Caressing L.A.'s hottest new celebrity, up close

Ellen Alperstein writes at Native Intelligence that the world is in love with Zenyatta, the mare featured inside the same issue of W Magazine that has a naked Kim Kardashian on the cover. The pictures are by Robert Maxwell, the photographer more known for portraits of Kate Winslet and surfers. "We can't help it, we slobbering groupies worshiping at the altar of the most exciting athlete in her sport," Alperstein writes after her visit to Zenyatta's barn. "We think she is the best ever, and we are not people given to adoration of jocks." Post with photos

Also around LA Observed: Bob Timmermann digs out an old letter proving that fans arriving late and leaving early at Dodger Stadium is nothing new, while stadium neighbor Jenny Burman prepares for Monster Car races to invade.