Happy Batman Birthday

Happy Birthday to me. This year, I’m in Los Angeles, the city of lost angels. We are both in town doing work so the day was fairly routine. I decided the Shake Shack was a treat for lunch and then after much deliberation about dinner, we ended up ordering room service and enjoyed a quiet night. I feel like my birthday has spanned 3 days given the time differences with Australia, DC and here so birthday wishes were flowing for the past 3 days. So another year to chalk up and my hair is getting grey by the day.

The highlight for my birthday, albeit the day before, was visiting the Batman Exhibit at the Hollywood Museum. It opened on Jan 12 - the same date as the 52nd anniversary of the 1966 premiere of the ABC TV series, “Batman.”  The exhibit had four sections, Wayne Manor, The Batcave, Gallery of Guest Super Villains, and The Collectibles of Batman ’66. There were original costumes and props from the show, which have not been seen since it originally broadcast from 1966-68. It would be an understatement to say I was a kid in a candy shop, or like a pig in shit or grinning like a Cheshire cat. I proudly wore my batshirt and had my cape and mask on hand. There were other bat fans wandering in awe and everyone wore a bat shirt or hat or more stuff to show their pride in caped crusader. Everyone was very excited to see me don the mask and cape for my photos and it was nice to be among friends.

 

I absolutely loved seeing the Batmobile. It is not the original from the 60’s. This was a replica fiberglass body that’s been in collection for 20 years and used in recent Batman appearances in their Return to the Batcave action-comedy film, a variety of TV shows and major events and has toured the US to promote the BAtmobile documentary. The orginial Batmobile was built from a $250,000 Ford Lincoln Future Concept Car and was built within 3 weeks. It was sold at auction in 2013 for $4.62 million and is the most expensive Batman memorabilia item to ever be sold. I looked at every angle of the Batmobile and took it all in – front, back, sides, wheels, inside with all the buttons and gadgets – it was so cool. I never knew the front of the car is shaped like the bat symbol.

The costumes were incredible. They were old fabric and technology but they looked every bit as good as they did on TV all those years ago. My next favourite thing were the batpoles and the statue bust with the button to reveal the batpoles. I always wanted to ride those poles – I still do !!

 

There were cabinets full of replica gadgets, toys and other memorabilia, photos, scripts and just about anything that had Batman on it. There was the original prop off the batcopter, signed by the cast. And of course the Batcycle and sidecar – amazing. There were several TV screens playing the TV show and I found myself watching the screens and remembering the good old days after school when I’d sit down and watch my favorite superhero take on the villains of Gotham.

It was sad to think that Adam West died only last year. I would have loved to have met him but this would have to be the second best thing. The only other thing I ever want to do is ride in the Batmobile but I doubt that will happen. I went out onto Hollywood Blvd and found Adam West’s star. This was super fabulous to do and I was so lucky to be in LA when this exhibit was on. It really was Batman Heaven and I caught myself smiling a lot as I was staring at all the stuff. Just loved it.

I’ve got my approval from TSA to stary flying lessons. I had to get my fingerprints taken as the last step in my application to take flying lessons. The lady had her little grandson who was very cute. It took a little while to get the prints done so I found myself being entertained with the little rascal. Gotta laugh. 

 My flying kit arrived with my training DVDs, books, bag and other little gadgets. I’ve started watching the training DVDs and am enjoying the mental stimulation. I have to pass a theory exam (called a Knowledge Test) later down the track so there is no hurry. It will be better to do the theory as I progress with the practical flying lessons to help reinforce things.

Cricket gashed his ear tip on a walk before I left for LA. Got home, blood dripping and he's shaking his head leaving good CSI blood spatter on the walls, the floor, me and him. It stopped and started a few times with more crime scenes made but inspection reveals like a small chunk missing and his hair shave away. Must have been a mean squirrel that put up some biff?? And oh yeah, day before holidays so always a drama in our house. Poor Cricky.


And here's a few extra pics to finish off with.