UA is now available at the oldest bookstore in Los Angeles, Williams’ Book Store in downtown San Pedro. They’ve already received two orders, including the San Pedro branch of the Los Angeles Public Library.
FUN ANECDOTE: Williams’ Book Store, established 1909, is where I met Ray Bradbury on my fortieth birthday, just three and a half weeks after I began writing Under Angels. It’s true; life begins at 40.
My pal Tsuyoshi with his copy of UA and matching wifebeater.
Tsuyoshi whips up some mean nibbles; you can visit him at Casa Arigato in Redondo Beach. RANDOM ANECDOTE: Years ago, Tsuyoshi used to work at our local joint here in Hollywood, Shintaro. From memory, he was able to whip up one of my favorite dishes Shintaro dubs the “Hot Night”. As good as ever.
A perfect Memorial Day song from my favorite young torch-bearing band, Avenged Sevenfold. You just can’t argue with American balls.
So how does it feel to know that someone’s kid in the heart of America has blood on their hands, fighting to defend your rights so you can maintain the lifestyle that insults his family’s existence? Well, where I’m from we have a special salute we aim high in the air towards all those pompous assholes who spend their days pointing fingers:
FUCK YOU.
Ain’t timing everything? Set aside Saturday, June 9, for a day trip to San Pedro. There will be a couple things going on that make for a perfect Pedro day.
First, the USS Iowa battleship is scheduled sail into town and settle into her new home in the Los Angeles Harbor:
The Battleship of Presidents
Built in 1940, the USS IOWA served our country for over 50 years. Designated the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship” due to her big guns, heavy armor, fast speed, longevity and modernization, she kept pace with technology for more than 50 years.
USS Iowa is now transforming to the most interactive and educational museum of its kind and will make its new home in Los Angeles this year. Be a part of this important initiative by joining us as a valued corporate sponsor, volunteer, Plank Owner or all three!
Here’s an update via San Pedro Today‘s Facebook page:
The USS Iowa is making is long anticipated arrival to San Pedro next week. On Saturday, June 9, 2012 it will cruise through the Port of Los Angeles carrying VIP guests. Councilman Joe Buscaino wants you to join him on board. Win passes from the Councilman by clicking “like” on www.Facebook.com/LA15th or by submitting your email on his website www.LA15th.com. Multiple winners will receive sets of four passes for you and your family or friends!
Then, from 4-6 PM, before you head out of town, roll down to the Paseo del Mar bluffs and hit the Under Angels book signing at one of San Pedro’s secret gems, the Corner Store, located just meters away from where the Under Angels story takes place. There’ll be paperback copies of the Under Angels novel, and special wearable gifts for the old men in your life. You do realize it’s Father’s Day the weekend after that, right?
For those who’d rather jump into the tale right now, the Under Angels paperback edition is now available here, and the Kindle version is here. While you’re at it, check out what readers are saying, and like Under Angels on Facebook to stay in the loop.
Under Angels book trailer:
What’s the connection between the USS IOWA and Under Angels, you may be wondering? From the Under Angels Prologue:
PROLOGUE
AFTER THE BOMBING OF PEARL HARBOR in 1941, the threat of a Pacific coastal attack on the United States was real. To prepare for such an attack, the United States designed plans to construct a complex maze of underground tunnels below the city of Los Angeles at Fort MacArthur to sustain critical defenses at the country’s largest port.
When the war was over in 1945, all entrances to the tunnels were permanently sealed shut. The perimeter above these entrances remained occupied by the United States Army for decades. With time, the truth about the Los Angeles underground World War II tunnels gradually faded from public memory, and the line between fact and urban legend became blurred.
In 1974, the property above the old Fort MacArthur tunnel entrances was declared surplus land by the United States government. The land was deeded to the City of Los Angeles through the Federal Land to Parks Program.
Eyewitnesses still report sightings of an unidentified man and his dog roaming the area.
Need more? Get in there now.
