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Extra, Extra

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-28T17:30:00-08:00

Photo by S.C. Asher via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

Oops, it happened again: A water main break in the wee hours caused flooding, street closures, this time on Oakwood Ave near Normandie.
Black Friday, black eyes? Fights in two SoCal Walmarts broke out during the shopping madness yesterday.
The man accused of kidnapping and murdering teen Lily Burk could have been hauled in on a third strike violation a couple of years back, had prosecutors known of his record.
A fisherman in Marina del Rey managed to hold on for dear life when he was swept out to sea before being rescued by the lifeguards.
Anyone wondering where Mayor Villaraigosa is this long weekend: He's a guest of honor at an International Book Fair in Mexico.
Big Brother or good safety measure? "When you buy cold medicine, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca wants to know about it." (via LA Times.)
Good news for bad television: Jay Leno's 10 p.m. show enjoying not sliding downward as of this week.

Roads Closed Due to Station Fire to Reopen Monday Morning

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-28T16:00:26-08:00

Screenshot of map showing Angeles National Forest roads (via LA Co. DPW)

Good news for motorists needing access to roads in the Angeles National Forest that have been closed since late-August due to the massive Station Fire. "Parts of the Angeles Forest Highway, Angeles Crest Highway and Big Tujunga Canyon and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon roads [...] will be reopened about 5 a.m. Monday," according to the Daily News.

Much of the repair work has been done, though drivers should expect some delays due to the efforts of the county Department of Public Works and Caltrans continuing to restore the roads. But the good news is only for drivers; people hoping to make use of the forest's recreational amenities will have to wait longer to get the all clear, as "all campsites and backcountry trails remain off limits." Information about road closures is maintained online via the LA County Dept. of Public Works.

Eat My Blog: Blogger Bake Sale Will Benefit LA Foodbank

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-28T15:00:08-08:00

Photo by ccharmon via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

LA's a-glut with foodbloggers, and many of them will put their fingers to work in their kitchens, not their keyboards, next Saturday to take part in the first ever Blogger Bake Sale. The event, dubbed "Eat My Blog," happens on December 5th at the WeHo location of Zeke's Smokehouse [LAist Review], and was put together by Gastronomy Blog's Cathy Danh.

Expect to have a whole lot of sweet treats to choose from, as "there will be over 600 baked goods including classic whoopie pies, pumpkin swirl brownies, handmade macarons, and black sesame cupcakes with matcha frosting," describes Digital City. But even sweeter than all those goodies is the fact that these local baking bloggers are "donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale to the [Los Angeles Foodbank] this holiday season." If next weekend's bake sale goes well, this could be an annual fundraiser, says Danh.

Eat My Blog: Blogger Bake Sale
Saturday December 5th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
@Zeke's Smokehouse, West Hollywood

Reminder: Weekend Street Closures for Hollywood Christmas Parade

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-28T14:00:04-08:00

Full list of tomorrow's street closures and larger map available here

Just in case your turkey-mashed potato-pumpkin pie haze yesterday kept you from digesting info about this weekend's street closures in Hollywood this weekend, we offer you this little reminder.

Sunday evening brings the Hollywood Christmas Parade to the streets of Tinseltown, and in addition to Grand Marshal Susan Lucci leading a plethora of floats, marching bands, C-list celebs and Santa Claus himself in a U-shaped pattern past crowds of onlookers, this whole weekend is awash in parking restrictions and street closures that might make navigating that part of town difficult.

Today you've just got Hollywood Blvd. from Orange to Highland Ave and Orange from Hollywood Blvd. South to the alley north of Hawthorne to contend with, but tomorrow's list is extensive, and includes the Northbound & Southbound off ramps to Cahuenga Blvd. and Highland Ave. on the 101 being closed from 3-10 p.m. PS The DOT says they're very serious about towing. Don't let it happen to you!

Roman Polanski to Go From Prison to Chalet. Next Stop LA?

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-28T13:00:06-08:00

Polanski will be under house arrest in this Gstaad, Switzerland ski chalet (AP Photo/Keystone/Jean-Christophe Bott)

Director Roman Polanski is expected to be released on bail from a Swiss prison, and will be living in an Alpine chalet equipped with extensive security mechanisms, reports LA Now. The 76-year-old French citizen has been held in Switzerland since his arrest in late September on a warrant from Los Angeles associated with a 1977 rape case.

Just how long he'll be "confined" to the chalet, named the "Milky Way," remains to be determined. "Polanski is expected to be freed by Monday after a Swiss court agreed to $4.5-million bail. A court will eventually rule whether Polanski should be extradited to Los Angeles to face sentencing," in the thirty-year-old rape case involving a 13-year-old girl. The DA in L.A. has long been pressing for his return to the US, and bail has been denied because the working director is considered an obvious flight right.

Until Polanski's next steps are planned he'll stay in Gstaad, a posh Swiss resort town long-associated with celebrities and glamor. As part of his bail conditions Polanski will be subject to monitoring via an electronic bracelet device.

Need a Getaway? Mammoth Has Foot of Fresh Snow, Loads of Specials

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-28T11:00:00-08:00

Lining up for the lift this time last year at Mammoth (Photo by Knot via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

Black Friday burnout? Couch Potato syndrome? If you are thinking about escaping the clutches of Los Angeles, the folks at Mammoth Mountain would be happy to see you. Early this morning @MammothMountain Tweeted: "12" of fresh snow at Main Lodge this morning; more snow expected throughout the day!" This is thanks to the blustery weather system that crept down the state overnight and brought a little (early) winter white to our mountain sides.

If you do head up to Mammoth, be careful driving on the slick roads. But also be ready to take advantage of a lot of the discounts, specials, and Happy Hours taking place this weekend, with tons of food, drink, and shopping deals to be had, and some events you might want to check out. The LiveVibe blog has all the details here to help you maximize your Mammoth visit this holiday weekend.

Presented By:

2009-11-28T11:00:00-08:00

Mike Penner Dead, Suicide Suspected

Jimmy Bramlett — 2009-11-28T10:30:00-08:00

The LA Times is reporting that veteran sportswriter Mike Penner, 52, was found dead in his Los Angeles home. Suicide was the suspected cause of death.

In 2007 Penner made headlines the world over announcing that he was transsexual and was going by the name Christine Daniels. In 2008 he began using the Mike Penner byline again.

In a world where queer sports writers are very few and far between, this is very sad news. RIP.

Twit of the Day: Jailed Screenwriter Roger Avary

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-28T10:00:24-08:00

Scribe Avary in November 2007 (AP Photo / LMartinez, File)

Inmate #34 at the Ventura Co. Jail has found a rather enterprising way to share his tales from the big house. Up until Friday, Pulp Fiction screenwriter Roger Avary, sentenced in a drunk driving manslaughter case that resulted in the loss of his friend and injuries to his wife, was part of a prison furlough program, but has since been returned to lockup. The writer is "Tweeting about his experiences," reports the Daily Breeze.

"About 10,000 people are following his accounts of life in jail on Twitter," where the SoCal native sends out gritty, detailed messages. "Some media accounts have questioned whether the Twitter account @AVARY really belongs to him, but Avary's mother said in an interview that it is." She agrees that the extent of the details may be due to her son's profession as a writer. The account is protected, but the mini-bio asserts: "director, producer, and academy award-winning screenwriter. all content ©2009, roger avary."

So did Twittering cause Avary to be moved from the furlough program to lockup? "The Los Angeles Times and the Ventura County Star reported that he was removed from the furlough program and jailed after allegedly Twittering about his experiences since being sentenced," notes the HuffPo. However "[Ventura County sheriff's spokesman Capt. Ross] Bonfiglio told The Associated Press that he was jailed over security issues and Twittering wasn't a key factor. Avary attorney Mark Werskman denied Twittering caused his incarceration."

Get Out: MAD Shopping Spree, Gone with the Wind, Hollywood Hemp Party, Shanghai Surprise

Ali Trachta — 2009-11-28T09:00:00-08:00

Photo by S.C. Asher via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr.

Holiday MADness. (Member Appreciation Days)
Yesterday you couldn't have paid us to go shopping, but today we're reconsidering. Several LA-area museums are providing free admission to members today as well as 20% off at their gift shops, providing us with a way to get our holiday shopping started both early and on the cheap. That said, the details are a little sketchy. We know that SMMoA, OCMA and the Pasadena Museum of History are definitely participating, and supposedly so are these 20-some other spots, although clearly these dates are off. We recommend calling ahead if you plan to visit any other than the aforementioned.

Gone with the Wind Screening
Frankly, Scarlett, we DO give a damn! Head to the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood for a 70th Anniversary celebratory screening of this classic movie. Be sure to enter the drawing for a free Blue-Ray copy of the film. 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

Sexy Scorpio / Sagittarius Party - Bongs and Thongs
The Hollywood Hills will be hazy with marijuana mayhem tonight. Sayeth the party organizer, NJ Weedman: "We are living in the midst of a 'reefer revolution' and I am happy to be a part of it. And now that President Obama has put a moratortium on the Feds raiding local dispensaries like mine, there is even more reason to celebrate. My events are a positive cultural expression of the times we live in. It's all about 'One Love' and that's what I'm promoting with these reefer events - ONE LOVE." The event features live reggae and an open bar, as well as shuttle service from Capitol Records. $40 at the door.

Absinthe, Opium & Magic: 1920s Shanghai
Who knew Shanghai was the Vegas of the Roaring 20s? Relive it tonight with the Grand Guignolers, the Sing Song Girls, brawling gangsters, opium dens, blood and magic. Arrive early for pre-show activities including absinthe and tea tasting, the Charleston, a photo booth, dancing, Flashlight Follies and more. Cocktail or vintage attire suggested. Show runs through January 3rd. Purchase tickets here.

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Galaxy 2009 Season Recap

Angel Magaña — 2009-11-28T08:00:20-08:00

Landon Donovan's 2009 MLS season was arguably the best of his career -- and possibly also his last. Photo by R. Mora/Getty Images

The 2009 MLS campaign came to a close last Sunday when Real Salt Lake claimed its first MLS Cup in Seattle after defeating the Galaxy 5 - 4 in a penalty kick shootout. A few days later, Galaxy players and coaching staff met one last time before players were officially released for their vacation break and now seems to be the appropriate time to review the blue-and-gold's season.

Night-and-day is the simplest way of describing the contrast between the 2009 and 2008 seasons. General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena stepped into his current role in August of last year, but with insufficient time and resources to prevent the team from missing the playoffs for a third year in a row. Arena understood the challenge before him quite well and set out to correct the situation the moment the 2008 campaign closed for the Galaxy.

Arena began his work by first rebuilding the woeful defense via a series of smart draft picks and acquisitions. University of Maryland's defensive partners Omar Gonzalez and A.J. Delagarza were picked by Arena and his staff during the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and both became integral parts of the rebuilding process that helped half the total goals allowed on the year when compared to 2008. Although both performed well throughout the year, Gonzalez's performance would stand out a tad bit more. He was the only player to start all matches for the blue-and-gold, continually improving throughout the year and topped it off by earning the 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year award. It is the second time the award has gone to a Galaxy player following Sean Franklin's win last year.

Gonzalez, Delagarza, Franklin, Todd Dunivant and Gregg Berhalter, with occasional help from Tony Sanneh and Leonard Griffin created a formidable defensive line throughout the year. Jamaican National Team 'keeper and MLS newcomer Donovan Ricketts was brought in by Arena to complement the new defense and the combination could not have been any better. Ricketts put in a stellar year, registering numerous spectacular saves throughout the year which helped the blue-and-gold preserve numerous victories. Had it not been for the rebirth of Chivas USA 'keeper Zach Thornton, he would have run away with this year's Goalkeeper of the Year honors.

Other important changes happened in the midfield. Arena brought in Stefani Miglioranzi and Dema Kovalenko, injecting some character and fight into central holding midfielder position that had lacked it for the last few seasons.

The retooled team set out to correct the wrongs of years past, but things started a bit slow. The Galaxy didn't register its first win until May, well over a month after the season started and another month would lapse afterwards before the next win would be registered. Fans started to wonder if things would actually change this year, but the silver lining during that stretch of matches was that despite the lack of victories, the team wasn't losing. A long stretch of draws in between those victories had the team near the bottom of the Western Conference table, but not far from the leaders. More important, many of the ties were coming in matches where one or two plays could have easily turned the result in favor of the Galaxy. Eventually the team would start getting those plays and the victories would start stacking up as the season headed into its second half.

They quickly started moving up in the standings and would later find themselves in the unlikely position of being within striking distance of the top spot in the conference and later, the league as whole. On both occasions, the Galaxy were unable to claim the top spot, but the blue-and-gold did secure a spot in the playoffs for the first time in four years and the talk around the league was about their form and the dramatic change noticeable in the team's play.

As fate would have it, the top spot in the conference would eventually be secured on the final week of regular season play after a very tight race between the Galaxy, Houston, Chivas USA and Seattle and entered the playoffs as the top seed. Star forward Landon Donovan was instrumental in getting them to to the playoffs and through what was arguably the toughest playoff run in club history. L.A. started out by facing in-stadium rivals Chivas USA for the first time in a playoff series and it was a memorable pairing of matches. The Galaxy prevailed through the scrappy and hard fought series to battle the Houston Dynamo for the Western Conference Title and a ticket to the MLS Cup Final.

The blue-and-gold defeated the Dynamo to claim its 6th Western Conference title and ticket to the MLS Cup Final. Only days before the Final, Donovan would earn his first MLS MVP award, but the shootout loss in the Final to Real Salt Lake spoiled the party. Ironically, this is the first time the star forward earns MLS MVP honors despite a stellar career and it coincided with the first occasion on which he made a trip the MLS Cup Final but did not return as a winner.

For the Galaxy, their turn around and strong performance in the playoffs validated Arena's approach, so much so that he earned Coach of the Year honors. It also highlighted the importance of solid 'keeping, defense and Donovan. Next year will present new challenges, including the possibility of Donovan leaving the team, but many valuable pieces remain. If Donovan leaves, Arena will once again have a very busy offseason.

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LAst Night's Action: Clippers, Ducks Win

Jimmy Bramlett — 2009-11-27T23:23:06-08:00

Chris Kaman is the Clippers beast in the paint. AP Photo/Duane Burleson

LA Clippers defeat Detroit Pistons 104-96. Chris Kaman in front of his family in Detroit scored 26 points missing only two field goal attempts paving the way for a Clippers road victory over the Pistons. Baron Davis scored 25 points while Al Thornton added 19. The Clippers defense held the Pistons to 40% shooting and nine blocked shots bringing their losing streak to seven. It probably would have helped the Pistons if they had Ben Gordon who was out with a sprained ankle. This was the Clippers first win in Detroit since February 19, 2001.

Anaheim Ducks defeat Chicago Blackhawks 3-0. The Ducks spoiled the Blackhawks eight-game winning streak winning the game 3-0. Teemu Selanne scored goals in the first and second period while Nick Boynton scored his first goal as a Duck in the second period to cap off the scoring. This was goalie Jean-Sebastian Giguere’s first shutout of the season while the Ducks hope this will launch some sort of winning streak for them.

#12 Butler Bulldogs defeat UCLA Bruins 69-67.

USC Trojans defeat Coppin State Eagles 74-43.

Notable Notes

With the big UCLA-USC game going down at the Coliseum, Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket is hosting a tailgate extravaganza at LA Live in Downtown LA. It starts up at 2 pm and the admission is free. They will have a Bud Light beer garden, live music, food and drinks by Wolfgang Puck, a jumbotron to watch the game, ticket giveaways and a free shuttle service to and from the Coliseum for the game.

Meanwhile on Prime Ticket, they have started the Crosstown Rivalry coverage. They will be showing the 1990, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999 and 2001 games leading up to the pregame show at 5:15 pm. Kick off will be at 7:00 with complete postgame coverage after the game.

My prediction: UCLA beats USC 17-14.

Tonight’s Action

UCLA Bruins at USC Trojans. 7:00 pm FS Prime Ticket, AM 570 KLAC (UCLA Radio), AM 710 KSPN (USC Radio).

LA Lakers at Golden State Warriors. 7:30 pm KCAL9, AM 790 KABC (since 710 is broadcasting the UCLA-USC game).

Chicago Blackhawks at LA Kings. 7:30 pm FSWest, AM 1150 KTLK.

We Got Yer Holiday Spirit Right Here

Elise Thompson — 2009-11-27T17:00:02-08:00

Thanksgiving not only marks the beginning of shopping season, but the beginning of drinking season! Holidays parties are looming, but don't fret. We have a whole host of of holiday-themed drinks to liven up your next soiree.

Cinnamon Rise
By Brian Miller, Death & Company, New York, NY

1 ounce Zacapa 23 Year-Old Rum
3/4 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce cinnamon bark

In a cocktail shaker, combine Zacapa 23 Year-Old Rum, lime juice, and cinnamon bark.

Shake and strain into a rocks glass.

More recipes after the jump!

The Corner Store
Created by Preston Eckman of Philadelphia's APO Bar & Lounge

2 parts Beefeater 24
1 part Black and Brown Syrup*
½ part Orange juice
1 Black Mission Fig
2 Sprigs of Thyme

Muddle 2 sprigs worth of thyme leaves and 1 black mission fig. Shake ingredients heavily and double strain over ice in an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a smacked thyme sprig stuck in half a fig set on the rim of the glass.

*To make syrup: Combine 2 cups water and 5 crushed cinnamon sticks and bring to boil for 10 min. Let steep for 10 more min and strain off cinnamon. Add ¾ cup of white sugar and stir until dissolved. Then steep 12 black tea bags for 20 minutes. Cool and use.

Pear Margarita
Courtesy of Little Dom’s

1 ½ oz. D'Anjou Pear Puree
1 ½ oz. El Jimador Blanco
½ oz. Lemon
¾ oz. Simple Syrup

Shake together all ingredients with ice. Pour into a nine ounce bucket and garnish with a thin slice of pear on top.

Mulled Gin / Hot Gin Punch
Created by London mixologist Nick Strangeway

1 part Beefeater 24TM
2 parts full bodied red wine
1 teaspoon honey
Orange slice
Lemon slice
Orange peel stuck with cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Heat all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer till honey has dissolved. Pour into a toddy glass and drink whilst still warm.

*The above recipe serves 1. For greater numbers just multiply the ingredients by the number of people you wish to serve.

Sweet Dream

1 oz OCEAN Vodka
1oz Baileys
1oz Tuaca
2oz heavy cream

Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice, bruise and pour into a martini glass rimmed with caramel syrup

Season's Greetings

1 ½ oz OCEAN Vodka
1 oz pear nectar
Splash of fresh orange juice

Place all ingredients into a shaker with ice, bruise and garnish with an orange twist

Photo of Cinnamon Rise courtesy of Zacapa Rum/Used with permission

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NextAid Gets Up For Worlds AIDS Day By Getting Down

Caleb Bacon — 2009-11-27T16:30:00-08:00

The Marrakesh House's Pool | Photo by Maya Myers / used with permission

Next Tuesday, December 1, humanitarian organization NextAid, holds its Los Angeles effort in their multi-date/multi-city World AIDS Day 2009 (WAD2009) campaign. The festive series kicked off in San Francisco on November 25th and will crosses the states until December 31st. L.A.’s event, actually held on World Aids Day, looks to take the cake.

“This event is at an amazing venue, with the best line-up we could fathom,” said Lauren Segal-Avenna, NextAid’s Co-Founder and Director.

A night of great dance music and comedy will be held at the Marrakesh House, the scenic hillside Culver City residence of film director Chris Paine (”Who Killed The Electric Car”) and will feature top house music DJ’s and some great comedians.

From New York, true house music legend Little Louie Vega (”Masters at Work”) will headline. Also appearing are DEEP LA’s Marques Wyatt, KCRW’s Raul Campos, DJ Rap, Turntables on the Hudson with DJ Nickodemus and Nappy G, and more. Ultra-hilarious comedian Whitney Cummings will be on hand to spice it up, and she’ll be joined by comedians Ben Morrison and Ben Gleib.

“Our goal is to, 1, raise awareness about the amazing resiliency of African youth, 2, raise funds to help these African organizations develop and become totally self-sustaining, and, 3, to just have a rockin’ event for a good cause,” said Segal-Avenna.

Tickets include access to open bar and light food provided by AKBAR Cuisine of India. The event will also feature a silent auction and be web-streamed live on In Soul We Trust. More information can be found on Facebook.

Comment Below!

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Review: Dear Andy Kaufman, I Hate Your Guts!

Farley Elliott — 2009-11-27T16:00:00-08:00

Dear Andy Kaufman, I Hate Your Guts! Photo courtesy Process Media.

Long after his death, Andy Kaufman remains a polarizing man. Some folks (either at the time or now, out of a sense of bereaved duty) love the antics of Andy, while others steadfastly maintain his unfunny arrogance. Probably larger than any of these opposing camps, however, is the mass of folks who were, well... more confused than anything. For a lot of people, Andy Kaufman was (and remains) something that they just didn’t ‘get’, if for no other reason than they never felt like they were in on the joke. And that, at least, is clearly understandable.

In the intervening decades since his death, more and more information has become publicly available about Kaufman, ultimately culminating in the 1999 Jim Carrey biopic Man On The Moon. However, there’s always something sensationalist about a Hollywood produced biopic, isn’t there? It never really touches the person in the way one might hope, meaning something is always going to be left behind, floating in the unknown space between knowledge and nothingness. This is never more evident than with perhaps Kaufman’s most well-known stunt: the taunting of women on national television, alongside a call for normal women to try to beat him in a wrestling match. If successful, he would offer to pay the woman $1,000 and / or marry them. While this stunt garnered a large amount of press at the time, the ultimate ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the foolish fiasco has never really been brought to light. That is, until now.

Titled Dear Andy Kaufman, I Hate Your Guts!, this new compilation book by Lynne Margulies brings together dozens of letters from would-be female wrestling challengers during the height of Kaufman-wrestling-women mania. Alternating between typed and handwritten, lengthy and terse, and perhaps (but not necessarily) including photography, these letters have been immaculately preserved for just such an occasion as Dear Andy Kaufman. And while each dispatch covers the same topic (pick me to kick your ass, Andy Kaufman), the prose, style, and content of each is so different that the whole book starts to feel almost slice-of-life-y, but with the absurdist twist Kaufman couldn’t do without.

There is an interesting mix in these letters, between women who seem to ‘get it’, and those burlier broads who take a real offense to Kaufman’s tomfoolery and wouldn’t mind taking things too far. There are the few who absolutely just want the air time, and a surprising amount of voluptuous vixens who are looking for the opportunity to roll around with Andy for a while. But the backgrounds that are brought to the surface in these letters is ultimately the most telling. The signatures, the slurs, the addresses and the underlines all paint a more perfect picture than any of these women could hope to do on their own. And while their words do speak volumes about their own situations (and their dependence on television), it is only the compilation of these as a whole that allows the individual missives to stand out.

It is not just the letters that help to make Dear Andy Kaufman a complete success. The grainy graphics and often hilarious images ultimately tie the entire book together, making it something heftier than a coffee table book but no less engaging to thumb through. The photos themselves span the gamut, from gorgeous bikini-clad women to a handful of questionable ‘ladies’ with Anton Chigurh haircuts. Perhaps what makes these women so compelling is their absolute willingness to get into a ring, on national television, with a comedian, and see what happened. While many of them sincerely hint at the theatricality of it all, none of them (like none of us) ever really had any idea what Kaufman would do at any given time. And that’s just the way he liked it.

Dear Andy Kaufman, I Hate Your Guts! will be released early next month, with a special appearance by noted Kaufman character Tony Clifton on December 3rd at the Silent Movie Theater to help promote the release.

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Thanks to This Week's Advertisers

tien mao — 2009-11-27T16:00:00-08:00

We would like to take a moment to thank this week's advertisers on LAist.

Gold Class Cinema, like flying first class, the new way to go to the movies, opening December 2 in Pasadena.
Virgin America, with its new non-stop route from LAX and SFO to Ft. Lauderdale.
Svedka, offering free downloads of Future Music.
American Apparel, with 8 stores in LA, you can look your best after dark.
GroupOn, using collective buying power to bring you one ridiculous coupon each day.

If you're interested in advertising on LAist or any other site in our network, check out our online mediakit.

A Weather WTF?!: Storm Warning Issued for LA Region

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-27T15:30:00-08:00

Photo by nicadlr via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

Okay, seriously: This weather calls for "WTF?!" First we got word it was going to be sunny, hot, and windy for Thanksgiving (it was) with lots of ash stirred up from the recent Station Fire.

Now the National Weather Service has issued a storm warning for the Los Angeles area, and this incoming "cold pacific storm may bring showers and mountain snow tonight into Saturday," reports KPCC. We could get some heavy showers, and maybe even thunderstorms and small hail.

The rain will hit late today and tonight in Santa Barbara and San Luis Opispo counties then move to Ventura and LA Counties overnight. Snow levels will come down to 3,500-4,000 feet. By the end of the weekend into Monday, though, we'll be back to dry air and fire weather. Of course!

TV Junkie: 'Monk' Finale; White House Crashers Part of Bravo?

Tom Lewis — 2009-11-27T15:00:14-08:00

Yeah, that's right Tony, Part I of the "Monk" season finale airs tonight on USA at 9pm

Weekend Edition

The couple who crashed a state dinner at the White House earlier in the week were filmed by Bravo for their "Real Housewives of D.C." production according to the Wall Street Journal. Bravo says that they didn't know the couple hadn't been invited to the event - the details of which will come out in the upcoming Secret Service investigation. The couple is getting their wish for celebrity to come true as they will be on Larry King this Monday.
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Tonight at 9pm on USA part one of the series finale of "Monk" will be broadcast. For 125 episodes over the last 7 years, Tony Shalhoub's Adrian Monk has remained weird, original and very funny. We've had the chance to speak to the unique Tony Shalhoub at this year's SAG(at :15) and Emmy(at 7:55) awards and we can't wait to see him back in a leading role on TV and film. Also, Ed Begley Jr., whom we interviewed this week, will be in both parts of the finale.
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It looks like NBC has staunched the flow of viewers abandoning the network when "The Jay Leno Show" comes on. For the past couple weeks the show has maintained its viewership or increased it slightly. Not really a reversal of the slide the show has experienced since it began airing, more like a bottoming out. It will be interesting to revisit these numbers when new programming begins airing in January.

One thing NBC has really been smart about is continuing to shoot new episodes for late night shows as other networks take a break. For example, this week there will have been all new episodes of "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" as well as four new episodes of "The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien" - both shows grabbing viewers searching for new content in an otherwise empty network landscape.
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Something that should buoy all broadcasters just in time for the holidays is that advertisers are stepping up to the plate to pay significantly more for airtime than they were just a few months ago. According to the LA Times retailers trying to boost holiday sales are making up for the void left by automakers. Again, let's see what happens in the new year.
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The TV Junkie Plan: Tonight - "Monk", "The Soup", Charlie Rose, Fallon. Saturday - The Picture of Dorian Gray. Sunday - "Amazing Race", "Dexter", "Californication"

Tonight

9:00pm Monk USA - Series Finale Part I. Monk is called to a crime scene where he first heard the news of his wife's murder and starts the most important investigation of hi

9:00pm Ugly Betty ABC - Betty is alarmed when Bennett promises that Daniel will be reunited with Molly; Marc digs deeper into Nico's mystery.

10:00pm The Soup E! - We hope it's a new one this week

10:00pm White Collar USA - Thrust into the seedy underbelly of New York City's Chinatown, Peter and Neal must navigate vicious Triads, mysterious Interpol agents and a game of Pai Gow as they try to nail their target.

10:00pm Crash Starz - New episode

11:00pm Charlie Rose PBS/KCET - Maziar Bahari, Newsweek; director John Woo.

12:35am Late Night With Jimmy Fallon NBC - Actor Fred Armisen; actress Carey Mulligan; chef Daniel Boulud.

Saturday

9:00pm The Picture of Dorian Gray TCM - (1945) Corrupted by a lord (George Sanders), Oscar Wilde's London aristocrat (Hurd Hatfield) stays young, but his portrait begins to age

9:00pm Robin Hood BBC America - Season Finale. Robin focuses on talking the castle and holding it for King Richard; Archer's traps catch Robin, Gisborne and Much in the castle tunnel.

Sunday

8:00pm The Amazing Race 15 CBS - Unable to complete a roadblock, one team decides to take a four-hour penalty

8:00pm The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert HBO - Concerts at Madison Square Garden commemorate the institution; performers include Jeff Beck Band, Aretha Franklin, Metallica, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, U2, Stevie Wonder, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

9:00pm Dexter Showtime - Dexter follows Trinity even closer, even though Trinity knows who he is

9:00pm Storm Chasers Discovery - Season Finale. Sean Casey's meteorologists finally put him in a position for the shot of a lifetime.

9:00pm Desperate Housewives ABC - Following another attack, Angie decides it is time for her family to leave Wisteria Lane

10:00pm Californication Showtime - Hank tries to console Charlie by taking him on a bender; Karen takes Becca and Marcy on a girls' night out.

10:00pm Blackadder's Christmas Carol BBC America - A spirit shows kindhearted Ebenezer Blackadder the folly of his ways in a spoof of Dickens' tale.

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Tonight: Never Not Funny's Pardcast-a-Thon

Caleb Bacon — 2009-11-27T14:30:00-08:00

Comedian Jimmy Pardo's (LAist Interview) popular and hilarious podcast, Never Not Funny, hosts its first ever all-night webcast telethon tonight (Pardcast-a-thon) from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. This all-nighter is a fundraiser to benefit The Smile Train, a charity focused on repairing the cleft lip and palates of afflicted children in developing nations.

Pardo will be joined by co-host Matt Belknap (LAist Interview) and comedian Pat Francis. This special evening will also feature a string of special celebrity guests who have not yet been announced. Some past ones have been: Jon Hamm, Andy Richter, Adam Carolla, Patton Oswalt, Rob Corddry, and Greg Behrendt.

Howie Mandel Opens up About OCD with 20/20 Tonight

Tim Hammer — 2009-11-27T14:00:00-08:00

Tonight 20/20 takes a look inside the life of comedian and host of "Deal or No Deal" Howie Mandel

Along with being a nationally headlining comedian and host of a hit TV show, Howie Mandel is also horrified by germs. Tonight ABC's 20/20 gives us an in-depth look inside the life of Mandel and the daily battles he's faced throughout his entire life as a result of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Mandel, who earlier this week released Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me, a frank and funny memoir about the star's struggles with OCD, allowed ABC News' David Muir to follow him for two weeks from the set of "Deal or No Deal" in Stamford, CT to his enormous home here in Los Angeles to his penthouse in Las Vegas' MGM Grand.

The 54 year-old native of Toronto tells ABC about the origin of his signature greeting - the fistbump; "In my mind [my hand] is like a petri dish. ... Otherwise I would spend the day, as I have in the past in my life in the men's room rubbing and scrubbing and scalding." Mandel also reveals the struggles of his childhood; As a child he did not tie his shoes because of his unhealthy fear of germs. Mandel, to this day, will not wear shoes with laces. A husband of 30 years to his wife Terry and father of three children, Howie also opens up about living at OCD with his family - he's been known to wear a surgical mask and rubber gloves when one of his loved ones are sick.

Despite the obstacles that OCD has thrown at Mandel, he manages to stay in the spotlight as one of the biggest names in comedy. Tune in to ABC's 20/20 tonight at 10 p.m. for a fascinating look at this funny man.

You can meet Mandel December 8th at Barnes & Noble at The Grove, he'll be offering fistbumps and signing copies of his new book.

Pencil This In: Black Friday Deals, Hitchcock Series Closing Weekend

Christine N. Ziemba — 2009-11-27T13:00:27-08:00

Photo by stephenfalk via LAist's flickr pool.

SHOPPING
Moods of Norway on Robertson has treats planned for Black Friday shoppers today: Complimentary champagne and waffles and 15% off purchases.

FILM
This is the final weekend for Hitchcock: The British Thrillers series at LACMA. Tonight’s double feature includes The 39 Steps and Number 17. The films in the series were directed by Hitchcock between 1930 and 1939, the year he went to Hollywood to make Rebecca for director David O. Selznik. Tickets $10; $7 museum members, seniors (62+), students with valid ID. $5 second film only of a double-feature; no advance purchase.

CHRISTMAS
Put down the turkey and gravy. It’s officially the Christmas ~~money spending~~ shopping season. Pasadena holds a big tree-lighting ceremony and party for Santa's arrival in the Courtyard at One Colorado tonight at 6 pm. Attendees are encouraged to donate a toy to the Charles Cherniss Toy Drive to receive a complimentary photo with Santa.

MORE SHOPPING 
There’s a 20-40% sale off the entire Munky King store on Melrose all day today. Sanrio and Mimobots are releasing an exclusive Hello Kitty Flash drive which means...goody bags: The first 50 people will receive gifts from Sanrio, Lucasfilm and Munky King. Also enter to win Hello Kitty prizes.

POP-UP SHOP 
The Rockwell Ice Cream Truck is making the rounds of LA and Orange County roads this weekend offering collectibles each day ranging from exclusive tees to pillows to duvet covers to a limited zine+cd with Arkitip and everything in between. The Rockwell Brand is the brainchild of graphic artist/illustrator/typographer/designer Parra, who was the Amsterdam red-light district's best kept secret. To find out where the truck will be this weekend, follow partner Stones Throw on Twitter.

Want more events? Follow me on Twitter.

Tiger Woods Injuries Not As Severe?

Jimmy Bramlett — 2009-11-27T12:49:05-08:00

AP Photo/Rob Carr

WESH Channel 2 of Orlando Florida is reporting that Tiger Woods was treated for facial lacerations and released from Health Central Hospital around 3 pm EST. Woods hit a fire hydrant and his neighbor's tree from his driveway with his 2009 black Escalade around 2:30 am EST where an investigation and charges are pending where alcohol was not involved.

Presented By:

2009-11-27T12:49:05-08:00

Tiger Woods in Car Accident, Serious Condition

Jimmy Bramlett — 2009-11-27T12:35:00-08:00

AP Photo/Rob Carr

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Tiger Woods,33, has been seriously injured in a car accident outside his home just outside of Orlando, Fl in Isleworth. Woods was transported to Health Central hospital in Ocoee, Fl after hitting a fire hydrant then drove into a tree on his neighbor's property. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, alcohol was not involved, however an investigation is still pending. No word on what condition Woods is in now. Some reports have him released from the hospital. More on this as information comes in.

Tonight In Rock: Julian Casablancas, Rooney, Japandroids, The Voyeurs

Joshua Pressman — 2009-11-27T12:00:00-08:00

The Strange Boys will be performing tonight at the Palace Theatre | Picture via the Strange Boys Myspace

Our Pick: Julian Casablancas, The Strange Boys, HAIM @ Palace Theatre

Tonight LA-based pop rock act Rooney will be headlining the El Rey Theatre with none other than Ann Arbor's own Tally Hall. Vancouver-bred garage rockers Japandroids are poised to take on the Echo with Florida-based surf-infused rock outfit Surfer Blood in tow. And, lastly, local indie rock duo the Voyeurs (LAist Interview, Review) will be gracing Casey's Irish Pub in Downtown. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Palace Theatre in Downtown as well to catch the Strokes' vocalist and chief songwriter Julian Casablancas (LAist Interview), who will be concluding his month-long residency. LAist favorites, Austin-by-way-of-Dallas garage rock outfit the Strange Boys (LAist Review, #2).

The Strange Boys - "Baby Please Don't Go"

Julian Casablancas, The Strange Boys, HAIM @ Palace Theatre
Rooney, Tally Hall @ El Rey Theatre
Japandroids, Surfer Blood @ The Echo
The Voyeurs, The Damselles @ Casey's Irish Pub
Supertone, Chasing Kings, Autobody, The Interns, Angela Peterson @ Troubadour
The Passports' record release, Kate Earl, Molly Jenson, Erin Mclaughlin, Zoro @ The Hotel Café
La Santa Cecilia, Domingo 7, El Haru-Kuroi @ Juanita's Restaurant & Grill
Little Teeth, Hyena, Freaky Mountain, Moses Campbell, The Chicken-Skin-Ranch-Hand Marionnettes @ Echo Curio
NASA Space Universe, Twin Lions, W-H-I-T-E, Dva Damas @ Pehrspace

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Sobriety Checkpoints Tonight, Saturday Night

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-27T11:00:36-08:00

Photo by http://MikesPhotos.us via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

It's a holiday weekend, and like most weekends, the LAPD is out to yank drunk drivers off the streets. This weekend they've got two DUI checkpoints, scheduled for 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tonight the LAPD will be on North Fairfax Avenue at Melrose Avenue [map]. Saturday night they're at South Figueroa Street at West 33rd Street [map].

As always, the goal in sharing the information is not to help intoxicated drivers avoid being caught, but to work with the LAPD to promote the use of designated drivers and discourage driving under the influence, period. Sober motorists may wish to plan to re-route themselves at those times in order to ease traffic through the checkpoints, where drivers "will be stopped momentarily while an officer explains the reason for the checkpoint."

Local High Schooler Launches 'Hug a Ginger Day' Campaign

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-27T10:00:18-08:00

Photo by kalandrakas via Flickr

It was one week ago that students at A.E. Wright Middle School in Calabasas responded to a posting on Facebook by beating up at least 7 of their redheaded classmates as part of "Kick a Ginger Day," a pseudo-event thought to be inspired by a 2005 South Park episode.

Not only did the attacks provoke an investigation (and may well result in arrest and prosecution of the attackers) but has renewed the discussion of the extent to which kids are influenced by pop culture and the media, and the responsibility of the parents.

Now some high school students in Los Angeles are hoping to overcome the negativity of "Kick a Ginger Day" by launching a kinder, gentler counter-attack: "Hug a Ginger Day."

In our inbox came info about the event from the movement's organizer, Andrew Cohen, a 12th Grader at the New Community Jewish High School, who says he feels "young adults were represented poorly, and a blanketed statement may have been implied of the corruption of youth from television, pop culture, etc." Cohen says his campaign of kindness aims to "prove the contrary, that we are productive, knowledgeable, and while we enjoy television smut at times, we don't [i]nternalize it."

Using social networking to promote the event, "Hug a Ginger Day" is listed on Facebook, and takes place on December 8th, with well over 1300 attendees confirming participation.

Cohen sees the larger potential of this manner of response: "Small steps lead to bigger steps, as we learned in the persecution of minorities in the Holocaust, so these types of actions like the one at A E Wright must not go unopposed."

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Sweeten Your Online Shopping: Compartes 'Brown Friday' Sale

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-27T09:55:00-08:00

Support local business without leaving your computer today thanks to a sale by one of our favorite chocolatiers. Compartes [Twitter] is running a "Chocolate Brown Friday" 24-hour online sale to celebrate the launch of their online shop. Their shopping site went live this morning, and today buyers can score 10% off everything by using the coupon code "ChocolateFriday." Compartes is a jewel of a chocolate shop in Brentwood that is gaining national attention (thanks to Oprah and People Magazine) for their phenom artisanal truffles and bars. If you're not ready to shop today, head over to their charming shop before the holidays to put together gift boxes for the sweet tooth on your list--or for you. We know those honey + peanut butter + sea salt truffles are damn good. Treat yourself; we won't judge.

Pot Shop Talk: Mayor Wants City Council to Cap Dispensaries

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-27T09:00:00-08:00

Photo by katherine_hitt via Flickr

This week, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa commented that he believes the City Council should work to create parameters that would "limit the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city," according to CBS2. He believes the current count of 8-900 is too high, and talk among the Council is to aim to cap "dispensaries at between 70 and 200."

The Mayor and the Council, however, could be working off an inaccurate tally, according to the LA Weekly, who have been investigating what they call "the largely unregulated nature of the city of Los Angeles' medical marijuana business." The Weekly "looked into each an every one of the more than 800 pot shops registered with City Hall and found that only 540 were actually operating."

What the Weekly is aiming to reveal is the extent to which the industry's latest crop of "retail establishments," stray from the original medical marijuana initiative, and their work may as a result indicate just how tangled a mess the City leaders are facing. In the meantime, the Council resumes talks on the issue next Wednesday; whatever ordinance they draft, Mayor Villaraigosa must issue approval for it to be implemented.

Street Closures for Sunday's Hollywood Christmas Parade

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-27T08:00:41-08:00

Formation map shows route and other restricted streets (City of LA)

Starting tomorrow and lasting through Monday, several streets in Hollywood will have closures and parking restrictions due to Sunday's Hollywood Christmas Parade.

The City of Los Angeles, Departments of Transportation and Police, expect thousands of people to fill the streets of Hollywood to watch this annual spectacle. Attendees are being urged to use public transit to get to the event, which travels in a U-shape starting on Hollywood Blvd at Orange, then moving east to Vine, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard and west on Sunset, back to Orange.

The DOT is also reminding drivers that they will be "strictly enforcing a restricted no-parking policy for the Hollywood Christmas Parade. This will include the citing and impounding of vehicles parked on temporary restricted no-parking streets. Restricted parking will be in effect Nov. 28 through Nov. 30."

Full list of closures with days/times after the jump.

Street closures (via Hollywood Christmas Parade/City of LA)

SATURDAY - NOVEMBER 28, 2009

* 12:01 AM Saturday morning Hollywood Blvd. from Orange to Highland.
* Orange from Hollywood Blvd. South to the alley north of Hawthorne.
* Re-open Monday @ 6:00 AM.

SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 29, 2009

* Hollywood Blvd. from LaBrea to Orange @ 6:00 AM. Re-open @ 10:00 PM.
* Hawthorne Ave., DeLongpre Ave., Fountain Ave. from LaBrea to Highland Ave. @ 1:00 PM. Re-open @ 9:00 PM.
* Lanewood Ave. from LaBrea to Orange @ 1:00 PM. Re-open @ 10:00 P.M.
* El Cerrito Place from Hollywood Blvd. to Franklin Ave. @ 1:00 PM. Re-open @ 8:00 PM.
* Sycamore, Orange from Franklin Ave. to Fountain @ 1:00 PM. Re-open @ 9:00 PM.
* Sunset Blvd. from LaBrea Ave. to Highland Ave. @ 1:00 PM. Re-open @ 10:00 PM.
* East side of LaBrea from Hollywood Blvd. to Sunset Blvd. @ 4:00 PM. Re-open @ 7:00 PM.
* Highland Ave. from Franklin Ave. to Santa Monica @ 4:00 PM. Re-open @ 9:00 PM.
* Hollywood Blvd. from Highland Ave. to Gower @ 4:00 PM. Re-open @ 9:00 PM.
* Vine Street from Franklin Ave. to Santa Monica @ 4:00 PM. Re-open @ 9:00 PM.
* Sunset Blvd. from Highland Ave. to Gower @ 4:00 PM. Re-open @ 9:00PM.
* Sunset Blvd. From Highland to La Brea @ 3:00 PM. Reopen @ 10:00 PM

FREEWAY CLOSURES: HOLLYWOOD FREEWAY, HWY 101 (Sunday Only)

* Northbound & Southbound off ramps of Cahuenga Blvd. and Highland Ave. will be closed @ 3:00 PM. Re-open @ 10:00 P.M.

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Midnight Movie: Patton Oswalt's 'Christmas Shoes'

Caleb Bacon — 2009-11-27T00:00:00-08:00

Thanksgiving is gone and it's officially Christmas time. Happy Black Friday.

10 Random Albums To Be Thankful For

Joshua Pressman — 2009-11-26T16:00:00-08:00

Photo by Julius Metoyer via MJR

Surely, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon what you are truly grateful for. And family, friends and good health tend to make their way to the forefront of your mind. But what about music? Ah yes, music.

1. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

Local Natives - "Wide Eyes"

2. Freelance Whales - Weathervanes

Freelance Whales - "The Great Estates"

3. Brazos - Phosphorescent Blues

Brazos - "Kid"

4-10 after the jump!

4. The Zolas - Tic Toc Tic

The Zolas - "The Great Collapse"

5. Mountain Man - S/T

Mountain Man - "Animal Tracks"

6. Whitley - Go Forth, Find Mammoth

Whitley - "Facades II"

7. Lusine - A Certain Distance

Lusine - "Twilight"

8. Lee Fields & The Expressions - My World

Lee Fields & The Expressions - "Ladies"

9. The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You

The Avett Brothers - "I And Love And You"

10. Taken By Trees - East of Eden

Taken By Trees - "Anna"

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Here's to Your Health: Thanksgiving Edition

Jessica Pauline — 2009-11-26T13:00:00-08:00

Photo by LarimdaME | Flickr

Here's to Your Health is a deeper look into the health issues of the day. Recently, we've looked at the Power Plate and declawing. Today, we explore the wonders of Thanksgiving...

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I know I, for one, am anxiously awaiting a heaping plate of crap that I've been told by innumerable women's magazines will make me fat, clog my arteries and possibly cause my premature death. Well, I'd like for that line of thinking to end here. To help you enjoy your 5,000-calorie-plus meal, here is a list of nutritional benefits found in traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Turkey: Loaded with protein, this main dish fills you up without weighing you down. Turkey is also a great source of folic acid -- key for cell rejuvenation -- and vitamin B. However, since it's heavy with tryptophan, the old adage is true: don't turkey and drive.

Stuffing: Your basic stuffing generally contains celery and onion. Both are used in traditional medicine to relieve coughs and colds, which may be the reason stuffing tastes so darn good in the cold weather. Onions are also heavy in sulfides, and celery is loaded with vitamin C, both of which help guard against cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.

Mashed Potatoes: Rich in complex carbohydrates and with a hefty dose of fiber, potatoes provide energy and move things along down there, of you catch my drift. Potatoes are also an excellent source of potassium, which is key for cell health as well as the health of your nervous system.

Cranberry Sauce: Cranberries have tons of antioxidents, and are well known for their aid in reducing or relieving UTI's. A lesser known benefit of the little guys is plaque reduction -- it's thought that by preventing bactieria from clinging to the tooth they can reduce plaque's buildup.

Pumpkin Pie: I know what you're thinking: Oh, that's a stretch. But hold your judgment for another day, please. While the butter and sugar may not be ideal for a healthy diet, pumpkin pie filling is a good source of fiber and a great source of vitamin A, which helps protect eyesight and the immune system.

And on that note, I'd like to take this opportunity to be thankful for what is about to be not just a delicious meal, but one that is chock full of oft-underappreciated health benefits. Bon appetit.

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What I'm Thankful For

samkim — 2009-11-26T12:30:00-08:00

Los Angeles: 76 degrees. New York: 50 degrees.

A Threefold 'Thank You' to Los Angeles

Zach Behrens — 2009-11-26T12:00:00-08:00

Much thanks goes to our awesome photographers at our LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr! | Photo by jvoves via the pool

There's a lot to be thankful for, whether here in Los Angeles or not. Here a just a few reasons themed, of course, to Los Angeles.

First of all, I'm ever so grateful for the LAist staff. The dirty little secret that's really not a secret is that, save for Co-Editor Lindsay William-Ross (who deserves a big thank you herself!) and myself, everyone volunteers at LAist. They write and share with all of you because they have a passion for it. They love exploring and getting to know this city and coming back home, sitting down at the computer and sharing it with you. LAist is what it is because of them--they are the heart and soul.

A big thanks goes out to Jimmy Bramlett (sports), Tom Lewis (TV), Josh Pressman (music) and Christine Ziemba (arts & events)--each who post just about every single day of the year. That's an amazing feat! But that's not all, we have a large staff (see them all, Editors and Contributors, in their glory here on our staff page!) and the next time you read something by one of them and enjoyed it or found it useful, please hit that "like" button. It means a lot to them. The little things really do count.

Secondly, this city and its surroundings continue to blow me away. It is truly the neverending story of exploration: from the nooks and crannies of the mountains that divide the city in half to the hidden alleys full of street art; from the islands we see from the beach but never explore to the most amazing food found in the most ordinary of places; from the drama of living in a hazardous area (wildfires, earthquakes, mudslides) to the good that comes out when such a disaster strikes; from the friends we meet, whether short or long lasting, to the music we all share together as strangers at concerts--the list could go on, but you get the point.

Lastly, pulling something out from above, I'm thankful for the outdoor surroundings we live amongst. Being in the second largest city in the nation and having access to the Santa Monicas, the San Gabriels, Griffith Park, the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands and much more is not par for the course in a lot of other major cities. That cheesy "surf in the morning, ski at night" line is true during some parts of the year. Also true are waterfalls, sea cave kayaking, amazing views, white sand beaches, rocky canyons, curvy roads and a plethora of more. Sometimes it takes a little pushing to get out there; sometimes you have to push your friends to go out there with you. But everything here and beautiful is for you, for us, to take advantage of. I'm thankful we live amongst it and I hope others can appreciate it, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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A Photo Gallery of the Things I am Grateful for This Year

Elise Thompson — 2009-11-26T11:30:13-08:00

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First of all, you are a total jerk if you don't mention family first. It's de rigeur. OK, as much as I hate it, Mom, thanks for that Catholic school education that I hated but that taught me phrases like de rigeur.

Then you're usually supposed to be thankful for your health. Well, that hasn't been so great this year. But I'm still alive. I can see, hear, walk, and navigate through Citiwalk without assistance. So I'm still doing pretty damn good.

This year I'd like to thank LAist for turning me into an Angeleno. All of my life I have been a person who lives in LA. But I never felt the civic pride that permeates places like New York. Thanks to this blog, I now feel like connected to the city. I am part of the organism, I am another face of the city, and I walk in rhythm to its beat.

Dear Los Angeles: I'm Thankful For...

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-26T11:00:49-08:00

Springtime means Cherry Blossoms in Balboa Park, for which I'm thankful (Lindsay William-Ross/LAist)

Well, this is probably going to be my last Thanksgiving as a non-US Citizen, if Homeland Security is kind enough to grant this "alien" naturalization after almost 20 years as an Angeleno. Writing for LAist and teaching English at Cal State LA gives me many occasions on which I stop to think about what I'm thankful for about living here, and today I offer you my list (in surplus of the expected basic needs, friends/boyfriend/family requisite entries). I'm thankful...

...that I don't have to shop at Walmart or eat at big mega chain restaurants like Applebee's because I have an abundance of locally owned and operated stores and eateries to support as a customer. We have so many choices here, and it's easy to forget that not everyone in America can say the same for where they live.
...for LA's vast and intertwined media and internet communities, who prove daily that you can create near-tangible connections in a theoretical space. These members of the social or traditional media, blogosphere, and Twitterati help, inform, and comfort me, and (without naming names for fear of missing a single link) I'm proud to call many my friends.
...for our geographic communities, and the history and diversity they reflect. I'm so happy to live in a city where I feel I've never fully finished exploring or learning about it.
...for KCRW, because I love NPR news, non-commercial music programming done by savvy and influential DJs, their specialty talk programs, and the fact that I've met many a KCRW personality/employee and they are just about the nicest people you could ever know.
...for our amazing farmers' markets, and all manner of gardens: school, community, public, park, historic, backyard, balcony, or guerrilla.
...for groups like LA Conservancy and others for making preservation a priority in a city that is mistakenly thought to have no history. (Belive me, I'm thankful for our history!)
...for the nouveau food truck trend. Call me bougie, but it's refreshing to see affordable, inventive, enterprising, and engaging foodstuffs bring people together and send people all over the city. It's been fun getting to know and taste them this year, on top of relishing what a phenom culinary city we live in!

I LOVE L.A.! My Thanksgiving Thanks

Julie Wolfson — 2009-11-26T10:00:12-08:00

This year there are so many things to be thankful for: My family. Great friends. Fun adventures. Funny moments. The amazing people I meet every day in LA.

Some of my favorite things this year: Watching President Obama's inauguration on TV and crying all over again, attending the final shows at World of Wonder Gallery with Santino Rice, catching fish in Dana Point for Someone Cares soup kitchen, seeing the Silversun Pickups at Kidrockers, learning about web TV at the Tubefilter meet ups, visiting the set of Community at Paramount, kayaking in Santa Barbara, playing Wii Fit Plus at E3, eating burgers at Golden State, having dinner at Fraiche with Fooddigger, seeing Dengue Fever and Grace Jones at the Hollywood Bowl, drinking cocktails at the Roger Room, seeing No Doubt at the Gibson with my daughter, hanging out with Lenora Claire and Kit Scarbo at opening night of Three Apples 35 Years of Hello Kitty at Royal/T, having lunch with Chef Celestino Drago and hearing stories about his childhood in Sicily, meeting Shag at the Corey Helford Gallery, hearing stories about Chef Stefan Richter's Taco Bell tree, taking my students at the Virginia Avenue Project to see Kooza, interviewing Oscar the Grouch, and covering stories with the amazing writers of LAist!

Happy Thanksgiving From LAist!

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-26T09:15:00-08:00

A giant turkey watches over NoHo (Photo by mrecuay via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)

We hope that everyone has a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving! Today we hope you have enough food to be full (but not to send you to the ER), and good people to spend the day with. Don't forget today you can revel in free parking at city meters, pitch in and do some hands-on good, or give a little to help out those who could really use the help.

Today you'll hear from some of our regular voices sharing what they're thankful for in their lives and in L.A. And of course, we're thankful to you, our readers, for making every day so great for us, and for being a part of the LAist community.

Happy Thanksgiving, Los Angeles!

TV Junkie: TV As Thanksgiving Coping Mechanism

Tom Lewis — 2009-11-26T09:00:13-08:00

Hang with Rod today during "The Twilight Zone" marathon starting at Noon on The CW

If you are either cooking the Thanksgiving feast or are fortunate enough to be sitting around, waiting for it to be cooked, you might want to have some television accompaniment other than the endless cavalcade of football games, college and otherwise.

Starting first thing in the morning is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as well as several all-day movie and TV show marathons (see below). Unfortunately, there weren't any movies in all of tomorrow's schedule that really jumped out at us. Please note that for late night, there will be new shows for "The George Lopez Show" as well as Conan and Fallon.
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As you pick over the turducken bones, you might want to ruminate over Lou Dobbs' desire to be the freshman Senator of New Jersey.
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Have a great Thanksgiving!

8:00am James Bond Marathon Syfy - All the classics

9:00am Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade NBC - New York's 83rd annual event features floats and marching bands; Andrea Bocelli, Boys Like Girls, Alan Cumming, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, Gloria Gaynor and Carly Simon are scheduled to appear; Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker host.

9:00am Cake Boss Marathon TLC - Cakes cakes cakes cakes, all frickin' day

9:00am Mythbusters Marathon Discovery -Watch the boys and gang disprove almost everything

9:00am Top Chef Marathon Bravo - Not that this doesn't put the pressure on you

9:00am Brady Bunch Marathon TV Land - Familiarity breeds contempt

9:30am Band of Brothers Marathon Spike - The complete series, back to back episodes

9:45am Sleeper IFC - (1973) Deep-frozen for 200 years, a health-food store owner (Woody Allen) wakes up in a no-sex police state and hides as a robot

12:00pm The National Dog Show NBC - More than 3,000 canines vie to be Best in Show at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia annual event.

12:00pm Twilight Zone Marathon The CW - Eat your turkey the way Rod talks, put it in the side of your mouth

8:00pm Survivor: Samoa CBS - A castaway reveals a guarded secret; the tribe suffers at the hands of Russell in the aftermath of the merge.

9:00pm NBC's People of the Year NBC - Some of the year's newsmakers discuss how fame has changed their lives; Taylor Swift, Nadya Suleman, Susan Boyle, Kobe Bryant, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, etc.

11:00pm Lopez Tonight TBS - Actor Taylor Lautner; actress Kristin Cavallari; performance by LMFAO

11:35pm The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien NBC - Actor Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman; actor Donald Faison; Bon Jovi performs [watch our 47min video of Jon Bon Jovi performing acoustic]

12:35am Late Night With Jimmy Fallon NBC - Actor Robin Williams; actress Rashida Jones.

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Presented By:

2009-11-26T09:00:13-08:00

Midnight Movies: BBQing With Carolla, McHale and Pardo

Caleb Bacon — 2009-11-26T00:00:00-08:00

How about a barbecued Thanksgiving? Thankfully, SoCal weather allows for it.

Feast your eyes on funnymen Adam Carolla, a feisty Joel McHale, and Jimmy Pardo (LAist Interview,) taking drool-worthy lessons from Grillmaster Adam Perry Lang.

More videos from the three-parter after jump...

Comment Below!

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Obama State Dinner Spotlights Locavorism: What We Can Learn

Lindsay William-Ross — 2009-11-25T17:00:10-08:00

A display table setting in the State Dining Room prior to last night's State Dinner (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Last night, the President and First Lady welcomed guests to the White House's first state dinner of the Obama administration, and the event was occasion to show off the bounty harvested from their garden. On the menu were items like "potato and eggplant salad with White House-grown arugula, and entrees that included roasted potato dumplings with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra, or a meal of green curry prawns," according to TreeHugger.

It wasn't too long ago Michelle Obama brought D.C.-area schoolkids into the garden to help with the harvest, and in just a few weeks she'll appear on an episode of Iron Chef America with the garden's loot as the secret ingredient.

Here in Los Angeles we are lucky enough to have access to fresh produce year-round, and can grown our own on balconies, in yards, and at community garden plots all across the city. We can also shop from the many celebrated farmers' markets that run week to week, and sometimes do so without a second thought about how fortunate we are.

The Obama's garden- and locally-sourced meal offers some powerful reminders for us:

That a variety of fresh foods can be grown and otherwise obtained from local sources, even in late fall, when the typical growing season has passed; and, that these green food options can come together to create an elegant, thoughtful, tasteful meal that's fit for the President, his family, and his guests of honor. These are the sorts of events that can help transform what we know as the "local food movement" from what's considered by the world at large to be a small, niche-oriented ideal to a real lifestyle that everybody, from the President on down.

Hopefully we can continue to work to make growing, buying, and cooking healthy local fare more accessible to all Angelenos and Americans, as well.

Previously on LAist
Alice Waters' 'Edible Schoolyard' Comes to Local Charter School
High End Chefs Support School Gardening, LAUSD's Program at Risk
Westside Gardeners Raise the Stakes in Their Communities
The White House Gets a Garden While LA's White House Place Garden Could Soon Adjoin a LAUSD Parking Lot
Greening Sacramento: Shriver Announces Plans to Get Planting

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