Christmas Story House

Radio Rat came to town the other day and we have been busy seeing the sights. Two days ago we went to the Rock Hall of Fame. While that was great the highlight for Radio Rat, a Christmas fanatic, was yesterdays visit to the house from the movie A Christmas Story. I've driven by it many times but this is the first time I had taken the tour. And of course I walked out of the house without my new camera so I had to use my cell phone camera which did okay. Below is a picture of Radio Rat at the front window with the infamous leg lamp.

Early this morning I took him to the airport and he is on his way home. He told me the first thing he is going to do is watch the movie. I wouldn't be surprised if he blew this picture up to poster size. The scenes where the leg lamp arrives were shot outside and inside the house, as were a couple other segments. Below are a few more shots.

For more information follow this link:
http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/
Happy Humbug

1970's Photos

Me inside Hi-Lo Drugstore at Sherman way and Sepulveda circa 1972. I wish I had a clear picture and more pictures of the stuff inside the store.

My 1973 Ford Pinto (1600cc engine) on Lanark St. between Sepulveda Blvd and Langdon Ave. 

Looking at the courtyard of Jane Russel's Taos West Apartments on Woodman Ave., 1975. The building is still there and I believe has the same name but it is now condo's.

With scanners I now wish we had printed the photos on glossy paper. I still have the negatives so I could fix that if I wasn't so lazy.

Rock Star

Last night I dreamt Radio Rat and I were rock stars...wait...right

American Pie Flashback

Phone Rat recently went on one of his L.A. excursions and came across this Don McLean concert poster for an upcoming concert. Don McLean's song American Pie was released in the fall of 1971. I was in a band at the time (Phone rat was our roadie) and  the popularity of the song demanded we learn it and play it. It's an easy song to learn and play and everyone seemed to like it. I didn't have an acoustic guitar at the time so I muted the tone on my guitar and used a felt auto harp pick to further mute my electric guitar sound. Below is a picture (Me and Radio Rat) of our band, The Destinations  from December 1971. The vest and tie uniform is still a bit embarrassing but that's okay. Unfortunately this photo doesn't show the throngs of girls at the bottom of the stage or the underwear they threw on the stage...yeah.