The Proof Is in the Pudding: Robbery in Long Beach Offers Food for Thought

Vacationing in Hawaii, Diana Gannon of Villa Park found this on USA Today’s “Across the USA” page, which offers one news item about each state:

“California: Long Beach -- A gunman smeared chocolate pudding over his face, then climbed through a drive-through window and robbed a Wienerschnitzel restaurant. The robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.”

Yup, USA Today canvassed the entire state of California and came up with that one news item. Isn’t it something how outside newspapers reinforce the kooky stereotype of this state?

By the way, the chocolate-faced gunman should not be confused with the cross-dressing man who robbed two Long Beach banks the other day while wearing red lipstick, a wig and hoop earrings.

Dueling signs: Sally Mathews found an intersection in Torrance where motorists seem to have two options when the light is red (see photo).

Still on the crime beat: Jim Moore of Nipomo spotted an ad for a type of cash register that, he concludes, keeps your change (see accompanying).

Soon to be a reality TV show? Faith Barrett of Yucca Valley came across an ad for a type of “quest” that I’m thankful the real estate agent did not specify (see accompanying).

Uniform concerns: Sure, the kids are a bit rusty at the start of Little League season. But, don’t forget, the parents are out of practice too.

At opening day ceremonies in Long Beach, while hundreds of kids milled about in their new uniforms, I heard these comments from moms:

* “I’ve got your pants. Where are you?” (into a cell phone).

* “I thought our sleeves were supposed to be blue.”

* “Is this the way the season’s going to go -- you can’t find your shoes on the first day?”

Unclear on the concept: Flo Selfman of L.A. received a phone call from an automated female voice that said: “Please hold for an important message.” After a short pause, the voice said curtly: “All of our associates are busy.”

Drive-away “oops!” mishaps: Mike Kirwan of Venice added this to our collection: “When I was 4 years old, I had my first visit to Disneyland. I went on the Autopia ride, and my mom drove. She ran over the Autopia guy’s foot. He wasn’t very happy about it.”

You mean the Magic Kingdom worker didn’t hum “It’s a Small World”? I’m surprised.

miscelLAny: I’m proud to say that an Only in L.A. contributor, Julian Myers of Marina del Rey, was among the finishers in the L.A. Marathon -- in the 80-89 age division. I gave him the rest of the week off.

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Reach Steve Harvey at (800) LATIMES, Ext. 77083; by fax at (213) 237-4712; by mail at L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. 90012; and steve.harvey@latimes.com.