So, last Wednesday, I had another whole day of sketching while riding the Metrorail. It's cheap transportation and you don't waste much time...driving, that is, or with traffic. Only downside may be that it's a bit ghetto and you meet people of all backgrounds. Luckily, I have no problem with that. With that said, I had decided to go over to LA, toward East..and eventually toward Pasadena. My first stop was the Los Angeles City Hall. I've often seen this building in police badges and movies, like Dragnet, but never been inside. So, this time, I decided to check it out.
I really liked this shot. :)
Los Angeles City Hall
There was a metal detector inside, I think to make sure I'm not anyone suspicious. I was mostly there to learn a little something about the City Hall (as a tourist), not to get documents notorized, get married, or anything like that. Well, luckily, there was a big group of elementary kids going in there as a tour group, so I decided to join them (kind of like Ferris Bueller in the art museum). As I was sitting down at the Council Chambers as the tour guide was explaining how laws are passed to the kids, I sketched as I talked a bit to some of the young adults there. I found out that they were art teachers (at LACMA, I think) and they said, "Hey, you should come with us to the top floor--you can sketch the cityscape from there!" So, yes, I was able to get to the top of the building (where the pillars were). I got a grand view of LA. Funny how things all sort of work together.
This is where the laws and ordinances are passed.
L.A. !!!
My next stop of Olvera Street, which is right by the Grand Central Station, and is sort of a historical landmark and a famous Mexican marketplace. It is almost like a Farmers Market, but not really that much produce, but plenty of souvenirs and food. The taquitos I had there were excellent--I rarely get taquitos, but these were very tasty. I walked around the area until I decided I should ride deeper into Pasadena, to see how far I could go on the Metrorail.
Olvera Street... lots of good Taquitos here.
Many cool souvenirs of various colors.
Kiosko at El Pueblo De L.A. Historical Monument.
My final stop was Pasadena City Hall, which had a Roman church-style architecture. I mostly hung around the area, but I didn't really explore the City Hall. I wanted to get back before dark, so I took off for home afterwards. Overall, another good Metro-Sketch Day!
The Pasadena City Hall
Metrorail Station...on the way back..
Non-related, but I was sketching while sitting outside Borders yesteday. I have this ball-point pen (with four colors) that I got from Disneyland, so I got bored and started sketching. Here's what I got.
Halloween Fireworks at Disneyland
Recently, I was at Disneyland (I'm there often to make use of my Annual Pass), and was quite surprised at the new fireworks they've had lately. Pretty cool! Here's a clip I recorded from the event.
I recently started a new sketch book (I recently finished the previous one). It is, ultimately, my sketch diary. I write down and draw what I observe and format it in the style of comic panels.
Last Friday, I was able to have what I call a "Metro Sketch Day." Generally, what I would do is to buy a Metrorail ticket for the whole day (only $5) and ride to various landmarks and simply sketch on my book. Whatever interesting things I see, I would write and sketch about it. Because I frequently go to many places, including Disneyland (I have annual pass), by the time my book is done, it'll have tons of different sketches of various places, events, people, and situations.
Ultimately, the point of the sketchbook is to keep me drawing frequently and create better sketching habits, and keep my ideas fresh and moving. With that said, here are some photos I took, along with my sketches from my book.
Metro Sketch Day!!!
Pershing Square
Grand Central Market
Bradbury Building, where they filmed Blade Runner (as Sebastion's Apartment).
One of the Metrorail Stations in LA.
Mann Chinese Theater in Hollywood
Sketches being done overlooking Mann Chinese Theater from Baja Fresh.
Pictures from my Sketch Book
The following images were what I drew on my sketchbook. These were all drawn on the spot. As a result, I had to sketch as fast as I could, (especially if it involved moving people). One rule I made when I started this sketchbook (as well as the previous one) is to not use the pencil, or erase or make corrections--thus, all the drawings were done in pen.
Woot!!! Woot!!! I am now YELP Elite '09!!!
Time to start going to them YELP meetings! Sweeeet!!! Free food (hopefully), here I come!
Been busy and much have been going on since the last time I've blogged. First off, one of my older brothers tied the knot about a week ago and I was the best man. A very beautiful outdoor wedding. Unfortunately, I couldn't go around snapping away during much of the ceremony given that I was one of the groomsmen. Here are some photos...but before that....
Hoon and Ellen's Slideshow
And, here's the slideshow I had made for my brother and his fiance's wedding! I used an 80's theme (since they grew up around that time, similar as myself) and I tried to make it as interesting as I could--you'll have to see it to know what I mean by that.
Photos I took before and after the wedding...
We the groomsmen....
I'm Best Man for many reasons. LOL
Bride and Groom...
Hear me roar!
I tried to look like I own the car...but I managed to look more like the valet.
Occasional golfers could be seen before the wedding...
All ready! Good to go!
Aftermath... It's tough work being the Best Man. Gotta relax.
Just this past Saturday: Apparently Giants were part of the Dodger's All-You-Can-Eat Menu.
As for this past Saturday, I went to the Dodgers vs. Giants game at the All-You-Can-Eat Pavilion, where Dodgers pulverized them with a whopping 12-1, with grand slams and multiple home runs. Had them for lunch, pretty much. Afterwards, we headed on over to Patrick and Sunny's (from book club) housewarming party. Lots of fun and tons of food!
Proof that I was at the All-You-Can-Eat Pavilion. Infinite Dodger Dogs, drinks, nachos, popcorn, etc.
You can pretty much pile 'em.
I won this FM radio when I spun some wheel. Neat!
It's a Homer! D'oh! for the Giants!
The crowd goes wild...multiple times.
Some wore some nifty ghetto-hats to keep the sun away.
Housewarming parties... they're always a ton of fun.
It also happened to be Kaitlyn's birthday. She also videotaped my Best Man speech. :]
Good food here!
Sunday: Annual Korean Festival and Bowling for Ethiopia
On Sunday, I visited Young Nak, then headed on over to the Korean Festival. I bumped into some friends from the housewarming party, which was pretty cool. Afterwards, I hung out at 3rd Street Promenade with my buddy John. The 3rd Street is starting to look more run down these days. Afterwards, I went bowling at Shatto 39 in K-town, to help out a fundraiser for Ethiopia team that my brother-in-law was organizing. I went under 100 the first game, and went over 100 on the second game.
Good crowd today..
Foods of all kinds from various vendors...
The Mexican pineapple dance..
Dancing soju bottles...it happens.
Bowling for Ethiopia!
Good Japanese food!
A good end to the night. At least I broke 100 on the second game.
So, on Monday, my buddy Dan had four free tickets to the Dodgers vs. Cardinals game. It just happened that he suddenly had to be somewhere else, so he gave the tickets to me and my other friend Mark. We had two extra tickets, so I called around my friends in LA to see if anybody might be interested (with late notice). Luckily, Henry (who often evites me to mass sporting events) was able to go with us. Unfortunately, St. Louis beat LA. due to couple of home runs.
On Wednesday, My friend Dan and I went to the Depeche Mode concert at Honda Center. These guys sound just like they did back in the 80's and 90's. I pretty much grew up in the 80's and 90's. They sang many new songs since they had a new album out, but many classics as well. They did sing some of my favorites as "Enjoy the Silence" , "Policy of Truth", and "Personal Jesus" even if they didn't sing "People are People" or "Strange Love." Great concert and the light effects were quite cool.
Here's my clip of Depeche Mode performing Policy of Truth at the Honda Center.
So, this past Saturday, I was able to partake in the KAC's 1st Annual Korean BBQ Cookoff, showcasing dishes by top Korean BBQ restaurants. Me and a handful of friends met up there at top of the parking structure at The Summit on the corner of Vermont and 6th to a large crowd. When one mentions "Korean BBQ," the word travels pretty quickly. Needless to say, I've heard about it through Facebook, some of my friends heard about it through email, and some heard it through Yelp. The marketing aspect was done quite well and it was to its benefit they used the word "First Annual" which made it that much extra special. I couldn't help but support anything that was Korean and "1st Annual" of anything. Show some representation, if you will. The event consisted of various booths, serving various Korean BBQ dishes, as well as commercial booths, with usually rice and kimchee for approximately $10 or more. When I got there around 2pm, the parking lot was already full (but I was able to score some street parking) and to find the actual the location of the event, one needed no more than to follow the smoke signals from the BBQ, or merely follow your nose to the kalbi (Korean ribs) smell.
First the good stuff. I love the idea of actually having a "Korean BBQ Cook-off," which is an ingenious idea. A cook-off or BBQ of any sort often brings neighbors together and showing a positive image of Korean culture (rather than being a tad distant) is always a plus. I also liked the fact that there was a parking structure, at least nearby, as opposed to everyone parking on the streets, which can be quite a hassle. I also loved the fact that they have various eating contests and competitions and even a stage. It was a nice touch. I liked the friendliness of the booth personnel and I also liked that they had some seating. Some of the food was really good and tender, according to some of my friends. I had went to the booths with the shortest line, which wasn't one of the famous restaurants.
Now, the bad stuff or things that could be improved upon. One of the first things I've noticed when entering was the huge crowd and the lack of space to move around (not helped by surrounding concrete walls). The big problem was that one couldn't see the booths or what they offered, esp. with the lines going all over the place. I'm a pretty tall guy, but it was really hard to see which line was for which. Much of the problem has been how the booths and stage were set up. The stage probably should've been where people were eating, as opposed to where the lines were. I hope next year, they get a wider venue as well.
Negatives aside, though, I think the idea of the cook-off is still great and for being the 1st one ever, I think they have something special here that can grow to something amazing. Therefore, I would love to offer a few suggestions... Every so often, I'd go to the Annual Tustin Chili Cook-off, and what they usually have are that people would buy tickets separately at one booth then use those tickets to buy the food from the booths. This rather decreased the length of line on the food booths itself. Also, I think it'd be easier if one doesn't have to buy the rice and kimchee as a set, but have booths just for the meat and get the other things as a separate thing. The chili cook-off did something like that--they all had cups of chili you can buy at each booth with a ticket...and there were tons of chili to choose from, from different organizations, and booths for other things. Many people would love to have variety in their meat and side-dishes (in one meal), after all. Since people had to usually buy one combo for about $10 or more, most people were reluctant to try the other booths--they already ate too much and they didn't want to spend more either. Just to add, it appears many people went for the ribs. It'd be neat to have some stuff like chadol, dduk bo sam, and so forth. Hmmm... dduk bo sam, with meat placed on top like a Korean taco, sounds very appealing. Forget Kogi truck ,man--I can see it now--a new taco truck called Bo Sam.
It was about 3:30pm when I finished and people were still continuously coming in. I didn't catch the competitions, but I didn't want to be late for my next event. Nevertheless, people came from all over (thanks to word-of-mouth and marketing) and despite the rough edges, this could (one hopes) to be something continuous and great.
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