The Holy Man and the Hot Dog Vendor July 16, 2011

Once upon a time there was a  hot dog vendor.

The vendor  was approached by a Holy Man,  who asked the vendor to, "Make me ONE WITH EVERYTHING!!"


(It seems the Holy Man was jesting with the vendor).


So, the humble,hot dog vendor obliges the Holy Man and proceeds to make him a hot dog; complete with all the fixings in his cart.



The vendor finishes the hot dog, then hands the it over to the pious man and says, "That will be $3.50".


The holy man hands the vendor a $5.00 bill, to which the vendor receives it,  opens his cash register, slips the $5.00 bill in the drawer, then closes the drawer. The the vendor then stands there, smiling gratefully.

 The holy man, stands there, somewhat perplexed, then asks the hot dog vendor, "w-where is my change?"

The hot dog vendor then waves  his hand to the holy man and says,


"Ah... Master, CHANGE  IS WITHIN!!"

Painting L.A.: Skidrolls Royce Eye Candy, Surreal Grit July 16, 2011

Skidrow Eye Candy:  High Class Accommodations

 Nothing but the Tooth: Skidrow Orthodontics the old fashion way.

Painting L.A. with Wall Paper; Wabbit, Snake and Gator Dogs! July 15, 2011

A Pay Phone-- 20th Century anachronism.  Don't forget your Purell

The Best Wursts in Town we found were at "WURSTKUCHE":  Alligator, Rabbit, and Snake Sausages topped with sweet onions and peppers.  Add fries and a beer and there's plenty to cheer!

Painting L.A.: Collage Art July 14, 2011

L.A. ts a melting pot of art forms.

Here, we see a fine example of Graffiti Writers/Collage artists decorating the American Hotel, expressing various sentiments from political ideology, to "rage against the machine".  And juxtaposed, is an example of,  "the Machine". which looks soo sleek and special, against that backdrop.

It was one cluttered, static two-dimensional canvas verses one, "refined" three-dimensional Kinetic sculpture.

They are sharing the same street, but a world apart.  Question is, is this world big enough for both of them?

www.thomasvanstein.net

Painting L.A. Surreal Grit Part 3. July 13,2011

THE LOVE SHACK

THE AMERICAN HOTEL

 One never knows what they will find in the thick of an Arts District, no matter what city they're in. The hearts are all over this building; the, "American Hotel",  are stylish decor for Earthquake retrofitting. To me the hearts represent LOVE!!  Regardless of the Valentine Invitations, I don't think I'll be staying there anytime soon.

Painting L.A.: Surreal Grit Part 3. July 12, 2100

Wall Decorations a plenty!

Official Quiet Zone

Wandering around the Art District was good clean fun! The gutters were spotless, and the old buildings were charming! The locals were patriotic with flags flying and such, and the dogs well behaved and trained to not talk to strangers.

L.A. Painting: a Second Helping of Gritty Surreality July 11, 2011

the L.A. Arts District is a pretty happy place!

Peaking up at an Icon puts a smile on my face!

Photos by T. Van Stein

Final Days of Talia Klein: July 10, 2011

The last photo taken of Kim and her daughter Talia, just a few weeks before the accident.

In  silent moments,  I  hear you.