I hate the gym.

Don't get me wrong. I need to shed a few pounds of leisure, but there's nothing leisurely about going to the gym. Starting from when you get scanned at check point snarly (by lets just say not the most customer friendly staff in the world), the gym feels more like a medieval torture chamber than a place of leisure. On the cardio machines, I feel like a hamster on a wheel or more like George Jetson. "Jane stop this crazy thing!!!" And why do they call weight machines Nautilus? What did those harmless beautiful sea shells ever do to you? Bottom line is that I know the gym is a necessity for some (me included), but really? Instead do yoga or push ups and sit ups in the park. Or maybe I should take a class? Have a good workout!

Jury Pool Party

While some might say that reporting for Jury Duty is not a leisure activity, I ask you this. What if reading was a leisure activity to you? What if coming together with your fellow citizens or "peers" and discussing current events or making a puzzle together, while you patiently await your fate was what you considered a good time?
I hung tight with my fellow Lost Angelenos in a room this morning and read several periodicals, catching me up on many current events and it really felt good to finally finish that article in that fancy magazine. I saw others with their noses in novels. At one table people from all different backgrounds sat with puzzles, games and sodas before them. They shared stories and laughs, while they made the most of it.
During our break, I had lunch with a friend nearby. I finally enjoyed this delicious dish at this place I've heard so much about. (Seriously, I had a note on my fridge to remind me to go there). Anyway, that my friends is leisure. That is America! Oh wait...they just called a bunch of names, including mine. Wish us luck!

The Village Idiot (not me)

If you're in the mood for a gastropub with great beer on tap, a good wine list and full bar then head to The Village Idiot on Melrose. My favorite dish is the Steak and Potato pie (see pot pie fetish in earlier blog). Honestly, the burger with balsamic onion relish, while it sounds good, was not my fav. They serve Craftsman 1903, a great lager from Pasadena, as well as other fine brews. If you call ahead, the back room free of charge for parties. "The Idiot" is a great place for a quiet lunch, but is busy at night for dinner pretty much every night of the week, which is great if you're looking for a scene.

Manhattan Beach: Start Spreading the News

After spending one teedful day and one equally just as if not more super teed night, followed by one long hungover day in Manhattan Beach, I couldn't help but wonder how this LA oasis got its name. After a little Googling, it was how I expected. Some guy named Stewart Merrill (not Merrill Lynch) bought a bunch of ocean front property in the area and named it Manhattan after his beloved home town. It's a good thing Stewie wasn't from Scranton or Intercourse, Pennsylvania (or isn't it). Anyway, go to MB rain or shine day or night. Get teed at one of its many bars and/or restaurants. Walk around or ride a bike. Play some beach volleyball and/or go for a surf, but never again wonder why it's called Manhattan.

I Wanna Hold Your Handheld Pot Pie

The Cravery is the perfect meal to go. Recently at the Staples Center, I encountered this all inclusive handheld meal. The Cravery has many locations in the Southern California area for your eating pleasure. The home of the Kings, Lakers and Clippers Cravery stand also sells beer. The delicious personal pastries come filled with chicken, beef or vegitable. It's one stop shopping. If you're a fan of pot pies, like I am and sometimes want something more nutritious than burger and fries, while you're on the go, then this is the food for you. Also, now available at USC Trojan home games, according to their website.

Dudeism

Fans of the movie The Big Lebowski will appreciate this website dedicated to"the slowest-growing religion in the world - Dudeism". Get ordained as a Dudeist priest. Read from the Book of Duderonomy. Oh, there is a god! Behold the Dude-vinci!

Beer Space

Recently, I was turned on to a new social networking sight dedicated to beer. It's part of the Living Social.com Network. Find me on there my name is: Teed McFadden. I don't fully get it just yet, but apparently you share your beer experience with your beers. I mean peers. It's all about beer, people. Did I mention beer?