Saturday, August 30, 2008

Just Another LA Times "News" Article

Every once in a while it's worth setting aside about 5 minutes to spotlight the lunacy and lack of journalistic integrity that is referred to locally as "The Los Angeles Times". Here is a current article of extreme relevancy to the future of California development that is published not as an opinion/editorial piece but simply as "news" on the LA Times Website. So let's have a read and we will go ahead and provide The Plastico commentary [that will look like this so you are not confused]....


Legislature takes aim at urban sprawl and global warming

A bill calling for financial incentives to target greenhouse gases would be the first in the nation. By Margot Roosevelt, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 21, 2008

Will Californians drive less to reduce global warming? Maybe not on our own -- but state officials are ready to nudge us. [Mileage driven in California and the Nation are already well below last years levels because of high gas prices - if the goal was to make driving more painful they could add to the gas tax which is already the highest in the nation]

The Legislature is on the verge of adopting the nation's first law to control planet-warming gases by curbing sprawl. [Sprawl can also be defined as the development of land that people legally own and would like to invest in just as they have since.. well - forever]

The bill, sponsored by incoming state Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), is expected to pass the Assembly today and the Senate on Friday. [The above link takes you to a 20 minute YouTube Video of Mr. Steinberg others and celebrating the expected passage of the bill - the most interesting fact here: they disabled the 'comment' section following the video. That makes sense; the one group beyond criticism must be our government]

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position on the bill, but sponsors expect him to sign it once the state passes a budget. The legislation, SB 375, would offer incentives to steer public funds away from sprawled development. [Making it nearly impossible to develop in areas that Sacramento Bureaucrats have decided to define as 'sprawl'- anyone thinking about the crucial importance of campaign donations???]

The state spends about $20 billion a year on transportation, and under the new law, projects that meet climate goals would get priority. [Can you possible have a more confusing or irrelevant threshold]

An earlier version of the bill was blocked last year by the building industry and by organizations representing cities and counties. Developers feared their suburban projects would be delayed or halted. Local officials were wary of ceding zoning powers and transportation planning to the state. But momentum for the legislation has grown as the state seeks to implement its
landmark 2006 global warming law, which would slash California's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, a 30% cut from expected emissions. [So - what happened to the concerns about suburban projects and ceding rights to Sacramento???? By the way the link that Ms. Roosevelt included takes you to a June 2008 article also written by Ms. Roosevelt that includes nearly all of the same praise for the bill and absolutely no relevant opposing viewpoint. I'm shocked that she didn't directly quote her 3 month younger brain]

To accomplish that, state officials say, fuel-efficient cars and factories won't be enough. [Why not? Have they heard of electric cars and nuke power? Maybe we should just add MTBE to the gas again]


Subdivisions, commercial centers and highways must be planned so that Californians can live and work closer together, reducing the amount they drive. [Think Communist Russia; BTW is the LA Times writer passing off her current opinion as a pure statement of fact????]"

Our communities must change the way they grow," Steinberg said. A compromise 17,000-word bill was hammered out this month and endorsed by builders, environmentalists and local officials. [That must be great news to all of the builders, land owners, and local officials who still oppose it]


It requires the state's 17 metropolitan planning organizations and its regional transportation plans to meet concrete targets to reduce global-warming emissions. The targets will be set by the state Air Resources Board. [That's a relief, only 17 government agencies have to work together to comply with the new law that will be administered by new powers granted to a larger state agency; sounds cheap, efficient, and absolutely freaking impossible]

"California led the way into our culture of car dependence [freedom of travel], so it is only appropriate that the state lead the way out," said David Goldberg, a spokesman for Smart Growth America, a Washington-based nonprofit. [Perfect, so we have heard exclusively from the bills supporters and now a national left wing anti-development group... we must be getting really close to uncovering the opposing viewpoint]

The law could "provide a model for other states," he added, noting that the number of miles Americans drive has risen at more than double the rate of population growth in recent decades. [Maybe we should lower income taxes so people can afford to live closer to work??? Wait a sec, we have not read @ any sweeping generalizations and scare tactics yet that would be sure to win over the weak minded skeptics]


Scientists agree that the earth is heating up at a dangerous pace, in part because of excess carbon dioxide and other gases from vehicles, power plants and other human sources. The expected effects in California include coastal flooding from rising sea levels, reduced water supply and the disappearance of many species of plants and animals, according to researchers. The legislation would lead to better-designed communities and save consumers on gas bills, advocates said. [How on earth can we plan to spend less on gas and gas taxes at a time of remarkable shortfalls in the State Budget... What other additional tax increases should we prep for to replace the huge gas tax revenue that the state currently takes in???]

Thomas Adams, board president of the California League of Conservation Voters, called it the most important land-use bill in California since the Coastal Act in the 1970s. "It is also the first legislation to link transportation funding with climate policy," he said. [That is probably the scariest sentence I have ever read and I just read "1984"]

So what could have Mrs. Roosevelt have mentioned if she were interested in writing a real article?

Maybe that the bill requires "a minimum net density of at least 20 dwelling units per acre" in order to receive the crucial "transit priority". Great news if your building low income apartments by the rail road tracks... terrible news if you were hoping for a reasonably priced home with an actual backyard - but don't worry; this will affect your children far more than it will affect you.

Maybe she could have mentioned the inevitable huge increase in review fees and project approval time for each development and how such changes will disproportionately hurt small developers who can't afford to buy off politicians. Perhaps we might want to know about the new added government jobs that we will have to pay for, the troublesome rezoning costs and legal fees that will hit individual counties as they attempt to comply with Sacramento zoning changes by the required dates.

But what the hell, as long as we are trying to save earth's environment with local law it should be certain that God will bless us with less fire, flood, and earthquake (just a few of the things that I'm told are related to human caused global warming).

Friday, August 29, 2008

Yelps latest "Top 10 Downtown LA Bars"

The Plastico keeps a close eye on Yelp - a great word of mouth resource; Here are the current "Top 10 Rated Downtown Los Angeles Bars":

1. Blue Dahlia Cafe Categories: Wine Bars, Italian 4.5 star rating 58 reviews
738 E 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA, 90013
(213) 613-0621

"One of the best burgers I've had. And a cool decor. Can't decide if I like it or 25 degrees better. Must do a back-to-back taste test comparison. Would give it 5 stars if the burger were…"

2. Seven Grand Categories: Jazz & Blues, Bars 4 star rating 198 reviews
515 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA, 90014
(213) 614-0737

"Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of "whiskey!" =) This is the place to be for all you whiskey lovers... which includes myself. First off, I fell in love with the wide selection of whiskeys all over the back of…"

96 reviews
901 E 1st St
Los Angeles, CA, 90012
(213) 687-3766
"One of our fave bars...love the location, it's totally hidden in an industrial area so there's tons of easy parking. They always have good shows and bands playing, and the interior is like a Catholic…"

4. Hank's Bar Category: Dive Bars 4.5 star rating 19 reviews
840 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA, 90017
(213) 623-7718

"Damn you all for letting the cat out of the bag. Sorry Hank's. It was bound to happen."

14 reviews
1751 E Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA, 90021
(213) 623-3989

"Just the perfect storm of entertainment. We bring all our of of town guests here (well, not ALL of them). A night downtown is just not complete with out stopping at Sam's."

29 reviews
400 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA, 90013
(213) 626-2768

"OMG........... I love this place! I used to hang out here almost everyday. I will never get tired of the Iron Walnuts Salad or the Avocado toast. The owner is usually there in the day working hard…"
7. La Cita Categories: Dance Clubs, Dive Bars, Music Venues 4 star rating 89 reviews
336 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA, 90013

"I don't know why La Cita brings out the freak in all of us. Thursdays are the best nights to go. Well, I guess I should rephrase this by saying Thursdays nights are the nights I go. I haven't been…"

8. Bar 107 Category: Dive Bars 4 star rating 150 reviews
107 4th Street
Los Angeles, CA, 90013
(213) 625-7382

"I went on a Friday and this little hole-in-the-wall was PACKED.. i was actually bordering between a 3 and a 4 but it got a 3 cause this place really isn't my "scene" but it's still very cool. You can…"


9. The Edison Category: Lounges 4 star rating 384 reviews
108 W 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA, 90012
(213) 613-0000

"This place's interior is so amazing. By the entrance you can find the smoking lounge which had metal bars around it. It felt like a cage mostly because it was crowded too. Inside the smoking lounge…"

10. Seven Restaurant Bar Categories: American (New), Bars 3.5 star rating 14 reviews
555 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA, 90014
(213) 223-0777

"I came to this place with a bunch of girls for a girls night out. The place is nicely decorated and a bit dark, which I though made the place very appealing and sexy. Our server was great, just felt…"

Want to see more "Downtown Bars" from YELP LOS ANGELES:
to 10 of 53 | Go to Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 Previous | Next

Who Isn't Addicted To Sex? Not Dave Duchovny.

People Exclusive

David Duchovny Enters Rehab for Sex Addiction

Originally posted Thursday August 28, 2008 07:50 PM EDT


David Duchovny Enters Rehab for Sex Addiction | David Duchovny
David Duchovny has entered a rehabilitation center for sex addiction, his lawyer, Stanton "Larry" Stein, tells PEOPLE exclusively.

"I have voluntarily entered a facility for the treatment of sex addiction," the actor says in an exclusive statement. "I ask for respect and privacy for my wife and children as we deal with this situation as a family."

Duchovny, 48, has been married to actress Téa Leoni since 1997. They have two children, daughter Madelaine West, 9, and son Kyd, 6.


RELATED ARTICLES:
2005: Halle Berry's ex Eric Benét opens up about his stint in sex-addiction rehab
Get a look inside celebrity journeys into rehab
See David Duchovny's first PEOPLE cover!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Los Angeles Eating... On A Budget.

Amy L's , Los Angeles Recession Specials:

1. Gloria's Cafe

10227 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034

(310) 838-0963

Category: Latin American 5 star rating 3/12/2008

it's a good thing that i don't live close to gloria's cafe because i'm pretty sure i'd be over there weekly. i have a real soft spot for beans, cheese, and rice and BOY do you find all of that and then some over at gloria's!! the food really is tasty here and the prices are reasonable. i typically order the combo meal (because of the beans, cheese, and rice...hello? is there an echo in here?) and usually get my enchiladas or chili rellenos because these are some of my old favorites. i can't wait to try some of their other dishes though because everything looks pretty spectacular. more reasons to drive to that side of town!

one of the best things about gloria's is their sangria. holy crap this sangria deserves it's own paragraph. it's smooth and sweet...but packs a punch because the alcohol hits you slowly. you typically want to order more than one cup, but i suggest you pace yourself because the alcohol slowly creeps up on you and you're going to find yourself to be a sleepy drunk.

i love the fact that there's good food, good service, reasonable prices, consistency, and you get seated immediately. if you've never been here before, i suggest you try. little gems like gloria's are hard to find. you will definitely get your grub on!

2. Dumpling Master Restaurant

423 N Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754

(626) 458-8689

Category: Chinese 5 star rating 01/20/2008

i'm not afraid of hole-in-the-wall exteriors or lack of coolness interiors when it comes to restaurants. all that matters to me is good food and good company...and it would be a perk if it looks relatively clean. when i was introduced to "da masta," it was love at first bite. there is something super yummy about their pan fried dumplings...the crispy exterior and the flavorful interior of each dumpling really makes me hanker for more even though the next bite might lead to an early death because i've inhaled so much already. i usually order pork pan fried dumplings, but i can imagine that the other animal groups and vegetarian ones are just as tasty. but the trick is, and HARK my words, you must mix the perfect sauce for your dumplings. at your table are some condiments. start with a base of soy sauce, a dribble of vinegar, and a tiny spoonful of that oily chili. you should modify the amounts base on your preferences. of course, mine is always perfect just for me...and it is the perfect sauce to go with that perfect little pan fried dumpling.

do supplement your meal with their scallion pancakes and hand made soup noodles with beef. not only will you leave this joint feeling pleasantly stuffed, you will also leave with enough dollars in your wallet to go get some dessert if there's still space in your belly. the food is HELLA CHEAP! what isn't there to love about this place?

and oh, they have this special delicacy: pig ears. they are thinly sliced and when eaten, the texture is rubbery and crunchy. i really like it even though it's not everybody's cup of tea. i usually order an ear, and sometimes two. this bit of information should in NO way make you question my taste buds...hahahahaha. my tastes are pretty diverse.

3. Rodeo Mexican Grill

1721 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 483-8311

Category: Mexican Neighborhood: Echo Park 4 star rating 04/14/2008

#27 please.

that means a tasty enchilada burrito with red sauce, a side of well seasoned rice, and refried beans with a cheese topping.... yum! this typical meal costs me $7.57 and i'm never disappointed with it. their other menu items are just as tasty...in fact, i get pretty consistent rodeo grill cravings.

the restaurant itself doesn't have the best decor so if you EVEN think about bringing a date to this place, then it will be obvious to her after your meal that it's best just to be "friends." it's not bad, it's just not a place to impress. the restaurant is relatively clean, there's parking on the streets or in their tiny parking lot in the back, or, you can do what i do and park across the street where masa is located. there's metered parking in a lot back there.

To View the Complete Recession Restaurant List Click Here

For More of Amy L's Favorite LA Things Just Click Here

South Bay Kids: You are envited to....

The Grand Opening of Airwave.... Every Friday Night starting August 29 at Saint Rocke - sponsored by Swoop Magazine, Body Glove, Vicious Vodka

Lounge-Dance 9 p.m.
DJ Orchestra spinning
Live Music Performances
Saint Rocke
142 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa
310-372-0035


Swoop Magazine is sponsored by AEG/AVP..Saint Rocke..Body Glove..Vicious Vodka..Miss Me..Brixton..Hennesseys and Sharkeez

Sunset Junction Festival: Bad Press Continues

That thing near downtown that made it hard to drive anywhere was the "Sunset Junction Festival". You may have gone to it - if you did it sounds like you may not be that happy about it. The LAist.com seems to have summed up the widespread criticism about the event:

2008.08.sj.com.jpgFirst, LAist.com reveals that last weekend's event may indeed have been an official FREE EVENT. (The blog digs up an official document noting just that.) Yesterday, a reader sent in some thoughts to Curbed on the event, noting the once-happy festival has turned into a "strange spectacle of empty streets and thuggy security guards. And $20 for what's supposed to be a neighborhood togetherness event? Aside from the suspicious and defensive nature of the promoter's response to any request for accountability, the big issue remains: why can they charge at all? I'd been under the impression that because this is held on a public street, it's supposed to be open for all and any ticket prices are to be donation only. Time to break this thing open and get the real story --- or call it off." [LAist.com/Curbed Inbox]

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

This is a must see. "Teen Wolf"... Improved.

The Plastico is not a video humor site - but this is one of the best 'made for the internet' videos that we have ever seen. Great work to the team over at Summer of Tears -A local Comedy Team.... and thanks again to The Comedy Hub for the Post.


This video is sponsored by The Comedy Hub; Don't log on without it

Opaque and your vip invite....

tip via thrillist.com

Opaque's just relaunched its dark-dining experience after a summer-long break, trading the old Hollywood Hyatt digs for the west-side environs of Santa Monica (where people dine in sandals even when you can see their feet). Instead of a hotel lobby, you'll saunter into the amphitheater-style V Lounge nightclub, order a cocktail and choose your meal , then head back to a 30-seat, blind-waiter-staffed dining room; striding boldly into the murky back of the club, you'll feel like Blade stalking raving vampires, or Ace Ventura stalking some whale-tracking hacker dweeb.

Along with the new space, Opaque's also brought in a new chef, cooking up rotating dishes like wild sockeye salmon w/Thai chili glaze and sweet-jerk seasoning, and filetmignon stuffed w/ sweet roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, and goat cheese; the chef's under contract elsewhere, so his identity's secret (so stop trying to crack it by pawing his face).

Once done with dinner, you're free to bypass the line for the V Lounge's main room -- where gazing upon throngs of nubile UCLA girls, you'll long for a hiatus of blessed, bald-spot-masking blackness. If you are not a bald dude - why are you hiding in a dark lounge? More importantly how do you get ahead of the other deuchbag assholes?

The first two weeks are invite only so....
use the code "thrillistknows" at DarkDining.com.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Is the Economic Climate in California beyond rebound?

The State Budget is a disaster but in many ways we are lucky that no agreement has been reached. Democrats and The Governator are talking new and higher taxes; Republicans in Sacramento have just enough votes to hold out for any deal that does not include higher taxes -at least until someone is bought off and caves in. So exactly what kind of trouble are we in here?

Our current state tax code places us here:

The income tax may be the most interesting; the top rate of 9.3% (highest in the nation) is reached by those with incomes of just $44,815.00. The Plastico readers know that such an income might allow you to live with 5-6 other illegal immigrants in a El Monte apartment but that is about it.

The Governor has floated the idea of a "temporary- 3 year" 1% increase to the sales tax but our sales tax is already the highest in the nation - maybe that Oregon border (no sales tax) is starting to look a little closer. So where is the tipping point; where is the point of no return for the dying Golden Goose? The following article from John Matsusaka is a good read:

Where does all that state money go?

California is spending 40% more than four years ago, but on what, exactly?
California state government spent $145 billion last fiscal year, $41 billion more than four years ago when Gov. Gray Davis got recalled by voters. With all that new spending -- a whopping 40% increase -- we ought to be in a golden age of government with abundant public services for all.

So why does it seem like the quality and quantity of government is not all that different from 2004? How many of us feel like we are getting 40% more public services, 40% better schools, roads, parks and so on?

The Legislature and governor, grappling with another huge budget deficit, are suggesting raising taxes, so it seems opportune to ask what we got from the last $41 billion.

Some of it went to cover increases in the cost of living, and state spending naturally grows with the size of the population. But even adjusting for inflation and population growth, state spending is up almost 20% compared with four years ago, a big enough bump that ordinary Californians should be able to notice it. The state's financial statements describe where the money went -- the big gainers were education ($13 billion), transportation ($10 billion) and health ($10 billion) -- but not why these billions don't create even a blip on our day-to-day radar.

One possibility is that we simply do not notice all of the valuable services we receive. A national 2007 survey by William G. Howell at the University of Chicago and Martin R. West at Brown University found that respondents underestimated spending in their school district by 60%; on average, they believed spending was $4,231 per student when in fact it was $10,377. They also found that Americans underestimated teacher salaries by 30%. How many Californians know that public school teachers in the state earn an average of $59,000 a year, essentially tied with Connecticut for the highest average pay in the country? Likewise, perhaps we don't notice the repaired roads or new buses and trains that take us to work.

On the other hand, maybe these billions of dollars just do not translate into services that are valuable to us.

Is paying the highest teacher salaries in the country delivering a better education for our children? Are roads and transit being built near where we live? Do big raises for prison guards promote rehabilitation and lead to more humane prisons? If funds are being directed to satisfy powerful special interests -- teachers, builders, prison guards -- rather than everyday people, the spending might not result in tangibly improved services for the typical Californian.

The reason this matters right now is that the state is at a budget juncture. Almost by accident, without any significant changes to the tax code, state revenue grew more than 30% over the last four years, so the Legislature and governor were able to fuel the state's spending growth without burdening the taxpayers.

But those days of revenue windfalls appear to be over. To bring the budget into balance, the state now has to reduce the rate of spending growth or raise taxes.

The governor has floated the idea of higher sales taxes, and the Legislature wants to increase the income tax on high-earners -- but the state already seems to be pushing the boundary on taxes.

California's statewide sales tax of 7.25% is already the highest in the nation. Income taxes are also high, with the 10.3% rate on the top income bracket the highest in the nation. The highly progressive nature of the state's income tax schedule -- the top 10% of earners supply more than 70% of income tax revenue, according to one estimate -- already results in excessive revenue volatility. It also raises questions about how much redistribution of wealth is fair: Should the top 10% foot the bill for basic services enjoyed by all Californians?

Legislators, pundits and interest groups warn of dire consequences if state spending is slowed or cut. But if most Californians haven't detected a significant change from the last $41 billion, including 40% more on schools, will they notice if some of that spending disappears?

Voters are criticized for wanting more services yet being unwilling to pay higher taxes. That is unfair; Californians have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to fund valuable programs. But if spending can go up 40% and most of us can't discern any difference, can we blame voters for being hesitant to put even more tax money in the hands of the state?

John G. Matsusaka is a professor of business and law at USC and the author of "For the Many or the Few: The Initiative, Public Policy, and American Democracy."


Just now from Cracked.com

The 7 Most Retarded Ways Celebrities Have Tried to Go Green

By David Knight

type="text/javascript">With the threat of global warming looming, it's more important than ever that all of us appear to care about the environment. Maybe no one works harder on this than celebrities, who make it a point to show up in the papers every now and then with their latest eco-friendly gesture. We would applaud them for this, if it wasn't for the fact that the gestures are often mind-blowingly retarded.
#7.
Paul McCartney Gets a Hybrid... Flown to Him by Private Jet

Earlier this year, Paul McCartney bought (or may have been given) a hybrid car from Lexus, after he had done some promotional work for them. See! This is what John Lennon was singing about, people.

So What's the Problem?

The car was specially flown in from Japan, thus creating several hundred times more emissions than it would ever save. Reports differ as to whether or not McCartney bought the car and demanded it be flown to him, or if Lexus took it upon themselves to send it to him to make McCartney look like even more of a dick than he usually does.

In an interview, McCartney claimed to be horrified by the whole thing, but he couldn't talk for long as he had to go protect animals from potential forest fires by chopping down the Amazon rain forest.

It Could Have Been Worse...

He could have left it in the plane, then just had the plane fly him around England while he sat behind the wheel making engine sounds.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE AND THE TOP 6


One more reason to stay out of East LA

Your next door neighbor may just be the Mexican National who massacred 19 people to eliminate drug traffic competition....


East Los Angeles man arrested in 1998 Mexican massacre
The Associated Press

A Mexican national wanted in connection with a decade-old, drug-related massacre of 19 people in the Baja California resort town of Ensenada has been captured and turned over to Mexican authorities, U.S. immigration officials said today.

Officers confronted Jesus Ruben Moncada, 33, at his Los Angeles home Thursday night as he took out the garbage.

Moncada, who did not resist arrest, was taken into custody on administrative immigration violations and was returned under heavy security Friday to Mexico where he faces first degree murder, attempted murder and kidnapping charges.

Moncada told officers he fled to the United States in 1998, illegally crossing the border near San Ysidro, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"This man is suspected of being involved in one of the most heinous mass killings in recent times," Brian DeMore, a field office director for ICE, said in a statement.

Moncada is accused for his role in the 1998 execution-style slaying of 19 people including eight children.

Authorities said several gunmen raided the ranch compound of an alleged drug trafficker and 18 members of his family and lined them up against a wall and shot them near the Baja California beach resort of Ensenada.

Prosecutors contend Moncada was a high-ranking member of a Felix Arellano gang, which carried out the killings to prevent the rival gang's marijuana-smuggling operation from becoming too competitive with theirs.

Moncada had been using his real name while living in the U.S., DeMore said

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Full Length Version of the NIKE Mens BB Olympic Commercial

Just Because it's awesome:



And What the Hell:

USA (CALIFORNIA) Water Polo Goes For Gold

GOLD MEDAL MATCH TO BE PLAYED ON NBC BETWEEN 12NOON and 4PM SUNDAY AUGUST 23rd PST



Why has The Plastico Brought you news of the USA Polo Team?
Every player on our team went to college in California. Every player but one (Brandon Brooks, Hawaii) was born in California. 11 of the 13 were born in Southern California (We have donated Fresno to Southern, CA for just a moment). This is California's team - these are our boys - so when you watch the gold medal match this Sunday - Cheer on CA as we take on heavy Olympic Favorite Hungary.


Ten reasons to watch the U.S. men's water polo team

Olympics' final-day action also its most intriguing By John Walters
Posted Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:09 AM ET

BEIJING -- Three men's team-sport gold-medal matches involving U.S. squads take place on Sunday, the closing day of the Beijing Olympics. And if you know the difference between Bela Karolyi and Karch Kiraly, which is to say, if you've been watching these Games, then you are likely familiar with the storylines of two of the three.



Team USA doubled up Serbia, 10-5, and will face Hungary in finals.

In men's volleyball, the resilient U.S. squad seeks to overcome both its underdog status and the tragic death of its head coach's father-in-law as they face Brazil at noon in Beijing. Twenty years after winning gold by going undefeated at an Olympics held in Asia, the U.S. men are one victory away from doing so again. And, in the process, Lloy Ball and company will provide some succor for their coach, Hugh McCutcheon, whose odyssey here in China by now you know well.

In men's basketball, which tips off at 2:30 p.m. local time, it's the Redeem Team. Another story whose plot requires little elucidation. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Coach K write the final chapter of their redemption saga versus Spain, a squad they beat by 37 points just a few nights ago.

But you probably know little about the men's water polo final set to take place at 3:40 p.m. locally. The gold medal match between heavily favored Hungary and the U.S.A. will be one of the last events of the Games (we like to get our money's worth out of Wolf Wigo). In many ways it will also be the most intriguing. In what ways, you ask? Allow me to count them:

1) The Hungarians are two-time defending gold medalists. In fact, Hungary has won more gold medals in water polo (eight) than any other nation and has earned one-third of the medals handed out.

2) The United States has won one gold medal in water polo, but it was basically an intramural ribbon. At the 1904 Games in St. Louis only three teams, all from the United States, entered the water polo competition. The Americans swept the medals (Well, I'll be!). So while America may be hungry for a gold medal, Hungary is not ... hungry ... for a gold medal.

3) If you were paying close attention to that first factoid, you noticed that eight is one-third of 24. Beijing is only the 26th Summer Games held. Except for the inaugural Olympics held in Athens in 1896, water polo has been part of every Summer program. It is the oldest continuously contested team sport in the Olympics. So, like the Games themselves, it has tradition on its side.

4) The U.S.A. has not won a medal (it was silver) since 1988. The captain of that team was Terry Schroeder, who is now the coach.

5) If Schroeder's face -- and arms, legs and torso -- looks familiar to you, it should. Schroeder was the model for the nude male statue that stands at the entrance of the Los Angeles Coliseum. That's confidence.

6) Gergely Kiss, besides sounding like something you experienced at your first girl-boy party, is the leader of the Hungarian squad. In the gold-medal matches in 2000 and 2004 Kiss was Hungary's leading scorer. And when the 6-6 lefty takes to the pool, he is one big, wet Gergely Kiss.

7) Before you ask where the horses are -- as I did -- here's an explanation behind the sport's name. Water polo, invented in England in the late 19th century, was first contested with players riding small wooden barrels made to resemble horses and swinging at the ball with a mallet.

8) At 6-1, U.S. captain Tony Azevedo is the second-shortest player on the team but inarguably the best. Azevedo, 26, was a four-time winner of the Peter J. Cutino Award (water polo's Heisman) while at Stanford, and Beijing marks his third Olympic Games.

9) Water polo players get the girls. In Paris in 1924 Johnny Weissmuller led the U.S. to its first legitimate medal, a bronze, then went on to play Tarzan -- perhaps the only role in Hollywood at the time that did not require him to expand his wardrobe. Current U.S. team member Peter Hudnut was Cosmopolitan's "California Bachelor" of 2007.

10) As with icebergs and digestion, in water polo all the real action takes place below the surface. Remember that scene in Jaws 2 when Sheriff Brody starts yelling "Shark!" and waving his sidearm, and there's a below-water shot of the panoply of limbs and tumult? That's water polo.

Follow the game on NBC and watch live game stats courtesy of the NBC Website (Click here)

Meet the Team:
Merrill Moses (Goalkeeper)

Merrill Moses (Goalkeeper)

The starting goalkeeper for the U.S. water polo team since 2006, Merrill Moses uses explosive range and lateral movement to keep the ball out of his net.
Brandon Brooks (Goalkeeper)

Brandon Brooks (Goalkeeper)

The starting goalkeeper in Athens, Hawaiian-bred Brandon Brooks is a reliable backstop when called upon.
Ryan Bailey (Center)

Ryan Bailey (Center)

Playing in the trenches, center Ryan Bailey gives the U.S. men's water polo team veteran leadership, strength and scoring in Beijing.
JW Krumpholz (Center)

JW Krumpholz (Center)

The youngest player on the team, JW Krumpholz is a surprise addition to the U.S. Olympic water polo team.
Tony Azevedo (Attacker)

Tony Azevedo (Attacker)

Team captain Tony Azevedo looks to lead the United States men's water polo team to its first Olympic medal since 1988.
Adam Wright (Attacker)

Adam Wright (Attacker)

One of the most experienced players on the U.S. team in Beijing, Adam Wright offers a great combination of tough defense and scoring touch.
Peter Varellas (Attacker)

Peter Varellas (Attacker)

Attacker Peter Varellas will be called upon to provide scoring punch in his Olympic debut.
Jesse Smith (Utility)

Jesse Smith (Utility)

One of water polo's most gifted athletes, utility man Jesse Smith commands a lot of respect in the pool.
Jeff Powers (Utility)

Jeff Powers (Utility)

At six-foot-seven, Jeff Powers provides the U.S. with a dangerous offensive threat alongside Tony Azevedo.
Layne Beaubien (Defender)

Layne Beaubien (Defender)

Two-meter defender Layne Beaubien is making his second Olympic appearance as the Americans look to improve on their 7th place finish in Athens.
Peter Hudnut (Defender)

Peter Hudnut (Defender)

A six-year national team member competing in his first Olympics, Peter Hudnut brings size and strength to the defender position.
Rick Merlo (Defender)

Rick Merlo (Defender)

Two-meter defender Rick Merlo provides the U.S. men's water polo team with tough defense and a reliable release man.
Tim Hutten (Defender)

Tim Hutten (Defender)

Six-foot-five Tim Hutten provides the United States with important depth at two-meter defense.









Tony Azevedo Attacker 1981 6’1’’ Long Beach, CA.Stanford 2005Bissolati Cremona, Jug Dubrovnik, New York Athleti
Ryan Bailey Center 1985 6’6’’Long Beach, CA.UC-Irvine 1998Panionios
Brandon Brooks Goal Keeper 1981 6’6"Honolulu , HI.UCLA 2005 LAWPC














Peter Hudnut Defender 1980 6’5’’Encino, CA.Stanford 2003Los Angeles WPC
Tim Hutten 2-Meter Defense 1985 6’5”Seal Beach, CA.UC Irvine 2008 Newport Water Polo Foundation







JW Krumpholz Center 1987 6’3”Santa Ana , CA.USC 2010LAWPC







Rick Merlo 2-Meter Defense 1982 6’3”Fresno , CA.UC Irvine 2005New York Athletic Club
Merrill Moses Goal Keeper 1977 6’3”Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.Pepperdine 2000 New York Athletic Club
Jeff Powers Defender 1980 6’7’’San Luis Obispo, CA.UC Irvine 2003Padovo Plebiscito
Jesse Smith Defender 1983 6’4’’Coronado, CA.Pepperdine 2005Mladost
Peter Varellas Left-Handed Attacker 1984 6’3’’Moraga, CA.Stanford 2006Savona
Adam Wright Attacker 1977 6’3’’Seal Beach , CA.UCLA 2001New York Athletic Club, Bissolati Cremona
Layne Beaubien Defender 1976 6’6"Coronado, CA.Stanford 1999New York Athletic Club, CN Marseille



Friday, August 22, 2008

Its Friday Night.... No plans??? Here ya go:

Lucha VaVoom and Little Radio present Cat Fight

Where: Little Radio Admission: $15.00
1218 Long Beach Ave
Los Angeles,CA,

This Friday night, join us for a sneak preview of a new monthly night brought to you by Lucha VaVoom and Little Radio called Cat Fight. Join us for ALL-GIRL wrestling, Ariel Acts, DJ £ady $inclair, and live music from Spider Problem.

The Plastico..... It's a LA Joint

Welcome to The Plastico Blog. The objective here is simple: expose the soft underbelly of LA culture so that when aliens discover a dried up Southern California in 2025 they will have some understanding of what happened and why. Los Angeles is embracing a social structure that is in complete disarray. A city void of a middle class, political jurisprudence, and ethical bearings- yet it has never been more attractive to those from afar. They keep coming.

What is LA?

Whatever it is, it is here at The Plastico. New articles everyday; live news and sports feeds, real time traffic and gas prices. This is the Los Angeles Homepage; Google search included. Our team will bring you everything that's not fit to print. So come back often and prepare to be offended.

DR. Drew offering rape/drugs at Pasadena Hospital...

Deaths, rape lead to scrutiny of Pasadena psychiatric hospital

Aurora Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena, a favored destination for celebrities in need of rehab, is faulted by state officials for two deaths in April.
By Rong-Gong Lin II and Andrew Blankstein, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
August 21, 2008
Three adult patients died unexpectedly and a teenage patient was raped after entering a Pasadena psychiatric hospital known for its association with celebrity physician Drew Pinsky, records show.

The incidents occurred in the last five months at Aurora Las Encinas Hospital, which advertises itself as a "world-renowned" haven where patients with acute mental illness and substance abuse problems can recover in safety and comfort. It is a favored destination for rock musicians and actors, among others.

Aurora Las Encinas Hospital

Drew Pinsky

Pinsky, who co-hosts the syndicated radio show "Loveline" and anchors the VH1 reality TV series "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew," is co-medical director of the chemical dependency department and is prominently featured on the hospital's website. He has said he played no direct role in any of the patients' care.

Experts say it is rare to see so many patients at a psychiatric hospital die or be harmed in such a short period. State health inspectors have investigated and faulted the hospital's care in the first two deaths, which occurred within two days in April.

The patients, who were being treated for drug abuse in the chemical dependency unit, both died of apparent drug overdoses, according to coroner's records and the report by inspectors for the state Department of Public Health.

This month, a patient in the NASH House, which treats substance abusers on the hospital grounds, hanged himself from a wooden beam, the Los Angeles County coroner found.

One day after his body was found a 14-year-old girl was raped by a 16-year-old patient as hospital staffers and the suspect's probation officer slept nearby, according to two sources familiar with the matter. "Not a very good track record, especially at an expensive hospital like that," said Taras Otus, the brother of Timur Otus, the 43-year-old bipolar patient who hanged himself. "I don't understand what's going on there exactly."

The hospital declined to comment on the incidents, citing patient confidentiality. MORE

Thursday, August 21, 2008

www.theladders.com: 100K+ Jobs in LA. Week of 9-22-2008

You can't view this list unless you are a member of theladders.com. That is unless you have The Plastico as your friend. We went ahead and illegally copied these current listings so you can take a look. You can't actually apply unless you register and pay with The Ladders... but if you are sneaky enough you might be able to save the $30.00 and call the company direct about the job. The links are all active to additional information.
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
This management-level position is primarily responsible for overseeing the architecture and ongoing support of the firm's data centers, server rooms and the production storage ...
Technology - Senior Level - Services - Legal Services - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Manage operations and departments efficiently and ensure the highest level of service is being provided to sales team and clients. Ensure full compliance will all state and federal ...
Finance - Senior Level - Services - Financial Services - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
The Sales Engineer is responsible for pre-sales and post-sales technical activities in support of the channel partners in the region. Activities may include: partner training (technical ...
Sales - Senior Level - Technology - Telecommunications - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Provides both technical and management leadership to the group, ensuring that equipment is effectively maintained, and that technical problems are quickly identified and resolved. ...
Marketing - Director - Marketing & Media - Broadcasting - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Work with a small team as a business unit liaison for Controller's. Work closely with both Controller's and business units to ensure adherence to corporate accounting policy for a ...
Finance - Senior Level - Services - Financial Services - Los Angeles, CA
Northridge, CA
<25>
9/22/08
This position is responsible for development and management of the strategic supply base within the assigned commodity(s) for supply of required materials to ensure total customer ...
Gen. Management / Ops - Senior Level - Healthcare - Medical Devices & Diagnostics - Northridge, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Generating new major accounts and closing sales opportunities utilizing superior presentation, management and negotiation skills. Developing new client relationships and leveraging ...
Sales - Senior Level - Technology - Data Storage - Los Angeles, CA
Brea, CA
<25>
9/22/08
Responsible for all activities relating to the operation of centralized data processing equipment and peripheral information systems equipment. Establishes detailed schedules for the ...
Technology - Manager - Services - Financial Services - Brea, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Lead business development efforts in relation to expert witness and claims appts. on west Coast. Undertake and oversee client assignments. Assist in recruiting, developing, training ...
Sales - VP - Services - Legal Services - Los Angeles, CA
Monterey Park, CA
<10>
9/22/08
You will be responsible for improving the organization through the optimal utilization of enterprise business applications and technologies. This includes defining the target ...
Technology - Senior Level - Services - Financial Services - Monterey Park, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Selling and/or servicing Investment Services LLC products to branch clients. Soliciting existing customers for investment products with concentration in mutual fund and annuities. ...
Sales - Senior Level - Services - Financial Services - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
The firm is seeking Senior level Project Managers to join and lead integrated project teams working on Healthcare, Corporate/Commercial, and Science/Education projects both domestically ...
Medical / Sciences / Real Estate / Construction - Manager - Industrial - Industrial Equipment & Supply - Los Angeles, CA
Northridge, CA
<25>
9/22/08
Will serve as the focal point for all rewards and recognition design, implementation and administration for the Diabetes sector and its multiple business units. Advises and trains ...
Human Resources - Director - Healthcare - Medical Devices & Diagnostics - Northridge, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Assists the Associate Director in the development and administration (including training) of all fire prevention and emergency egress programs including inspection/testing of fire ...
Medical / Sciences / Real Estate / Construction - Manager - Marketing & Media - Broadcasting - Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Hills, CA
<25>
9/22/08
You will cultivate and pursue new leads, respond to RFPs, and also manage our existing client base to look for new opportunities. You should be aggressive and ready and willing to ...
Sales - VP - Marketing & Media - Advertising & Marketing Services - Beverly Hills, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
The position's purpose is to grow the Strategic Rewards consulting practice in Southern California and the West Division by supporting and executing the business development and ...
Human Resources - Senior Level - Services - Consulting - Los Angeles, CA
Santa Monica, CA
<25>
9/22/08
Serves as business liaison between platforms and related companies. Prepares monthly reporting and board presentations. Primary business manager of distribution and sales agreements. ...
Gen. Management / Ops - VP - Marketing & Media - New Media - Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
You will develop aggressively the business through market share increases, new accounts & segment penetration and will also strengthen the existing business through regular customer ...
Sales - Director - Technology - Software - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
General management Digital Media business. Set strategy for development of multi-platform content programming. Develops revenue streams for interactive media and integrated broadcasts ...
Gen. Management / Ops - VP - Marketing & Media - New Media - Los Angeles, CA
El Segundo, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Provide leadership, counsel and assistance throughout the organization to accomplish contractual objectives consistent with policies, goals and objectives established by senior ...
Law - Director - Technology - IT Consulting/Services - El Segundo, CA
Burbank, CA
<25>
9/22/08
Performs advanced analysis and planning to assure that the objectives and priorities for each assigned affiliate are met in time frames acceptable to the affiliate. Contacts current ...
Sales - Senior Level - Marketing & Media - Broadcasting - Burbank, CA
Northridge, CA
<25>
9/22/08
This position is responsible for efficiently managing the overall supply chain for specific products to meet fluctuating sales demand and new product introductions. This position ...
Gen. Management / Ops - Senior Level - Healthcare - Medical Devices & Diagnostics - Northridge, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Develops subcontract specifications, work statements, and terms and conditions for the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and services in a fast paced classified ...
Gen. Management / Ops - Senior Level - Services - Business Services - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/22/08
Demonstrated proficiency of television production functions and switching techniques. Responsible for advanced effect building with a concentration on show creation and extensive, ...
Gen. Management / Ops - Director - Marketing & Media - Broadcasting - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
<10>
9/21/08
Builds and maintains relationships with customers at the local and regional level in order to ensure ongoing, high quality level of service. Instills a culture of high quality service ...
Gen. Management / Ops - Manager - Consumer Goods - Retail / Diversified - Los Angeles, CA

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