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 These days it has become more than just a passing thought--to drive your car to work or ride public transportation? Spend time in traffic and burn expensive gas on your commute, or take a little extra time to walk to the Metro?
How many people are riding public transportation versus one year ago? One month ago? L.A.'s haves and have-nots have become a little closer as everyone suffers under the burden of pricey fuel.
In this shot, the photographer expertly captures both the car and the bus. Perhaps while driving? A well-lit bus looks empty, as the auto cruises beside it. Love the way we can see the street in the side mirror, too.
Somehow, in times like these, a picture like this becomes a statement.
Thank you for making us think.
"Quiet night" from the album On the Street, submitted by babyfrank.
--Lori Kozlowski
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Will someone open a window because I'm fainting! From the suffocating cuteness!
This photo was submitted to the "On the Farm" album and pictures a baby "fainting goat" in a grass-filled washtub. Well, we are all now well-aware whence came this odd name. Pass the smelling salts!
Seriously, though, turns out these critters are called fainting goats because they actually do go completely stiff and flop over when startled. The spells last about ten seconds. Exhibit A:
--Bettie Rinehart
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This photo makes me want to throw everything I've got going out the window and follow Vinny the Pug toward a greater tomorrow.
I googled Vinny, by the way, and around the internets, it looks like he's also known as "Vinny the rock climbing Pug." This photo is titled "Vinny the Pug at Mt.
Sedona" and was submitted to the incredible "Adventure Pets" album.
Go, Vinny! On belay!
--Bettie Rinehart
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Who doesn't need a little levity on a Friday? And in the case of these airborne merry-makers, levitating comes to mind, as well.
In a giant swing that circles round, legs and arms go free and the fun is without gravity.
It is difficult to capture a photograph that involves movement, but the photographer here has done just that--in one shot, showing off the very reason we love amusement parks, enjoy summertime, and sometimes wish we really could fly.
"Virtual flight" from the album On the Street, submitted by sushiman007.
--Lori Kozlowski
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Remember that famous line: "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown"? Uttered by the associates of private investigator Jake Gittes, as he does not get the girl in the end. Of course, I speak of the famous noir film Chinatown.
Directed by Roman Polanski, written by Robert Towne, the old classic brings us back to the 1930s in L.A., when perhaps things were grimier than they are now.
In that dark spirit, here we have a modern shot of Chinatown. Dim lights, red windows, wet streets and long shadows. The combination of color and light, or lack thereof, is really striking.
"Red windows" from the album Chinatown, submitted by hawornk.
--Lori Kozlowski
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 Yeah, man. This dude is rocking out to his own song. Playing himself a little ditty on Venice Beach with one powerful instrument--the cowbell.
Before this hand percussion piece got its great start in the music world, it was originally just a bell, used by shepherds to herd cattle.
Soon enough though, the cowbell got its big break, and eventually found its way into rock stardom. You might recognize the mighty cowbell from popular tunes like "Honky Tonk Women" by The Rolling Stones or "A Hard Day's Night" by The Beatles. Other big names like The B-52's, The Beastie Boys, and Bob Seger have also employed this farm tool to make their big hits even punchier.
Speaking of music and pop culture, for more fun items on music, check out music blogs Extended Play by Todd Martens and Soundboard.
"Man with cow bell, Venice Beach" from the album At the Beach, submitted by Rod.
--Lori Kozlowski
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People, people, people!!!
We are in the midst of a revolution, it seems. We are a nation overcome by Ugly Dog Fever! And a great ambassador for ugly dogs worldwide has just -- this very day!! -- graced Your Scene with a photo of himself. Thank you Rascal (and submitter Dane Andrew)! I'm humbled by your presence here.
Now, friends, I know your hearts are crying out for a closeup of little Rascal, and far be it from me to disappoint:
 A few fun facts about Rascal:
*He has his own IMDB page!!! (How is this possible?!)
*His nickname (according to above-linked IMDB) is Hairless Potter.
*His grandfather (maternal or paternal? we don't know) is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for most ugly-dog competition wins! Is that an honor? Apparently so.
*Rascal is a Chinese Crested, and while most members of this breed are of Rascal's tufty-but-mostly-hairless variety, there is also another variety called the Powderpuff. (If you will permit me a bit of friendly editorializing, Powderpuffs fall into the just-cute category, rather than Rascal's so-ugly-it's-cute category.)
*Arguably the ugliest. dog. of. all. time, Sam, still maintains a great website even though he is no longer with us. (R.I.P. Sam!)
God bless you, Rascal. May you have many, many more tongue-lolling years to come.
"World's Ugliest Dog Rascal" from the album Weird Pets, submitted by Dane Andrew
--Lindsay Barnett
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What says vacation moreso than a reclining lounge chair next to a crystal clear blue swimming pool?
Not sure there is a more perfect summer image.
Lucky for us, one fabulous photographer caught the essence of summertime in this unique shot. Taken from behind the chair, it is almost as if we are sneaking up on the entire motel, the pool, and this single red chair.
This shot could easily have been snapped in Vegas or Palm Springs, but rather was taken right here in our backyard--Hollywood.
Doesn't it just make you want to reach for the sun tan lotion, your fruity beverage, and your favorite beach read?
“Hollywood Motel” from the album Old L.A., submitted by Rebecca~James.
--Lori Kozlowski
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Tjbrooks submitted this gorgeous photo of the feet of a Blue-Footed Booby to the Latin America/South America album. It was taken on North Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Great shot, TJ!
In looking into why these beautiful sea birds are called "boobies", turns out the name comes from the Spanish term bobo, which means
"dunce". They have a funny, clown-like way of maneuvering on land and are known for being "clumsy." Cute. And those blue feet sure are something.
--Bettie Rinehart
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 No, this is not a fancy movie palace from the 1930s. But Clifton's Cafeteria is a little blast to the past that you surely should see.
Since 1931, they have been a comfort food establishment that serves its customers with the motto: "Dine Free Unless Delighted." Where else do you get that level of service anymore?
Located on Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles, Clifton's has old charm still. Get this: a room painted in giant green murals so that it feels as if you are in a life-sized forest. I love that kitschy charm.
Plus, they will bake you your very own cake on your birthday. How sweet.
"Clifton's Cafeteria" from the album Downtown, submitted by Les.
--Lori Kozlowski
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If you, like me, thought that nothing was cuter than a panda, I give you: panda absentmindedly chewing bamboo.
I can only think of one cute panda item that might (might!) rival this feat of preciousness, and that is: Sneezing Baby Panda. But baby pandas are cheating at cuteness...right?
"Panda Express" from the album San Diego, submitted by debt999999
--Lindsay Barnett
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 Some things never change. Here we see a view of the Harbor Freeway in 1958.
A bright blue L.A. sky and plenty of cars out on the highway. Sound familiar? Just like today, right?
Well, maybe today we have a few more cars on our roads, and well, maybe the skies aren't quite as blue all the time.
But the vintage beauty in this photo is in the cars. Check out those old Chevys! Wonder where they are headed?
This shot was taken looking north toward Pasadena, and shows us that the massive freeways were part of the city's landscape long ago, long before gas prices were what they are today. In fact in 1958, the average gas price was about $.24 per gallon. Ah, the 1950s. How we miss the good ol' days.
Thank you for this lovely vintage picture-perfect postcard of an older Los Angeles.
"Harbor Freeway" from the album Old L.A., submitted by Tom.
--Lori Kozlowski
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It's a world of laughter, a world of tears, a world of fast food marketing gimmicks?
Apparently so! Submitter juana la loca says, "Even a plastic clownish version of the Thai greeting keeps Bangkok customers feeling at home on Silom Road."
Is Ronald different in every country, kinda like Santa Claus? The mind reels.
"Fast food Wai" from the album South & Southeast Asia, submitted by juana la loca
--Lindsay Barnett
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Um, O-to-the-M-to-the-G!
Friends, this is a little something I like to call "Death By Cute". Kinda like Death By Chocolate, but with more puffins.
Want a full multimedia puffin experience? Check out the Audobon Society's recordings of real-life puffin noises! I, myself, am deeply enjoying listening to them whilst imagining this little dude squawking up a storm.
And, not to overstress the point, but OMG again -- you can actually adopt a puffin. Project Puffin will even send you an update of your puffin's activities for the year!
Are you kidding me with Project Puffin?! Are you kidding me with this guy's wing-flappin'?! Are you kidding me with his bright orange webby feet?! Too. Good. To. Be. True.
"Puffin" from the album Birds of a Feather, submitted by jerseystu
--Lindsay Barnett
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Folks, folks, folks.
We recently started up a new album called Best Babysitters. It pretty much breaks my heart every time I look at it. I mean, just take a gander at this small selection, will ya?
What?!?! How are these angelic dogs even possible?! Our dogs put up with so much. And they are such good sports about it!
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 Will it be a summer of love, as it was in 1967?
It is 2008, and yet these two, standing on Hollywood Boulevard, look very 1950s. We dig the Elvis look and his cool black guitar.
The girl in polka dots looks charmed by the tunes. Who doesn't love a musician? We wonder what he is playing. Is it "Can't Help Falling in Love"?
Really, the whole scene captured here is pure Hollywood. A tender moment amongst chaotic posters mixed in with retro charm.
Love this shot.
"so in love" from the album On the Street, submitted by John Fuentes.
--Lori Kozlowski
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Now, submitter mayita claims this parrot is yawning, but I don't buy it.
He looks to me like he's just been told an uproarious joke of some kind.
Now, just what a parrot would find so hilarious is a mystery...but maybe a cockatoo with rhythm (albeit questionable taste in music)? Heck if I know. But what I do know is: he's a.maz.ing!
"parrot yawning" from the album Birds of a Feather, submitted by mayita
--Lindsay Barnett
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 Honestly, captions are important. They go a long way in telling a great story about a fabulous photo. They give us a little more insight into what we are looking at. Take this picture, for instance.
This is not just any baby, sleeping at the beach. Meet Rocknroll.
The photographer writes in her caption: We named our son Rocknroll and his daddy wants him to be a surfer... so we started gettng him out to the beaches of San Clemente early... this is trail six in March 2008.
No doubt, this little guy will be riding the waves in no time. How could he not? He has his parents' support, he's been exposed to California's gorgeous coast at an early age, and his name is Rocknroll.
"First Day at the Beach" from the album At the Beach, submitted by lexiecat.
--Lori Kozlowski
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Did you have a good weekend, Your Sceners? We certainly hope so. And we know that these street artists definitely did. Literally taking art to the streets, these pavement-pounding chalk artists, brought back the pastel tools of childhood and simply colored marvellous pictures on the ground.
Taken just yesterday, the shot is a vision of people at play at the 2008 Pasadena Chalk Festival.
The red rose drawn inside the end of what looks like a gun is quite striking.
Thanks to Dan Simpson for capturing this creative moment.
"Chalk the Walk" from the album Street Art, submitted by Dan Simpson.
--Lori Kozlowski
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These guys are trouble. You can really tell, can't you? They may be dressed up like little U.S. sailors, but you know these three are the type who stayed too late in a back-alley bar in some remote port-of-call and missed the ship the next morning. Real trouble.
"Drunken Sailors", submitted by Marta to the "All Dressed Up" album.
--Bettie Rinehart
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I have one question for you, Allen. If that is your real name.
What in the world was going through your mind when this picture was taken?
Wait. I have another one.
Do those sandals hurt?
They're rad.
--Bettie Rinehart
"Self Protrait in Black and White" from the Your Scene album "Your Self Portrait", submitted by vinniethepug.
Caption: After many years of photographing others, one day I decided
to set before my own camera's lens. I found it a lot more difficult than I
thought. The result was good none the less. Allen
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 This is a cool black-and-white to brighten your Friday. The intricate ceiling here belongs to The Wiltern on Wilshire and Western (WILshire and wesTERN, get it?).
The ticket booth is closed and one, single lonely female appears to be waiting for someone. A friend? A lover? The bus?
We're not sure, but the canopy above her provides a lovely atmosphere.
The Wiltern is not only one of L.A.'s more intimate concert venues, but also an Art Deco treat. Considered one of the finest examples of Style Moderne lines, the theater and the blue-green building connected to it were designed by G. Albert Lansburgh (also responsible for the El Capitan Theater and The Orpheum).
This photo goes to show that when you are waiting around, it's always a good idea to look up. Magic in the ceiling!
"The Wiltern" from the album L.A. Landmarks, submitted by Didi.
--Lori Kozlowski
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Nicki here has perfected the fine art of the Big Stretch.
She (or he?) must have been practicing for a long, long time. Well, Nicki: all your hard work has paid off. You win Best Stretch of '08! Job well done, kitty friend. Job well done.
"Stretttttccccchhhhh!" from the album Just Five More Minutes..., submitted by Dale
--Lindsay Barnett
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 Now, here's a shot with compelling composition. Look at that break-of-day moment captured here. The sun peeking through ominous clouds, hovering over Downtown Los Angeles. Does it get any more Noir-ish?
And who doesn't love one of L.A.'s most cherished landmarks--The Orpheum Theater.
The theater served as a stage for funnymen and freak shows, as the vaudeville circuit made a home there in the 1930s. Everyone from Judy Garland to Aretha Franklin to Duke Ellington has performed at the historic site. In the early 1990s, parts of the prolific music video for "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses were captured there. Even American Idol has filmed live shows in this place. How's that for a variety show?
The place opened in February of 1926, and since--with the help of a few facelifts--has continued to provide laughter and luxury.
One last quirky detail that I love about The Orpheum is that it has an organ. They call it "The Mighty Wurlitzer," and sadly it is the last remaining theater organ left on Broadway.
But not to worry. Should you wish to catch a glimpse at part of L.A.'s history, The Orpheum is still staging shows, hosting parties, and generally still alive and kicking. For the theater's latest round of entertainment this year, check out their schedule here.
"Orpheum Theater" from the album Downtown, submitted by Ross.
--Lori Kozlowski
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So, summer has arrived (though the first official day doesn't happen until later this month). It looks like these three girls, hanging out on Venice Beach, are saying "no" to June Gloom. Instead, they say "yes" to fashion, flair, face paint and flavor.
A young Supremes in the making? Maybe so.
There are few photographs that would capture the spirit of Venice so quintessentially. Wish I was there right now, riding my bike.
"Venice Beach Kids" from the album At the Beach, submitted by kellyart.
--Lori Kozlowski
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This job can't be healthy for a gal like me. Little Diego's cuteness is giving me heart palpitations.
But I Can't. Stop. Staring. at his precious little face!
God bless you, Diego. I hope you had fun at whatever gala event you attended in this astonishingly adorable finery.
"Ready to Party!" from the album All Dressed Up, submitted by Eric
--Lindsay Barnett
P.S. Might I be so bold as to suggest, dear little chihuahua friend, that for your next formal occasion you invest in a miniature top hat to go along with your tails?
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 As we dig deeper into our local neighborhoods, it has become increasingly easier to find fantastic art in surprising little places. Take this picture, for instance.
Shot by Cindy, this photograph captures just one corner of a large mural in Highland Park.
The Virgin de Guadalupe can be seen on many walls around L.A. actually. The image is some times tattooed on muscled arms, stenciled on the sides of little bodegas, and even hanging from rearview mirrors. Here we see the famous saint in someone's graffiti-ed prayer.
Thanks for the inspired shot. Very full of grace.
"Virgin" from the album Street Art, sumitted by Cindy.
--Lori Kozlowski
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People, don't judge this poor animal. Once you're addicted to catnip it is really hard to stop.
You tell yourself you can quit whenever you want. But you can't.
C'mon, kitty! I believe in you. Stop looking for love in a purple container.
"CatNip" from the album Cats, submitted by YourOriginal
--Lindsay Barnett
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 This photo titled "Glamour" comes to us from Tom Andrews. We filed it in an album called Only in L.A.
Only in L.A., indeed. This shot really personifies part of L.A. culture. Don't have perfect hair? Buy it. Don't have fashionable clothes? Nails? Skin? Purchase. Purchase. Purchase.
A fittingly gorgeous black and white poster in a storefront window calls out to passersby. Holly Golightly never looked so good.
We wonder how much glamour is going for these days, if gas is nearing $5.00 in some L.A. neighborhoods.
"Glamour" from the album Only in L.A., sumitted by Tom Andrews.
--Lori Kozlowski
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Whoa, what is happening here?! Has there been some sort of rip in the time-space continuum to allow a photo like this to be taken?
No, no. Submitter rob's caption reads, "Snoopy the original Flying Beagle. Where else on Earth could you find such a character?"
I wish I knew! Rob, where on earth did you find this levitating hound and where can I get one of my very own? I shall call him...Spoony!
"flying beagle" from the album Man's Best Friend, submitted by rob
--Lindsay Barnett
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 "While shopping for clothes in Varanasi, India, we had to be careful not to disturb this cow who made this store his home," says submitter cynthia.
Well...it, uh...certainly looks comfortable!
"Shopping with Cow" from the album India
--Lindsay Barnett
P.S. You're welcome for not using the phrase "china shop" anywhere in this post. Until now. D'oh!
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Oldreb submitted this photo of a single flower in the desert to the "How Your Garden Grows" album. We find the colors and composition really lovely. Moving, even. Thanks, Oldreb.
--Bettie Rinehart
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Ummm...maybe I'll just have some rice.
Okay, okay. And some green tea.
I suddenly don't feel very hungry.
"I'll have a side of..." from the album Japan, submitted by Tokyo
--Lindsay Barnett
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I really can't say more than "OMGOMGOMG" about this, so I'll let submitter howard take it from here: These guys were both adopted strays....became the best of friends, and respected each other's space; many years later they're probably romping together in animal heaven....
Single tear.
That is all.
"Scollie and Mickey" from the album Four-Legged Friends, submitted by howard
--Lindsay Barnett
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 We of the Your Scene "management" LOVE gags. So it's always exciting when we see that Your Scene users love them, too!
Exhibit A: In this photo, submitted by ST to the "What's Going On Here?" album, the shouting boy seems to have been viciously attacked by the dachshund lolling on the grass. The boy's severed hand lies stretched between the crazed animal and a nice backyard shrub.
ST follows up with a illustrative close-up of the dog, Bean, and the gag rubber hand. So, no calls to the SPCA or CPS, please.
Nice one, ST. You and Bean rule!
--Bettie Rinehart
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Is it a simple servant of the postal service, or is it a clever homophone-teaching device?
Must we decide?
"Male Box" from the album Weird America, submitted by Slanted Anvil
--Lindsay Barnett
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Submitter Lisa says, "My cat adores my guinea pig, and vice versa."
Now if we could just get Barack and Hillz to take a cue from these two, you know what I'm sayin'?
"Friends" from the album Four-Legged Friends, submitted by Lisa
--Lindsay Barnett
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What one holiday unites us all?
Not Christmas or Chanukah. And some people don't like Hallowe'en. Certainly not Thanksgiving; who needs the baggage and guilt left us by the Pilgrims?
I offer you: my personal favorite holiday, National Donut Day. National Donut Day brings all Americans together into one happy family, from the lowliest Homer to the mightiest Mr. Burns. Today, friends, we are one, held together by the sweet jelly center that is the United States of America. Or something.
Our own Elina Shatkin has the scoop on the best donuts in town! So live it up, kids, 'cause it only comes 'round once a year.
"The best!!" from the album L.A. Landmarks, submitted by Nancy
--Lindsay Barnett
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A perfectly manicured green lawn of Dodger Stadium looks a like a tapestry for one lonely security guard to walk across, perhaps on his way home?
How about those Dodgers last night? They put up a great fight against the Cubs, until the final inning. Check out The Blue Notes Blog for the L.A. Times' run down of the game.
Thanks for this great shot! Gives all of L.A. much to ponder.
"left field" from the album L.A. Landmarks, submitted by curator.
--Lori Kozlowski
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Submitter John Fay informs us that "this cat was second best in show at the 2006 santa monica cat show." What John Fay did not tell us is that he came in first in the World's Fluffiest Cat competition (and received an honorable mention in the Smooshy Face category).
He's a star!!!
"long haired kitty" from the album Cats, submitted by John Fay
--Lindsay Barnett
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