It has been a couple of years since I put down the keyboard for more than a few days at a stretch. This time I'm vowing to stay away for two whole weeks plus a fraction, not look at any websites that don't involve reservations or tickets, and consume hardly any news of Los Angeles.

In the tradition of summer guest bloggers, some esteemed LA Observed contributors will be posting here when the urge strikes. Come by and check out what they have to say. I'll be picking up my email on occasion, but if you have urgent business with LA Observed drop a note to Veronique de Turenne at veronique (at) laobserved.com. LA Observed on KCRW will continue on Friday afternoons at 4:44 pm and online. I'll be back on Sept. 10.