Keni
todays bird
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
ellievsbear
Aqua Utopia｜海の底で記憶を紡ぐ
styofa doing anything
roma★
★
PR's Tumblrdome
Claire Keane
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art blog(derogatory)
tannertan36
Janaina Medeiros
#extradirty
Cosmic Funnies
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH
Three Goblin Art
祝日 / Permanent Vacation
Xuebing Du
seen from United States
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@bscene
A First Book (in English)
I brought my friend Vu’o’ng her first book in English. It’s titled “Open the Window. Eye’s Closed.” Written by a Vietnamese author and translated into English, it seemed the ideal Christmas present for someone eager to learn English and with a curious mind and imagination. Teaching here in Vietnam has brought me great and unexpected joy...
Vietnam Is Home!
Sorry, for not posting in a while. I’ve been busy experiencing the wonderful culture and people of what I now consider home--Vietnam. Rather then talk about it, I’ll give you a nice photo display. My first 3 months were in Hanoi and I’ve since moved to the beachside town of Dien Chau...
Hanoi Dim Sum is Yum, Son
I consider myself a dim sum aficionado. I’ve tasted it in San Francisco, New York City, Las Vegas and even Tropical in Miami (excellent but over priced).
Today I splurged (spending $9—which really is a splurge here in Hanoi). The best yet—so fresh, so plump, so tasty!
Tomorrow it’s back to my $1.87 five-course meal from my favorite street vendor in Ba Dinh…
Morning Ba Dinh
Random morning images from Ba Dinh...
Best Bar Ba Dinh*
To be fair to all the other bars I’ve added an asterisk to the title of this post (the fact of the matter is Bar Betta is the first real bar I’ve been to here in Vietnam).
Upon opening the gates (street level), to ascending the steps and then entering this little gem of a joint, I knew I’d found my new “Office.”
Funky, retro, Marilyn inspired (with a roof-top bar) and jazz filtering through the sound system.
You betcha, Bar Betta is for me Baby!
Buddha Blessings (Ba Dinh)
This morning I trekked to The One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot). This Buddhist shrine was built in 1049 by Emperor Lý Thái Tông.
The city (Hanoi) and especially my district (Ba Dinh) is richly adorned with shrines, monuments and parks. In this case, I especially journeyed for my Buddha buddy, artist Cindy Podgorski (the incense leaning to the left is hers)…
Tomorrow it’s off to a Taoist temple.
(You know you’re at home when you can actually guide your Grab driver to your pad. I did it this morning!)…
The Cat & Rooster
Does this mean good luck? Just left Cửa Bắc Church. Found a sweet little café on a tree lined lane where I discovered the cat and the rooster.
Vietnam seems to have met me like a long-lost relative. The embrace is not awkward, rather a long time coming…
Home in Hanoi
I can walk from the gate of 151 Hoang Hoa Tham (my home), make a right and amble down the snaky ally; spotted with ma and pa shops, a grocery or two and a few places to supe, most notably Phong Lan Quan (see pictures).
Or I can take a left and then another left and hit the urban action (a zillion mopeds), banks, shops, restaurants, humanity and oh, those sweet street food vendors (see picture).
English is a rare commodity here (unlike the Philippines) and so sign language and gestures get the job done while eliciting laughs.
I think I may have found a long term home--too early to say for sure, but I’ve committed to taking my shoes off at each and every threshold and that’s a start!
FAR OUT—FAR EAST
This will be my final Hollywood-centric post on bscene.tumblr.com. I wish to thank Jorge Camejo, Lisa Liotta, Phylicia Korchevsky and Espi for allowing me the platform to promote the Hip Hamlet of Hollywood and aiding in my endeavors.
I believe the CRA, the Mayor and the City Council have delivered under wholly partisan circumstances (civilians either embrace change or they don’t). Compromise solutions are apparently left to the professionals and elected officials. And I believe they’ve filled the void by seeking capital improvements while striving to maintain the nonconformist spirit of Hollywood.
I believe that Hollywood is on the cusp of something grand, something of renaissance proportions. I won’t be there to witness the fruits of such labor, but I feel I played a part and for that I shall always be grateful.
I will be changing the focus of my blog to my travels in South East Asia (I’m off to Vietnam next week).
My future Facebook posts will be connected to bscene.tumblr.com so please click on, enjoy and follow.
Keep up the good work and fare forward!
Yours in adventure, Wandering Wallace…
3rd Annual Italian Festival*
In 2015, Cobra Joe Bevelacqua launched his First Annual Italian Festival (in Arts Park/Young Circle). The event was a smashing success. The following year found the event scrubbed by the threat of Hurricane Matthew, which ultimately staggered to landfall like a drunken sailor, doing little more than wetting its pants.
The rescheduled version (a month later) like most rescheduled events, didn’t live up to Joe’s expectations and so he took off 2017 to regroup (thus the asterisk).
On Saturday, March 2nd 2018 the event will roll back onto the scene like a turbo-charged cannoli!
The 3rd Annual (Noon-9pm) will feature host DJ Rockin’ Rich Bedford, live entertainment from the likes of Spanky and Dino, Joey Dee and the Starliters, John Ricci, Susan Jorgensen and more…
Vendors are already signing on in droves (Joe reckons he’ll cap it a fifty or so) and Young Circle will be as teeming as a hearty Bolognese sauce.
“The event is free,” boasts Cobra Joe (famous for his 1st Sunday of the month Dream Car Classic event). It’s a day and night of celebration, top-shelf entertainment and food—lot’s of food!”
This event is a family affair and bound to be a hit!
(For more information: https://www.facebook.com/soflafeast/
Hear ye Hollywood (Yo Artists!)
Now that I’ve placed some distance between myself and the Hip Hamlet of Hollywood, I feel the ability to express an opinion, I’d previously kept caged.
Hollywood is changing; it’s growing and believe me, that will not change. What can remain the same (and ought to) is the down-home, funky spirit that Hollywood holds in spades.
It’s a walking town with easy beach access—a gem. You’ve got diversity in dining (from cheap eats to white tablecloth, from Peruvian to Indonesian with everything in between).
As far as the arts go, however, the static murals which seem to grow like delicious dandelions appear to have more momentum than the local art scene itself.
The CRA and Jill Weisberg are all in—their efforts to generate a buzz are indefatigable (i.e Art Walk and the aforementioned mural project). However, when Carlos and then Troy attempted to light a fire under the local artists (with the Hollywood Art Meet Up group) there was scant participation, despite over 1,000 able bodies signing on as members.
And while the L/Mercado collective kicks it and the 20th Street tandem of Doris White Art & Form and Anica Art Studio are trying to keep their heads up, for a town so full of spirited artists, I just don’t see a cohesiveness, a shared goal—that desire to make a scene—to be scene!
It took great effort for me to put on the Art Extravaganzas (and they were hits—the lot of them—hundreds attended, press reached beyond the confines of the Hamlet and works sold—but it took effort and team work).
Scenes just don’t’ happen. It’s not purely organic, it takes amoebas—it takes a confederacy—it takes looking at the big picture—the inclusive picture.
So dear artists of the Hip Hamlet of Hollywood, I beseech you to reach out, get around, find kindred spirits and don’t let the growth of the town leave you in its wake—if you don’t fill the void, someone else will!
Capone’s Intracoastal Capisce!
Throughout my final week here in the Hip Hamlet of Hollywood (you may recall, I’ve relocated to the Philippines), I dedicated much time to the beachside of the bridge. I reckoned, that like many, perhaps I’d taken for granted the fact that I was only minutes from the beach and intracoastal.
As I result, I spent a good deal of time fanning my footsies in the sand (Broadwalk) and even more time fanning the flames of my thirst at Capone’s Flicker Lite…
If you don’t know, Capone’s is one of Hollywood’s oldest operating restaurants (since 1962) and what makes it even more mesmerizing is the fact that the establishment is still operated by the Capone family!
Ok, I get it, Mai Kai (Fort Lauderdale) has been around since 1937. Caps Place in Light House Point since 1928. Tropical Acres has been serving fine fare in Dania since 1948. Heck, Jack’s Diner’s been here in Hollywood since 1953. But none of them got dat Capone’s view!
I adore Capone’s outdoor berth/balcony (overlooking that Intracoastal). Drinks and dining in a chill atmosphere (the menu’s varied and the food is always good). And the history of Capone’s (let alone the last name) is something to behold.
According to the “official” Capone’s Flicker Lite bio, Vincent Capone first visited Hollywood way back in 1945 (while serving the Coast Guard). Apparently, Vinny never forgot.
Fast forward to 1961 Vin was working for Coca Cola and owned/operated the Flicker Lite Lounge (in Chi Town). In any event he was drawn to that sleepy, beach Bohemia he’d discovered almost twenty-years earlier. So Vinny heads south, where he find the perfect location on the Intracoastal, a little joint called the Royal Palm.
Vinny sent for his wife Joan and their kids and the brood moved into a small duplex on Buchanan Street.
Joan quickly renamed the Royal Palm, Capone’s Flicker Lite Restaurant. Her traditional, home- style cooking became the backbone of their success.
From Pizza to pasta—Joan demanded everything be home-made…
In 1994 the place expanded but the vibe and the mementos are all original…
The price is right. The view is unparalleled. The food da bomb!
Thank you, Capone’s, for filling my last week in the Hip Hamlet of Hollywood with memorable moments—mangi…
Farewell, Hollywood
I’ll be leaving the Hip Hamlet of Hollywood in June and I wanted to take this opportunity to say farewell.
The Philippines is my destination—don’t ask why.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my stay here in Hollywood.
I’ll miss the Broadwalk. I’ll miss Saturday puffs with Mr. Kelly at the Octopus; I’ll miss my crew at the 92 (American Legion), and Nancy and the gals at G’s…
Thank you Cindy Podgorski for companionship and adventure—you’ll be missed most of all (even Dorothy had a favorite)…
Fred Salaff made it possible for me to be here in the first place, while my best bud Jeffrey Langer made it possible for me to stay.
Mary Mathis and Don Bezahler, you padded my pillow and I cherish you both.
Must mention the CRA (especially Lisa Liotta), the Hollywood Gazette, Cahoots (among other angels).
I’ve hosted some stellar Pop-Up Art Extravaganza’s (with the help of myriad artists, venues and sponsors). I hope someone will pick up the gauntlet!
I’m sure I ruffled some feathers, but hey, that’s the way roosters roll (I was born in 1957 after all)…
C'est la vie compadres: Jeffrey “Dreidel” Langer, Kenny “Rafiki” Reid, “Big” George Remington, Leo “Lensman” Anato, Tony “Hermano” Dominguez, Kevin “Mini-Me” Dreifuss, “Cobra” Joe Bevelacqua, Justin “The Institute of Technology” Del Sesto (Lorena and Auggie).
To all my compagni—kisses and embraces…
Brenna Baker, keep Hollywood hot with your gas of a glass establishment.
Sandra Lezcano and Nancy Botta, keep that art sexy…
Not entirely sure how the next chapter shakes out. But isn’t life dice in the palm of your hand—a crapshoot of sorts?
(I’ve always had a fondness for suitcases anyways)…
Jennifer Ann Love; thanks for the platform to connect with the Hip Hamlet of Hollywood…
I’ll remain in touch through my bscene.tumblr.com blog.
Keep in mind Hollywood, things change, not always the way you want—but you’re better for the ability to adapt (ask any dinosaur).
Go with the flow and keep your toes in the tide—barefoot bravery is such a noble stance…
Larry Joe Miller, I love you…
In Closing: Benny “Bats” Torres, a local lad I’ve been touting for a few years now, batting in his final game as a college baseball player—whacked one over the fence!
Up against Molloy College (in Molloy Ground, Long Island, New York), Benny passed on the first pitch (high and tight). He dug his cleats into the clay around the pentagon plate baseball fans call home.
The very next pitch he put out of the park…
Signing off Hollywood, it’s been a homerun, and in the words of the great Red Barber, “Oh Doctor!” (how apropos, as Benny is headed to medical school).
Vaya Con Dios, my friends—and remember—BSCENE!
Blessings & Blossoms
Many of you have heard me refer to the church I attend on most weekday mornings—Little Flower.
I don’t wish to be a non secular rah-rah, nor do I wish to offend or pick favorites but I’m going to risk it all by introducing you to my personal place of worship.
Little Flower has been part of the Hollywood landscape for a long time and its history is steeped in by-the-seat-of-your-pants devotion.
Frankly, one of the things that attracted me instantly to the Hip Hamlet (beside the plethora of affordable, neighborhood bars) was the proximity of Little Flower to Casa di Taylor (my home).
The walk to mass typically takes no more than seven-minutes—no car, no Uber nor Lyft required.
When I lived in Mendocino, CA I could walk to St. Anthony’s (with Patterson’s Pub just down the road) and in New York, Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral Church (Little Italy) was but a stroll away from Milano’s Bar. Las Vegas didn’t provide such luxuries and my attendance fell off (church not bars).
So coming to Hollywood provided me a reattachment to my preferred form of grounding.
Without further ado, and taken from the pages of the Miami Archdiocese website, I give you the History of Little Flower Church.
“When South Florida’s first “boom” had begun to reach its peak in 1924, Father Michael Mullaly arrived in Hollywood to start a new mission, Saint Anthony, for the growing Catholic population. He brought only a suitcase packed with his vestments, two candles, a wooden chalice, and a small silver statue of the then newly canonized saint, Therese of the Child Jesus, popularly called the Little Flower. Sundays, on an altar that consisted of a converted packing case, he placed the St. Therese statue and celebrated Mass for parishioners who sat on plank benches. The pioneering mission became known as Little Flower.
Minnesota native Father Louis Buechler, who served the fledgling mission for more than three years, became its first pastor. Its Masses in 1925 were celebrated at the Ritz and Diane theaters until construction of a small church in 1927. Parishioners replaced the small church with the present Pierce Street structure in 1941 and opened a school in 1942.”
As you can see, Little Flower has been abloom in the Hip Hamlet for some time now and she has inspired my pilgrimage…
Naughty or Nice?
An age-old, enduring question from squares, circles, triangles and the lot…
Many have decided to moralize the proposition—but here’s the thing…
Tomorrow (Friday May 18th 2018) marks the 97th birthday of Elsie Johns (the long time lingerie purveyor of Melina’s since 1946).
Located at 2010 Hollywood Boulevard, Miss Johns has kept the Burgh blushing…
We’ve all walked the lane (East to West or vice-versa) and have witnessed the coming and going roster of businesses on Hollywood’s most popular block—Elsie’s been here since 1946. Can I get a halleluiah!
Let’s support Elsie Johns, from the balconettes to the box seats…
What a gal…
Happy Birthday baby!
Giant Portions—Little Cost!
On some of my infrequent walks to the Lamp Post, I pass that little strip mall on Federal and Johnson. There’s this eatery (seemingly cafeteria like) on the North/West corner. It used to be called something very odd, but now the name just cracks me up—Little Giant on Johnson…
In any event, I dropped in and bought myself a burrito. It was awesome!
Their menu is varied and the prices reasonable—I’ll try a burger next, maybe a slice (they have salads, pastas, wings and subs—quite the varied menu).
The joint delivers too (954 367.2923)…
Ramblings of a Wednesday Writer
One of the advantages of going to weekday morning mass at Little Flower (7am) is that I have the opportunity to witness the early stirrings of the Hip Hamlet of Hollywood.
Typically, I mosey from mass to the brand-spanking-new Publix on Young Circle. And lately, I’m seeing lots of new faces. Young couples, young couples with strollers—fresh faces. This is an encouraging sign. And once the CIRC opens, they’ll be lots of new bodies in the Burgh!
Hollywood Boulevard is so much cleaner since its overhaul…
Arts Park is oh so green…
We have a mayor who is supportive and connected to his constituents—he shows up everywhere and for every event…
And then there’s the hippest haunt in the Hamlet. I speak of the seriously chic Lounge at Runas (219 N. 21st Avenue). This space is steeped in history—a genuine landmark—a must stop for a tipple or two—what a vibe!