Jim Morrison turns orange

Back in the Summer of 1994, I happened upon this huge mural of Jim Morrison painted upon an apartment building in Venice Beach. Flash forward to a few weeks ago, and the mural still remains, but the building itself has been repainted. Orange. If you look closely, you can still see the mint green surrounding Morrison. Sadly, whoever painted the building didn't see fit to save the signature of the artist.



On the other side of the building is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger:



This one of Donald Trump is an instant classic:



Marilyn Monroe looks positively dreamy staring out of the painted window:



Pulling back you see more of the building itself:



A mural featuring Muhammad Ali:



Last one is my very favorite: the Touch of Evil mural. Get that car out of the way of my photo!



See more Venice Beach photos at my main website.

Ignoring Scarlett

Ashley: Yes, we've traveled a long road since the old days, haven't we, Scarlett?... the golden warmth and security of those days.

Scarlett: Don't look back Ashley, don't look back. It'll drag at your heart until you can't do anything but look back.

Well, I hate to disagree with one of my favorite movie heroines, but for today's New Year's Eve post, I am going to go against her advice and look fondly upon 2012's Top Ten Posts. You viewed 'em and ranked 'em! Click on the photos to access the original post.

#10 New Orleans Street (not Square!)



The first post in my top ten ranking deals with the pre-cursor to New Orleans Square, known as New Orleans Street. This quaint row of buildings still exists, and is where Riverbelle Terrace restaurant (home of the Mickey pancake) is located. Just click on the photo to see the original post.

#9 Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, Pt.1



It comes as no surprise that one of the most beloved attractions (in a kitschy sort of way) makes the top ten list. Coming in at #9, let's all sing like the birdies sing, shall we?

#8 Disneyland Guided Tour, Circa 1962: The Matterhorn



Thanks to a Tour Guide script in the collection of fellow blogger Jed Blaugrund, I was able to marry my vintage images with the text. This post was the most viewed entry into that particular series.

#7 Pirates Grog at Disneyland!



There are many other blogs out there that have been extremely gracious in re-tweeting/posting/promoting my posts. The Disney Food Blog retweeted this particular post and the views went through the roof.

#6 Rock Hudson



Apparently, Rock is still a fan favorite, over 60 years after his big screen debut.

#5 Walt's Humble Abode



It came as no surprise that my post on visiting Walt's Apartment above the Fire Department in Town Square was a popular one. Personally, it was also one of MY highlights of 2012; I can still feel the chills as I entered this tiny (but hallowed) space, where Walt Disney slept in humble surroundings.

#4 Vintage Haunted Mansion Tour



Haunted Mansion fans are some of the most die-hard and loyal readers; I know that they helped put this one towards the top of the list!

#3 Jim Morrison at The Hollywood Bowl



I guess I'm not the only Jim Morrison/Doors admirer.

#2 Screen Gem Saturdays: Debbie Reynolds Auction Part 2, Pt. 2



Debbie Reynolds' auction of props, photos, and Hollywood memorabilia was big news to collectors in 2012. I was fortunate enough to be able to see a portion of her collection at The William Paley Center in Beverly Hills.

#1 Adventureland & The Tahitian Terrace, 1969



The number one post was (again) pushed up the ladder by my friends over at The Disney Food Blog.

I must give thanks for all of the blessings I have had this year; so many of them thanks to people I have met through my blog and website (yes, I maintain a website, too!).

A highlight of this year was meeting the trio from Tours Departing Daily. Not only are they crazy talented photographers, they are three of the nicest and most humble people you could ever hope to meet.

3 cheers to the Disney blogger that started it all for me, Patrick at Stuff From The Park, as well as David at Gorillas, who rarely fails to leave a funny or kind comment on my blog. His daily patronage is very much appreciated.

And then there are the three websites that fulfill my inner Disneyland geek as I read them almost daily: Mice Chat, Mouse Planet, and Yesterland.

Huge shout-outs to Dale and his lovely wife Grace, who are two of the most humble people I have ever met.

Thanks to all for continuing to visit my blog. I hope to see more of you and meet a few new cool peeps in 2013!

See more of my art and photography on my main website.

Screen Gem Saturdays: Jim Morrison at The Hollywood Bowl

Jim Morrison's singing voice seems as if it came from another world. I remember being struck by its unique quality the first time I heard the Doors' music. This first photo shows Morrison with girlfriend Pamela Courson, July 1968, doing levitation near the Hollywood Bowl.



Like other "idols" who died too young, we'll never know what would have become of Morrison had he lived a longer life. There are those who don't believe that he died in Paris, but is instead still alive in Oregon. You have to see this to believe it. I've seen it...and still don't believe it. All I can say is “huh.”



See more Jim Morrison photos on my Classic Movies & TV web page.

Signage in LA

My name is Dave and I’m a signage geek. Yup, it’s true. Here are a few classics from a recent trip to Hollywood. Even tacky can be fun!



This place is a way cool hangout. A joint, if you will, which is the best kind of place to go.



If only Morrison were still here.



Oh wait...he is...over on a wall near the Roosevelt Hotel:





One of the newer additions to Sunset:



For more Daveland Hollywood photos, visit my regular website.