Despite the lofty price, you’d still be downsizing at this condo
Maybe L.A.’s real estate prices aren’t so outrageous after all. Thomas Chambers of Huntington Beach passed along an ad for a San Francisco condo that cost more than half a million bucks despite the fact that the roof is so low you’d have to crawl from room to room (see accompanying).
Such a deal (Part II): David Graham of Laguna Niguel was struck by what he termed a “novel approach to marketing” by a pharmacy -- advertising that your prescription will actually be ready when it’s supposed to be ready! (see accompanying).
And the wolf shall dwell with the lamb: As it was recorded in the Bible, so is it true in Redondo Beach, reports Greg Gunther of Rolling Hills Estates (see photo).
Annals of unusual crimes: Daniel Gee of Glendale saw this item in a local newspaper: “Burglary was reported Wednesday after a woman reportedly discovered a man watching television in her living room.”
Sidewalk collections: I was walking on L.A.’s Bunker Hill when I saw a panhandler who was employing the rapid-fire delivery of an auctioneer.
“Howaboutonedollar?” he said. “Justonedollar. Canyouspareonedollar? Justonedollar.”
I didn’t buy. But it reminded me of the many different styles of street solicitors I’ve noticed over the years.
One character used to try comedy, greeting lunchtime passersby with the mock-respectful line, “Hello, professionals.” Another guy would sit on the sidewalk, next to a few coins inside a chalk-drawn circle, which enabled him to sleep and panhandle at the same time.
One defiant fellow would extend a cup but look straight ahead for hours, never making eye contact, never saying thank you for a donation.
Still another mute moocher shook a coin-filled container as people walked by; he sort of sounded like he was performing in a marimba band.
I’ve often wondered if these panhandlers realized what hard work not having a job was. Except perhaps the guy who slept next to the chalk circle.
miscelLAny: Wisecracking Al Greenwood, who called himself the King of Bedspreads in newspaper and TV commercials, died six years ago at the age of 93. Now his business is shutting down, and his family thought it would be fun to put a portrait of His Highness in all his velvet-robed splendor on EBay (see photo). Price: $100.
After several days, however, there has been nary a taker. Perhaps it’s because Americans have a certain lack of respect for royalty. Or perhaps Al’s followers have thrown their allegiance to another TV pitchman: Paul, the King of Big Screen TV (“I am the king!”).
Steve Harvey can be reached at (800) LATIMES, Ext. 77083, by fax at (213) 237-4712, by mail at Metro, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. 90012, and by e-mail at steve.harvey@latimes.com.
