Rich artists

LA Downtown News Online: Little Tokyo Lofts

Since opening in July, the $21 million project in a converted warehouse on San Pedro Street between Fourth and Fifth streets is 60% full. Jon Peterson and Michael Tansey, who in 1982 developed the first live-work lofts in Downtown, last year began construction on the high-end Little Tokyo Lofts. The complex contains 161 live-work units, averaging 1,000 square feet and renting for about $1,600 a month. Amenities include hardwood floors, marble and granite countertops, a pool and Jacuzzi. A footbridge will connect the building to a 300-car parking structure.

Car update II

Someone from the MR2 board said the problem is likely to be the wheel bearing and hub.

So now the car’s at Marina Del Rey Toyota being diagnosed. I asked for a preliminary quote for repairs if the problem was indeed the bearing and hub, and they said that it would be around $450. I know I can order parts from Jay Marks Toyota for a lower price than Marina Del Rey, and considering that I’d also like to get the front trunk prop latch, the engine cover prop latch, and possibly some other OEM parts, I can do this all at the same time.

Marina Del Rey also quoted me $385 for installing an ACT clutch; this is around the same price as Marina Pit Stop, so I think I’ll let them do it. I’ll see if I can get any kind of discount for doing both jobs at the same time.

The clutch is on its way from Florida.

My wheels and tires are in Marina Del Rey at Federal Express. They’ll try another delivery tomorrow.

I still have to order brake pads, urethane, speed bleeders, and a muffler. Maybe I’ll order a set of motor mounts from Jay Marks so that I can drive the car around while the urethane is solidifying.

China Sends Man Into Orbit, Entering U.S.-Russian Club

China Sends Man Into Orbit, Entering U.S.-Russian Club

BEIJING, Wednesday, Oct. 15 – The Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou 5 blasted off from the Gobi Desert on Wednesday carrying a single astronaut. The launching left government leaders jubilant yet also anxiously awaiting his safe return so China can stake its claim as one of the world’s elite space-faring nations.

The launching took place about 9 a.m., according to the state-run television network, CCTV. At about 9:30, the network showed a videotape of the rocket soaring to the heavens.

The Shenzhou 5, or Divine Vessel, is expected to orbit Earth 14 times before returning after a voyage of roughly 21 hours.

If successful, the mission would make China the third nation to send a man into space, coming more than four decades after the Soviet Union and the United States accomplished the feat at the height of the cold war.