Jelly-Bean Dreamin’ of California

Hello it’s the Funny One here. Today’s state is California. In one picture, I’m with a famous actor who I think will one day win an Oscar. The other one is me and him in Berkeley. Come for the culture, stay for the food.

What is there to do in California? You can visit the Universal Studios in Hollywood and see where they make the movies. I can’t go on the tour as I’ll be busy filming for a Spielberg movie. Hehehehehe. Maybe, one day. Anyways, You can see where all the famous actors have left there handprints in the ground. There’s also the Hollywood Museum where you will see exhibits of authentic Hollywood memorabilia treasures and a special Walk of Fame exhibit.

There’s also the GRAMMY Museum which celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music. The GRAMMY Museum debuted a new exhibit to Michael Jackson on June 25, 2011, and it pays tribute to his life and legacy. The display is a follow-up to the Museum’s past exhibitions, Michael Jackson: HIStyle and Michael Jackson: A Musical Legacy. It is housed on the Museum’s third floor, which the launch of the new exhibit coinciding with the second anniversary of MJ’s death.

The Cartoon Art Museum; exhibits pieces that represent the history of modern development of cartoons, their creators, the designs, and also processes underlying the art forms of cartoons, comics, digital animation, illustration, and video games. The Museum also hosts dozens of events throughout the year, including book signings, creator appearances, lectures and workshops. They also offer a wide range of programs and classes in cartooning, illustration, and animation. That would be cool to do.

Let’s not forget the Golden Gate Bridge which is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco, California. It’s has also been declared one of the modern Wonders Of The World by the American Society Of Civil Engineers. It’s also seen in the movie “Rise of The Planet Of The Apes.”

There’s Alcatraz prison; which once was home to some of America’s most notorious criminals. There were even the presence of infamous inmates like Al “Scarface” Capone, and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud. It operated there from 1934 to 1963. Even to this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world’s most legendary prisons. There was even a TV series about the prison. It’s a crime that they’re not doing a second series!

There’s also the Jelly Belly factory. There’s a 40-minute walking tour of the factory and a guide will show you where they cook up over 150 different sweet treats. Also, you’ll learn the secrets to how they create the legendary Jelly Belly jelly bean, and why it takes more than a week to make a single bean. Really? It must take forever to make a bag of them. I wonder if they still sell the Harry Potter jelly beans in America. They only sold them in Britain when the first movie was in the cinema. Mmmm jelly belly. http://jellybelly.com/

Now, on to places to stay. Why stay in a cliché hotel when you can stay at the Treebones Resort. “It’s a tent with all the comforts of a cabin. Sleep under the stars but in a bed.” http://treebonesresort.com/ 

 

Tank You For The Free Cookies!

Hello, Funny One here. Today’s state is Virginia and the picture is of me at the Chrysler Museum of Art. There is an exhibition of the works of John Miller. He’s an artist that specializes in blown glass sculptures. They will be on display at the Chrysler Museum of Art in conjunction with his working visit to their Glass Studio. This exhibition of his work runs from July 5 – August 26. The food which I’m looking at in the drawing is actually one of his works!

I’m hungry now. Where are the good places to eat? Max & Erma’s, an American Restaurant has FREE COOKIES WEDNESDAYS! Go there on Wednesday and buy anything from the menu and you’ll get 2 FREE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES FREE! Mmmm Chocolate chip cookies. I’m on the next plane over. It’s ok if you don’t live in Virginia as Max & Erma have other branches in the following states: South Dakota, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. They also hold Max’s Happy Hour where you can get munchies for $5. Also there are delicious freebies every two weeks. http://www.maxandermas.com/ ; There’s Fellini’s restaurant which is perfect if you want delicious fresh food with so much flavor. They’re not frightened to use garlic or spices that people will remember and  I’m not afraid to try it. Can I have a Free meal there? The Greek pizza sounds delicious. It has fresh sautéed spinach, onions, tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella & feta cheese. Mmmm feta cheese. http://www.fellinisva.com/ordereze/default.aspx

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is an official recognition museum which is an accredited museum operated by the United States Navy that celebrates the 236 years history of the navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. You’ll even see several artifacts from the cruiser CSS Florida and the sloop-of-war USS Cumberland.

The AAF Tank Museum is the place to check out some really cool tanks. Don’t forget to get a cool army t-shirt at the gift shop! ;The Virginia Museum of Transportation has one of the finest rail collections in all America. There are more than 50 exhibits providing a broad view of Virginia’s rich railway heritage. The most valuable exhibits are the internationally known  Norfolk & Western Class J-611 and the Class A-1218, the most modern steam locomotives ever built. Both of them are “products of the talent and skills of the Norfolk & Western personnel who designed and built these locomotives in the N & W’s own Roanoke Shops.” The Museum’s road exhibits present a history of transportation ranging from horse-drawn vehicles to modern high-powered cars and trucks. Did you know that in 2006, a severe storm blew off part of the museum’s roof, destroying the aviation gallery below? This gave the Museum an opportunity to rebuild the gallery from the ground up. Your financial contribution is needed to help complete the gallery and reopen this important resource.