Dateline>City of Angels

Q: What d’ya do when you don’t have time (or can’t think of anything truly original) to post on your blog?

A: Write about all the fun tidbits to be found on other local blogs, of course. Let’s check in, shall we? Read more

As I observed in my last post, America is indeed a growing nation, and not just in the figurative sense. Want proof? Mouse on over to the following CNN link, where you’ll find hard data on the craze of corpulence sweeping the nation. Clicking on each progressive year will reveal the alarming results of our fast-food, couch-potato culture. And while it’s tempting to make a few clever puns about “Middle America,” the frightening fact is that “fitness-obsessed” Californians aren’t too far behind. See you at the gym…

Over the weekend I got to return to my erstwhile research into Angeleno ghostlore. (Visitors to my old blog know it’s a favorite topic of mine.) Among the most intriguing stories I’ve uncovered over the years is the notorious White Lady of Elysian Park, a prudish spirit with an alleged aversion to amorous parkgoers. According to local legend, groping couples are occasionally shocked by a ghostly female who peers into their car and shrieks. When they bolt up for a quick getaway, they find their engine (among other things) suddenly impotent. Despite the legend’s popularity in the Echo Park area, very little has been written about it — until now.

Or should I say, until about three months ago? Yes, I’m late to the party on this one, but Metroblogging L.A. included the White Lady among its “Top 25 L.A. Legends,” posted in March. (Also making the list was another fave of mine, the dreaded Curse of Dona Petranilla.)

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