San Fernando Valley Illegal Soapbox Federation Race
May 11, 2007
I read about SFVISBF this morning and I couldn’t pass up writing a post about… too much fun.
From Thrillist:
THRILLIST Los Angeles Friday May 11, 2007
San Fernando Valley Illegal Soapbox Federation Race
Sun, May 13; 7am
Twisted Oak course: Take Victory west past Valley Circle, R on Gilmore, L on Twisted Oak. Spectators park in the park at the top of Victory.
The problem with watching professional sports is there’s usually an overabundance of competence, making thrilling, cataclysmic accidents all-too-rare. For something more amateur and unpredictably dangerous check out the San Fernando Valley Illegal Soapbox Federation Race, this Sunday.
Once a month, March through December, the Fed’s cadre of anarchic jackasses come together to ride their fleetest cardboard-and-tin creations to rickety glory. While they have a couple of tried-and-true courses, this week’s race is on uncharted asphalt; according to organizer Paul de Valera, these are the 3 hairiest sections to watch:
1. The first curve: Where most accidents happen, as it’s frequently the first point where racers use their steering/brakes/helmets.
2. The big curve: Because of the high g-forces, heavier racers suddenly find themselves forced to slow down or skid out — yet another situation where God has turned his back on Louie Anderson.
3. Victory Blvd: This final steep stretch will see the race’s highest speeds. The cars’ durability will be put to the ultimate test as racers rub wheels, bolts wiggle loose, tires burst, and Captain Caveman savagely beats Huckleberry Hound with a rock.
The first race of the day (7am) is for honor and title, with subsequent races and time trials lasting until the police arrive to round everybody up, and the truly dangerous amateurism begins.
Watch the video from last week…
Cinespia is back!
May 5, 2007
It’s that time a year again, yes folks, movies in the cemetery are back. Cinespia!
What? You live in LA and you don’t know about this? During the summer months at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Cinespia hosts a movie night every Saturday from 7ish until 11. You arrive before dark, pay your $10 donation, park, get a few friends, a picnic basket with a bottle of wine or two, there’s a DJ spinning, and when the sun sets, the movie starts.
Where else in the world can you watch the stars under and beside them? Think about it. Yah, that’s right. Don’t worry, the screenings are on the far end where there’s a big open field. You don’t have to actually sit ON dead people. Just a few hundred feet from them.
Check it out. It all starts May 19th with “The Player”, followed by “Vertigo” on the 26th, “Gilda” on June 2nd, and “Harold and Maude” on the 9th.
If you don’t get there early, you’re not going to be able to park inside as there is limited parking.
http://www.cemeteryscreenings.com/
Check out people’s Flickr photos for the vibe.
Flexpetz
May 1, 2007
I have like six or seven entries to catch up on. I’ve been busy. I’ll catch up this weekend. But this couldn’t wait…
Do you all know about Flex Car? You know that service that lets you use a car just when you need it? You just hop to the corner where there’s a car always waiting, scan your card, use it for a few hours, and then return it? Well, now we have Flex Pet, because who in LA actually has time to be a full time pet owner?
Yes, rent a pet. For only $39.95 per month and $99.95 a year membership charge, you too can be the proud part time owner of one of their many dogs. (yes click on that link for a gallery of their dogs which you choose from) Oh and a first time $150 fee to cover the introduction with a trainer to tell you how to feed the animal and stuff.
After you sign up and you do the introductory thing with a trainer, they then will drop off the pooch of your choice for as long or as short of time as you want. ($35 delivery fee) Need that cute pup to pick up chicks Saturday morning? A snuggle bunny companion for the weekend cause your boyfriend is out of town? They even leave you with a convenience package that includes a dog bed, food and water bowls (and prepackaged food) and a custom leash.
Thinking of running away with your new found love? Oh no no, these dogs have GPS tracking collars to ensure they can track your ass, or your part time dog’s ass, down anytime they need to. Or if the dumb owner looses it which I bet they would.
You have to sign a year long membership and you have to use at least two ‘doggy times’ per month. And there are more fees if you mess up than on a speeding ticket.
Weekend rentals are $29.95 per day, week days are $19.95. Discounts if you keep the mutt for more than one day. This is in addition to all the membership fees above.
I think it’s just cheaper to own a pet really. Get pet insurance to cover the unexpected pet vet bills. Then at least you won’t be known as a douche who rents pets. This is insane. What nut thought of this. Really. I don’t care if it’s profitable, it’s immoral and lazy and stupid and pathetic!
As David St. Hubbins once famously said, there is such a fine line between stupid and clever. That’s all I have to say about that.
E-mail if you use this service. We’ll take your rental for a walk together. haha.
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