Spotted in LA: A Reason Not To Fill Up

I was walking by a gas station when I was in Los Angeles (yes, I realize the irony of that phrase) when I spotted a small video screen on the gas pump. I assume it was for advertising, and I'm not entirely surprised that it's gotten to that level, but I have to say they might need to screen the content better. Apocalyptic explosions? Not really the most appealing thing to see during a fill up. Perhaps it was to encourage fuel conservation?

Spotted in LA: Time Travel Mart

I've made a point of checking out the 826 stores whenever I travel to a city that has one. Happily I had some time on my recent LA visit to check out the Echo Park Time Travel Mart. For those of you that aren't familiar with the 826 project it was created, in part by author Dave Eggars, to facilitate creative writing programs for kids. The first location was 826Valencia and its adjoining Pirate Store in San Francisco. Like the others, the Time Travel Mart is filled with delightful objects that play off the theme and create a wonderful sense of walking into an alternate universe, most are for sale and of course purchases go to support the program. In this case it turns out the graphic design was done by none other than my fellow daily art maker Stefan Bucher. What really makes the place are the little details including some familiar signage turned on its head, including a note on the drink machine that said "Out of Order, Please come back yesterday." What's particularly amusing is that it blends so well into the neighborhood, despite the caveman meeting a robot window display, that several people came in when I was there not even realizing it's not a normal convenience store. It's a must see on your next LA visit. Find out more about 826LA HERE.

Spotted in LA: Another Reason

I guess this artist didn't think damaging the ocean's flora & fauna was reason enough for some people to stop dumping waste in the sewers...