Sign That Energy Conservation Has Gone Too Far

Funny thing about the traffic signal spotted by Chris and Dave Wilkins of Lancaster (see photo). It was snapped in Kentucky, not in L.A. At first I figured that with all the power outages the City of Angels has suffered, it had begun using the “Part-Time Signal” label as a precaution.

Speaking of a low-tech approach: In the Big Bear area, Rob Schmidt of Culver City found a carwash that seems to rely on four-legged help (see photo).

Where Are They Now Department: Ever wonder what happened to the former Soviet Union’s KGB secret police force? Jay Berman of Manhattan Beach discovered that the agency had relocated to Ketchikan, Alaska -- secretly, no doubt (see photo).

Such a deal: Garobo Hernandez found a hardwood floor offer that was pretty expensive -- especially when you’re talking about an area of less than a square foot (see accompanying).

Mystery solved: After the mention here of a house-for-sale ad that listed a “dirty kitchen” as one of its amenities, Frank Ilem Jr. of Hollywood wrote me that it was no typo.

“I’m from the Philippines and I believe the seller must be from country,” he said. “We Filipinos have a small cooking area outside the house where we fry our fish, cook anchovies etc. -- all that smelly stuff.

“We call that our ‘dirty kitchen.’ Filipinos love to cook but we don’t want the smell and splatters in the real kitchen.”

Inflation indicator? A while back Carl’s Jr. began a sales campaign saying that its burgers are just as good as -- and cheaper than -- those in more expensive restaurants. Carl’s proudly said it was the home of “the ‘Six Dollar Burger’ for $3.95.” But lately I’ve noticed its ad says it’s the home of “the ‘Six Dollar Burger’ for about $5.”

At this rate Carl’s will soon be the home of “the ‘Six Dollar Burger’ for $7.50.”

Boxing (senior citizen division): Lee Harris of Burbank suggests that 60-year-old Sylvester Stallone’s planned movie, “Rocky VI,” should be retitled, “Rocky IV” -- IV as in intravenous.

miscelLAny: I see where the Holiday Inn advertises that it has prize-winning shower nozzles. The Sheraton, meanwhile, touts its new “Sweet Sleeper Bed.” Who cares about that stuff? I want to know which hotel has the best mini-bar.