Verna and Bob's Weblog

Culture

Nostalgic Neon Clock

route66-clock.jpgWe went shopping at our local discount emporium Saturday looking for a new clock for the family room. While we were there Verna brought my attention to this little beauty. I guess they must have been a popular item, ’cause this one, which was on display, was the last one in the store. Verna went and got a clerk to get it off of the wall for us, and it now hangs above the entertainment center like a majestic beacon. Oh – and it tells the time too.

Our recent vacation took us along parts of old Route 66 in Arizona; this little nostalgic trinket brings back fond memories. Not just from the last trip, but over the years back to before the 1970s when old Route 66 still thrived. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.

September 4, 2007 by California Culture

Pigeon Dung and Reno’s Famous Sign

reno-old.jpgAfter reading news accounts about the contribution of pigeon dung to the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, I was reminded about how pigeons similarly factored into the destruction of the famous “RENO – The Biggest little city in the world” sign that spans the entrance to the downtown gambling district. I recall reading a the story in the 1980’s about how the old sign became inhabited by pigeons that roosted or nested in the sign. They got in through gaps in the sign and, of course, pooped while they were in there.

Image right: Reno sign, 1980’s – click to enlarge

reno-new.jpgEventually, despite having been evicted several times by the city’s maintenance crews, the pigeon problem persisted until one day there was an electrical short-circuit in the sign. The methane from the dung ignited; there was a minor explosion and a fire afterwards that damaged the sign beyond repair. The sign was removed and subsequently replaced by a newer Vegas-style beauty which electronically beckons visitors to the downtown district. While it’s a beautiful sight, the new sign doesn’t have the old sign’s charm and breaks the promise for a “little city” beyond. Recent visitors to the new Reno, if they knew the old Reno, will know what I mean.

Image left: New Reno sign – click to enlarge

As for pigeons? They’re just rats with wings.

August 26, 2007 by Critters Culture Vacation

Manhattan Park Improvements

I’m not sure this is an improvement. This used to be a multi-purpose field with ball diamonds and soccer goals, all on a grassy surface. Lately, big trucks, dozers and cats have been grading the surface for who knows what. I’ll post a panorama of the final product later.

ballfield-mb-pan.jpg

August 14, 2007 by Culture Panoramas Photography

About the Botanic Garden

verna-garden.jpgFor the last several years, we have maintained a membership in the South Coast Botanic Garden located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The garden features plenty of activities, plant and flower shows and cultural events such as symphonies, band concerts and children’s entertainment.

Image: Verna in the Garden — click the image to enlarge.

Sometimes, we just go there to walk around and enjoy the incredibly diverse and beautiful gardens, birds and small wildlife. Such was the case last Saturday after we took our recycle stuff to the County Recycle Center, right across Crenshaw.

From the SCBG Webpage:

The South Coast Botanic Garden, “The Jewel of the Peninsula”, is located on the beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula, in California. The garden is located 10 miles south of the Los Angeles Airport. Conveniently located to many South Bay communities, this 87-acre Botanic Garden has more than 2,000 different species of plants from as far away as Australia and southern Africa. The wide variety of plant life provides food and shelter to an abundant bird population. Over 200 species of birds are sighted annually. It also serves as a bird and wildlife sanctuary.

June 25, 2007 by Culture Home & Garden Photography

Flag Day and the Army’s Birthday

June 14th is a day to celebrate the Star Spangled Banner and also to recognize the anniversary of the establishment of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775.

old-glory.jpgInspired by three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day – the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 – was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

army-flag.jpgThe modern Army had its roots in the Continental Army which was formed on June 14, 1775, before the establishment of the United States, to meet the demands of the American Revolutionary War. Congress created the United States Army on June 3, 1784 after the end of the war to replace the disbanded Continental Army. The Army considers itself to be descended from the Continental Army, and thus dates its inception from the origins of that force. Hooah!

June 14, 2007 by Culture Military

Avalon 1998

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