Out and About in LA: The California Science Center

If all of you remember, last year at Christmas I went to the California Science Center for a party at my new job. I was able to see the majesty that is the Space Shuttle Endeavour and some Kelp. But not much else which was a bit of a bummer. But now, thanks to this place being free, I can go in the Center any time I want and enjoy more of the place.

Out and About in LA: The Huntington Library

As you all know I have been to many, many museums since moving to Los Angeles. I’m a fan of the fine arts and of history as a whole. One place has fallen through the cracks though and that is The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. Nestled in San Marino, California (close to Pasadena) it is a research and fine art facility formed by railroad tycoon Henry E. Huntington. Thank god for crazy tycoons because The Huntington Library is probably my favorite museum I’ve experienced since moving. It is a sprawling area where if you are sick of the history/art (but why would you?) there is an entire garden to explore with different fauna in zones. Unfortunately at the time of this visit it was off-season for the gardens so everything wasn’t in bloom. But hey, it gives me an enormous excuse to come back and boy will I ever. Even if you aren’t into history or art you have to go out here and experience this place. But here is a preview of what to expect when it comes to the area:

Out and About in Culver: The Museum of Jurassic Technology

While I love living in Culver City I must admit it is lacking in a few things. Mainly with museums as I needed to drive or use public transportation to get to any of these places I’ve shown you already. But Culver does boast one museum and it is called ‘The Museum of Jurassic Technology’. Whenever I asked anybody about this place all they would tell me is that it is the trippiest place you will ever be in. With such high praise(?) I finally took an afternoon to witness what makes this tiny building have such an aura of weirdness around it. By the end of my trip I learned that ‘trippy’ or ‘weird’ doesn’t even begin to describe this place. Words like ‘nightmarish’ and ‘unsettling’ are more apt.

Great Movie Scenes #005: Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983)

Whenever we want to talk about the songs Monty Python have given us we usually go with the big one in “Always Look On the Bright Side of Life”. Now I am not dismissing that as anything short of brilliant so hopefully you fans don’t take umbrage when I say I don’t find that to be my favorite. It’s catchy and the message in it is uplifting; which is why everyone goes for it. For me though I have to say another Eric Idle written gem is my all time favorite of the groups musical numbers. It takes place in the fifth section of their final film The Meaning of Life. It’s called “The Galaxy Song” and I’l let you listen in before rattling off my love of it.