Lazy Days in SoCal

First I must correct my previous assertion that they never clean the ocean walkway in Santa Monica. They do, occasionally, but traction remains tenuous.  Sorry, Santa Monica.

There is something inherently wrong with crows perching in palm trees. We see them all along the beach area and on Ocean Avenue. It is eerie. However the weather has been nice and sunny so we're working on a tasteful tan to show off when we return to the icy north.

Crows aren't the only disturbing sight as we take the salty air.  There was a time when one would steer clear of someone walking, gesturing, and talking aloud to an "invisible person."  Now it's a common sight, no need to hold the children close; it's one of hundreds speaking on their phones with and without Blue Tooth. Of course this is not something limited to the seashore, we are treated to one sided conversations wherever we go. It's such a delight!  Sort of a Simon and Garfunkel  "Sounds of Silence" in reverse.  Nevertheless, we press on and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.

An opportunity presented itself while here. We had the chance to visit the new headquarters building of the Rand Corporation. The lovely, green building was designed by DMJM Design. It's basic shape is a double ellipse. Nearly 85% of the people who work there have an office with a window that opens thus capitalizing on the benign climate while saving the environment.  The Los Angeles area alumni association of one of my alma maters arranged a tour with emphasis on the art collection. However we were given a thorough overview of RAND and its work, as well as a tour of the building.  I WANT TO WORK THERE!

The art collection was quite spectacular. 90% of it belongs to Peter Norton of Norton Security. He is an avid collector of contemporary art. In a serendipitous meeting, he mentioned his collection which was housed in a warehouse to someone high-up at RAND.  It just so happened that they had a great many empty walls. The result is a sheer delight. I am not one for modern art, but contemporary art is different. The collection is varied and quite eclectic. The first work we saw was titled "Crash." It looked like smashed glass, but was actually carefully placed mylar strips that made a pattern similar to broken glass.There are two paintings of a forest scene in Australia where the artist carpeted the ground. There are several works that show subway maps, including London's Tube. All the station names have been changed to famous persons who are grouped by "line."  For example, there are stations of Philosophers, Artists, Scientists. It's quite clever.  Other interesting ideas include someone's paintings of TV characters' homes as described in the shows.  There is a wonderful mural of downtown LA at Broadway done by John Valesquez, as well as many portraits he made in exchange for room and board.  The creepiest set of works was hung outside the boardroom. They appear to be geometric matrices done with short strokes making straight lines. Actually these are false eyelashes....

Anyway we are enjoying our vacation, especially now that the Midwest has had snow.  Next time I will describe our trip to Santa Barbara County.