All the Doo Dah the day

When I last looked for an apartment about two years ago it was survival of the fittest. After a few weeks of fail, I realized it meant waking early and being the first person at the newest listings. And, ultimately, paying dumb money to live in the Playhouse District.

Today, my manager held an open house after pleading with me for days. She bought balloons and flew them. A handful of people came with an attitude of disdain. And they'd already lowered the price about $200 below what I'm paying.

That said, Doo Dah Paraders won't want to miss watching Ann Lau, bulldog in chief of human rights champs The Visual Artists Guild preside as the Thorny Rose over a much bolder parade entry than that which they fought - and were denied - to have in last year's Rose Parade. It should prove theater of the absurd,according to her release:

The Great Firewall of China Marching Brigade to appear in the 2009 Pasadena Doo-Dah Parade

WHEN: Sunday, January 18, 2009 11:30AM
WHERE: Pasadena Old Town, Raymond and Colorado

MARCHING BRIGADE: A Great Firewall of China Marching Brigade will follow a vintage car carrying Ann Lau, Chair of the Visual Artists Guild and recipient of the 2009 Thorny Rose Award. The Brigade will highlight the internet censorship in China and the continuous imprisonment of internet writers, journalists, religious persons, etc.

...

Upon notification, Ann Lau stated: “I am honored to be the recipient of the 2009 Thorny Rose Award. When I told my daughters, they said that their mother rocks. This must certainly be the closest I will ever get to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. (smile)

Shining a light on the issues of international human rights in the City of Pasadena has been a most rewarding experience. How else would Mayor Bill Bogaard have indicated that he discovered the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the same time he rejected the recommendations of his own Commission on Human Relations to make a strong statement about human rights abuses in China? Indeed, it was a one giant step for the Mayor to host the City of Pasadena's first ever celebration of the Universal Declaration this past December.

Without the deep compassion and tremendous support of an untold number of fine citizens of the City of Pasadena, the issue of human rights in China might have been ignored. I thank them for their support and encourage them to continue to raise their voices.”

All are welcome!

What fun! Attendees should wash down the day's wackiness with perusing - and purchasing - some Relics of Todd at the Kenneth Todd Ruiz and Tracy Vanity Estate Sale from Noon to 4 p.m.

283 S. El Molino Ave. #1, yo.