The Your Scene Blog
Handpicked photography and video from the readers of the L.A. Times

Googie galore

Laxgoogiefinal

What is that strange word that is just one letter away from spelling "Google"?

"Googie" architecture is that ultra-modern, funky, super futuristic style of coffee shops, restaurants, and bowling alleys, you may have seen around L.A.

Pictured here is an abstract shot of the Theme Building at LAX, which houses the restaurant Encounter. 

Submitter JamesG writes in his caption: "Dusk at Encounter Restaurant, LAX. Completed 1961, designed by Paul Williams. His projects paved the way for African-American architects. The interior is like a lava lamp."

Cool. I want to be inside a lava lamp! Thanks for this fine photo, JamesG. And for the litte history lesson. Paul Williams was also responsible for the designing the Beverly Hills Hotel and Perino's, as well as many homes to the stars.

For more on Googie architecture around Los Angeles and much of Southern California, check out Whitney Friedlander's guided tour. Or the return of Bob's Big Boy in California, a great example of Googie's pop. 

"Encounter Restaurant" from the album L.A. Landmarks, submitted by JamesG.

--Lori Kozlowski

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Heavy metal

Disneyhallfinal

I enjoy mystery photographs. We all have a different perspective on how things look and what things are. Is this some mega-palace set in outerspace, meant for warring robots to take refuge inside? Or a cool, sleek spaceship with sharp edges for batting away flying meteors? A modern take on the Egyptian pyramids?

The answer is none of the above.

This is a shot taken right here in Downtown L.A. of our own beloved Walt Disney Concert Hall. A Frank Gehry stainless steel marvel.

"Disney Hall" from the album Architectural Interest, submitted by Thomas Chung.

--Lori Kozlowski

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Let it all out

Madnessfinal

Have you ever been so overwhelmed with emotion that you just had to express it? Immediately? Openly? Publicly?

Well, this little boy shows us all the way to true peace. He is getting out whatever he's got inside.

This is quite a roar we are looking at here. A deep primal scream.

His mom writes in her caption: "My boy playing HERO in the Jewish Memorial Square, Pan Pacific Park, L.A."

I love the look of sheer emotion.

"Madness and Anger" from the album City Parks, submitted by Luz.

--Lori Kozlowski

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Earth, wind and fire

Southcentralfarmfinal

Who is this little girl? And where is she?

Actually, this photo was taken at the South Central Farm, when the Farm was still in existence. Also known as the South Central Community Garden, the urban, 14-acre farm provided crops and food to local families.

What is most tender about this shot is that the young child seems as if she is sweetly touching the earth. Something wholly different from playing in the dirt.

It's a lovely moment, capturing the spirit of connection.

"Scene from the So. Central Farm" from the album Farmers Markets, submitted by Qevin.   

--Lori Kozlowski

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Deco and decadent

WilternfinalThis 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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Dark comedy

OrpheumfinalNow, 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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Out in left field

Leftfield1cropped_2

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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It's lotus time...so where are the lotuses?

lotus flowers in echo park

Our pal Veronique de Turenne over at the L.A. Now blog is wondering the very same thing!

So...will we have any of these glorious blooms in time for the Lotus Festival?  Fingers crossed, but if not you can always check out our Echo Park/Silver Lake album to get your lotus fix!

pretty pretty lotus

The photographers, in order of appearance:

"Lotus flowers in Echo park" from the album Echo Park/Silver Lake, submitted by Tirza

"Lotus bloom at Echo Park La" from the album Echo Park/Silver Lake, submitted by Joe

--Lindsay Barnett

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Universal Studios Fire

universal studios fire

Y'all sent us some great photos -- and even videos!! -- of the Universal Park Fire (which sources are now saying was sparked by workers' heating tools). 

These are a few of our favorite shots -- and you can see them all here.

Of course, if you took photos or video of the fire, we'd be much obliged if you'd send 'em our way!  Go here to submit (just choose the "Your News" category and "Universal Studios Fire" album). 

an onlooker watches the universal studios fire

A reader's video of the fire after the jump (apologies to Internet Explorer viewers who may have trouble viewing)...

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We (heart) the Getty!

getty center museum

I don't exactly have all the data in front of me, but I'd wager that one of the most-photographed places in all of L.A. is the Getty Center.  In fact, it's photographed so much that we gave it its own Your Scene album!

I'm here to tell you that there are lots 'o great photos in there to check out, but here are a few of our favorites.  (BTW, we have it on good authority that the man in the photo above, while ill-advised in his choice of walkways, was unharmed!  So don't fret, folks, it's all gonna be okay.)

getty center museum

More Getty awesomeness after the jump!

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About the Bloggers
Lindsay Barnett was born to wolves in the back country of Uzbekistan in the early '80s. She was spotted, trapped, and tranquilized by missionaries who named her and raised her as their own. She now moderates and curates the galleries of the Los Angeles Times' Your Scene.

Bettie Rinehart, Weekend Editor at latimes.com, has been a fan of Your Scene from its humble beginnings in August, 2006. She's delighted to contribute to the Your Scene blog -- by plucking from the endlessly compelling, beautiful and sometimes baffling submissions of our readers. For your interest and edification, of course.

Lori Kozlowski is a huge fan of hearing from the people of Los Angeles. Your Scene is a sneak peek into your world, sort of like postcards that you send us. She is a writer, who has covered the quirky and the off-beat in L.A. and other cities. She is currently a producer for latimes.com.

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