FEB. 4 IS ACROSS THE UNIVERSE DAY AS NASA BEAMS BEATLE SONG INTO SPACE ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY; ACROSS THE UNIVERSE DVD BEAMS INTO STORES FEB. 5

Big Beatle news for Feb. 4, 2008: this will be the day that the classic Beatle tune "Across the Universe" (recorded 40 years ago to the day, and mainly a John Lennon song, if you're keeping score) will be beamed toward the North Star by NASA. Anyone interested in learning more about "Across the Universe Day" can visit acrosstheuniverseday.com. According to the website, "NASA is going to transmit the Beatles tune from a satellite antenna directly into outer space! And it will do this at the exact same time as fans Across The World are playing 'Across The Universe'!" Fans can actually watch the launch of the music into space on this site.

The organizer of Across the Universe Day is the irrepressible impresario Martin Lewis (who also happens to be the force behind one of The LA Report's fave fests, the Mods and Rockers Festival). Martin told Chris Carter on "Breakfast with the Beatles" that he is encouraging Beatle fans everywhere to gather at 4pm PST on Monday and play "Across the Universe" at the same time. Mr. Lewis (who was mentored by Beatle PR legend Derek Taylor) said that Paul and Yoko are really into this event (and The LA Report assumes Ringo must be as well, although I bet he wishes NASA was beaming his new "Liverpool 8" instead).

But which of the many versions of "Across the Universe" will be beamed toward Polaris? Martin said the tune being sent into space will be the "most poignant" version, in his opinion -- originally recorded on February 4, 1968 which features the voices of 2 female fans (Lizzie and Gail) who happened to be at Abbey Road on that day, way back in the day. The legend goes like this, said Martin: the duo were standing outside Abbey Road Studios when, late that night, Paul came out and asked if any of the girls he saw standing there could hold a high note. One of the girls, 17 at the time, who was from Brazil, volunteered and took her friend in with her. In the studio, they sang on the same mike with John and Paul, doing backing vocals!

And now, courtesy of NASA and the Deep Space Network, they are all going into space: John, Paul, George, Ringo, Lizzie and Gail.

It will take a very very long time to reach Polaris, even at the speed of light. But just Imagine, all those years from now, what might be beamed back? (Related notes: the film "Across The Universe" will be released on DVD on Feb. 5, and we hear NASA will be beaming that film into space as well, at a future date. Yes, it will soon be a great day around Polaris for Beatle fans -- if you define soon as 431 years, which is how long it will take the transmission to reach the North Star. By the way, Northern Songs was the company formed to publish Lennon/McCartney songs, so sending one to the North Star seems apropos. Finally, this summer marks NASA's 50th anniversary. Happy birthday, US Space Agency!)

SUPERBOWL GADGET YOU GOTTA GET: THE MAGIC BULLET PLATINUM PRO & BULLET TO GO

The Must-Have Superbowl Supergadget is Perfect for Tailgating or Home Partymaking

It's Super Bowl 2008 -- do you know where your supergadgets are? We do. This is THE one that can make your life easier, and more fun to boot. The MAGIC BULLET, which comes in two varieties: the PLATINUM PRO and the BULLET TO GO.

Serve up your favorite Superbowl recipes from frozen drinks to fabulous dips. Whether you’re entertaining at home or heading to the game, there’s a Magic Bullet for all occasions! The Magic Bullet Platinum Pro is an entirely new concept in labor-saving devices. Unlike bulky blenders and unwieldy food processors that most of us only pull out of storage for specific recipes and special occasions, the Magic Bullet Platinum Pro is so handy, so versatile and easy to use that you'll put it to work EVERY single day (probably several times a day). Best of all, it saves you time because it does almost any job in the kitchen in 10 seconds or less!

The Cyclonic Cutting Zone^® Process

The secret to the Magic Bullet Platinum Pro's time-saving efficiency is the specially designed blade and unique bullet-shaped design that automatically circulates food back into the Cyclonic Cutting Zone^® region with so much force and speed that it can do virtually any job in 10 seconds or less.

Using the Magic Bullet^® Platinum Pro^TM blender couldn't be easier. There are no buttons to press, no complicated manuals to read. Simply place one of THE BULLET^™ Cups or Party Mugs on to the High-Torque Power Base and press...it's a snap! With the easy-to-use Magic Bullet Platinum Pro, you can make delicious party dips like salsa, guacamole and bean dip, refreshing frozen margaritas and pina coladas, a variety of tantalizing pasta sauces, decadent desserts such as creamy chocolate mousse or frosty milkshakes and more. All with virtually no effort and no clean up. And all in 10 seconds or less.

Using the Magic Bullet^® Platinum Pro^TM Blender is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
1. Load the ingredients into the Short Cup, Tall Cup, or Party Mug.
2. Twist on the Cross Blade or Flat Blade until the blade and cup have a tight seal.
3. Line up the tabs, place THE BULLET^™ on the Power Base and press down on the cup to turn it on.

Here's how it works: As long as you're holding it down, the Magic Bullet Platinum Pro is on. When you want the blades to stop, simply let go. Or, for hands-free operation: Press down and gently turn the cup clockwise until the tabs lock under the lip of the Power Base. Now the Magic Bullet Platinum Pro is in Lock On mode where the motor runs continually. To turn it off, simply twist the cup back counterclockwise and release the cup.

Mastering the Magic Bullet^® Platinum Pro^TM blender "Mixing" techniques is a snap. Lock On Mode is the hands free mode you use to blend foods until they achieve a smooth consistency. This is the technique for preparing creamy dishes like chocolate mousse, smoothies and frozen cocktails.

And here is one stat that any sports-party host will love: The Bullet to Go runs on batteries and serves up to 25 cups before needing to be recharged!

The Magic Bullet® Platinum Pro and Bullet to Go. Available at magicbulletplatinumpro.com for $99.99, or bullettogo.com for $99.99. The LA Report highly recommends it.

LOVELY LADY OF LA: ANDREA HARRISON, ACTRESS/MODEL

The LA Report always loves running into Andrea E. Harrison, as we've done twice at the cool clothing store EM & Co on trendy West Third (7940 W. 3rd St, to be exact) - most recently on Feb. 1st for the Zachariah Bryant private showing of his new clothing line for women. Ms. Harrison, a creative triple threat (actress, producer and model), always exudes class, charm and a warm smile for those who engage her. (Not that she's engaged, as far as we know - don't get those rumor mills going just yet.)



Down-to-earth Andrea hails from Florida (we're sure Jacksonville misses her), and now resides in trendy Brentwood (okay, maybe we meant pricey Brentwood). We at The LA Report think this tall thin terrific talent is going places. She has been very busy this past year; you may have seen her in Starting from Scratch , Grindin' and Perfect Red (all in 2007).

Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage.com

You can check out Andrea's credits on her IMDB page and visit her official website at andreaeharrison.com. (For those intrigued with mane matters, this 5'10" beauty is currently a blonde. Va va voom.)



Oh, and you are probably asking, what's the "E" stand for? We think it may be Exciting.

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Interested in joining Jott? Jott is a free service that turns your voice into tasks, e-mail and text messages. Go to www.jott.com or just call (866) JOTT 123

FEB. 1: 2008 MARDI GRAS PARTY, SKIRBALL

$25 Ticket Special Till 1/1/08

The Date in L.A. Mardi Gras Party will take place Friday, February 1, 2008 at the Skirball Cultural Center, and will benefit California Fire Victims and Katrina Relief. There will be a great live band, DJ and much more. Ticket prices go up on January 1, 2008 to $35 so this is your last chance for the lower price. BONUS: Get $5.00 off if you use the code lareport at checkout, so your ticket will be only $25 till January 1st. Please see the website for details: http://www.dateinla.com/

The LA Report loved Date in LA's 2007 Halloween bash, and we expect their Mardi Gras party will be just as good, if not better. We hear that guests will feel like they are on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The KIIS FM STREET TEAM WILL BE THERE. Plus, you will experience: Live Band & DJ / Dancing All Night Long / Dance Contest / Free Parking / Cheese & Crackers & Veggies for Cocktail Hour 8-9 / Snacks All Night / Chocolate Fountain / Beads Galore, Hats, Tiaras, Boas, Party Favors / Give-a-Ways / Raffles / Prizes and More! Remember: the party benefits California Fire Victims and Katrina Relief! Attire: festive, colorful, fashionable, cool and fun -- just like Mardi Gras. Everybody gets beads!! http://www.dateinla.com/