secondary market.

The Take2 models (sold under the Polar Lights mark) are not quite replicas of the MPC models (presumably they couldn’t get a license), but they’re fabulous reinterpretations of the vintage designs and I love the renaming (i.e. ”Play It Again, Sam” becomes “Play It Again, Tom”).

Alas, I couldn’t find any sign of a Polar Lights remake of the MPC Zap/Action Pirates of the Caribbean models (whose ads were even better!).

https://pirates.fandom.com/wiki/Pirates_of_the_Caribbean_model_kits

After all that, I confess I didn’t buy the kits (though I may go back today and rectify that). My daily work-load is so high that I’m lucky if I can manage to carve out half an hour every couple days to read a book, let alone put together and paint a model.

But of all the aspirational hobbies I’m wishing I was engaging in, assembling these models tops the list. Building a “Grave Robber’s Demise” kit wouldn’t quite be a “nature is healing” moment, but I know it would give me joy.

In the meantime, I hope you get vaccinated, too — and if you’re ever in Burbank, be sure to patronize our wonderful indie stores (and don’t miss Iliad Bookshop, one of the great used bookstores of the region!).