Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee Video Store

On Vineland Ave. in North Hollywood is the best video store I have ever been to. I first went to Eddie Brandt's when it was on Colfax Ave. in North Hollywood, just south of Victory and behind the McDonald's Restaurant. Actors, industry people and movie fans created an eclectic gathering down every aisle. Ask a question and some patron probably knows the answer. Follow this link to a video that appeared on Turner Classic Movies of the store and its manager Donovan Brandt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnNRAgnBdiI

Here is a link to a Daily News article on the store:

http://www.dailynews.com/ci_13254853?source=most_emailed

Laptop Lessons

A few months ago the monitor on my laptop went black and would not come back to life in spite of my fevered attempts at computer CPR. At the time it seemed catastrophic. I used it for writing, photos and music. I checked e-mails and occasionally surfed just to kill time. Mostly it served as my jukebox while I worked on other things at my desk. All my files were backed up and the important things were easily transferred to an 8GB flash key that Phone Rat gave me.

I found myself reduced to borrowing my wife's laptop to check e-mails and other things. The laptop of course can be used with the AC adapter or with the battery. I used the battery since it was a project to dig the plug out of the wall behind things. So I could sit in my chair and be comfortable and check on things. However the most I could get was about 2 hours of life which was initially irritating. But over time I realized I really did not use the computer, on line for very many things. I took care of business and logged off. the battery life became unimportant and an important lesson was learned.

When we are plugged in and have unlimited time we tend to waste most of that time on frivolous things. I am not against the frivolous but as with television, too much is bad for us. But when we are aware of the passage of time and how little we have, as when the computer runs off the battery, we make much better use of our time and distill our session down to what is really important. The lesson obviously applies to life but many of us, including myself don't learn it until we get older.

My battery is actually running low now so it is time for me to end this overly long post and to get on to something a little deeper.

Box Memories

I started collecting boxes when my Dad gave me a wooden cigar box. At the time I didn't realize I would become a collector. As time passed my Dad gave me more cigar boxes which I used to store some of my better pens in. Dad also gave me some English Leather cologne boxes made of wood. After a while they stopped making them out of wood and made them out of heavy cardboard, and I have some of those. I started putting all sorts or small items in these small boxes. Boxes went inside other boxes and they all began to take over my closet. The other day I went through my closet and came across many of these boxes which mostly contained items from my parents. i took pictures and thought I would share some of the contents here.

In the top left hand corner is a money clip my Grandfather received for a work anniversary. Next to it is a money clip from The Mint Hotel in Las Vegas that my parents bought me. Next to it is an old Illinois brand pocket watch that belonged to my grandfather.

The "C" hood ornament belonged to my Dad's last car, a 1978 Chevy Nova Concours model. The ring belonged to my dad and used to have a black onyx and diamond. I still have the broken onyx and the diamond went into my Dad's masonic ring which I still have. Theitem below the ring is a decoder of some sort from 1936. It has numbers around it and the disk that moves under it contains letters. Next to that is a key chain like item from Ralston "Straight Shooters" that spells "good luck" when you spin the disk. Below that is a Lakewood Ohio Bicycle license that belonged to my Dad, probably from the late 30's or early 40's. Lastly to the right is an Ohio State Chauffeurs pin from 1944. It was in with my Dad's stuff but I am not sure if it was his.

Mrs. Perlmuter of Hazeltine

We finally have a picture of Mrs. Perlmuter, the most famous teacher at Hazeltine Avenue Elementary School, thanks to Julie (Rosenthal) Meshchaninov, Hazeltine class of 1969. Julie left a comment on a previous post "Looking For Mrs. Perlmuter" that she had a picture and here it is.

I never had Mrs. Perlmuter as a teacher so I will leave those who did to share their memories. Thanks again Julie and thanks to our friend Bob Walance who came through again.

2010 New Years Updates

A quick reminder for all San Fernando Valley Demolay, Job's Daughters and Rainbow members that the 2010 reunion is at the end of this month in Laughlin Nevada. For details contact me at this site and I will forward you to the event organizers.

We now have a group page on Facebook called San Fernando Valley Demolay's, Jobs & Rainbows for those of you who use Facebook. It is a closed group, for members only so you have to request an invite to join. Just go to the page anc click on the ask to join button. It is helpful if you leave a note with your request and let us know what group you belonged to.

Phone Rat informed me that Valley Ranch BBQ on Sherman Way closed last month. I remember going there as a teenager back in the 70's. As I recall it was ok but not a favorite. Anymore I try not to get too nostalgic when something closes because that is the normal cycle of things, but still its a little sad.

Oh and by the way, Happy New Year!