Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Stand to Your Right: A Moment for Metro Escalator Etiquette

As a carless Angeleno and frequent rider of the Metro Subway system, you can find me scurrying up and down the stairs and escalators of the transit system on a daily basis.  And there's something that I've been noticing about the use of escalators that has me a little...irked.  But nothing a blog post can't handle expressing!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Review: "Crooked Road" at The Lost Studio

Crooked Road is a modern day take on my favorite Jane Austen novel Persuasion, but you don't need to read the original work to be familiar with the themes, characters, and songs of Crooked Road.  Most of us have all been persuaded by others to go along different paths.  Sometimes this is, perhaps, insignificant, but as Crooked Road shows us persuasion can be very powerful, even life changing. 

In addition to the relatable nature of its themes, Crooked Road is set in Los Angeles calling to this city's diversity of area, of people, and of dreams.  Add in its use of music as a driving force in the story and the threaded complexities that only financial situations and romance can provide, you'll find yourself effortlessly following this road from beginning to end.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Take the Downtown LA Survey!

Want a Trader Joe's in Downtown?  Or an Apple Store?  Whether you live, work, or play in Downtown LA - we're sure you have an opinion of what you'd like to have in this area!  So make your opinion count and help Downtown LA recruit the retailers you're looking for by filling out their 2011 survey!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A Tale As Old As Time: "Beauty and the Beast" at the Pantages

I have to admit - Belle is my favorite Disney princess.  Don't get me wrong.  I have major props for the spirited Jasmine and the adventure-seeking  Ariel, but Belle?  She read books.  I read books - I read a lot of books.  If I was going to go for the Disney princess I identified the most with (and I think that's why they're important, powerful pop cultural icons), Belle would be it.

The story of Beauty and the Beast also teaches you some important lessons kids should know (and adults should remember):
  1. Be nice.  You never know if you're going to turn away a witch who is going to cast a magical spell on you.
  2. There can be more to people than what's on the outside. 
  3. If you want throw a party, you hope that Lumiere is hosting. (If you're going to be true to the Disney version of the story anyway).

Soul Support: JACCC to Hold Service for Japan Quake Victims

By now, you may have heard about the 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan last Friday, and the tragic aftermath of tsunami, fires and nuclear meltdowns. Some of you may have even donated through Red Cross or other organizations. If you're looking for a more personal way that you'd like to connect and give support, the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo will hold a hope and memorial service on Thursday, March 17, 2011, at 6:30 PM.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Casey's St. Patrick's Day Street Fair

Wondering where you should go on St. Patrick's Day?  Well if you want to find a place to party, celebrate with Casey's Irish Pub!  The street in front of the restaurant will be closed (on Grand between 6th and Wilshire) on Thursday, March 17th, 2011 from 6am to 2am

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Reflections on TEDxGoldstar

Now that I've had some time to soak in the ideas, stories, and speakers at TED via TEDxGoldstar (a simulcast of TED2011 occurring at Downtown Independent), I figured it was time to have a post reflecting on the event.  First off, thanks to Goldstar for picking us at an Interactive Host via my haiku entry.  I - and everyone else at ExperienceLA - meant it!  It was great to follow the sessions, see people's reactions as things were said (so that you weren't the only one who thought something was funny or worth celebratory clapping), mingle with other TEDxGoldstar attendees, and keep everyone posted on our Twitter account.  But what TED teaches us is that ideas aren't just worth spreading to many people, they're worth soaking in and mulling over, so that ultimately they can become call to actions.

Monday, March 07, 2011

Review: Fun (A Lot!) at Spamalot

Monthy Python's Spamalot (A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail) had another run here in the L.A. area at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, and I was lucky enough to be able to catch the last show.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Review: Violators Will Be Violated

Looking for theatre to push the envelope? Then, get violated! Violators Will Be Violated is a brilliantly acted one-man show by Casey Smith that shocks you so hard you have to laugh.

Warning: This show is not for the faint of heart.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Head to "Avenue Q"!

Whether you're a newbie or have already taken a stroll down Avenue Q, it's back in town for a short-run at the Pantages and I highly recommend you head out and see it while it's here!