The Chateau Marmont: The equivalent of crack

I don't do drugs. I occasionally will have a beverage (as in alcoholic), but usually, I will just order water (would rather splurge the calories on a good dessert instead). So, although I have no personal experience with crack (as in the drug), I can tell you that staying at the Chateau is my personal equivalent of doing crack. It’s probably been at least 1-2 years since I’ve stayed there (although I’ve stopped by for lunch a few times, which is probably like smoking weed but not inhaling), so my recent 3-day stay left me craving more. I was thinking, “How can I justify another stay here as soon as possible?”



There are so many things I love about this place. The decor is pure vintage; and even the pieces that aren’t vintage are designed to look as if they have aged perfectly with this 1920’s landmark. The Chateau is also extremely laid-back; no stress here. Want to eat in the “living room” area for breakfast...no problem. Just sit on any sofa and order something tasty (and I do mean tasty) from the menu. The bacon here...hot damn. Bacon is my weakness, and the Chateau’s is incredible. Thick-sliced peppered bacon.



And then there’s the pool. Sure, it’s not very big, but the area is completely walled in with tropical plants. You have no idea that you are right on Sunset, one of the busiest and most annoying thoroughfares in Los Angeles. And did I mention that on this visit, the pool was PERFECTLY heated...as in...no time to let your body adjust to the temperature...just walk right on down those steps and do your laps!



Call me psycho, but I have always been fascinated by this little blue bulb and the light that it gives off to this area at night. I finally photographed it. Yup...I’m weird like that.



And when it comes to little touches, like orchids in the room, The Chateau does it better than the others...no fake florals here.



This time, my new discovery was eating next door at the Bar Marmont. The food is excellent over there, and as long as you get there early, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a table. The beautiful people don’t start showing up until around 9 or so anyway.



Anyone able to explain this from the men’s room?



For more Daveland Chateau Marmont photos, visit my regular website.

World of Wonder: Definitely NOT a drag!

Here are some images from the World of Wonder Drag Race Art Show Opening Party last Thursday. "Hosted" by RuPaul (to help kick off his upcoming reality show), the Fire Marshall was such a stickler that RuPaul couldn’t even get into his own party! There were probably more celebrities outside than in the building! It was still a hoot, and plenty of fun. Enjoy the pics! Here are some of my fave pieces:















Window displays:







The Absolut Disco Tower, before it came toppling down by a greedy (and somewhat soused) crowd:



The incomparable Charro!



Clown-man Angus Oblong:



Care for some of Robin's pink balls?



Ashley Love:



Sex Artiste and Akashia



Jackie Beat & Marcello:



James St. James



Jade , Nina Flowers, Shannel, Bebe Zahara Benet, and Ongina:



Akashia likes it rough!







Two of Bebe Zahara Benet







Bobby Trendy





The morning after (literally) with RuPaul, in front of my painting, “RuGlinda.”





The World of Wonder building...in daylight! I love the Art Deco architecture:



See more of my art at my website.

Another Black & White series, 1950’s: Pt. 4

Let’s spend a day at the Indian Village. For purposes of the narrative here, I’ll just say that photo number one shows our gang of little varmints and their beer-guzzlin'-cigarette-smokin’-dads pulling up to the dock of the Indian Village in a canoe. I’m sure some smarty-pants expert will correct me and say that they are actually leaving, but this is my story and I ain’t swervin' today! Shot #2 shows one of the Indians cuttin’ a rug in the Ceremonial Dance Circle. In all seriousness, it is a shame that today’s children don’t get a chance to experience this.



The only thing missing from the photo is the tear streaming down the Indian's cheek along with a cartoon bubble admonishing this little boy not to litter. Again...veering back into serious territory, I really do love this shot. This little tot is experiencing something that (I would imagine) he will remember for a long time.



Last one today shows all the little troublemakers together in one shot. The end of a perfect day, filled with lots of stories to tell their buddies back home who couldn’t make it. Oh, but wait...it’s not the end of the day. More to come tomorrow!



See more Disneyland Indian Village photos at my website.

Another Black & White series, 1950’s: Pt. 3

Today we board the C.K. Holliday and get dropped off at the Frontierland Depot. Sorry ’bout the blurriness, folks! The rest of this series takes place in Frontierland, so get ready for a taste of the Wild West, 1950’s–style. Shot #2 is a shoot-out, with none other than Black Bart hiding behind Jean LaFitte’s anchor, with Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue as the backdrop.



Here’s a closeup of the anchor; unfortunately, it’s a little blurry. The last line is pure Disney: “But don’t believe everything you read.” Anybody know the background on this prop; is it the real thing or just a gag?



Here are some current shots showing the anchor in its present-day location; the new sign looks a little on the cheap as it is printed and not metallic:





See more Disneyland Frontierland photos at my website.

Another Black & White series, 1950’s: Pt. 2

Who knew that unsavory characters actually worked at Disneyland?!? Here we have one cast member with a cigarette dangling from his lips; and then, front and center, we have another one with a tattoo! I sure hope that's a Disney character on his arm! I do love the joy in this boy’s face as he is about to zip off in his sporty Autopia vehicle. Next up are two back to back shots of the group of kids from this series with their fathers, hanging out at the castle checking out the moat. I especially like the first shot with Miss Protective Mother on the left; she obviously realizes that these men and their sons are shady and should keep her daughter away from them at all costs.





See more Disneyland photos at my website.