Hollywood: Movies in the Graveyard

by Adrienne Wilson on

Long ago Erik mentioned a cool little place to stalk some of Hollywood’s A-list celebs while touring the streets of Los Angeles. Back then I remember being pretty surprised when he directed our attention away from the Star maps to point us to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, but it makes good sense now though. Known as the Resting Place of Hollywood’s Immortals the cemetery also plays hosts to some 1,200 plus guests on Saturday summer nights looking to check out a DJ spinning tunes, drink wine, be merry and watch a film after dark while lounging around the tombstones. Got goose pimples yet? So hanging with the deceased under the stars might not be the dinner date of choice for all prancing around Hollywood on their vaca, but if it sounds like the thing for you checkout Cinespia.org for details on the Saturday night screenings.

Tomorrow night I’ll be heading over with a few friends to watch Dressed to Kill starring Michael Caine and Angie Dickinson at 7:30 PM. Can’t make it this weekend? Other upcoming screenings include Manhattan on July 29th and Pee Wee’s Big Adventure on August 5th. Should you still fail to be convinced by my blurb or the one from DailyCandy featured a few weeks back, then check out Neil’s piece on Los Angeles’ plethora of free entertainment. Just keep in mind summer is almost over. What cool things will you have done with yours?

The Rib Co – Yucca Valley, CA

by Adrienne Wilson on

Never imagined I’d wind up in the Yucca Valley area of California one day on foot, so in the event that you too find yourself there by way of plane, train, automobile or foot you may wish to know where to grab a bite. My answer – The Rib Co. Now because I’m not a huge rib connoisseur I won’t venture as far as saying they’ve got the best ribs on the planet, but I will say they’re pretty darn close. Known as the Best Little Rib House in the Desert, the Rib Co. offers a large variety from the menu and right out of the kitchen. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, fish and chicken can all be located somewhere in the establishment, though it is suggested you go for some kind of rib dish. It was my first time in a long time to have a half rack of my own and they were falling off the bone, finger-lickin’ good, and down right delicious. The service at this spot could have been a lot better, but I wouldn’t hold it against them in giving them another try. If you’re in Yucca Valley give them a chance for yourself.

The Rib Co. is located at 56193 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley, CA 92284. Ph. 760.365.1663.

Photo of the Day (7/15/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on


When I found out I was going to be staying in Yucca Valley, CA, a town only a stone’s throw away from the popular Joshua Tree National Park, I didn’t know what to expect. Having heard of Joshua Tree in the past I knew it would be kind of a big deal, but wasn’t sure why. It didn’t take long to discover the dual desert park’s jaw-dropping dramatic landscapes. Incredible rock formations, never-ending rows of unique Joshua Trees and sunsets so warm and soft make a visit to the park a MUST. Beyond all that there is to see, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the park is its undisturbed silence and calm. With all that being said, today’s photo comes from my own files. It’s nothing close to spectacular. You’ll have to head to the park for yourself if you want more, but in the meantime you can check out more of my own Joshua Tree shots by clicking here.

Photo of the Day (7/8/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on


Today’s photo is a B&W store front shot by Frank Jackson. Judging from the diverse range of food offered on the inside, I’d say this shot was taken in Los Angeles, but I could be wrong. Something about the picture just makes me laugh at how much I’ve never really been a fan of one stop food destinations. Places like China Latina or Buddah’s Amigo are hard sales. It’s got to be either tacos or Chinese food, not both in the same establishment. However, there is one exception to that rule, but that restaurant is in Tampa, FL and they serve both Cuban and Greek food. Check out more of Frank’s work by going here.

Visit a California Monastery…for the Wine

by Karen Walrond on

In Northern California, 25 Benedictine monks have opened the first Roman Catholic Cistercian winery in North America.  The brothers hope to make money selling their syrah, a full-bodied red wine, in order to support the monastary. 

“We need to work to keep going, but we don’t want or expect to get rich. But the wine has done well – better than expected,” said Father Harold Meyer, who has been at the Abbey of New Clairvaux for 33 years.  “There’s a sacredness about working with grapes.  Wine is very special.”

The brothers’ living quarters are private; however, they have opened up the monastery for retreats, tours and wine-tastings.   If you’re staying for a retreat, the rooms are very basic; however, each has a modern ensuite bathroom.  Retreats must be booked months in advance, and are donation-based.

“People will come at first because we’re monks, but we want them to come back because this is a good place and we have quality goods to offer,” Meyer said.

Sounds positively peaceful.