Advance Notice. Steve Lopez at Book Soup.

Steve Lopez, one of L.A.'s most popular columnists (who I'm lucky enough to run into at the supermarket sometimes), has a new book out--a compilation of his best columns over the years.

Lopez was portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. in Joe Wright's 2009 film The Soloist.

He'll be a Book Soup two weeks from tonight to discuss and sign Dreams and Schemes: My Decade of Fun in the Sun (he joined the Los Angeles Times in May 2001).

January 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: (310) 659-3110, booksoup.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Paramount Pictures via northbynorthwestern.com

Do It. Iron Man 2 at the ArcLight Pasadena.

We're big fans of Robert Downey, Jr. (or RDJ if you will) here at the BEAT. Ever since he played Los Angeles times columnist Steve Lopez and filmed in the L.A. Times building, he's held a special place in our hearts.

Downey is on the cover of the current (May 13) issue of Rolling Stone, and, oh yeah, he's Iron Man.

Iron Man 2 is out today, and is being featured on multiple screens at the brand new ArcLight Pasadena.

The first Iron Man was great, so I'm really looking forward to the sequel. It's also playing at the other ArcLight theaters and at West L.A.'s Landmark.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: screenrant.com