Check It. Community's holiday episode [The Monday Download].

Admittedly, when NBC's Thursday night sitcom Community premiered last year, I wasn't much of a fan -- it was definitely struggling to find its way, and the characters weren't all that interesting to me. But somehow, in the past year, it's soared beyond any prior expectations and become a must-see TV show for me, thanks to wonderful quirky storylines, incredibly genius Easter eggs, great acting and commitment to characters, and just a whole lot of ridiculous fun.

Take, for example, this week's holiday-themed episode -- which also happens to be done completely in claymation, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-style. So awesome! Here's a fun clip preview:

If you haven't jumped on yet, it's time to! Witnessing the beautiful interaction between Abed and Troy is worth it.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Pirelli Calendar 2011.

It's about to be 2011, and as futuristic as that sounds, we can take comfort in classics like the Pirelli Calendar.

Since 1964 the exclusive calendar/collector's item has featured glamourous photos of beautiful women, sometimes nude. Julianne Moore was photographed by Karl Lagerfeld for 2011's, and now men are part of the calendar, although I hear they're covered up.

Past models have included Kate Moss, Gisele, Cindy Crawford, Sienna Miller, Heidi Klum, and Penelope Cruz.

Info: pirellical.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Karl Lagerfeld

Check It. Cowls.

In my search for appropriate clothes for Los Angeles' unseasonably cold winter, I came across the cowl -- a very cute loop scarf that can be wrapped around the neck several times and wore a variety of ways.

Above is the Amelia XXL cowl found on Etsy.com, where vendors can sell their homemade goods. I love this scarf's chunky knit and color and it looks perfectly cozy for cold winter mornings.

Cowl's can wrap around to create a hood to protect your ears from any biting wind.

I recently found a finely knit embroidered pea green cowl which I'm very excited about. Check out more designs on Etsy, and if you're have any talent with crocheting, you can buy cowl knitting patterns on Etsy, too.

-- Lauren Williams

Check It. Yves Saint Laurent + Sephora holiday set.

This Yves Saint Laurent Sephora Exclusive Holiday Set is a chic and convenient gift for a fashionable friend or for yourself this season.

Lipstick, mascara, the famous touche éclat makeup pen, and an eye pencil in "velvet black", all in a black designer clutch--just exactly what a girl needs for a fancy night out!

Available at Sephora and sephora.com. A $98 value for $65.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: sephora.com

Check It. Black Swan [Guest Post].

Perfection in art. Is it possible? Is it the purpose? Is it worth the pursuit? Darren Aronofsky's new film, Black Swan, shows the dangers of tempting that all too precious and fickle bitch that is "perfection." And while modern art eschews the perfect, a classical art like ballet has the balls to think it can achieve such a peak. Aronofsky has reached high and been found wanting in his previous film The Fountain, but here he seems to find a bastardized middle ground between that ambition and the more down-and-dirty (Dardenne Brothers-ripped-off) style of The Wrestler. It's pretty strange and powerful.

Still, Black Swan, like The Wrestler before it, is dominated by its performances. Natalie Portman occupies the flawed hero role that Mickey Rourke played so well before. But instead of drugs, alcohol and old age being the Achilles' heel of our hero, Portman's has to wrestle with paranoia, insecurity and the pains of pursuing perfection. And she is incredible. She plays Nina Sayers, a young, fragile ballerina who lives with her mother in a small New York apartment. This season, her company, under the direction of the vicious Vincent Cassell, has chosen to produce Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. The ballet is about a White Princess who falls in love with a Prince but when a magic spell turns her into a swan, the Prince falls in love with another princess who resembles the White Princess, disguised in black. The White Princess is devastated and kills herself. The parallels between Nina and the White Princess are immediately obvious, and (spoilers! [not really though]) the story unfolds just like the ballet. But the trip is INTENSE.

Do It. Skidazzle.

If you have any plans on hitting the slopes this winter (or if you need some warm winter clothes for the unseasonable cold in L.A.) head to Skidazzle this weekend in downtown where tons of ski, snow, and other wintertime appropriate goods will be on sale for ridiculously low prices.

I've had friends go to this in years past and report back that many of the items are on sale for as much as half the price, including snow jackets and skis.

Skidazzle is scheduled to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center at 1201 S. Figueroa St. from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

-- Lauren Williams

Drink Out. The Edison's Midnight Mission Toy Drive [Thirsty Thursdays!].

As we come upon this holiday season, it's definitely a great time to get together with friends for a good drink. But we also can't forget those who are in need, especially in this season.

Enjoy that drink without guilt by participating in the Edison's Midnight Mission Toy Drive. Ongoing until December 28 (and with no apparent limits, so go crazy!), bring in a new, unwrapped toy and receive a complimentary Edison cocktail. And considering their fancier drinks do go for about $13 or more, I'd say it's a pretty fair tradeoff money-wise. Plus, you'll be getting a fantastic hand-crafted drink -- one of the best found in L.A. for sure. I'd opt for the Absinthe '75 (a great speakeasy twist on the French '75) or the Brass Flower.

And speaking of the Edison, the underground lounge will also be celebrating Repeal Day -- this Sunday, Dec. 5th -- in full-on style, naturally. Think lots of absinthe and gin. Look out for other Repeal Day celebrations going on all over the city; definitely not a day to miss out for a great, cheap/free cocktail!

The Edison is located at 108 W. 2nd St. in downtown.

And please remember to drink safely, as always.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Citysearch

Check It. Method's hollyberry holiday hand wash.

The day after Thanksgiving is when officially Christmas decorating can begin. I like to wait until December 1 to really get into the holiday spirit - and now that it's that time, this hand soap is at my sink.

I picked up a bottle of Method's seasonal "hollyberry" soap at Target on Monday night, and each time I wash my hands I feel like Christmas is in the air.

Method products are available at Target, and at some supermarkets and drugstores - including drugstore.com. Also at methodhome.com.

holiday hand wash, $3.99

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: drugstore.com

Check It. Jumo.

On Tuesday the creators of Facebook came out with the next big thing: Jumo.

Like Facebook, Jumo's main aim is to connect, but rather than connecting people Jumo aims to hook individuals up with non-profits and causes. Jumo's aim is to "provide personalized opportunities for meaningful action."

Currently the top issues are women's rights, HIV/AIDS, and homelessness; the top projects are LifeSpring Hospitals, First Place for Youth, and Kickstart.

To join users need a Facebook account. Like Facebook it too shows recent activity, followers, and has similar profile features with Facebook.

Tuesday the site seemed to be having some server problems, but over the next few weeks the kinks should get worked out.

-- Lauren Williams

Etc. Happy Birthday to the BEAT[!].

Happy Birthday to the BEAT of young los angeles!

One year ago today, we launched. We're thrilled to still be here, going strong. Thank you so much for reading, we truly appreciate it.

Some of our favorite posts from the first year:

-from Chau: a great round-up of tasty fall beers, a meet-and-greet with Bret Easton Ellis, and my new go-to brunch spot

-from Lauren: a great place to get a cut, NPR's free songs and concerts on iTunes, and Leslie's guide to Indian food around L.A.

-from Leslie: our humble beginning, the classic Joan's on Third, a truly delicious-looking sandwich

Our suggestions for a celebration? Red velvet cake from Doughboys, and/or cocktails from Bar Marmont. Cheers!

-- the BEAT

Photo credit: unknown