THEATER TALK
A Noise Within is hosting White Russians and Discussions tonight following the 8 pm performance of a new adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. The Russian-themed reception features guest speaker Ed Bacon, Rector for All Saints Church in Pasadena, who will discuss the story of Lazarus, and the ways in which its tale of rebirth intersects with the central figure in the play. Tickets: $44.

THEATER
Previews start tonight for David Sedaris’s The Santaland Diaries at The Blank Theatre Company. The one-man play is based on Sedaris’s experiences as an unemployed writer taking a job as an elf at Macy’s, where he oscillates between humiliation to bitterness. The Blank Theater brings a tale of “mass marketing, stressed out sales clerks, drunk Santas, screaming kids and the general insanity of the holidays is hilarious, witty, sardonic and unpredictable; mercilessly cutting through the Christmas spirit to point out what crazy things we do as human beings during the holidays.“ The play officially opens next week (Nov. 27) and runs through Dec. 20. We just learned that a lot of shows--including tonight’s--are already sold out, so get your tickets fast. $25.  

DRINK+DRAW

Hint Mint hosts an evening of drinking and drawing with Gary Baseman, who’ll introduce his new tinplate prints, made from his 2006 Limited Edition Artist Series tins. At tonight's "Drinking & Drawing" party--held at the Hint Mint pop-up house in Venice--guests will be given art supplies to sketch a life-sized cast of Baseman characters and live models. There’s an open bar provided by Blue Ice Vodka and Izze Soda. DJ Marcin Nadolny is projecting interactive video art in the yard, and the mint bar will be keeping you fresh all evening. The first 20 guests to arrive will receive a Hint Mint Limited Edition Artist Series tin. The event begins at 6 pm. Free admission, but RSVP (one per person) required. E-mail sue@hintmint.com 


THEATER
Sacred Fools Theater Company presents Hamlet Shut Up tonight at 8 pm. Adapted & directed by Jonas Oppenheim, it’s being billed as Hamlet... “without all those pesky words.” What the dialogue-free adaptation lacks in words, it makes up for in slapstick, music, clowning, vaudeville and sharks. The play runs on Fridays and Saturdays and runs through Dec. 19. Tickets are $20.

DANCE

Reggie Wilson and His Fist & Heel Performance Group premieres The Good Dance tonight and tomorrow at UCLA’s Royce Hall. “Created jointly with Congolese choreographer Andreya Ouamba, The Good Dance-dakar/brooklyn examines the metaphoric, historic, and real-world parallels between the Mississippi and Congo rivers and their respective cultures.” 8 pm. Tickets $24-$48. ($15 UCLA students).

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This morning Oprah Winfrey spoke about stopping her show in September 2011, reports Chicagoist. There's no mention of what's next, such as the rumors of moving to Los Angeles to produce a show on her OWN network, but speculation will continue.

"For some of you...you have literally grown up with me...I want you all to know that my relationship with you is one I hold very dear...and has brought me the greatest joy I have ever known," she said. "So why walk away: here is the real reason. I love this show, this show has been my life and I love it enough to know when it's time to say good-bye. 25 years feels right...the perfect time."

Our Pick: Neil Young Tribute w/ Delta Spirit, Jason Simon (of Dead Meadow), Ferraby Lionheart, The Parson Red Heads, Leslie Stevens (of Leslie And The Badgers), The Chapin Sisters, Family Of The Year, Justin Gordon, Restavrant, Shakey Graves, Dark Horse House Band feat. Andy Creighton, Brian Whelan and Dan Iead (of The Broken West), John Hoskinson, Rob Douglas, Josh Charney (of Le Switch) @ Bootleg Theater

Tonight, as always, local multi-instrumentalist/producer extraordinaire Jon Brion (LAist Interview, #2, Review) will be jamming with friends at the Largo at the Coronet. Maine-bred folk singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne is taking on a three-night stint at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown with LAist favorite, Rock Island-based alternative country singer-songwriter Lissie. And, lastly, Austin/Brooklyn-bred electro pop duo Neon Indian will be gracing the Echoplex with none other than Northampton's own electro-infused indie rock act Tigercity. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Bootleg Theater to catch San Diegan rockers Delta Spirit (LAist Interview), who will be performing as a part of When You Awake's Neil Young Tribute. LAist favorites, Jason Simon of psych rock outfit Dead Meadow, indie pop outfit the Parson Red Heads (LAist Review, #2, #3), alt-country songstress Leslie Stevens of Leslie and the Badgers, folk troubadour Ferraby Lionheart (LAist Interview, Review) and many other talented local artists will be chiming in to celebrate the music of Neil Young, of course, but also to support the Children’s Music Fund.

You can find these listings as well as the rest of the week's in our weekly Week In Rock post, which goes up every Sunday.

The Parson Red Heads - "Raymond"

Jon Brion @ Largo at the Coronet
Solomon Burke @ Club Nokia
Dethklok, Mastodon, Converge, High on Fire @ Hollywood Palladium
Deftones @ Avalon
Ray LaMontagne, Lissie @ Orpheum Theatre
Julian Casablancas, The Strange Boys @ The Palace Theatre
Neil Young Tribute w/ Delta Spirit, Jason Simon (of Dead Meadow), Ferraby Lionheart, The Parson Red Heads, Leslie Stevens (of Leslie And The Badgers), The Chapin Sisters, Family Of The Year, Justin Gordon, Restavrant, Shakey Graves, Dark Horse House Band feat. Andy Creighton, Brian Whelan and Dan Iead (of The Broken West), John Hoskinson, Rob Douglas, Josh Charney (of Le Switch) @ Bootleg Theater
Iglu & Hartly, Jaguar Love, Pop Noir @ Troubadour
Neon Indian, Keenhouse, Tigercity, Little Red Radio, Short Circuit @ Echoplex
Moonrats, Jaguar Love, Brother Reade @ The Smell
Pollyn, Divisible @ The Echo
Very Be Careful @ Juanita's Bar & Grill
Tearist, Peler Kolovos, Graham Forest @ Pehrspace
Dustbowl Revival, Coyote, Son Ark, 1921a @ Echo Curio
Sammy Dee, Anthony Collins, Lee Foss, Droog @ TS2 (4658 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles)
It Came From Left Field closing reception w/ Big Whup, Moses Campbell, Freaky Mountain @ L'KEG Gallery
Manhattan Murder Mystery, Kill Kill Kill, Meho Plaza, The Ross Sea Party, The Downtown Train @ Mr. T's Bowl
Boomkat, Golden Years, Kelly Dalton, The Smart Set, Chris Velan, Ryan Smith & the Voyage @ The Hotel Café
Spacehog, Sing Orpheus, The Moor @ Spaceland
Death House Chaplain, The Terrapin @ Silver Factory Studios
Gina Villalobos @ Taix Lounge
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers @ Keyclub
Erin McKeown, Jill Sobule @ McCabe's Guitar Shop
The Big Pink, Crystal Antlers, IO Echo @ Detroit Bar

Other big (and colder) cities get ice rinks, so what's there to stop us? Great weather might be one factor, but it hasn't stopped the likes of the cities of Santa Monica and Los Angeles.

A few weeks ago in Santa Monica, the city and the Bayside District opened ICE on 5th Street, which runs through the end of January. $10 gets you in and a pair of skates, if you need. It's open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and to midnight on Friday and Saturday. On opening day, the city broke the world record for tallest ice sculpture--since removed--which promoted the DVD release of Ice Age 3. (complete details about ICe can be found in this PDF)

In downtown Los Angeles, the rink at Pershing Square opened last night and will remain so until January 18th. It's a $6 admission with a $2 fee for skate rental. It's open noon to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays (the schedule is very specific with various half hour ice resurfacing periods).

And if one ice rink wasn't enough for downtown, L.A. Live will host one throughout December. Starting hours vary, but it will close at 11 p.m. every night. $10 will get you in with a pair of skates.

Update: Thanks to LA Bargain Hunter, we now know of three more ice rinks in Woodland Hills. Redondo Beach, Thousand Oaks!

Benefitting the Union Station Homeless Services, volunteers will collect nonperishable food at the fork, located at Pasadena and St. John avenues, both days this weekend, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The sculpture was a birthday present/prank for Bob Stane, founder of the Ice House comedy club and current owner of the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena. Stane always thought it would be funny if someone did that and his wish was granted by his friends. Now people want to see the piece be a permanent part of the city's public art collection.

UCLA is no stranger to Taser Gun use. After a horrible video in 2006 surfaced of a student, who was already retrained by officers, being tasered several times, the school suffered a good amount of drama and settled with the student for $220,000.

During protests over the past two days, at least a few students were tasered. UCLA officials said two were tasered on Wednesday and photos show that at least one student was on Thursday.

A witness to Thursday's incident tells LAist that two people were tasered during a scuffle captured in photos. "In fact with this particular incident," said the student, "there were actually two students who were tasered, the girl lying down next to Rustin O'Neill on the right in the first photo posted was also tasered, once, in the arm, and Rustin was tasered multiple times over the heart."

UCPD officials were not immediately available for comment. An updated press release from UCLA did not mention the use of tasers on Thursday.

A memo and training bulletin from Taser that gained media attention last month warned agencies that "if a stun gun is discharged to the chest, a lawsuit likely will follow, charging that police used excessive force," according to CNN in an aricle called "Taser makers say don't aim at chest."

With all the media attention and community reaction--some crazy riots--the climate in Bay Area was too intense to hold the trial there. Therefore a judge ruled to move it to downtown Los Angeles. The family of the victim, Oscar Grant, is happy with the decision. Mehserle's lawyers are not.

"Citing the reaction to the 1991 police beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles, [defense attorney Michael] Rains also argued that the trial could drag that city back in time, and into 'the boiling cauldron we wanted to get out of in Alameda County,'" explained the San Francisco Chronicle. Rains also argued that with L.A.'s backlog of cases, the trial won't happen for some time and that it would be better to move the case to San Diego. Others argue moving it to San Diego would result in a not guilty verdict.

The incident was caught on tape. If you wish, you can watch it below:

Anaheim Ducks defeat Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 (OT). Ducks fans showed their class when the Captain Scott Niedermayer gave his stick to a little girl in the stands when being announced as the first star of the game. Being in the bottom of the Western Conference, the Ducks really needed to start winning after an abysmal road trip. The Ducks took a 3-0 lead a third of the way through the second period but couldn’t hold on. The Lightning scored two quick goals a minute after the Duck’s last goal within 18 seconds of each other. The Ducks started the third period down a man with their best penalty killer Todd Marchant in the penalty box which led to the tying goal by Martin St. Louis. But in the overtime period an iffy cross checking violation by Tampa Bay’s Ryan Malone led to the game winning goal by Niedermayer. While it’s early in the season, the Ducks really need to start focusing on getting in good shots while they are playing even handed.

Tonight’s Action

Denver Nuggets at LA Clippers. 7:30 pm FS Prime Ticket, ESPN, AM 980 KFWB.

CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners at UCLA Bruins. 7:30 pm FSWest, AM 570 KLAC.

Protests began yesterday morning before a Regents' finance committee voted to push the tuition increase to the full board today. At yesterday's meeting inside Covel Commons, 14 were arrested, 12 of them students. Outside, protesting students gathered around the building resulting in various quick scuffles with police caught on video. A UCLA statement said two officers used tasers "in light stun mode" against two protesters, though they were not hurt. Two other students sustained minor injuries for unknown reasons.

With a tent city on campus, protests began early today when a group of about 25 entered Campbell Hall around 12:30 a.m., renaming it "Carter-Huggins Hall, after two Black Panthers who were murdered there in 1969," according Angus Johnston at the blog Student Activism. Three other UC buildings across the state were also occupied: Kresge Town Hall and Kerr Hall at UCSC and Mrak Hall at UC Davis. The Carter-Huggins Hall students made no demands, but those occupying the UCSC buildings released a list of 35 demands.

Protests grew outside Covel and in and around campus after today's vote, even at one point marching on Westwood and Wilshire boulevards. Regents and other officials were blocked in the building for hours with those trying to leave immediately accompanied by police.

A UCLA Police Department representative told LAist tonight that one student was arrested, cited and released for obstructing a police officer. Another was taken into custody, but was later released with no arrest. She was unaware of any taser use, but photos from the Associated Press indicate that it was used at least with one student, Rustin O'Neil (see above). It is unknown if he was the arrested student.

Not all students will see the increase. "Low income families are not affected by this tuition hike," reported ABC. "Low income is considered families making $70,000 or less and tuition is free for them. Really, it is the middle class that will feel a pinch because they will have a $2,500 increase a year and some middle class families don't qualify for financial aid."

The money for low income families will come from UC, state and federal grants, explained the LA Times, which said it will cover basic education fees.

By 7:30 p.m., the students in Campbell Hall dispersed.

Background: UC and CSU Seek Combined $1.797 Billion From State to Recover Budgets

• An elderly woman took her motorized wheelchair... on the freeway... IN THE WRONG DIRECTION... as her husband was chasing behind her... AND SURVIVED. You can't make this stuff up.
• A teenager was sentenced to 82 years to life for the murder of a 14 year old girl who wasn't even the intended target. He was 16 at the time of the crime.
• The long wait for a high school in Castaic is now one step shorter thanks to a decision to test two sites for "environmental impact".
• From schools on the way to school administrators on the way out... An Inglewood school board member was charged with embezzling several thousand dollars from the Inglewood Unified School District.
• Stalkers, spammers, weirdos all lurk on social networks like Facebook. You can now add gangsters to that list. Yes... Cyberthugs. *sigh*
• With the local MLS team, the LA Galaxy, in the championship game. It's nice to know that we have the best player in the league on our side. Landon Donovan was named MLS MVP for (amazingly) the first time in his career.
• According to a report hate is down... somewhat. Hate crimes targeting African-Americans, Asians and Middle Easterners were down while hate crimes against gay and lesbians were up. Hate crimes against Jews and Latinos were virtually unchanged.
• Finally... LA Superior Court judges are donating a day's pay each month to offset the pay cuts to furloughed court staff. That's awesome!

Here's a little something something for people (like this LAist poster) heading for the Swell Season concert at the Wiltern tonight. Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) asked for songwriting advice from the band, and Markéta Irglová told him to "write a song from the heart" and "include as much personal information as you can." Here's the result, which he performed at last night's show.

And if you call his number (315-329-6673) to apply for the chance of making love to Mr. Segel, you get voicemail. So leave a message.

The room is reminiscent of a bistro, but on a grander scale. Whimsical murals line the walls and high ceilings keep the rococco touches from overwhelming the eye. The use of space for the event was practical and imaginative, with cheese and charcuterie being offered in the main dining room, hot appetizers in the kitchen, and cookies in the prep room. The only space that was not being used were the walk-in freezers, but quite a few people were peeking. It was fun to hang around the back corridors where the sommelier was offering a tasting. To add to the fun, there was a bake-your-own-bread station where they taught you to snip leaves of dough with scissors, forming beautiful baguettes.

The raw bar offered oysters, shrimp, clams, and mussels. The Beau Soleil oysters were ruffled, like in The Walrus and the Carpenter, and they tasted briny but clean. They went down gently with a dose of mignonette sauce. You know you are in a great hall of gastronomie when the shrimp cocktail is getting the least attention. The charcuterie table held an inviting array of salami, pickled vegetables, marinated olives, tapenade and olivade, Pate de Campagne and toasted breads. The cheese table was laden with a selection of imported cheeses including Red Hawk and Fourme d'Ambert to enjoy with fresh Bouchon breads.

But in spite of the high quality, these were all cold apps -- where was Thomas Keller's delicious food? Slip down the hall into the kitchen, and voila! Cue "Fanfare for a King's Supper". The first taste was a butternut squash soup that was comforting, but not memorable compared to the luscious morsels to follow. Perhaps the most delicious "doot" (as James Beard called them) was Keller's take on a BLT -- pork belly with pesto between two slices of butter-soaked grilled sourdough bread. Rich short ribs in a dark demi glace were another favorite. The little squares of short ribs may have been on a mashed potato and parsnip puree, but the meat was so intense that anything else on the appetizer spoon was overshadowed.

The pommes frites were a hit with the crowd, and the paper cones were set in an adorable tiered display as well as offered around the dining room in a carnival-like cigarette girl tray. In fact, isn't that a (truffled) popcorn machine over there? Along with the accordian player and chanteuse Morganne Picard's silky voice, Bouchon was conjuring up memories of Paris' Île de la Cité.

Other notable bites turned out by the kitchen were teensy croque monsieurs, croquettes, delicate pastries filled with mushroom duxelles, petit cod brandade, and canapés topped with foie gras quenelles, smoked salmon, or roast beef.

Down the hall as we were juggling plates, someone mentioned dessert. Dessert? Oh my God! Could there be any more delicious food left out there in the world? Or was it all here in this one building on this one night? Turning the corner into the prep area, we were dazzled by a delight of cookies. Signature TKOs, Keller's interpretation of an Oreo, were shaped like adorable little daisies. Their macarons are light as air. The crackle as the fragile outer shell barely breaks between your teeth and sucks up into a little ball of sugar is as satisfying as breaking the top of a creme brulee with the tip of your spoon.

The last room was the bakery, where people were learning to fashion baguettes, a lucky few under the guidance of Thomas Keller himself. Comaraderie built as people waited in anticipation for their loaves to be turned out of the oven. It was a friendly crowd all around, and we chatted with Jay Leno as easily as Cheryl Tiegs. Walking out into the early winter cold with our gift bags, Don Johnson flashed us a peace sign. Eliza Doolittle could not have felt any more glamorous leaving her very first ball.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the airports fill up. Officials at LAX today are warning passengers of the expected increased traffic at the airport for a ten day period, beginning tomorrow. Of those ten, the three busiest are expected to be tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 25; and Sunday, Nov. 29 because "airlines are forecasting passenger load factors approaching 80 percent on most flights and some flights fully booked."

Airport officials say passengers departing LAX during the daily peak travel periods -- from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.; from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; or from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. -- to be in their airline's ticketing lobbies two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

Compared to last year, officials are expecting a 1.1 percent increase in people passing through the airport. That amounts to about 1.5 million passengers.

Unfettered by even the somewhat lax broadcasting rules of basic cable, there's more swearing, gore, and just plain bad behavior in this twisted take on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. As a TV bonus tonight, the "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" cast appears on "Free Radio" on Comedy Central at midnight.
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Congrats to our friend John Oliver who scored a new show, "John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show", to begin broadcasting on Comedy Central January 8th at 11pm. Featured comedians include: Janeane Garofalo, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Brian Poseh, Nick Kroll and Kristen Schaal [Click the links to see our interviews with them]
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The TV Junkie Plan: "Community", "Parks and Recreation", "The Office", "30 Rock", "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia", "The League", Letterman (Steven Colbert guests!), Fallon (Katey Sagal guests!!).

8:00pm Community NBC - The gang nominates Jeff to talk some sense into Chang when he assigns an absurd amount of homework

8:00pm Survivor: Samoa CBS - A clever castaway jeopardizes the success of a scheme to ensure safety in the game

8:00pm SoCal Connected PBS/KCET - Economic hardship has caused an increase in middle class homeless families

8:00pm FlashForward ABC - Believe Bryce searches for the woman in his flashforward; Tracy's odd behavior concerns Aaron

8:30pm Parks and Recreation NBC - Leslie invites herself on Ron's annual hunting trip to prove that she can hang with the guys

9:00pm The Office NBC - When David Wallace invites Michael to the Dunder Mifflin shareholder meeting in New York, Michael brings Oscar, Dwight and Andy along

9:00pm Fringe FOX - A peculiar abduction in Boston leads the Fringe team to uncover details of the mysterious man known as The Observer

9:00pm American Chopper TLC - Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle's wife commissions OCC to build him a surprise chopper

9:30pm 30 Rock NBC - Liz must make a drastic change to her living arrangements when her apartment building is converted to condos

10:00pm It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia FX - Dennis reveals his full proof system for seducing any woman to the rest of the gang, but they don't grasp the concept.

10:00pm Project Runway Lifetime - Season Finale

10:00pm The Real Housewives of Orange County Bravo - It Ends in Coto de Caza

10:00pm The Jay Leno Show NBC - Actress Dakota Fanning; actress Jane Krakowski.

10:00pm The Mentalist CBS - Faced with a violent crime in its own office, the CBI team must work the case despite the alarm of who may be behind it

10:30pm The League FX - Kevin enlists Taco to scare Ellie off her toy; the guys join Pete on what was supposed to be his 5th anniversary spa trip.

11:30pm The Colbert Report Comedy Central - Elvis Costello

11:35pm Late Show With David Letterman CBS - TV host Stephen Colbert; John Mayer performs.

11:35pm The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien NBC - Actress Nicole Kidman; journalist Anderson Cooper; Leona Lewis performs.

12:00am Free Radio Comedy Central - Lance is slow to accept the truth about his superfan; James is jealous of Anna's new Internet boyfriend; "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" cast guests.

12:05am Jimmy Kimmel Live ABC - Carrie Underwood performs; TV personalities Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt.

12:35am The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson CBS - Actress Sandra Bullock; actor Ben Foster.

12:35am Late Night With Jimmy Fallon NBC - Actor Taylor Lautner; actress Katey Sagal; Obits perform.

On the heels of a major makeover to the Los Angeles Marathon route , two new half marathons for Los Angeles were announced today by separate companies. Come this January, the 13.1 Los Angeles Marathon will run through the Westside and next October, the popular Rock n' Roll Marathon will make a debut in Los Angeles, replacing the City of Angels Half Marathon.

The Inaugural 13.1 Los Angeles, scheduled for January 10th, will begin and end in Santa Monica with a there-and-back course starting on the boardwalk, up Venice Boulevard and back to the finish line on Main Street.

Later on in the year, the popular Rock n' Roll Marathon Series, seen in cities like San Diego, will also make its Los Angeles debut, scheduled for October 24th. Of course they'll keep to the theme of live bands, themed water stations and cheerleaders along the point-to-point half marathon route from Griffith Park to downtown via the L.A. River and Sunset Boulevard. The LA Times notes that there are no current plans to include a full marathon in the event.

A Recession Obsession is, 1) a meal so great that it sticks in your mind long after digestion's end, and, 2) plays nice with your sensitive wallet. Is there a better place than Los Angeles to eat a wide variety of amazing food that so happens to be inexpensive? Probably not. We're as lucky as we are well fed. We last obsessed over A Great New Indian Spot, and Sky's Gourmet Tacos. Today, we obsess...

I’ve been following Marked5 (one of the children of the post-Kogi mobile foodscape boom) on Twitter for a few months. Doing so kept reminding me, in 140 character bursts, that their Japanese burgers were roaming the city, awaiting my taste buds.

Finally, myself and some friends (who wonderfully documented our journey,) checked out one of Marked5’s two trucks. It was parked outside of Myspace, in Beverly Hills, serving the area’s lunch crowd. (I wonder if they were denied at parking spot out front of Friendster.)

My group delighted in Marked5’s Japanese burgers, each costing but $5 a piece. You guessed it (I hope,) the mobile Marked5 is LAist’s latest Recession Obsession.

Where’s The Beef?

Marked5’s menu is just what my high school teachers called me: simple. They offer one main product, in four combinations: Torraku Beef (100% Angus Beef,) Katsu Pork, Chicken Curry and Torakku V (tofu.)

Served on homemade ricebuns -- made from stuck-together rice -- these aren’t your average burgers. In sticking together, the teamwork these pieces of rice exhibit is admirable (the Dodgers could take note.) Of my lunchbunch’s three burgers, only one of our buns didn’t make it until meal’s end.

My Katsu Pork burger was as tasty as it was interesting. I had never had anything like it before, but my enjoyment wasn’t sheer novelty. This light-ish bite was pretty good. However, I wasn’t left without complaint because the burger didn’t seem to live up to its potential. The teriyaki sauce was a little too thick and this dish might’ve soared with a different cut of pork. It was a lightly breaded piece, which was a little lacking.

I didn’t try chicken curry but my friend seemed to like it. That’s the one I’d like to try next, because there will be another visit, only I probably won’t revisit them at Myspace. Having recently canceled my account I’m afraid they’ll chase me off the property.

• Link: Watch VendrTV Eat Marked5

The blog LA Eastside has designed some fake signs (online only) for new Eastside Extension of Metro's Gold Line. Needless to say, it's causing some controversy within the comments section of the post as well as apparently prompting confused calls from riders to Metro. So what does Metro do? They blog:

Here’s the thing, Metro actually does takes safety very seriously and safety signage is there to inform and educate people about the risks around train tracks. You’ll find safety signage everywhere on the system, from the street running Gold Line to the underground Red Line.

The bloggers over at L.A. Eastside would do right by their readers and community by informing them that the signs are indeed a hoax. No one at Metro thinks we’re above criticism — but we would like to be criticized for things we’ve actually done.

Last week some bloggers wrote a detailed report on their view of the Extension's safety.

Today, for the most part, is much more peaceful than yesterday's protest about the move to increase tuition at University of California by 32%. Yesterday, when 14 were arrested (up from the 8 we reported) and one reportedly tasered, was a bit more out of control (see some photos)--here is one video showing that at the front lines (man, that one bicycle cop is sure angry).

One UCLA graduate tells us she paid $550 a quarter, a total of $1,650 a year, from 1986-1990. Today, some students are wondering if the new costs will force them go to community college or leave school altogether to get a job.

For some background, read this: UC and CSU Seek Combined $1.797 Billion From State to Recover Budgets.

DRINK*
Good Luck Bar celebrates its 15th anniversary tonight with a special event that features Chinese burlesque (10 pm, 11 pm and midnight), DJ Travis Keller and the Kogi Truck in attendance. Drink specials include: $5 Stolis, Sailor Jerry, Cazadores or Jack Daniel's cocktails; selected beers for $2. The party’s on from 7 pm to close.

DIY
DIY Days::LA comes to the Downtown Independent Theater tonight beginning at 6 pm. It’s a roving conference for creative types wanting to do it themselves in the film, music, art and gaming industries. There will be case studies, lectures and roundtable discussions. Speakers include Jesse Alexander (Heroes, Lost, Day One), Scott Macaulay (producer of Gumo, Raising Victor Vargas, editor of Filmmaker Magazine), Jon Reiss (Bomb it! and author of Thinking Outside the Box(office), and Steve Peters (No Mimes Media). The event is free, but there is a waitlist right now.

DISCUSSION
Before MOCA: Two artists' perspectives of Los Angeles in the 1970s is a conversation being held at MOCA Grand Avenue, Ahmanson Auditorium, tonight at 6:30 pm. William Leavitt and Allen Ruppersberg, both of whom are featured in Collection: MOCA's First Thirty Years, will talk with independent curator Carole Ann Klonarides about the experience of making and presenting work in the 1970s. The event is free.

STORYTELLING
Beaujolais Passions is an event being held at the Petersen Automotive Museum that celebrates the wine’s release and harvest. The evening features French culinary delicacies, exhibits, live French music, DJ, silent auction, great raffle prizes. For $30 at the door, attendees get entrance to the museum, a souvenir glass and one glass of wine. Food will be available for purchase. (Sounds a little pricey to us, but hey, if you’re into Beaujolais and cars, then the night sounds right up you’re alley.)

FASHION
The inaugural Freedom and Fashion Designer Showcase and Trade Show is being held tomorrow at UCLA’s Ackerman Grand Ballroom. Freedom and Fashion will feature fair-trade clothing on the runway, while bringing awareness to the social injustices of modern-day slavery, sex trafficking, child labor and human rights violations through the vehicle of a fashion show. The show starts at 7 pm, with shopping and meet and greet with designers runs from 8-10 pm. Free, but there are premier seats and wrap party tickets available for $45 for one or $80 for two. For more information please visit FREEDOMandFASHION.COM.

Don't forget to check out LAist's Film Calendar and This Week in Comedy, too.

*Pencil pick of the day

Want more events? Follow me on Twitter.

It's official, protests be damned, the controversial tuition hike has been approved by the Board of UC Regents, according to a live report on KCAL9. The 32% increase, which would begin by Fall, will add $2,500 to tuition, bringing it over $10,000.

Earlier this morning, the Regents approved a partnership with L.A. County with a plan to reopen Martin Luther KIng, Jr. Hospital in South L.A. by 2013.

Our Pick: The Whigs, The Features, The Dead Trees @ Troubadour

Tonight the Swell Season, an indie folk duo formed by Irish musician Glen Hansard and Czech singer and pianist Markéta Irglová, will be closing out a two-night stint at the Wiltern with Idaho's own pop folk singer-songwriter Josh Ritter in tow. Austin-based electro-pop duo Ghostland Observatory (LAist Review, #2) are poised to headline the Keyclub. And, lastly, local electronic mastermind Daedelus will be performing at the Silent Movie Theatre. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Troubadour to catch Athens' own garage rock revivalists the Whigs. LAist favorites, Portland-based indie rockers the Dead Trees are slated to kick things off.

You can find these listings as well as the rest of the week's in our weekly Week In Rock post, which goes up every Sunday.

The Dead Trees - "My Friend Joan, She Never Asks"

The Swell Season, Josh Ritter @ The Wiltern
Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Nipsey Hussle, Hustle Boys @ Club Nokia
Dethklok, Mastodon, Converge, High on Fire @ Hollywood Palladium
Deftones @ Avalon
The Whigs, The Features, The Dead Trees @ Troubadour
Julian Plenti, I'm In You @ El Rey Theatre
Ghostland Observatory @ Keyclub
Samuel Stewart, Andrew Lynch, The Coals, Eleni Mandell Jazz Combo @ Bootleg Theater
Daedelus @ Silent Movie Theatre
Jay Nash, Ruby Friedman Orchestra, Sally Jaye, Corb Lund, Rebekah LeBeau @ The Hotel Café
Tape Deck Mountain, The Delta Mirror, Healamonster & Tarsier, Jesus Makes the Shotgun Sound @ Silver Lake Lounge
Eternal Tapestry, Pocahaunted, Sun Araw, Pearl Harbor @ L'KEG Gallery
White Fang, Boom!, Dirt Dress, Stab City @ Echo Curio
Johnny Echols, The Quarter After, Sweaters @ Spaceland
Batrider, MY DISCO, Monster @ The Smell
Black Math Horseman, Rajas, Ojos Rojos @ Bordello
Echoes de Luxe, Finland Station, Hard Riders, Deep Sleep Ops @ Mr. T's Bowl
Nneka @ Zanzibar
West Indian Girl, Gorgeous Got a Gun @ Air Conditioned Lounge (625 Lincoln Blvd., Venice)
Avi Buffalo, Eugene & the 1914 @ The Prospector
Greater California, Lemon Sun, Forcefield ON, Two Guns @ Alex's Bar
The Henry Clay People, Aushua, Kiev @ Detroit Bar

In addition to notable historical figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., the Skirball has also assembled photos from Los Angeles civil rights history—including the picketing of the Kress Store in Pasadena in 1960 and the Watts Riots of 1965—and a documentary on the role of Jewish Americans in the movement.

Accompanying the Road to Freedom is the Breach of Peace exhibit, which displays 40 contemporary portraits by photographer Eric Etheridge of Freedom Riders, who, in 1961, converged on Jackson, Mississippi to challenge state segregation laws. Etheridge's shots are displayed alongside the Freedom Riders' original mug shots.

The Road to Freedom runs through March 7, 2010. The Breach of Peace exhibit runs through April 11, 2010. Admission to the Skirball: $10 General; $7 Seniors and Full-Time Students; $5 Children 2-12; Free to Skirball Members and Children under 2; Free to all visitors on Thursdays

Don't worry, yesterday's appearance of eyebrowless bald men in black suits and fedoras is just a viral marketing campaign, but it's one of the more creative and fun ones, worthy of attention.

For those who watch J.J. Abrams' FRINGE on FOX, you know about The Observer, a mysterious fellow who appears in just about every episode in the background and occasionally more in the forefront. Apparently, tonight's episode deals with him (or them). FOX has gone great lengths in their viral campaign, placing actors in public spaces in different cities. They also placed one in the audience of So You Think You Can Dance (see the weird video below). And the most whacky, they apparently tried to get one of these fellows to stand next to Barack Obama during his inauguration.

Two years ago, Showtime installed a viral marketing "crime scene" on the famed boulevard.

World-renown puppeteer and director Basil Twist has teamed up with the crossdressing diva and amazing singer Joey Arias (you may know Arias as the emcee "Mistress of Seduction" in the Las Vegas Cirque Du Soleil production Zumanity) for a musical adventure chock full of space aliens, burlesque and plenty of sexual innuendo (okay, the innuendo was defenestrated--this no nudity, yet NSFW play is DTF).

Arias with a Twist is a visual treat and a must see for anyone who is looking for an artsy and edgy theatrical experience. Arias and a cast of puppeteers create a magical explosion of wonder, full of familiar tunes sung by Arias, prompting the New York Times to say "Eat your heart out, Madonna."

The show, which opened last night, runs for four weeks at REDCAT (interestingly enough, it's the longest show to ever run at the theatre). If you are a fan of Twist's work, he'll be back in February at the Broad Stage with a more family friendly show.

With three storefronts open (and fourth in Santa Monica soon), Umami Burger is taking its popular food to the streets. Its purpose is three-fold, however, according to Eater LA.

• With delays in opening the Santa Monica location at Fred Segal, the truck will park there as a temporary restaurant. This is expected to happen soon.
• The popular restaurant is frequently asked to do catering gigs and a catering truck makes it easier.
• With the Twittering mobile food craze in its height, why not join on in on the fun?!?!

Pulled over for a traffic stop around 12:40 a.m., Kerry failed a field sobriety test, but refused to take a preliminary alcohol screening test in the field, leading to her arrest and booking at the local area station.

"Cops took her to the station and then conducted a formal blood alcohol test which showed a level of .06," explained TMZ. "Under California law, the legal limit is .08, but a driver can still be prosecuted -- even under a .08 reading -- if the vehicle is being operated unsafely due to alcohol."

She posted a $5,000 bail and was released around 5:25 a.m. Kerry, who is the oldest daughter of Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, is a film producer and director.

AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File

A problem, although now fixed, with the system that collects airlines' flight plans is causing numerous flight cancellations and delays across the country today.

"The outage and subsequent re-activation of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight plan system for pilots this morning on the east coast is expected to impact Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with significant flight delays beginning at 12 noon in some Terminals," airport officials announced this morning in a statement. "Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest information on their flights."

Continued: "The screening process has not been affected. As a result of flight delays crowd volumes will be monitored by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel and Airport Law Enforcement. LAX Operations will be working closely with airlines to inform them of any necessary accommodations they may need to make for their passengers."

This is the second time in 15 months that a problem like this has caused delays.

Update: At 11 a.m., LAX officials now say it does not appear the airport will be effected: "The outage and subsequent re-activation of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight plan system for pilots this morning on the east coast is not expected to significantly impact flights at Los Angeles International Airport. The computer glitch had no other impact to airport or terminal operations. Passengers are still advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest news."

It all has to do with the failing state budget. However, many students fear the lack of affordability in continuing their education with the proposed new fees, which may be instituted as early as next fall if approved. Tuition would go above $10,000.

Yesterday, a handful of students were arrested when protesting (see above photos) a finance committee meeting.

Update: The tuition increase was approved by UC Regents.

So that odd shaped flower-painted tower sticking up behind Beverly Hills High School is not some weird sculpture - it's actually an oil well. And there is one behind the Beverly Center as well. And at the Farmer's Market. And inside a building on Pico. And numerous others.

VBS.tv, part of VICE, and host Nate Harrington, take a look at these oil wells, and offers good insight on their history and what the implications are for LA and its residents.

• A woman was rescued from a ravine off Mulholland Drive and Laurel Canyon after her car dove off a cliff! Yikes!
• Own a BMW? Live on the Westside? Then take extra care when leaving your car!
• With California in a state of crisis and no real Democratic challenger for Governor, some people are wondering if Jerry Brown is the ANTI-Obama?
• In what is viewed as "a historic measure for equal rights", the Long Beach City Council approved the draft of a measure that would require companies that do business with the city of Long Beach to offer their employees the same benefits to gay and lesbian partners that they offer to married couples.
• WAIT WAIT WHAT?!?! Kellogg Company says that there will be a nationwide shortage of the popular Eggo waffles because of service interruptions at two of the four plants that make the tasty treats.
• Angels' manager Mike Scioscia was awarded AL Manager of the Year. He guided the Angels to a highly successful season that included an AL West title and defeated their playoff nemesis Boston Red Sox all while trying to lead the team under difficult circumstances following the tragic death of their young pitcher Nick Adenhart.
• Plans for a city sponsored academy for gang interventionist are stalled after a difference of philosophies, as well as a clash of egos, have the two groups supposed to lead the project at odds with one another. Cmon people...
• Finally... Some housekeeping. There are a few ways to stay connected with us. Consider following us on Twitter, Facebook or through your RSS reader

It was just a few months ago when 6-year old Pablo Castelaz lost his battle with cancer, after treatment at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. 13 months before that, he was diagnosed, almost seemingly out of nowhere showing no warning signs prior, with bilateral Wilms’ Tumor, a rare form of children’s cancer.

There's nothing fun about being in the hospital, especially as a kid. Pablo loved the the fourth floor--yes, the whole floor--where it was filled with children, games, books, art projects, entertainers (he met Lance Armstrong there). It all provides a fun getaway from chemo treatments and the such. This year the Pablove Foundation, named by his parents in memory of Pablo, is sponsoring the evening and weekend hours at the hospital's play room.

A few miles down the street in Silver Lake is Dangerbird Records, which was co-founded by Pablo's father, Jeff Castelaz. For him and his wife, Jo Ann Thrailkill, Pablo taught them that kids get cancer, too. For them, that message is a mission.

Pablo

After a series of bike ride events across the Los Angeles area on Saturday, there will be large concert-fundraiser at the Avalon. The show is big with Sea Wolf (added to the bill), Band of Horses, Tom Morello, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Shirley Manson, Butch Walker, Tom Grabel (Against Me!), Jarrod Gorbel (the Honorary Title) and Charlotte Martin. And all that is $35 for general admission, all which directly benefits Pablove.

"As the Pablove Foundation community grows, we can make a sizable difference in peoples' lives," said Castelaz.

Previously on LAist: A holiday party at Children's Hospital with Jessica Biel

MOCA on Grand, with it's more traditional contemporary collection, is closed today, but will be open tomorrow and Friday at 11 p.m. through 8 p.m. tomorrow and 6 p.m. on Friday. For a much more edgy experience, the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Little Tokyo fits the bill. It has the same hours, except closing on Friday is at 5 p.m.

13 days ago we wrote about the Parents Television Council boycott of The CW because of advertising for "Gossip Girl" and at Monday's launch party for Mark Liddell's "Exposed: 10 Years in Hollywood" we grabbed the opportunity to ask "Gossip Girl"'s Kelly Rutherford (aka Lily van der Woodsen) about the boycott - please watch the above video for her thoughts. [Also, what a thrill to talk to Megan from the original "Melrose Place"!]
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Today you (yes you!) have access to an advance screening of A&E's "Steven Seagal Lawman". At 5pm today go the the A&E advance screening webpage to check out the show two weeks before the program begins airing. We've heard some people would consider committing some misdemeanors for the chance of being arrested by Seagal but you'd have to go to the jurisdiction of Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. In the meantime, watch him online.
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If you are complete weather nerds like we are you will appreciate The Weather Channel's "Wake Up With Al" which airs at 7am Pacific. Al Roker does bring some news and pop-culture elements to the show (he is Al Roker, after all) and tomorrow he will be broadcasting from Washington D.C.'s “NEWSEUM” which will be celebrating the opening of its Tim Russert exhibit in honor of the TV newsman.
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Are you a John Mayer fan? His performance on Letterman tomorrow will be streaming live at 5pm. To access this production set up by CBS Interactive and sponsored by American Express, go to the CBS website tomorrow at 5pm and proceed from there.
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The TV Junkie Plan: "Living With Ed", "Embedded", "Modern Family" (yay! it's back!), "Nip/Tuck", "The Daily Show", Letterman, Ferguson

6:00pm Living With Ed Planet Green - Ed Begley and wife Rachelle Carson have very different ideas about what type of energy audit the household needs

8:00pm The New Adventures of Old Christine CBS - Christine sets Richard up with a beautiful woman who works out at her gym

8:00pm America's Next Top Model The CW - The two remaining models try to impress the judges with their final commercial and runway show; the winner is chosen

8:00pm Embedded Current - Current Music Presents: The Decemberists

8:00pm So You Think You Can Dance FOX - Orianthi performs; the final 12 dancers are revealed as two more performers are eliminated.

9:00pm Modern Family ABC - Claire wants to surprise Phil with a private performance by one of their favorite musicians (Edward Norton)

9:00pm Ghost Hunters Syfy - Season Finale

9:00pm Glee FOX - Mr. Schuester has glee club split up into pairs to sing their favorite ballads; Will winds up in a sticky situation

9:30pm Cougar Town ABC - Determined to have a fun birthday, Jules convinces Ellie and Laurie to go away with her for a wild weekend

10:00pm Nip/Tuck FX - Erica threatens to take custody of Annie and Connor; Christian bonds with a new patient; Mike reveals his future plans with Kimber

10:00pm South Park Comedy Central - Things turn deadly on a day at the water park

10:00pm Tough Love VH1 - Season Premiere

10:00pm Top Chef: Las Vegas Bravo - A challenge based on the Bocuse d'Or

10:00pm Man Shops Globe Sundance - A trip to Tunisia

10:00pm Vanguard Current - Janet Choi investigates prisoner contraband inside the cells.

10:30pm Secret Girlfriend Comedy Central - The guys buy a low-energy dog to help pick up women

11:00pm The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Comedy Central - Lou Dobbs guests

11:30pm The Colbert Report Comedy Central - Norah Jones guests

11:35pm Late Show With David Letterman CBS - Actor Robert Pattinson; Stupid Human Tricks; Ray Davies performs.

11:35pm The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien NBC - Actor Seth Green; TV personalities Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt; Brian Setzer Orchestra performs.

12:00am Free Radio Comedy Central - Lance declares a stray dog as the KBOM mascot; the dog displays a romantic attachment to guests.

12:05am Jimmy Kimmel Live ABC - 50 Cent performs; sportscaster Marv Albert.

12:35am The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson CBS - Actor David Duchovny; comic Lewis Black.

12:35am Late Night With Jimmy Fallon NBC - Actress Kristen Stewart; actor Jamie Kennedy; the Avett Brothers perform.

Out of a recession come some innovative ideas, namely the Design Loves Art program at the Pacific Design Center. Its public centerpiece is a monthly Thursday evening event showcasing the art gallery community within the Center's LA design community hub.

I checked out the scene at last night's Third Thursdays event, which was particularly happening on the second floor as art galleries opened their doors so locals could partake of wine, art and conversation.

Apparently, as I discovered asking around, the PDC has suffered from a lack of design firm tenants during these hard times. That means a lot of empty usable spaces. So they have allowed some art galleries to come in and rent them under short-term (six-month) leases as a sort of hybrid art-design experiment and a "win win" situation.

The Design Loves Art program is curated by Helen Varola, an independent New York curator. Some of the cool galleries participating--whose work I particularly enjoyed were: d.e.n. Contemporary Art (which used to have a space in Culver City), Sam Lee Gallery (also and still in Chinatown as well) and Carl Berg Projects.

Artists to look out for are Pipo Nguyen-Duy (photographs) and Kent Anderson Butler (amazing 'prison yard style' portraits on rugs).

LA's Pacific Design Center: Showcasing Art, Navigating Recession originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 14:30:06.

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Dropped by the launch party for designer Kelly Wearstler's new book Hue last night at hubby Brad Korzen's Avalon Beverly Hills (which she of course re-designed).

When I first heard "book party" I imagined a low-key affair but as one stylish male patron pointed out with panache, "It's a Kelly Wearstler book party!" That means that all of designy, fashiony, stylish LA came out for the celebration which featured lovely hors d'oeuvres from the new hotel restaurant Oliverio.

There was a whole lot of black attire going on, much of it accented by unique pieces of jewelry. Large retro eyeglasses abounded as well. The celebrated lady of the night, Wearstler was clad in a chic black dress as was star guest Gwen Stefani (plus violet peak-a-boo bra). Her No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal also made an appearance with his significant other Erin Lokitz.

Photo: Avalon Beverly Hills

Kelly Wearstler Book Party Draws Gwen Stefani and Fashionistas originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 14:37:17.

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This just in...It's the end of an era at 89.9 KCRW. Ruth Seymour (you may recognize her distinct voice from the fund drives and "The Politics of Culture") has been at the radio station at Santa Monica College (SMC) since 1977. She was most recently general manager and program director. She has just announced that she will be retiring in the end of February.

Online, KCRW boasts one of the largest audiences of any American radio station. SMC will search for a replacement for Seymour which they expect will take several months. She is quoted as saying: "It's been an extraordinary privilege to serve as KCRW's General Manager - a joy and source of great pride. That's a pretty good note on which to say goodbye."

Photo Courtesy of KCRW

Sea Change at KCRW: General Manager/Program Director Out originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 14:46:19.

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The holiday shopping season has officially begun in LA. There is of course a potpourri of options for female shoppers, but let's not forget the many stylish So.Cal gents on the hunt for great gifts and fashion.

Through January, Alpha Gear for Gents in West Hollywood will be home to a pop-up shop brought to you by Social Primer.com, the style and etiquette handbook for men.

Alpha--now five years old--will continue to offer holiday shoppers its usual wares--in the arena of "men's lifestyle": candles, cashmere, wallets, grooming products, gadgets and toys, water bottles, apparel and underwear. Added to the for-sale roster are Social Primer's signature monogrammed stationary sets, playing cards, napkins, drink coasters, soaps, and belts.

And let me tell you, these folks are all about the monograms and po-mo dandyism. What city swell could resist their reversible bow ties? It's all about options, fellas.

Photo Courtesy of Alpha/Darren Gold

Men's Holiday Shopping in LA 'Pops up' at Alpha Gear for Gents originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 14:12:37.

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The medical marijuana dispensary battle wages on picking up where it left off a couple of weeks ago. Today, the LA Times announced that The Union of Medical Marijuana Patients (a local advocacy group) and Americans for Safe Access (a national organization) may be planning to sue city if the City Council passes the ordinance banning the sale of medical marijuana.

So it's game on for City Attorney Carmen Trutanich who spearheaded the anti-Marijuana initiative last month. The advocacy organizations are saying that Trutanich misinterpreted the law and court decisions in fashioning the proposal.

Two committees will meet today to complete the ordinance with the provision that's causing all the heated debate.

Photo: David McNew/Staff/Getty Images

Medical Marijuana Battle Wages on as Two Threaten to Sue originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 13:40:07.

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Lead Apron Gallery hosted its first art opening event--"Geography of the Mind"-- at its new location on Melrose Place last night. The festivities also celebrated the opening of the Lead Apron bookstore across the street.

The gallery featured an impressive lineup of artists including Ed Ruscha and Larry Johnson among others. The show was varied with some unusual sculpture and shadow-work alongside abstract paintings. Overall it was a hit.

The bookselling space, under the jurisdiction of Jonathan Brown, is incredible especially at night. It has to be seen to be believed (and the above iPhone pic by yours truly doesn't really do it justice).

Specializing in rare and unusual art and photography books, it opened about a month ago but last night was the official 'opening celebration.' As you walk up the path to the space (at night) there is a beautiful juxtaposition of urban foliage and the bright white airy modern book gallery.

I can't wait to check out some of their hip tomes, featuring photographers like Ed Templeton, Heide Hatry and Eric Kroll, in the daytime when I have more time and my attention isn't diverted in people-watching.

Lead Apron Gallery and Book Shop Openings in W. Hollywood originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 16:10:57.

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Variety is not only--as the corny saying goes--the spice of life, but it's also the spice of culinary life in LA. Yesterday Breadbar--which has locations on Third St. near W. Hollywood and in Century City--kicked off its new rotating seasonal restaurant concept "HatchiRoku."

The pop-up restaurant at 602 Santa Monica Blvd. in Santa Monica is not unlike those popular pop-up shops that have swept LA in recent years. It will feature a new guest chef every three months offering exciting and eclectic daily and weekly menu changes.

The inaugural chef at the HatchiRoku (for now, temporary) pop-up restaurant is Eda Vesterman, a dietician and UCLA researcher. Her run will last through January 31, 2010.

Vesterman's culinary theme is "four elements," dishes inspired by earth, air, fire and water. Tomorrow evening's meal is: roasted red coulis soup, filet mignon, cauliflower purée and vanilla crème brûlée. Saturday's meal is: tuna tartare, seafood risotto and an assortment of sorbets.

The nightly set price menu (available from 5:30-10 p.m.) costs $33 (minus drinks, tax and tip). There is a $15 wine corkage fee. Seating is limited so reservations--via Breadbar at 310-395-9490--are recommended.

Photo: Thomas Schauer

Breadbar's New Pop-Up Restaurant originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 20:54:13.

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More drama in Encino, as The Huffington Post and other news sources report that the famed shadow looming over Michael Jackson (in life and in death), his father Joseph Jackson, will receive none of his assets.

The notoriously ominous "Joseph" (as Jackson fans who saw the Jacksons movie may recall little Michael calling him) will still pursue a motion for a family allowance, claiming Michael Jackson had been supporting him all along.

The money talk doesn't stop there. Apparently, that very estate paid close to $1 million on the private Michael Jackson funeral at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Expenses, as noted in the Huf Po story include: $11,716 on invites and programs, $35,000 on burial clothing, $30,000 on cars and security, and $15,000 to a designer.

Photo: Isaac Brekken/Stringer/Getty Images

No Inheritance for Father Joe From Michael Jackson's Estate originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 13:18:08.

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The plot thickens as more information is revealed about the teens who robbed such celebrities as Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. The 'gang' was led by 18-year-old Nicholas "Nick" Prugo and 19-year-old Rachel Jungeon Lee. The crime of the century? Nah. These bling bandits were apparently just after designer clothing (and drugs) belonging to their favorite celebs.

If the story couldn't get any more shallow or gross, TMZ is now reporting that the teen robbers used their gossip site to figure out where celebrities lived. You would think that that might make you rethink the contents of your website but, it's TMZ after all...

As the story goes, most of the stars didn't even bother to lock their doors, giving the young criminals easy access. This totally reminds me of an 'open house' I shared with roommates in Beachwood Canyon. It ultimately got robbed as well. The celebrity thieves' next victim was apparently going to be--gasp--none other than Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) of The Princess Bride.

It appears Prugo may have also been pursuing a (child) acting career based on this IMDB page. Looks like TMZ and other tabloids are prepared to give him that with all the continued coverage.

Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Staff/Getty Images

Teens Behind Lohan, Hilton Celebrity Robberies Scoured TMZ originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 16:53:13.

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Nightlife in LA has been at its creative pinnacle in recent years, in my humble opinion--mixing all different kinds of entertainment and settings for a more unique experience. In that same vein, this Wednesday, a new weekly nightlife event, The Lucent Dossier Experience, launches at H.Wood.

The Lucent Dossier Experience is known to tour venues performing with a live band, singers, aerialists, dancers, acrobats, jesters, clowns, burlesque dancers, stilt-walkers, contortionists and so on creating an interactive spectacular.

Their weekly hedonistic happening will include a rose water foot bath along with the usual DJ sets and dancing (sounds like a great way to reward yourself for some fancy footwork!). In true LA fashion, there will be aura readings and cleansing herbal elixirs. They've also promised a couple of other enigmatic, wait-and-see highlights such as the "Post Portal Post Office" and the "Sweet Teddy Bear Tea Party."

Doors open at 8 p.m. and the 21 and over revelry runs until 2 a.m. The shows are set to run betwen 9 p.m. and midnight. Cost of entrance is $15.

Photo Courtesy of The Lucent Dossier Experience

New Night Club Residency Includes Stilt Walkers and Aura Readings originally appeared on About.com Los Angeles on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 15:04:18.

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