This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Ball Smashing: Another Cause We Won't Lose Sleep Over
Apparently the billion-dollar oil giant Unocal thinks that upgrading their trademark spinning orange ball is a good idea. Clearly it's not. That giant orb is iconic, brilliant, simple, and classic. But as long as we're paying north of $3 a gallon for gasoline, drawing attention to anything oil-related without a clenched fist and an angry mob is foolish.
If Unocal -- or their parent company ConocoPhillips -- wants to de-ball themselves, fine. Screw 'em.
No matter what that cultural leader Zippy the Pinhead threatens to do to save the balls.
No matter how many people sign the Save the Balls petition.
No matter how much sense Michael Madsen made when he told the BBC last week, "There seems to be this driving force to tear down everything that's a little old. These are things that were landmarks, it's a symbol that I remember from childhood. What's the point of smashing them and putting up flat signs?"
The guy who cut the ear off the other guy in "Reservoir Dogs" is lobbying against destruction?
Sponsored message
Mr. Blonde actually heard-tell of a facility in Fresno where the 76 balls were being rounded up and then destroyed. He put in an offer to buy one of the balls, adopt one, as it were, but was refused. Not for sale. Will be taken around back and smooshed.
"I get so mystified by things like that." the actor told the Brits. "Not only do they want to take them down, but they are going to make sure they smash every one of them into pieces."
Madsen has lived in LA for how long, while hanging out with Quentin Tarantino since '91 -- and this is what mystifies him?
Photo: J. Eric Freedner, savethe76ball.com
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
