Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Meeting Prince Charles

Thank God I’m getting out of town. My son Matt is getting married on Sunday in the Bay Area so I’m outta here. But he could not have picked a more perfect weekend (or girl for that matter) than this one because starting late Friday night it is CARMEGEDDON in Los Angeles. You’ve probably heard about it… even in the outer reaches of Bhutan. The freeway that is the major artery between the Westside of LA and the San Fernando Valley will be closed for over 50 hours this weekend as they make improvements and knock down a bridge. Why they can’t knock down the bridge during normal traffic flow is beyond me. So a few cars are crushed? We’re talking MAJOR inconvenience here. Fortunately, I’ll be miles away heavily drinking.

There was a rumor that the reason for the closure was the visit by Will & Kate. Not true. And even if it were, they need 55 hours to get from the 110 to the Santa Monica Freeway? W & K are in town but just getting around via simple motorcade and police escort.

Still, it reminds me of when Prince Charles came to Twentieth Century Fox to visit MASH. This was 1977 or ’78. I meet so much royalty I never can keep the dates straight. Truth be told, he was really there to see CHARLIE’S ANGELS but since he was in the neighborhood…

The studio wanted to look its best for the prince so all the buildings were re-painted. Well… not all the buildings. Only the sides of the buildings that were in his view along his motorcade route. So it would be the front of one, the side of another, etc.

And before you say, “that’s unbelievable” let me just correct you and say “that’s typical”.

I did get to meet Prince Charles. Was in a receiving line on the MASH stage. When I shook his hand I just couldn’t resist. I asked, “What career advice would you give young people thinking of getting into your profession?” To his credit he laughed. But my reception on BBC America is always bad and every British Airlines flight I’ve ever taken since has been delayed.

Happy driving, Los Angeles.

19 comments :

iain said...

You're opting for your son's wedding over broadcasting from "I Can Haz Cheezeburger Night" at Safeco??

Mac said...

You're on the list, Ken. There's a cell in the Tower Of London for those who make gags about Charlie not having a real job.
All the best with the wedding, hope you have fun.

Anonymous said...

I take it since you asked that question, you have never been to Paris.

I'm guessing that's the only reason we're able to read about this now...

(Too soon?)

daniel in cherry hill said...

mazal tov!!! on the wedding, not the bridge.

brian t said...

Morning! Any thoughts on Ted Danson's new job? Puts a whole new spin on "Death Takes a Holiday on Ice", eh? 8)

ulysee said...

I guess the wedding wasn't all that bad

cadavra said...

I'll be up there too for the Silent Film Festival at the Castro. You should check it out--tremendous presentations!

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VP81955 said...

No big deal that the 405 is out, Ken. Just take the Pacific Electric at San Fernando, ride through Van Nuys and Lankershim, and you'll shortly arrive in Hollywood. From there, transfer to downtown or over to Santa Monica.

(Oops, I forgot -- you can't do that anymore. Curse you, General Motors.)

Andy said...

Of course it is possible to keep the road open during the bridge work. The 401 in Toronto was widened from four to twelve lanes and at least four lanes were always open. It took nine years though.
I also should point out that since only half the bridge is being worked on this weekend another 405 closure seems likely.

D. McEwan said...

Congratulations on your son's marriage.

Prince Charles has maintained a personal friendship with Barry Humphries for almost 40 years. He couldn't do that if he had no sense of humor, so I'm not surprised he laughed at your joke. And his marrying Camilla, that was a joke, right?

BigTed said...

Brian T.: Wow, Ted Danson is going to "CSI"? That's really strange.

All these crime shows seem to hire really good actors go to spout jargon. (It's like getting Jack Nicklaus to be the pro at your incredibly successful putt-putt golf course.)

I can see why he'd take it, but after shows like "Damages" and "Bored to Death" it seems like a weak move.

Paul Duca said...

I hope you have a fine time, Ken, but just remember...every time your in-laws look at you, they are saying a silent prayer of gratitude that sometimes the apple DOES fall far from the tree.

WV: calinte--what the weather is in San Francisco in summer...almost hot

Anonymous said...

Don't know if you heard Ken butTed Danson's gonna be the new lead on CSI.

Johnna said...

Love the way you write, Ken! So, how was the wedding?

cshel said...

Best wishes on your son's marriage, Ken. Have a great time. Can't wait to hear about your trip to San Francisco. : )

As for everyone else in the area during Carmageddon - stay home all weekend and leave the alternate routes to the people who have to go to work. : (

Mary Stella said...

Mazel tov on the marriage, Ken!

Jeffrey Leonard said...

Mazel Tov on Matt's marriage. It's got to make you feel a little old though. Have fun, you won't be missing a thing here in L.A. (except insanity).

Breadbaker said...

I'm waiting for the blog post about the Levine machatunim.

Mazel tov to you all!