MAR 27: The REUNION FUNDRAISER at GIBSON SHOWROOM to Raise Funds For Patrick Chawki Medical Fund

Featured Event Listing by Don Rose

On March 27, 2009 a very special event called The REUNION, spearheaded by Laurie Green and produced by GoodGirls PR (the public relations firm she runs along with business partner Tracy Rubin), is taking place at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills. Tickets are $75 at the door, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Patrick Chawki Medical Fund.

The story of Patrick Chawki may have had a very different ending if not for Laurie. The LA Times published a moving piece today about how her efforts have reconnected Patrick with long lost friends, baseball teammates and classmates (hence the Reunion title of tonight's benefit event). Ms. Green, a high school friend of Patrick's, discovered that he was living in a nursing home and had not died like his High School friends had thought. They had lost touch with Pat years ago, but now they find that he's been in a Canoga Park facility, unable to communicate. Hence, Laurie organized tonight's fundraiser to pay for therapy that she hopes will help Chawki walk and talk again. Here are the details:

The REUNION, March 27, 2009, 7-10 p.m. Gibson Musical Instruments Showroom: 9350 Civic Center Dr., Beverly Hills CA. $75 per person.

All are encouraged to attend the event tonight. Your admission includes food, libations, DJ, a stellar silent auction and more. Tickets are available at the door for $75, a portion of which will help raise funds for a very courageous man who battles tough odds every day.

Here is a message from Laurie Green about Pat and the event being held in his honor:

For those of you who are unaware of Pat’s very unique situation, he suffers from Locked-in-Syndrome, which essentially has him buried alive within his own body. A few weeks ago, I created a Facebook page for my very dear friend so that his sister Pam would be able to see her brother all the way from Lebanon, and so that many of you can learn about Pat’s situation. Eight years ago, many of us heard that Pat passed away, and it wasn’t until recently that we uncovered the shocking news that this was not the case, and that he is, in fact, still alive and still PAT!

In light of this discovery, we have moved the REUNION up a few months so that we can help get Pat the consistent level of medical assistance that he requires on a daily basis. A portion of the funds raised from the REUNION will aid Pat as he deals with his debilitating disease, and additionally, we will be hosting a silent auction with a wide array of wonderful items, also supporting Pat’s medical condition.

The REUNION will take place on the evening of Friday, March 27 at the Gibson Musical Instruments Showroom in Beverly Hills, CA 7-pm-10-pm. ... $75 at the door ... If you would like transportation to the event contact ECONATION, toll free 877-326-6286 ext.1 or visit www.econation.com. Mention code GOODGIRLS and 10% will go towards the Patrick Chawki Medical Fund!
Free parking in lot across street.

Thank YOU: Spanish Kitchen • The Belmont • Stone Fire Pizza • Pink Vodka • Pyramid Beer • Izze Sparkling Juice • Vitamin energy and DJ ADAM 12 from SHE WANTS REVENGE.

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Finally, here is an excerpt from today's LA Times article about Laurie and Pat, by Bob Pool (entitled "Grant High classmates find a long-lost friend -- paralyzed"; bold highlights added):

Pat Chawki's classmates thought he was dead ... But when one Grant High School alum wrote to Chawki's sister to express her condolences, she learned that the popular former baseball star lay paralyzed and nearly forgotten in a Canoga Park nursing home.

Laurie Green discovered that for the last nine years, Chawki has suffered from a rare disorder that renders him fully cognitive, but unable to move or speak. Because he cannot talk or write, he was unable to tell his family how to reach his friends.

Green ... immediately went to the nursing home. She snapped pictures of the 41-year-old Chawki and posted them on Facebook, explaining to friends that their buddy was still very much alive -- and very lonely. Soon, a parade of former classmates was making regular trips to visit him.

On one visit, Green noticed that Chawki could move his thumb up and down. ... Green devised an alphabet poster that friends could use to help him communicate.

His old buddies were stunned to find that Chawki was not only alive but was alert and mentally active. With his thumb, he slowly used the poster to spell out: "I love you all."
...

Workers at the nursing home were puzzled when after all these years Chawki started having large numbers of visitors. "...I told them that everybody had thought Patrick was dead, that I hadn't known how to contact them," said his mother, 72-year-old Rose Chawki of Van Nuys. She takes the bus to visit her son three times a week and give him some physical therapy. Medicare and Medi-Cal pay for his nursing care but do not cover therapy.

That's why Green and her public relations business partner Tracy Rubin have organized a silent auction fundraiser for 7 p.m. today at the Gibson Musical Instruments Showroom at 9350 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills. Proceeds from the $75 per person event will be channeled through a nonprofit group the pair have created and used for professional therapy for Chawki...

FRED & FRIENDS: FRESH FUN FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS, VERY COOL DESIGNS (NEW BRAND, AVAILABLE AT BLACK MARKET)

by Don Rose

Black Market (stores in West Los Angeles and Long Beach) sent a recent email about a new brand: Fred & Friends. The LA Report loves these products -- some of the funnest yet functional designs we've seen in a while (assuming funnest is an actual word). Take a look.

Top Left: ICE INVADERS™ a close encounter of the frozen kind - Did you spend a good portion of your childhood (and your allowance) blasting 2-dimensional aliens to smithereens? Now you can freeze those precious moments in time with Ice Invaders. 100% pure silicone, oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, raygun-safe! Peggable clear boxes. ©2009 FRED

Top Right: ONE MAN TRY™ Mr. P, the human tape dispenser - Mr. P is always getting himself into sticky situations. In this case, the solution is simple - just pull the end of the tape from Mr. P's mouth, and tear out what you need with his serrated shoes. Voila! One Man Try is packaged in a recyclable cardobard box. Design: Propaganda ©2006 PROPAGANDA & FRED

Middle Left: SNACK & STACK™ take along utensils - The silicone handles of these mid-size utensils lock together securely for easy storage and packing, not to mention endless amusement. Perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, your desk drawer or glove box. Each set of three is packed in a peggable recyclable clear box. Design: Winnif Pang ©2008 FRED

Middle Right: FEET FIRST: MANHOLE MATS™ street style for your home - Manhole Mats are clever visual puns. They're great graphic designs. They're reproductions of some of the world's great manhole covers. They're 24" diameter, nylon flocked, super durable, indoor/outdoor floor mats. Street style for your home! FEET FIRST mats are made from 100% recycled truck tires with durable nylon flocking, usable indoors or out, washable, durable, and endearing. Design: Jason Amendolara ©2005 FRED (*Black Market only has the City of Los Angeles Sanitary Sewer Manhole Mat in stores)

Bottom Left: CHOPSTICK KIDS™ chinese with ease - Having trouble taming your chopsticks? You're not alone. You could practice for a few more years or you could just call the Chopstick Kids for help. These soft, washable, food-safe hinges really keep your chopsticks in line and add an element of fun to the dining experience. And they're not just for kids either - Fred uses them himself! The assorted Boy and Girl styles stand around 2 3/4" tall, and are molded from food-grade silicone rubber, so they're dishwasher-safe. They come with a nice set of melamine chopsticks, or you can use them with your own - the openings at the bottom stretch to hold those break-wood chopsticks or even your nice ivory ones. Each set is packed in a handsome peggable clear box measuring around 7.5" x 2.5" x 1". Design: Liz Goulet Dubois ©2005 FRED

Bottom Right: 2-CARAT CUP™ ooh la latte! - Here's a great way to start the day - a graceful porcelain cup that adorns you with a sparkling solitaire diamond ring when you pick it up! But wait, here's the BEST part - we've packed the 2-Carat Cup in an elegant oversize jewelry box, so when you present it as a gift, all you see is the ring! A great cup, a terrific gift, a charming social expression -- this one's got it all. White porcelain with gold or platinum glaze and clear sparkling Swarovski crystal, individually boxed with removable wrapper. Design: Yusuke Fujinuma ©2008 FRED

Black Market LA: 2023/2025 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90036, phone: 310-966-1555, fax: 310-966-1655. Black Market LB: 429 E. 1st Street. Long Beach, California 90802, phone: 562-628-2222, fax: 562-628-2236.

EVENT REPORT: ECO GIFT FESTIVAL 2008 (BEST BET FOR 2009)

Posted by Don Rose

Once again, the Eco Gift Festival was held mid-December at the Santa Monica Civic and was a huge success. Over 9800 attendees soaked up the sights and sounds, partaking in organic culinary delights, learning about green products, buying ecofriendly gifts, and meeting like-minded caring eco-individuals. Tommy Rosen and Eco Gift LLC presented the groundbreaking event, offering consumers one-stop shopping with over 150+ leading green companies presenting innovative green gifts, plus an Organic Food Court, Children's Stage, live music and a Speaker Series with leading Eco-Preneurs and Visionaries.

Many celebs came by and/or performed during the weekend of the fest, including Jackson Browne, Lisa Ling, Arianna Huffington, Daphne Zuniga, Val Kilmer, Stephen Collins, Faye Grant and more. Jackson appeared unexpectedly to perform with Tom Freund. Lisa is building an eco-friendly, solar-paneled home and attended to check out new alternative products to enhance an eco-living lifestyle.

Speakers included: Arianna Huffington (Founder-Huffington Post), Michael Brune (Executive Director-Rainforest Action Network), Josh Tickell (award-winning filmmaker "Fuel"), Shallom Berkman (Founder-Urth Caffe), Blake Mycoskie (Founder, Tom's Shoes), Eco-designer Linda Loudermilk, Tom Szaky (Co-Founder TerraCycle), Susan Olsen, aka Cindy Brady on the Children's stage. John Marshall Roberts ("Igniting Inspiration, A Persuasion Manual for Visionaries") Mallika Chopra "The Power of Intent to Affect Global Wellness" plus more.
Musical performances included: Tom Freund, Chris Pierce, Jillian Speer and The Luminaries.

Some of the many wonderful vendors Included:

- Tom’s Shoes - Toms shoes was born in 2006. The concept being simple: You buy a pair of shoes from Toms- they donate a pair to a child in need. In November, 2007, Tom's Shoes hand placed 50,000 pair of shoes on children in South Africa.

- Terracycle – Tom Szaky, Founder, coined the term “Upcycling.” Takes garbage and “upcycles it” into products.

- Cool Planet Jewelry – Founder Jerry Cope has created a line of Jewelry (Recycled Silver,
Gold and Platinum) and gives 100% of his profits to stopglobalwarming.org.

- Solio – Solar Powered Chargers that power your handheld devices and computers.

- To-Go Ware - Ever go to a deli and need a plastic fork, knife spoon? To-Go Ware founder has stylish and beautiful bamboo flatware that you take with you wherever you go. NEVER USE PLASTIC AGAIN!

- Lucky Earth Waterless Carwash – Just like it sounds. Wash your car without water. The LA Report especially loves this product and concept.

- New Leaf Paper – Saving trees with every sheet.

- Linda Loudermilk – Eco Fashion Pioneer with a significant brand awareness.

- Mr. Ellie Pooh – Paper Products made out of Elephant Poop in order to protect the
endangered Elephant Population.

And, by the way, the Festival was a 'zero waste' event, meaning they truly practice what they preach. 10% of the profits from the show will be donated to select Los Angeles charities, including GLOBAL GREEN USA.

The LA Report gives the Eco Gift Festival a Best Bet rating (in other words, don't miss it when it returns in December 2009!).

TOP TWELVE CHRISTMAS SONGS OF ALL TIME (TLR LIST)

by Don Rose

In honor of the 12 days of Christmas (and of course the 12 disciples, and the fact that 12 is the last innocent year before the teen years kick in and many kids stop believing in, well, the power of believing), and in honor of the 12 hours after 12 noon that make up Christmas Eve on December 24 (12 + 12)), we humbly present the 12 songs that The LA Report considers the greatest Christmas tunes of all time (where "all time" means since the modern musical era began with Handy's "Memphis Blues" in 1912, which happens to be 12x8 years ago).

Now before you write in complaining or contributing (both of which we encourage): sure, there are hundreds of other Xmas ditties out there, and dozens of other great classic songs we could have chosen, but we at The LA Report feel the delightful dozen below stood out most. When we say "greatest" we mean that hard-to-define blend of concepts that mixes "most memorable", "most recorded/covered", "most played on radio", "most popular with a crowd of diverse people", and "most likely to be part of a desert-island dozen" if one had to pick only 12 tunes to live with on Gilligan's Island (once the Professor fashioned an iPod out of coconuts, of course).

Next to each of the twelve tunes below is the person who did the version we like best. Here goes:

WHITE CHRISTMAS (Bing Crosby)
BLUE CHRISTMAS (Elvis Presley)
ROCKIN AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE (Brenda Lee)
JINGLE BELL ROCK (Bobby Helms)
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR (Andy Williams)
THE CHRISTMAS SONG (Nat King Cole)
THE CHIPMUNK SONG (Christmas Don't Be Late) (The Chipmunks & David Seville)
CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE (Vince Guaraldi Trio)
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS (The Carpenters)
JINGLE BELLS (Frank Sinatra)
SLEIGH RIDE (Ventures)
HAPPY XMAS (War is Over) (John Lennon and Yoko Ono)

Any alternate/dissenting opinions out there? Write in and let us know: info@thelareport.com.

BEST BET: THE SOUND, BEST ALL-AROUND 24-HOUR POP-ROCK MUSIC RADIO STATION IN LA, 100.3 FM

Recommendation by Don Rose

If I was going to design my own music station on the radio, I would follow a few simple rules. I would play only good pop-oriented music, tending toward the rock end of the spectrum, with solid memorable melodies, regardless of what decade it was from. Good is good, after all, whether it's a single, a less-known album cut, live recording, studio cut, a sixties super seller or a brand new tune. I would also honor the music -- that is, not talk over it, let it play from beginning to end. And I would pick low-key less-talky DJs who talk softly and carry no big schtick.

Well, someone beat me to it. It's here in Los Angeles, and it's called THE SOUND. "World Class Rock" is their motto. Check it out at 100.3 FM. They play the best cool tunes, from five decades worth of great music (60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s). If you need a comparison, think of it as a more eclectic, less Top-40-ish version of JACK FM. It's just better. Another way to describe it: imagine if Jack and KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic had a child. That's The Sound, baby.

Recent artists/songs I enjoyed on The Sound include Elvis Costello, ELP (Emerson, Lake and Palmer, "In The Beginning"), Talking Heads (live "Burning Down the House"), brand new Counting Crows, Peter Gabriel ("Sledgehammer"), Stevie Wonder ("I Wish" from "Songs in the Key of Life" album), Jane's Addiction, Joe Cocker, a new Scottish band called Gloss Vegas, Jack Johnson, and the song that launched a thousand wedding receptions in the seventies, "Beginnings" (from Chicago's debut album, and they played the WHOLE thing, down to the last percussive notes). I especially love all the eighties tunes I am hearing here, since most other stations tend to gloss over or ignore that most poppish of decades. Give it a try, LA. You won't be disappointed.

Best Bet (Radio): The Sound. 100.3 FM. Likeability Index: 92 (I liked 92 percent of what they played).

BEST BET: YOGURT EXPRESS: YUMMY YOGURT & ICE CREAM IN WESTWOOD; PAY BY THE OUNCE, GREAT FOR DIETS & BUDGETS

by Don Rose

The friendly man who runs Yogurt Express in Westwood (just opened a short while ago) told me his four yogurt flavors (Chocolate, French Vanilla, Coffee and Tart) are fat-free, no sugar added. They tasted great. I chose to buy a mix of chocolate and vanilla, and was very satisfied.

I love their concept: "Pay by the ounce", which can help you control your cost and calories. The service was very quick, and there is a scale on the counter to help you figure out when to say when. All the cups are the same size -- nice and large, so any toppings you get won't spill on the floor.

Yogurt Express takes cash and credit cards. They have a few tables to sit and eat, plus a bench just outside.

Also: FREE WI-FI!

And, I enjoyed the TV they have, which shows Danoo TV, an in-store silent infotainment service that is becoming popular (Westwood's Subway also has it). Danoo shows videos from YouTube, stock quotes, weather, local events and more. Very cool.
Overall, The LA Report loves Yogurt Express, one of our Best Bets for your Dessert cravings. Next time, I hope to try the Dr. Bob's Ice Cream they also offer, which has gotten rave reviews (see the 10 BEST photo).

Yogurt Express, 10878 Kinross, just West of Glendon, Westwood Village, L.A., CA.

BEST BET: "CHAD VADER" ON YOUTUBE, YOU TOO WILL LOVE IT (BEST STAR WARS INSPIRED WEB COMEDY SERIES)

by Don Rose

Every now and then we at The LA Report like to recommend a "Best Bet" and today we do so in the domain of Web Video Series. Our top pick is not the newest on the block, but is one of tbe best we have ever seen: "Chad Vader." Excellent story line, nice bite-sized 5-7 minute episodes, well lit and shot, good acting, and most importantly, near-perfect Vader voice and mannerisms. We highly recommend the Chad Vader series.

Who is Chad Vader, you ask? Darth's brother, who happens to work as Day Shift Manager at a supermarket. Don't ask how or why, he just is. You'll have to watch to learn more, but trust us, it is worth your time. Funny, silly, often hilarious, sometimes even poignant. It just works, and you don't have to have Jedi-level knowledge of Star Wars to enjoy it (although it does enhance the enjoyment here and there). May the Farce be with you.
BEST BET - WEB VIDEO SERIES.

YouTube - Chad Vader - Day Shift Manager (episode 1)
4 min 46 sec - www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wGR4-SeuJ0

FALAFEL CHIPS: TLR BEST BET (FOOD)

The LA Report discovered Falafel Chips at the excellent annual confab called NPE West (Natural Products Expo), and we're sure glad we did. Eating Falafel Chips is like tasting a real falafel, no foolin'. Great taste, and even better with hummus, or our favorite -- babaganush (aka minced eggplant, if you're not a foodie). All natural, healthy ingredients.

Overall, Falafel Chips wins our recommendation as a TLR Best Bet, Food category. Go get some today, you'll love 'em.

Note: you can get a small bag for a nice lunch snack, or a larger one for serious consuming. Several flavors available, including the enticing Spicy.

Review by Don Rose

EVENT REPORT: RUTLEMANIA ROCKS HOLLYWOOD, WITH ALL FOUR RUTLES ATTENDING MULTIMEDIA SHOW STARRING THE (PRE-)FAB FOUR

by Don Rose

(March 16, 2008 - Hollywood, CA) It is safe to say that Chuck Berry was the first Poet Laureate of Rock and Roll. Once the torch passed to a new generation, Lennon and McCartney and Dylan became the Poet Laureates of rock's reinvention. But when one considers the realm of rock satire and homage, The LA Report hereby nominates Neil Innes as the Poet Laureate of Parody Pop. His talents as songwriter were on full display tonight at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre, where the second of five "RUTLEMANIA" shows played to a packed audience (including all four original Rutles) tapping toes to the tunes of Innes, as played with perfection by Beatle tribute band The Fab Four (billed as The PRE-Fab Four for the five shows taking place this week).

I know what you're thinking. A simulation of a satirization? Yes, and it works. The combination of film/video footage projected behind the live band makes for a potent mix. The visual clips are composed of segments from the original 1978 film "All You Need is Cash" plus the "Rutles 2" sequel, featuring interview snippets with many stars, including Paul Simon, Garry Shandling, John Belushi (as Rutle manager Ron Decline, modeled on post-Epstein Beatle manager Allen Klein), Gilda Radner, and in the clip that got the greatest applause, George Harrison as a silver haired newsman interviewing Rutle Corps rep Michael Palin as the Rutle office gets robbed blind behind them. All of this is blended seamlessly with, and enhances the effect of, Neil's superbly crafted music. The Fab Four, who already have the Beatles down, prove they have mastered the Rutle song catalog as well. The show is in two parts: the Early Days (early-60s--2-minute-tunes--lovable-moptops--pre-1967ish), then intermission, then the Later Days (psychedelia, dropping tea, marriages, film flops and breakup).

The songs in "Rutlemania" include hits from the original album (we especially love "Cheese and Onions" and "Piggy in the Middle"), plus gems from the Rutle sequel song set "Archaeology" -- released in the 90's to coincide with The Beatles' own "Anthology" series. The "Archaeology" album (produced by Martin Lewis, who was at tonight's show along with original Rutles Innes, Eric Idle ("Dirk") - who devised and directed Rutlemania, Ricky Fataar ("Stig") and John Halsey ("Barry")) is, like the first record, filled with melodic masterpieces that combine witty imagery, catchy riffs and whiffs of Beatleness into a magical medley of music. Some Rutle songs sound very close to Beatle originals (example: "Get Up and Go" is about 80 percent "Get Back") while others can take some time to tease out the Beatle genetics, but all share great craftmanship and a love of pop hooks that please the ear while stimulating the mind with clever lyrics. Just the Rutle title "Blue Suede Shubert" encapsulates how perfect the parody is. The title combines/tweaks Beatle influences "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Roll Over Beethoven" -- but the actual song is not a mere mashing up of two classics. Instead, Innes fashioned a fresh, fun new tune that uses the verbal pun as an imaginative starting point for a solid rocker.

After the show, I had a chance to chat with Mr. Innes -- the Lennonesque Ron Nasty in the original Rutles and the mastermind behind their tunes -- who displayed a great deal of warmth, English charm and a genuine love of the Rutle phenomenon. I asked if he wrote the Rutle songs with the Beatles firmly in mind from the start, or whether he tried to create great pop tunes and then massage them into Beatlesque form. He said it was the latter approach, that the Beatleness was shaped mainly in the songs' post-production phase. Neil also wanted to encourage everyone to come and see the remaining shows, expressing a strong desire for the show to continue for a longer run -- and we at The LA Report have to agree, five shows seems way too short. Hopefully, if the crowds continue as packed and enthusiastic as tonight's, the show will indeed be extended.

Hail Brittania, and Rutlemania!

Rutlemania, at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre, starring The Fab Four. Not the Rutles (a fab band that satirized The Beatles), but an incredible simulation. The Fab Four (a Beatles tribute band in "real" life) becomes The PRE-Fab Four for five nights of live Rutle classics. The LA Report recommends it as a Best Bet. Remaining Dates: March 19 at 8 pm; March 20 at 8 pm; and March 21 at 8 pm. Location: Vine Street, just south of Hollywood Blvd. Official poster with more info at www.rutles.org/tributeconcert.html. Tickets available at www.ticketweb.com. Related Rutle event: March 17 at the Egyptian; more information at www.modsandrockers.com.

Photo: Original Rutle Neil Innes ("Ron Nasty") and Don Rose (Editor in Chief of The LA Report).

FEB. 8: BOB DYLAN'S AMERICAN JOURNEY EXHIBIT OPENS AT SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER

Stellar new exhibit, organized by Experience Music Project, showcases Bob Dylan material and media between 1956 and 1966, his formative years as an artist, poet, prophet and pop/folk/rock/blues chameleon

Photo by Barry Feinstein

To critics and fans the world over, the distinctly American body of work of Bob Dylan matches the legacies of Walt Whitman, Louis Armstrong and his own early hero, Woody Guthrie. Don't miss the Los Angeles presentation - and final stop - of this acclaimed exhibition, organized by Seattle's Experience Music Project.

The LA Report attended the opening party for this new Skirball exhibit, and we can say hands down that you will love it - even more so if you are a Bob Dylan fan. At the opening party, a large crowd came to get the first glimpse at all the artifacts, as well as enjoy a wonderful assortment of food (amazing tomato soup, tuna casserole, pizza, broccoli and mushrooms for a fondue cheese dip, brownies and a chocolate dipping area, and more), libations, and even a great Dylan cover band called Highway 61 Revisited.

The exhibit itself is excellent -- thrilling, fun, inspiring and enlightening. Featuring more than 160 artifacts, including Dylan's handwritten drafts of classic songs, rare posters and a recording of his first concert, which has never been commercially released, Bob Dylan's American Journey, 1956-1966 focuses on the first (and some say best) decade of his long career. From his beginnings as Robert Zimmerman in the post-war industrial town of Hibbing, Minnesota, to his debut on the Greenwich Village folk scene, to his rise to unprecedented fame as the rockstar/poet who "electrified" contemporary songwriting, the exhibit chronicles Dylan's first ten years as a public figure, artistic innovator, and compelling voice of social conscience.

There are many booths and walls full of media to explore - photos, mementos, guitars, notes, videos, booths where you can hear every track of his first few albums at the push of a button, even an entire interactive-music section where you can remix Dylan ditties, play drums along with Dylan tunes, and even sing along with Bob. (I heard one attendee doing a not-bad Bob as he bobbed his head with high levels of enjoyment - a kind of personal grok concert, if you will.) And, when you first walk in the exhibit, there is the Wall of Covers - an eclectic international record collection of cover versions of one Dylan classic (Blowin' in the Wind) all mounted on the welcoming wall.

Bob Dylan's American Journey, 1956-1966. Skirball Cultural Center, on Sepulveda just off the 405 near Mulholland (just south of Mulholland, technically). Open til 9 on Thursdays. Exhibit runs Feb. 8 to June 8, 2008. The LA Report highly recommends it. Don't forget to see the Gift Shop, which has several cool Dylan items to buy; some are unique to the Skirball. ADMISSION: $10 General $7 Seniors and Full-Time Students $5 Children 2-12. Free to Members and kids under 2; Free to all on Thursdays. Includes admission to all other exhibits.

RELATED PROGRAMS:

• Brett Dennen (Friday, February 15, 8:00 pm)
• Bob Dylan's American Journey - Orientation Talks (Friday, February 8, 1:00 pm)
• East of Eden (Tuesday, February 12, 1:30 pm)
• Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (Thursday, February 28, 8:00 pm)
• Making Music: Shelter From the Storm (Sunday, February 24, 11:30 am)
• Dylan's Image and Identity (Sunday, February 10, 2:00 pm)
• Rebel Without a Cause (Tuesday, February 19, 1:30 pm)
• Bob Dylan's American Journey - Members Only Docent Orientations (Wednesday, February 6, 1:00 pm)
• Bob Dylan's American Journey - Members Only Exhibition Preview (Wednesday, February 6, 12:00 pm)
• Defining Dylan: A Bob Dylan Symposium (Sunday, March 30, 9:30 am)
• Kiosk (Friday, March 7, 8:00 pm)
• Bob Dylan's American Journey - Members Only Dinner Buffet (Thursday, February 7, 5:45 pm)

JAN.16: TWIISTUP 3 AT AIR CONDITIONED SUPPER CLUB, VENICE

The LA Report ranks Twiistup in its Top Ten Events of the year. Why, you ask? Well, for one clue, here is a description of the event, from the colorful Twiistup website:

Twiistup connects people from technology, media and entertainment. Held at a nightclub, our quarterly events feature several startups chosen to 'showoff' their products & services to influential bloggers, fellow tech-heads, investors, the media and those interested in learning about what's hot in tech. An alternative to traditional networking events, Twiistup mixes it up with tunes, video, bites, beverages, prizes, swag and the unexpected . Details for Twiistup 3

As you can see, Twiistup combines all the elements we love at The LA Report: intelligent stimulating attendees, fun (there was a dead-ringer Bono lookalike at Twiistup 2!), tech, entertainment and serendipity! We highly recommend this event.

Editor's Update: due to its popularity, Twiistup 3 is either sold out, or almost sold out, but their site does indicate a way you can win 2 tickets; visit http://www.twiistup.com/ for more details. If you are not able to get tickets, then bookmark their site and make sure to make plans early for Twiistup 4.

T-DAY T'S: TOP TWELVE TERRIFIC THINGS TO THANK

Here is a list (in no particular order) of the Top Twelve Things (or places or people) in or about or related to Los Angeles we wish to thank this year, just for being here and being great:

1. The Beatles

The LA Report never gets tired of their music or lore. Has there ever been a band before or since with more gems per album? Or humor? We love the liner notes by Martin "Marty" Scorcese in the delightful 2-disc DVD set of "HELP!" just released this month. Want to see what inspired The Monkees TV show and Monty Python? Get "Help!" Want to OD on Beatles every Sunday morning in LA? Try KRTH FM's two 1-hour shows back to back from 8-10am, Chris Carter's always amazing Breakfast With The Beatles on KLOS FM 9-noon, and Les Perry's Meet The Beatles show on KCSN FM 10am-2pm. Want to see the place that still puts out their albums? See the landmark Capitol Records building on Vine just north of Hollywood Boulevard (where Beatle fans gather on Beatle birthdays and other dates of note).

2. Jenny Lens

See our recent post about her show at La Luz gallery. Her punk rock archive rocks. And she's super sweet.

3. Bill Maher

He's the Lenny Bruce of our generation. Like Lenny, he has been crucified for just stating his beliefs (an act which, last I checked, was supposed to be protected by something called the Constitution). Case in point: losing his ABC show Politically Incorrect over his comment re 9/11 (about who are cowards and who aren't). Losing a show called Politically Incorrect for BEING Politically Incorrect is one of the great ironies of all time. Luckily, HBO likes irony, and Bill landed there with his show Real Time. We knew he'd wind up there, because HBO has always championed comedy of all stripes, even if too truthful for advertisers.

4. The WGA

Here's to the Writers Guild, which represents the interests of all those wordsmiths who create the scripts that power the TV shows and movies (and Internet downloads) that make our increasingly-depressing real world more bearable, and can sometimes even improve lives, start movements or both. But it all starts with that blank piece of paper (real or virtual), being stared at by a writer, until the magic spills forth.

5. Little Steven's Underground Garage

Want to hear a near perfect example of a radio show? Check out this gem on KLOS FM 95.5 every Sunday, 10pm (or just after 10) til around midnite (or just after 12). Steven Van Zandt's fun style, encyclopedic knowledge of pop music, eclectic presentation of old and new indie-garage sounds - and his Freak of the Week - makes this an unmissable weekly listening event.

6. The Paley Center for Media

Formerly the Museum of Television and Radio. Thousands of radio and TV shows at your fingertips in their amazing viewing library, and daily special showings in their theatre. Periodic lectures, panels and exhibits as well. We are so lucky to have this place in LA (the other one is way over in New York).

7. Google

I always wanted thank a noun, verb, and search engine in one go. But seriously, can any of us live without them? (Okay, Yahoo, put your hand down.) (Ironic how Yahoo put their name in an ad slogan as a verb, but "Do you Yahoo?" No, you Google.) And Google has now partnered with the X-Prize folks to offer $20 million to the first person to put a robot on the moon and post its video on YouTube. Is Google cool or what?

8. Wired Magazine

We have always loved their magazine - it is simply required reading for us every month - but they do great live events, too. They just finished a very cool series of tours of a "Wired Living Home" in the Brentwood hills (now listed for $4+ million in case you want to have your own private tour every day). Even the drive up there was futuristic, as we got to enjoy the new BMW Hydrogen powered car (which runs on either gasoline or hydrogen - the latter being the most abundant element in the universe with emissions that are basically just water). The LA Report attended on Nov. 18 and fell in love with the Ray Kappe designed home, which in some ways felt reminiscent of the Eames legacy in form while being very modern and green in function (we especially loved the 3-D desktop printer in the kids room). More info: www.wired.com/wiredlivinghome.

9. The Playboy Mansion

Do we really have to justify this one? (Not to guys, anyway.) Seriously, we are so glad this place is still alive and kicking (ass). Not just because it is a testament to the rewards that can come to you for creating a radically new kind of publication (newsworthy articles plus nudesworthy arty girls!), but because they still do amazing events there, and because they have a wonderful animal sanctuary which you must see. (Tip: buy a ticket to a daytime charity event held at the Mansion -- there are several each year -- and odds are good you can see the cool creatures, as we did). Note: our Thanks list Number 3 is often seen at the Mansion (Bill being a kind of honorary heir to Hef).

10. Shout Factory

The LA-based company produces some of the greatest DVDs and DVD boxsets we have ever seen or played. Also stellar CDs. There are too many to list! Just go to www.shoutfactory.com and see what we mean.

11. Rhino

This LA-based company ALSO produces some of the greatest DVDs and DVD boxsets we have ever seen or played. And stellar CDs. Too many to list! Just go to www.rhino.com and see what we mean. (One example we will always cherish is their 70's music boxset; the original packages they sold are covered in real shag, baby! For a more recent stellar set, run don't walk to get Rhino's new cool collection, THE McCARTNEY YEARS, 3 DVDs of Macca/Wings heaven!)

12. LACMA

Last but not least is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Their exhibits are world-class (the current Dali exhibit is one example, while King Tut and Van Gogh exhibits amazed throngs of grateful museum goers in recent years). They show great films in their Bing Theatre. They are centrally located, and have easy parking nearby. And to top it off, they do amazing events, our fave being the annual Costume Ball every year during Halloween week (or should I say Halloweek?). I think their slogan should be, "I like my LACMA." (Now let's see if they use it!)

BEST BET: FOOD FETISH; FETES FEATURE FABULOUS FEASTS

The LA Report is fortunate enough to go to many LA area events, and thus we tend to notice when one service or another is popular around town. Such is the case with FOOD FETISH. This catering company always serves excellent food; not only do we love it, but we always hear others in attendance praising their cuisine.

Case in point: last night's open house at the new RFX facility (748 Seward St., just north of Melrose). Food Fetish's fabulous feast included scrumptuous crabcakes, BBQ tri-tip, dreamy creamy scalloped potatoes, chicken, salad, and a range of tangy sauces (a hallmark of Food Fetish fetes). Desserts included three flavors of ice cream in copious quantities, several toppings, plus brownies. The Food Fetish staff is always extremely pleasant as well, and if you ever get the pleasure of talking with Joel, the amiable owner of Food Fetish, he may just engage you in a spirited conversation about his other love, baseball.

Food Fetish: a Best Bet of The LA Report. One of the top caterers in Los Angeles. If you are a party planner, contact them well in advance as we have firsthand knowledge of how busy their party schedule is! More info at: www.foodfetishcatering.com. Joel Boardman, Owner: 818-762-7850 • send email ; Harvey Slater, VP Sales & Marketing: 213-381-1766 • send email.

KCSN FM PLEDGE DRIVE ON NOW TIL OCT. 28

The LA Report is a proud member of KCSN FM (88.5), and you should be too. Not just because Los Angeles Magazine gave them Best of LA honors, but because you can really get an amazing education in modern popular music by listening to their many themed shows (hence it's fitting this station's HQ is a university -- Cal State Northridge). Here are some of the programs we find to be Best Bets here at The LA Report:

THURSDAY night, late, is a show devoted to Broadway classics.

FRIDAY night there is Madly Cocktail, to get your fix of great standards in that loungey style that always makes me think of the movie Swingers, and of late great Mel Torme - especially his version of "Sunshine Superman," which is both bizarre and beautiful at the same time. After this cool show is a great program featuring all Surf classics (think Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Ventures and other instrumental hits, and some Hawaiian/Island ditties thrown in), hosted by The Great Kahuna (aka Les Perry) and his ever-giggling Gidget-like sidekick, Surfer Girl.

SATURDAY we love the British Invasion, hosted by Les Perry from 2pm--5pm, with lots of the non-Beatles Brit hits circa 1964-1967, including the Who, Kinks, Animals, Moody Blues, Rod Stewart, Faces, Manfred Mann, and sometimes later hits like T.Rex, Badfinger, and more. The 4pm hour is a theme within a theme - Stone City, featuring nothing by Rolling Stones tunes. 5pm brings a bucket of Blues from Ann the Raven.

SUNDAY from 10am--2pm is the show MEET THE BEATLES with host Les Perry, featuring many rarities as well as hits, from both group and solo work (Les has even played an entire live show by the Beatles, from raw footage recorded at the Hollywood Bowl). Following Les on Sunday from 2pm--5pm is Charmin' Larmin's great roots-of-rock-and-roll show, with "salacious" rock plus interspersed trailers from classic B-movies from the 50s and 60s that will have you howling with laughter. Later, at 7pm, comes The Dylan Hour, an entire hour devoted to folk/rock/country/legend Bob Dylan.

There are many other shows we have heard of but not yet heard, like a Grateful Dead show, and Classical music weekday mornings, but the main thing is that this station needs to be discovered by those who have not yet found this gem, and funded by those who have. KCSN employs signal-strengtheners for those on the Westside and beyond, so they really service a lot of LA. Memberships start at $50, on par with other public radio stations here in Los Angeles, and you get great premiums (we got a $40 giftcard to Maria's Italian Kitchen for our $50, for example), as well as entry into a sweepstakes to win a cruise to Mexico. Membership also allows you to win all the numerous tickets and other prizes they give away all year long on all their shows. So listen, enjoy, and call them to pledge your support today -- 1-800-795-KCSN.

BEST BET: DIET DRINKS: "COKE ZERO"

Don't know why Diet Coke is still the low-cal Coca-Cola drink of choice at most eateries and parties we at The LA Report attend, when it seems clear to our tastebuds that COKE ZERO is hands-down the best. The taste is as close to the original Coke as any diet drink they've made, and perhaps the best tasting diet soda ever. And no, we didn't get any compensation from the Coke people to say this.* We just love it!

(* Not that we wouldn't appreciate a coupla cases, hint hint.)

EVENT REPORT: SCION "MAYOR OF THE SUNSET STRIP" SCREENING AND Q&A

(Sep. 26, 2007 : Beverly Hills, CA) Event Report by Don Rose

Scion held a cool event tonight, screening the fine film "The Mayor of the Sunset Strip" at the Fine Arts Theatre (Wilshire just west of La Cienega). They provided popcorn, drinks, and invited the documentary's director George Hickenlooper to do Q&A afterwards. George was great, graciously answering numerous questions after the film, dropping many a movie reference that often went over the audience members' heads, but giving us all "some homework to do," he joked.

The LA Report loved the movie. The film's star and subject: Rodney Bingenheimer, long-time KROQ DJ (still on the air, 106.7 FM, Sundays midnight to 3am) and creator of the legendary English Disco nightclub on the Strip. Did you know Rodney introduced Bowie to LA? (See the film for many more facts and details, too lengthy to repeat here.) We especially enjoyed the cast of eccentric characters around Rodney, which really added a lot of depth to the film. "Mayor" is not just a great biopic, but an excellent analysis of celebrity culture and the history of Los Angeles. We can't wait to see the extras on the DVD (George mentioned a discussion between songwriting titans Elvis Costello and Brian Wilson, who were both in the film but for oh so brief a time; their conversation probably could have been a docu film in itself).

Kudos to George, and to "Mayor" producer Chris Carter, who is also in the film (owing much of the great things in his life to Rodney, he says; Rodney broke Chris's band Dramarama into the big time, among many other groups and artists). Chris hosts America's longest running Beatle show, Breakfast with the Beatles (KLOS 95.5 FM, Sundays 9am to noon).

Best B-story in "Mayor": Kim Fowley (Rodney's songwriter/producer friend and foil, who claims he is the original Mayor of the Strip, who lent the title to Rodney to use while he was away, way back when). Kim was the subject of a segment on Little Steven's amazingly great Underground Garage show (KLOS 95.5 FM, Sundays 10 to midnight) a few weeks ago.

BEST BET: "FAMILY GUY" -- FRICKIN' GREAT

The LA Report cannot recommend "Family Guy" highly enough. We feel this smartly-written hugely-funny show is in that same echelon of all-time great comedy programs that shares comedic DNA with Monty Python, SCTV, Get a Life, The Simpsons, The Ben Stiller Show, Mr. Show, Arrested Development, The Larry Sanders Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm. Shows that create an alternate reality that is nonetheless familiar and hyperreal, with situations and stories that stretch your mind and tingle your spine with good feeling, yet laced with doses of silliness, subversiveness and absurdity that expands your consciousness while repeatedly generating big laughs.

LA Showtimes:
KTLA, Channel 5, Mon-Fri 730pm and 1130pm.
Cartoon Network (Adult Swim), Mon-Fri 1130pm.