Etc. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Some celebration suggestions:

Chilaquiles for breakfast

Lotería at the Farmers Market for lunch

El Carmen, your home bar, or just pick up a bottle of Skinnygirl for a margarita

El Cholo (Western Avenue or Santa Monica locations) or Lares for dinner

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: USPS

Rest in Peace, Dame Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Taylor passed away this morning at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai hospital.

My very favorite of her roles was in 1958's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, as Maggie "the Cat" Pollitt, starring opposite Paul Newman as Brick. Two true movie stars. If you haven't seen it, rent or buy it immediately.

Other rental ideas - 1963's Cleopatra, and 1966's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: ladycentre.com

Etc. Happy Presidents' Day.

Happy Presidents' Day!

(an easy and consistent style guideline is "would Jackie wear it?")

Enjoy the day off.

-- the BEAT

Photo credit: dickinson.edu

Etc. Happy Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day, readers!

if you're eating in tonight, we recommend classic, always-romantic Italian - smoky fusilli perhaps

with some pinot noir

or napa brut rosé if you're feeling festive

and a good DVD

enjoy!

-- the BEAT

Photo credit: Sweet Bee Cottage

Etc. Kate Spade love.

Pretty good resolution, right?

In searching katespade.com for a 2011 planner (sadly the Moleskine I just got is strangely oily and smells basically like a tire, which is so annoying I need to find a replacement) I came across this. The text is what made me smile, but the pouch isn't bad either.

I've been a big fan of Spade's for more than a decade, and fortunately she's still going strong.

If you have a favorite planner to recommend, let us know!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: katespade.com

Etc. Aaron Shannon Jr.

Every once in awhile, you read a news story that absolutely breaks your heart. I had this experience yesterday, reading Scott Gold's Los Angeles Times piece about Aaron Shannon Jr., a 5-year-old who was shot and killed in South L.A. on Halloween, while wearing his brand new Spider-Man costume, a gift from his grandfather who didn't want his grandson to have to be a bumblebee two years in a row although money for a new costume was tight.

You can, and should, read the full story here.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Marvel

Etc. End of Daylight Saving Time.

Clocks "falling back" is such a luxury just when it's appreciated, in mid-fall. What did you do with your extra hour on Sunday? I slept!

All day Sunday, with various clocks in my apartment telling mixed times (BlackBerry and laptop had auto updates, and bedside and wall clock were waiting on me to do it) I kept remembering the new time, and appreciating the extra hour. Out and about, everywhere seemed bustling, with people making the most of their extended days, at the mall (which maybe had to do with it being the last day of Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale) and at the grocery store.

On early dark evenings, there's plenty of time to make a good casserole or Texas Beef Brisket Chili.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: orangebeautiful.com

Etc. Baking Soda.

I always have one or two boxes of baking soda in my refrigerator to neutralize food odors, and to occasionally shake down into the waste disposal to keep that smelling fresh (or at least not smelling) too. Baking soda is known for its amazing versatility, and this weekend I learned a new use for it--to help cure spider bites!

A few months ago when a bee stung my neck downtown Los Angeles, I learned that a water/baking soda paste would alleviate the discomfort/pain of the sting. It worked, but I didn't immediately think of this when a spider bite (or so we think) came up on Hank's toe this weekend.

After a little online research, I learned the wonder paste will bring up the venom, and prevent bacteria from forming. After a few applications of the paste, the bite had come much more to the surface and was looking closer to its end.

At under $2 a box, it's worth having plenty of baking soda on hand for whatever life may throw your way! Even if that means actual baking.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: realsimple.com

Etc. Las Vegas.

This weekend is a big fight weekend in Vegas, so here are some tips for fun if you're going (tomorrow or anytime).

Stay: ARIA is a new hotel and casino at the brand new Las Vegas City Center. It has a Jean Philippe Patisserie like the one in the Bellagio.

Watch: The Cirque du Soleil show Viva Elvis is at ARIA.

Watch: Floyd Mayweather, Jr.-Shane Mosley fight at MGM, Saturday May 1.

Do: Play the slot machines at the Venetian and the Palazzo.

Drink: A blended peach margarita at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.

Shop: Bettie Page Clothing at Planet Hollywood.

Viva Las Vegas!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Etc. Mint Julep on my mind.

This Saturday is the Kentucky Derby, which got me thinking about mint juleps ...

Here's Bon Appétit's recipe.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: www.shoppingblog.com

Etc. Palm Springs weekend.

Sometimes you just have to get away. Palm Springs is an easy two hour drive from Los Angeles, and is relaxing in a simple vintage kind of way (it still looks much like the photo above). Most of the city is centered around North Palm Canyon Drive, which I can't help calling "Main Street". You enter town through this main strip of shops and restaurants, and immediately realize the charm of the little desert city. The big mountains on the right, the clear blue sky above, and the warm dry air all around are all indicators that it's time to take it easy.

When in Palm Springs for a weekend, I look forward to a dinner out and an evening stroll. Palm Springs stays warm past dark for a lot of the year, so often a sweater isn't even necessary. Las Casuelas Terraza is a favorite for a fun atmosphere (they have a live band and outdoor seating), great margaritas and Mexican food, but they are always beyond packed on weekend nights, so I'm usually looking for alternatives. Tony's Pasta Mia is a true Italian, and decorated very 1980s in the best possible way. This Saturday past night we found a really good Thai spot, Pepper's Thai Cuisine. The tofu yellow curry and chicken fried rice were both delicious. They don't have a full bar, but some variety of beer and wine (and Thai iced tea, of course).

Palm Springs is known for it's mid-century modern architecture. There are several tours you can take to be guided by professionals, but you can easily check out Elvis' Palm Springs hideaway yourself. The current owners also offer all kind of options for getting a look inside. There's also lots of vintage and modern shopping along North Palm Canyon Drive.

A great off-the-beaten path place for a nightcap is Melvyn's Restaurant & Lounge at the Ingleside Inn. It's a beautiful, fancy, old-school piano bar, and the Inn has a rich history. Melvyn himself is at the lounge meeting and greeting his customers. It's quite a special place, but don't go unless you're dressed up, it just wouldn't feel right.

For morning coffee, there's a convenient drive-thru Starbucks, and there's the very popular local spot Koffi. Koffi takes coffee seriously, and can make everything from an individually brewed cup of Kona coffee to a malted mocha ice blended with house-made whipped cream.

There's lots more to do that I'm leaving out, in the spirit of writing about a simple weekend getaway.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: www.californiahistorian.com

Etc. 2nd Annual Gold Standard Food and Wine Event [Guest Post].

This past weekend I attended the L.A. Weekly's second annual "Gold Standard," a food-sampling event where attendees get to try specially chosen small dishes from 40 diverse Los Angeles area restaurants. “Gold Standard” is named for Jonathan Gold, the Weekly's Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic (and patron saint of the local foodie-blogger scene), as he is the one who chooses the participating restaurants. I, just like pretty much everyone else I know who is familiar with his work, am a huge fan of his writing, as well as his keen insight into the local culinary-culture scene.

After attending a second time, I remain convinced that “Gold Standard” is a perfect outing for those living in So Cal who (like me) consider the act of eating delicious food with friends to be among the more worthwhile and satisfying pursuits of life. Admittedly, the $60 cost is on the high side, and I found the food this year to be slightly less impressive when compared with last year's (my friend thought that this time there were fewer in the way of trendy new restaurants, a-la Animal, so maybe that's why I wasn't blown away by as many of the dishes this time). But such minor complaints aside, I definitely had a great time once again.

For one thing, the venue this year--the Petersen Automotive Museum--proved to be a lot easier to navigate than last year's site (the West Hollywood location of Smashbox Studios), which was a major complaint of many who attended. Also, Stella Artois and Bulleit Bourbon provided free custom glasses for attendees, and I was definitely not alone in my excitement at being able to go home with a gold-rimmed Stella beer glass! (What can I say; I'm a sucker for those commercials...) Most important though were the samples of food from some of Mr. Gold’s favorite local eateries, places like Jitlada, Palate Food and Wine, Wurstküche, and the Nickel Diner (who provided samples of their now infamous Maple Bacon Donut). And you could chase it all down with wine, beer and bourbon, all of which was also included in the $60 entrance fee. So really, what's not to like?

Personally, I enjoyed the frozen treats available from two of the stands providing desserts. One was that manned by the Bulgarini Gelato dudes, with their impressively authentic Italian gelato, something I've been meaning to try ever since Gold first started touting it a few years ago. Upon tasting their Chocolate with Sea Salt flavor, I was immediately transported back to the time I spent studying abroad in Florence a few summers ago. The other stand was the Saffron Spot ice cream table, which had a number of their own unique flavors of ice cream, all of which were delicious.

While at the event I was able to corner Gold briefly and ask him about Slake, the new magazine devoted to L.A. that his wife Laurie Ochoa--the Weekly's recently departed editor in chief--is heading up. I didn't find out many details, but it sounds as if they are continuing to move forward on it, and I'm really excited to read the first issue.

Anyway, if you like trying some delicious and very diverse kinds of food, and are willing to throw down a bit of money for an afternoon of some good old-fashioned gluttony, I would definitely consider looking into attending next year's event.

-- Nico Smedley

Nico, a former Los Angeles Times editorial assistant and Editorial Pages Aide, is currently living in San Diego and pursuing a career in the journalism and media industry.

Photo credit: blogs.laweekly.com

Etc. Earthquake in Chile.

A 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit central Chile (200 miles southwest of Santiago) early Saturday. As soon as we heard about it, our attention obviously went straight to thoughts of Lauren.

Ms. Lauren Williams is fine. We are so thankful.

We're also sending prayers, good energies, vibes, thoughts, and whatever else can be sent not using the postal service, to those who didn't have such luck with and protection from the earthquake. The New York Times reports "Chile’s TVN cable news channel reported 122 deaths less than 12 hours after the quake struck."

Tsumani warnings are in effect for Hawaii and other cities along the Pacific coast, with larger waves expected in Southern California but likely nothing too noticeable.

Check out the Los Angeles Times' report here.

-- the BEAT

Photo credit: Martin Bernetti/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Etc. Conor Friedersdorf's Best of Journalism in 2009.

(let's hope you're right, Dave)

As members and valiant supporters of the industry, we here at theBEAT surely recognize, acknowledge and are curious about the difficulties facing journalism these days. One thing we know for sure: although journalism may be having its identity/survival crises right now, that doesn't mean the stories being churned out by its hard-working loyalists are any less wonderful, inspiring or important.

Take for example, the latest list compiled by True/Slant's Conor Friedersdorf of the best journalism of 2009. Spread across newspapers, magazines, online and, yes, even radio (go TAL!), the pieces chosen here are those of a caliber that shouldn't be ignored, forgotten or dismissed. They remind you that indeed, there was a purpose to this poor trade, and goshdarnit if it ever ceases to exist or matter.

Take some time to appreciate not only the great stories being told literally in these pieces, but also the stories of the times and atmospheres from which they originated. And no matter what, these pieces really are worth perusing.

-- Chau Tu

Etc. Happy Presidents Day.

Happy Presidents Day, BEAT readers! Especially for those of you who have today off of work!

In case you're not heading out to see Valentine's Day, here's a suggestion for a holiday-appropriate (sort of) piece of cinema--David Gordon Green's (Snow Angels, Pineapple Express) 2000 Southern-set drama, George Washington. It was a film festival favorite and NYT Critics' Pick then, and is now available as a Criterion Collection DVD. If you like Terrence Malick (Badlands, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line) that's a good hint you'll appreciate it.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: grking.com

Etc. TED Talks.

I first got introduced to TED by my friend Joel, who sent me a video of a brain scientist talking about her stroke, and how she lived through the experience knowing every single thing that was happening in her brain at that moment. In her words, "In the course of four hours, I watched my brain completely deteriorate in its ability to process all information." (And yep, that's her holding a real brain up there.) The talk was simple, personal and mind-blowingly (pun not intended) enlightening; the kind of lecture you wish you could get every day in school (but probably didn't/don't).

But now you've got TED. The non-profit began as a conference to bring together those in Technology, Entertainment and Design, and over the course of 25 years has featured speakers such as Bill Clinton, Jane Goodall, Richard Branson, Stephen Hawking, Steve Jobs, Moshe Safdie and John Hodgman, just to name drop to a few. Basically anybody who's done innovative work in those fields above has spoken for TED at their annual, nearly impossibly-to-get-into conferences--one of which is going on right now in Long Beach, and welcoming the likes of James Cameron, Andrew Bird, Valerie Plame Wilson and Bill Gates.

But don't feel left out. TED's motto is "Ideas worth spreading," and they stand by it by posting up intellectual and awe-inspiring videos every week. I've yet to be able to peruse all 500 currently on the site, but some of my favorites are J.J. Abrams, Dave Eggers and Malcolm Gladwell. Spend some time on the site, and you're sure to find something that touches you.

Time to get inspired, BEATs!

-- Chau Tu

Etc. Recapping the Super Bowl + commercials + a puppy bowl.

(cutest baby ever)

It's the Monday morning after the big game, and somehow you missed out--too busy going to noise-rock shows and watching British noir, right? Have no fear, because the BEAT's got the recap for you right here:

1. The underdog New Orleans Saints won, 31-17, thanks in the end to third quarter onside kick and an intercepted pass from the Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning. You'll be hearing a lot about 'Mardi Gras starting early this year' and the phrase 'Who Dat?' being uncomfortably used in formal arenas for the next couple of days.

2. And of course there were those really expensive commercials. You can hopefully watch all the worthy ones--including yes, one that includes David Letterman, Oprah and gasp! Jay Leno--if they don't get taken down from Videogum.

3. There was this, too. (SFW, but probably not SFYD..safe for your dignity).

Happy Monday!

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Etc. Find ya stuff.

The video of Nick Nolte dumpster diving searching for his lost bag makes me so sad. He was wasting all his time in trash cans when he could have been here, here, or here.

Not that I have personal experience with any of those sites. Honestly, I was surprised anything even came up when I googled “lost and found.” The last thing I lost that I actually still miss is a pair of sunglasses, but I dropped those in a river in Montana two years ago, so I feel my chances of reuniting with them are slim.

However, from what I’m learning about The Found Bin. It may actually be a decent resource. It uses google maps and local lost and found listings (some from its own site, also probably many from craigslist) to virtually scour the area for your things. Of course, this process depends upon good people actually taking the time to list your used copy of “The Corrections” on the internet as a found item. There is probably the same rate of success as there is on the human lost and found, a.k.a. Missed Connections, but it’s certainly less stinky than Nolte’s drug-fueled garbage hunt in Venice.

-- Heather Robertson

Photo credit: Radar Online (duh)

Etc. The Grammys.

I was originally going to write about Imogen Heap's Twitter dress and all of its implications in this Modern Age, but despite Colbert replacing the winner's envelope with an iPad, and the Black Eyed Peas announcing, "Welcome to the future," I found myself saying repeatedly during last night's Grammys ceremony, "Really? I never thought I'd see this in 2010." Some of the throw-backs were welcome, but all of them proved just how outmoded and ridiculous the Grammys really are (and probably always have been).

1. Every single nominee in the Best Rock Album category. U2, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Green Day, and Dave Matthews. Great, over forty years of legendary talent... each more irrelevant than the last.

2. Beyonce singing "You Oughta Know." OK. This was rad. It was just this subtle, yet powerful feminist statement, from the all-girl backing band (including horn section) to Beyonce's pelvis grab in the very beginning.

3. Seal as a presenter and "A Kiss From a Rose" as his entrance music. Hahaha.

4. Pink's recycled aerial ballet, similar to last year's VMAs. It was quite good, but certainly did not warrant tears from Keith Urban.

5. The big to-do about Bon Jovi's performance debut. Maybe the fact that it hadn't already happened in the last twenty years was a sign that it never needed to.

6. All those stupid pairings of nominees and "classic" artists.
- Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift. Fine, I get it. Keeps NARIS heads happy or whatever. But seeing a 50-something year old woman sing, "You Belong with Me"=Rock Bottom.
- Elton John and Gaga. Brilliant. I loved it on so many levels, but most of all, it just didn't feel awkward. Sir Elton and the Lady actually fit together at their shared piano.
- Jaime Foxx, T. Pain, and Slash. Could this have been anymore disastrous? Blame it on the ah-ah-ah-alcohol, I guess.

7. Neil Portnow's plea to music fans. This was the last straw for me. It's 2010 and people in the music industry still think that somehow the record label, physical music sales, and the notion of ownership are going to rise from the dead a la Thriller. Better yet, they still imagine that it's all the consumer's fault and if we'd just pay them, it'd be OK. Listen, Neil, maybe if your industry came up with a business model that worked, we'd participate in it. How dare you guilt trip me on the stage of a completely useless awards show that costs millions dollars to produce. It is beyond insulting.

-- Heather Robertson

Photo credit: zimbio.com

Etc. Buy jeans, dummy.

For the last couple of weeks, I've been bombarded by Diesel's new ad campaign pasted up all around Hollywood. The tagline? "Be Stupid." They pretty it up with sayings like, "Smart listens to the head. Stupid listens to the heart," and have their whole philosophy outlined in this video:

They are also trying really hard to get people to engage with their campaign by making videos showcasing their own great acts of stupidity.

Ironically, I bet Diesel execs are patting themselves on the back for their sheer brilliance with this one. But really? I don't think it's ever a wise decision to tell your would-be customers that aligning themselves with your brand is stupid.

-- Heather Robertson