Google: We run the world.

The Proc was using GOOG-411 the other day to find a phone number.  It’s a useful, free 411 service provided by, you guessed it, Google.  Using the system is pretty easy - although I felt like Deckard in Blade Runner in the scene where he’s telling that little computer to move around a photo.

So, this morning I decided to mess around with the system a little bit.  You see, when you call in it asks you for your City and State followed by an inquiry for a local business or service.  Naturally, I said “Pasadena, California” followed by “Aaron Proctor“.

The results were hilarious.  The first result was the Altadena Public Library (site of one of my forums when I ran for Mayor).  The third result was the City of Pasadena.  Other results include Brit’s, Frank & Dean’s (which - according to a reader - says the interior looks like somewhere Goren & Eames would look for suspects), and - of course - Robin’s.  I’m assuming since they couldn’t find a listing for my name, they just searched for local businesses and stumbled upon my website where I’ve talked about these places.  Pretty awesome.

**

“No, ma’am, I cannot sculpt a statue of David out of ribs”

Speaking of Robin’s, the owner & former City Council candidate, Robin Salzer, is headed to Europe for a few weeks to attend a family event.  A little barbecued birdie told me he’ll be hitting up Switzerland on his way to Italy.  So, a month from now, everyone in La Suisse will be eating Mesquite chocolate bars.  Mmmm-mmmm.

**

If anyone cares, the historic Herikmer building was sold for $2.5 million.  Apparently, it’s not real news - or else it wouldn’t be in the worst newspaper I’ve ever read.

According to Emma Peel in the Star-Blues:

Heritage Housing Partnership, an offshoot of Pasadena Heritage, has bought the historic Herkimer Arms apartments as the centerpiece of a $2.5 million project in Northwest Pasadena.

The group announced plans Tuesday to move the rare eight-unit building - the only known apartments by Greene and Greene - from Fuller Seminary’s campus for conversion to two market-rate condominiums.

The $10 purchase - hailed by Fuller officials as a “win-win situation” for all concerned - comes three months after the collapse of a contentious year-long effort by developer Fil Salcedo to move the building to North Marengo Avenue, making way for the seminary’s planned $30-million Worship Center.  

Oh - and by the way - there was a another racially-motivated shooting in Pasadena, too.  Shhhh…don’t tell anyone.  At least our historic heritage will be preserved!! Rose Bowl!  Green Week!  WOOOO!

Whatever happened to that violence committee? 

They’re polishing the doors on the Maserati.

Bon Mercredi,

- AP