Gizmodo: La

LA Train Victim Makes 35 Phone Calls From Beyond the Grave

Sean Fallon — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:45:00 EDT

If you haven't been creeped out yet today, this crazy morbid story from the scene of the recent Metrolink train disaster should do the trick. Apparently, family members of passenger Chuck Peck received 35 calls from his cellphone throughout the night of the crash. There was nothing but static on the other end of the line, but Peck's fiancee used these opportunities to shout encouraging messages into the phone like "hang in there baby. We're gonna get you out. You're gonna be okay." The authorities managed to trace one of the calls which lead them to the first train and eventually to his body. Unfortunately, Peck died on impact.

It is logical to assume that the phone calls were the result of a technical malfunction and not supernatural forces. And, as far as I know, there has been no analysis of the condition of the cellphone itself. But consider this—all 35 calls were made to close family members only: his son, brother, sister, stepmother and fiancee. Plus, this is not the first time something like this has happened. OoOoOoOoh! [KTLA]

Death Toll Rises to 26 in LA Train Crash: Engineer May Have Been Text Messaging at the Time

Sean Fallon — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EDT

The NTSB is currently investigating whether or not text messaging may have played a part in the tragic head-on Metrolink train collision last Friday in LA that has claimed 26 lives. So far, they have confirmed that the engineer, who was among those killed, failed to stop at the final red signal. However, two teens have come forward saying that they received text messages from him shortly before the incident. Yeah, that sounds creepy—but the teens claim that they befriended the engineer after expressing interest in his work, often contacting him with questions about his job.

Obviously, making judgments about whether or not text messaging was behind the crash is a bit premature at this point—but phone records from both the teens and the engineer will go a long way in determining a cause. But one thing is certain—had the proper safety technology been in place, the train would have automatically stopped when it did not respond to the signal. [SFGate Image via LA Times]

LA Real Estate Mogul Plans To Light Up Your Life With Blade Runner Inspired Billboards

Sean Fallon — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:30:00 EDT

Being the businessman that he is, it wasn't the movie Blade Runner that struck L.A. real estate mogul Sonny Astani, it was the animated billboards depicted in the opening sequence. In fact, the idea has had such a profound effect on him that he plans on making advertising in 2019 Los Angeles a reality ahead of schedule. His plans call for two 14 story animated billboards to be built on condos set for construction downtown.

The display itself will consist of hundreds of rows of LEDs spaced 6 inches apart. Apparently, this will allow residents to see out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, but at a distance it will appear to be a complete image. Whether or not this over-the-top advertising will be as tacky and annoying as it sounds remains to be seen. In order for Astani's pilfered vision to come true, it still has to be approved by city officials. Let's hope they have some sense. [io9 via Wired]

Marijuana Vending Machines Opening For Business in LA

Adam Frucci — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:16:45 EST

Holy crap, what country is LA in? I mean, last time I was there I was surprised enough at the billboards offering medicinal marijuana cards, but this is insane. Starting on Monday, people who have medical conditions such as glaucoma, cancer, and the deadly not-stoned-enough virus can start getting their fat buds from special "AVMs."

These electronic drug dealers won't be out on the street next to a Pepsi machine, of course. No, they'll be "housed in standalone rooms, abutting two dispensaries and protected by round-the-clock security guards." To use them, you'll need to go with a prescription in hand, get fingerprinted and get a prepaid credit card that's loaded up with your dosage and what strain of weed you want. Yeah, no joke, the pharmacists in LA give you a choice between OG Kush and Granddaddy Purple. In the future, the machines may also be outfitted to sell other popular drugs such as Viagra, Vicodin and Propecia. Combine all four for a really interesting night that'll also slowly grow your hair back!

And here I was thinking New York City was a liberal town. When do we get weed vending machines, Bloomberg? Huh? [Thrillist]

The Ultimate iPhone Camping Guide

Jason Chen — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:00:20 EDT

Camping for stuff is hard work. Standing in line for eight+ hours just so you have the chance to buy something is hard enough without worrying about where you're going to pee or how you're going to get your next meal. That's why we've partnered up with Gridskipper, Gawker's urban travel blog, to bring to you the most comprehensive guide on how to camp out for an iPhone. If you're planning on camping out next Thursday/Friday in the NYC Soho store, the SF Downtown store, or the LA Century City store, bookmark these pages so you can make your experience slightly less painful.

Among the amenities listed are local motels, free bathrooms, good eateries within a couple blocks, and of course, free Wi-Fi. We'll update the maps leading up to launch, so you'll want to check back often. If you want an iPhone, you're going to want to be prepared. – Jason Chen

NYC Campout [Gridskipper]

SF Campout [Gridskipper]

LA Campout [Gridskipper]

Sony Vaio LA-Series: Name Stands for Ooh La La

Brian Lam — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 15:04:19 EDT

This pretty little Media Center dresses itself up like an old iMac, putting a transparent glass frame around its 19-inch screen. (It could be plastic, or crystal—we can't tell from our stalking-distance photo.)

I've always thought all monitors deserved a beautiful border like that. Just so I could muddle it up with post it notes, photo-booth stickers, and finger prints.

The as of right now Europe-only PC has a 1680 x 1050 resolution, a Core 2 Duo processor and Motion-Eye webcam and Remote Control.–Brian Lam

UPDATE: Well would you look at that. You can find the same design over at Sony Style under the LS-series designation. Just goes to show you&mdashNever believe what you read on blogs. Thanks John Nye.
Sony Vaio LA-Series [Sci Fi Tech]

FAA Says Not So Fast To LA Sheriffs' Drones

Jason Chen — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:26:36 EDT

Remember those unmanned drones the LA Sheriffs were going to fly? The FAA is pooping all over this party and in turn, making the Sheriffs "peeved" as hell.

The FAA wants to investigate the demonstration the sheriff's dept. conducted last week to make sure everything's on the up and up, hopefully clearing these drones to peep on you and your sexy wife along with "looking for lost hikers and children".

"A private citizen can go to the store and buy one of those model airplanes and fly them around. But because we're doing it as a public service, we have to deal with the FAA?" said Sheriff's Cmdr. Sid Heal.

Yes. – Jason Chen

FAA Grounds L.A. Sheriff's Drone Plans [Chron - Thanks Mathis!]

Unmanned Drones Over LA

Jason Chen — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 20:24:16 EDT

The LA County Sheriff's department is taking a page from the military and sending unmanned drones over the streets of LA. These drones are much lighter and cost a lot less than military ones, and is only going to be used for looking for lost kids and hikers along with scouting for break-ins. Each drone will be $20,000 to $30,000, compared to a police helicopter, which goes up into the millions when you account for fuel, training, and maintenance.

Privacy proponents are concerned with the evidence gathered by the drone being used in subsequent trials, and whether they will violate any privacy rights. Either way, we think people would much prefer an eye in the sky solution than being roughed up by Vic Mackey. – Jason Chen

Drones Taking a Bite Out of Crime
[Wired]

Street Wars Water Gun Assassination Game

Travis Hudson — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 16:43:58 EDT

This is a massive water gun assassination tournament that will soon be hitting the streets of L.A. It is a 24/7 game that will last until someone wins. Every registered member of Street Wars will receive an envelope with the picture, name, address and phone number of a target. Then there is a three-week deadline to hunt the person down and shoot them with a water gun. Once "assassinated" the gunman will take on the target of the person assassinated.

This process is repeated until you assassinate a person with the envelope containing your picture and information. If this task is able to be completed then there is some cash to win. This is a pretty nifty game and a lot safer than the traditional shooting games that go on in L.A.

StreetWars - Water Gun Assassinations [The Cool Hunter]