WOKCANO ROCKS SANTA MONICA WITH VIP GRAND OPENING PARTY; MULTI-LEVEL RESTAURANT/BAR WOWS CROWD WITH SIGNATURE DRINKS AND ASIAN CULINARY DELIGHTS

Event Review by Don Rose

(July 29, 2008: Santa Monica, CA) If you are one of those ADD Angelenos who only has time for a two word review, here it is: Wokcano rocks.

Still with me? Great. Now for more details of the grand opening party for Wokcano in Santa Monica.

Hundreds came out tonight and partook of the wonderful food and libations passed around constantly by the very attractive and friendly wait staff at Wokcano. The Wokcano chefs were really cooking (pardon the apropos pun) late into the night.

The sushi was delicious (I loved the california roll, and another variety that seemed to be spicy tuna with cream cheese), but the tray that got the most play contained scrumptious glazed shrimp, spring rolls and tempura strips.

The passed-around drinks were also popular. In addition to white and red wine, I enjoyed the liquid specialties -- unique to Wokcano -- with such enchanting names as Asian Persuasion (the lychee makes it a sweet treat) and The Last Dragon (Trump grape vodka being a prime ingredient).

Garth Trinidad, host of popular radio show "Chocolate City" on Santa Monica College's ultrahip station KCRW, kept the vibe pulsing on the 1s and 2s.

Speaking of 1 and 2, the party tonight had two official "seatings" (630 and 830), and both were extremely well attended (when they said "be early" they really meant it). But most chose not to remain seated, preferring (as I did) to stand, roam and mingle in order to take in all the energy, and increase the odds of snagging the busy servers as they roamed the tri-level establishment.

But wait, there's more! At a climax point of the party, firedancers took center stage and entranced the packed Wokcano crowd.

Before this review ends, I must give big kudos to Kim Koury (SPIN Public Relations) and Jenn Laskey (RedLight Special Events and Promotions); each of these friendly fun gals are experts in event promotion and production, who always put on excellent events and ensure eclectic attendees at cool venues. The LA Report recommends you get on their mailing lists in order to enjoy their future activities (Kim Koury: kim@spinprgroup.com ; Jenn Laskey: jenn@redlightpromotions.com).

The LA Report recommends you experience Wokcano soon - on a night not so packed, perhaps - and enjoy the many wonderful dishes and drinks that are both unique and delicious. The southeast corner of 5th and Santa Monica Boulevard is now THE place for great Asian food in the heart of Santa Monica. (Note: Wokcano SM is a great date spot, too.)

EARTHQUAKE ROCKS LA, 11:42AM, JULY 29; LATEST LA QUAKE, MAGNITUDE 5.4-5.8, LASTS SEVERAL SECONDS, SOME PHONE SERVICE OUT IN GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA

I am currently in Encino, and it felt like a rolling earthquake up here on the 4th floor on an office building near Ventura and Woodley. Not intense, more of a gentle shaking and wave-like motion. Time duration of the quake: several seconds that felt like 45 seconds, but was probably more like 15. --News flash reported by Don Rose.

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UPDATE 1:

According to KNBC.com, this late-morning quake may be an aftershock to a lighter one this morning:

Magnitude-5.6 Earthquake Strikes Los Angeles
POSTED: 6:02 am PDT July 29, 2008
UPDATED: 11:48 am PDT July 29, 2008

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. -- A strong earthquake has shaken Los Angeles.
The quake was measured at magnitude 5.6

Live Video

San Bernardino Quake - The USGS says a 3.1 magnitude temblor registered at 5:04 a.m. Tuesday, 10 miles northeast of Barstow and Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

UPDATE 2:

from LAist.com:

That was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake out of the Chino Hills area that struck at 11:42 a.m., according to the USGS. It was a nice and long one too. 10 seconds? 20 seconds? (or maybe out time perspective was skewed). CBS2 on air live is reporting that there are some cell phone tower outages and a 3.8 magnitude aftershock as already occurred.

UPDATE 3:

from CNN.com:

A magnitude-5.8 earthquake has struck just east of Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake's epicenter was about 2 miles southwest of Chino Hills and about 5 miles southeast of Diamond Bar, the USGS said. The center was about 7.6 miles deep. A 5.8 quake is considered by the USGS to be "moderate," which can cause slight damage to buildings and other structures. full story

UPDATE 4:

The week: Stories and photos from July 27 - Aug. 2
San Diego Union Tribune - Aug 03, 2008
It was felt from Los Angeles to San Diego, and as far east as Las Vegas, 230 miles away. About 30 aftershocks quickly followed, the largest at 3.8...

Plate by Plate 2008, Positively Great; Project by Project’s Annual Food/Beverage Tasting Benefit Hosts Hundreds at California Science Center Downtown

Project by Project Returns to Wallis Annenberg Building at the CSC for Annual Benefit Bash

Event Report by Don Rose

(July 26, 2008 - Los Angeles CA) After years of success in hosting its signature event, in both New York City and in Los Angeles, Project by Project hosted its Sixth Annual Tasting Benefit tonight, to a large crowd of upscale professionals, foodies, VIPs and media. As they did last year, PbP featured many food and beverage booths along with an excellent silent auction, a lively live auction (someone got a guitar signed by the Rolling Stones for just a few thousand), a VIP lounge and an early private reception for VIP ticketholders.

This year, Project by Project’s partner is the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), a non-profit, non-partisan, community-based organization whose mission is to advance the political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community.

The PbP gala once again showcased savory food and dessert delicacies prepared by talented chefs from the best restaurants in Los Angeles (such as Bashan, above), as well as samplings from premier wineries and beverage companies. My fave libation was GuS -- as in Grownup Soda -- no high fructose corn syrup, not overly sweet, refreshing carbonated taste.

The amazing dessert assortment is one of the hallmarks of the PbP soiree every year, and 2008 was no exception. Valerie featured Petit Fours, ginger toffee and square chocolate bites with a real kick (below, left). Another popular booth featured yummy cakes (below, right), including a Vietnamese green tea coffee cake and, to satisfy your dark side, chocolate cupcakes topped with chocolate frosting. Mmmmmm...




















The silent auction, like last year, featured great items, filling a room off to the side of the main party area. 2008 seemed more focused on sports memorabilia, with one of a kind items like a signed "Apology" ball from baseball legend Pete Rose (below, left) and Joe Dimaggio photos with a signature from the Yankee great (below, right).

























And there were some very cool entertainment-related items up for bid as well, like Walt Disney photos and an actual Disney check (below, left); Shrek and Donald Duck were also present (below, right, next to a Jeter jersey).























And what LA party is complete without Jack? Nicholson, that is. The Jack Pack seen here not only had film items but even featured the actor's head (see middle bottom of photo, below). Another similar collection with pics and head bust featured fellow actor Johnny Depp. There were also guitars, one signed by the Eagles, another by Willie Nelson. The PbP gala is getting a reputation for having one of the best auctions of any LA event, one of many reasons you should plan to attend in 2009. More information at http://atb.projectbyproject.org/.

AUG 2: ERIC IDLE BRINGS HIS "NOT THE MESSIAH" PRODUCTION TO HOLLYWOOD BOWL; ADAPTATION OF MONTY PYTHON FILM "LIFE OF BRIAN" SOUNDS HILARIORATORIOUS

Will Audiences Laugh A Lot As We Did For "Spamalot"?

by Don Rose

On July 24, NPR (see their great podcast archive at http://www.npr.org/) aired a wonderful interview with Eric Idle that featured an enticing overview of his latest adaptation of Monty Python material for the stage. This time, Idle has masterminded a musical masterwork entitled "Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)," based on the 1979 banned-in-several-nations movie "Life of Brian" (one of The LA Report's all-time favorite films).

We in LA will be lucky enough to experience this comic oratorio on August 2nd at the Hollywood Bowl. Will we be bowled over by the Bowl production, the way Broadway patrons have been by "Spamalot" (Idle's previous adaptation, based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail")? Only time will tell, but note: "Not The Messiah" is not the musical that "Spamalot" was. So will we find it hilarioratorious?

I think our favorite American Idle (who calls Los Angeles home) is taking the right approach. If you're gonna nick stuff to make new creations, it's best to follow 2 rules:
1. Stick to nicking yourself, and
2. Nick your best stuff.
Idle has now done both, twice. So has fellow comic genius Mel Brooks, first with the monster hit "The Producers" and then, speaking of monsters, "Young Frankenstein." With musicals as well as investing, the trend is your friend. Some may say redoing your own work is like How to Succeed in Musicals Without Really Trying, but who can blame them; as long as it's funny, it's sure to make money.

The story in "Not The Messiah," as in "Life of Brian," revolves around a man named Brian who lives in biblical times and, tragically, is mistaken for Jesus. Of course, given the Python treatment, this tale of mistaken Messiahhood leads to comic gold. And if you know the Christ story, you kind of know how it all ends -- but then, a twist in the midst of death: the classic Idle tune "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life." Perhaps only the theme from "The Bridge on the River Kwai" contains more irresistable whistling.

One thing we know for sure about August 2nd: no one will be able to leave the Bowl without singing "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life," which Idle proudly pointed out is one of the Top Ten most requested songs at funerals. Check out a taste of "Not The Messiah" in the excellent NPR piece, and we think you'll agree that the show sounds very promising indeed.

Nike+ Human Race Hosts Kickoff Event in Hollywood; OK Go Plays Atop Montalban Theatre Marquee To Hundreds of Runners Eager for Aug 31 Human Race in LA

(July 23, 2008: Hollywood, CA) Nike hosted a free and open-to-the-public kickoff event tonight for its upcoming Nike+ Human Race that will go to over two dozen cities worldwide, with the finale on August 31, 2008 in Los Angeles. Angelenos in attendance at tonight's event were able to register onsite for the Human Race (photo 1) and entered to win cool Nike prizes (2 gym bags full of swag and 2 sets of Nike+ gear went to some lucky guests).

Then, just before the musical climax of the night came the Grand Prize Raffle: two tickets to Australia aboard The Nike+ Human Race 10K Plane, fueled by Air New Zealand (winning ticketholder in photo 2).

After the Big Raffle concluded, rock/pop quartet OK Go performed a live set atop the marquee of The Montalbán Theatre, including their hit song titled "Here It Goes Again," which won a Grammy® for Best Short Form Music Video last year. A performance inspired by the music video with 20 dancers and 20 treadmills was also staged outside, designed by celebrity choreographer Kevan Allen (who has developed work for Kylie Minogue, Duran Duran and Sir Elton John). The whole affair was like an outdoor block party, as Vine Street was shut down between Hollywood Blvd and Selma in order to accommodate all the people attending the mini-concert and treadmill performance.

MORE ABOUT THE NIKE+ HUMAN RACE

Billed as "The World’s Largest One Day Running Event," the Nike+ Human Race will bring together the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet on August 31st. The 10k event will span multiple continents and cover 25 cities around the globe. As the last city to host its race, Los Angeles will serve as the global Nike+ Human Race grand finale starting its race at 8:31:08 PM (how apropos, and easy to remember!) and hosting a concert by Kanye West, who spoke to attendees at tonight's launch via video, urging everyone to sign up for the race in LA. Whether you run in the race or just walk, all are encouraged to be part of the Human Race on 8/31/08, especially since that is the only way to get into the "dopest" afterparty that Kanye is headlining.

If you didn't sign up at the kickoff, you can still do so (and get useful information) by going to www.nikeplus.com/humanrace. You'll literally be one in a million if you do, as a million runners are expected to participate. Not the entire human race, perhaps, but a sizeable chunk indeed.