MAY 31: MAC DAY LA IS BACK, ALL DAY AT CBS STUDIO CENTER, STUDIO CITY

posted by Don Rose

At the next MacDayLA on Saturday, May 31, they're offering a LOT of information in a fun atmosphere. Two optional classes to meet people's requests:
10:30 - 1:00: Creating a Brochure or Flyer in Adobe InDesign
3:30 - 6:00: Getting to Know FileMaker Pro
Each class is $50. Full info at http://www.macdayla.com/classes
NOTE: To take either class you MUST let the MacDayLA people know by NOON WEDNESDAY.

As for the MacDayLA General Schedule... they have added a few new items.

For just $15 advance ($20 cash at the door) you get a full day of varied info including:
• TWIP co-host Scott Bourne on photography
• Girls Gone Geek hostess Liana Lehua with Tips for Making Your iPhone Your Most Helpful Travel Companion
• Certified FileMaker Consultant Anton Anderson on Using a Spreadsheet vs a Database
• Expert Scott Immerman on AppleTV and it's viability for your needs
• A panel of experts on What You Should Know When You Use Wi-Fi
• Professional musician Martin Blasick showing you How to Actually Create a Song in GarageBand
• Mac author Deborah Shadovitz (who also happens to run MacDayLA) sharing insights into the MacBook Air as a possible Mac for your own use
• A lot of great laughs with The Church of Mac — Live

Additionally, they will have several breakfast discussions and at least 11 topics for lunch-time discussions. Topics include using Windows on the Mac so you may want to tell your Windows-using friends.

Radio's computer expert Jeff Levy will also be hosting a free-flowing discussion at breakfast and lunch. See http://www.macdayla.com/agenda.

They even have a party for you! 3 great bands provide the perfect atmosphere for socializing and networking. In addition to Mac users, they've invited other tech and web people for you to meet. http://www.macdayla.com/party

There is something for everyone at MacDayLA. Held at CBS Studio Center, Laurel Canyon & Ventura Blvd in Studio City. Please visit http://macdayla.com for more info and to RSVP.

HUNDREDS ENJOY STELLAR FOOD & BEVERAGE BOOTHS AT VALLEY CULTURAL CENTER'S FOOD, WINE & MICROBREW FESTIVAL; ANNUAL WOODLAND HILLS BENEFIT A BIG SUCCESS

event report by Don Rose

On May 15, 2008, the Valley Cultural Center held its 9th Annual Food, Wine & Microbrew Festival at Westfield Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills - another big success for VCC. And we mean BIG! Hundreds of happy foodies and wine/beer buffs attended, braving the raving heat to eat, drink, be merry, and bid on great live and silent auction items. Dozens of exhibits (thankfully enveloped in a giant air-conditioned tent in part of the mall's parking lot) showcased a wonderful array of food and libations, including many faves of The LA Report, such as Ruby's (super shakes and mini-burgers), Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (thank God for their Ice Blended creations, in mocha and vanilla, yum!), BJ's (excellent pizza and pasta), Trader Joes (terrific truffles and other chocolate desserts), Follow Your Heart (vegetarian food that tastes great while being good for you), Coca-Cola (giving out Cokes, water and logo-branded T-shirts), and many many more booths, all manned (or womaned) with friendly folks eager to serve. We highly recommend you attend next year. For more information about VCC and their events, visit valleycultural.org.

MAY 24: LIVE DRAW! 8 ARTISTS, 3 NUDES, 1 SUPER SCENE IN SANTA MONICA (DCA FINE ARTS GALLERY)

posted by Don Rose

DCA Fine Art announces the revival of its hugely popular "Live Draw!" art event. Live Draw! 2008 takes place at DCA's great space in Santa Monica on Sat., May 24 from 7-10pm. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the arts program at SMASH, a neighborhood public school.

Live Draw! 2008 brings together diverse talent to draw nudes in various poses in front of a live audience. “Live Draw! gives people a rare chance to play a part in the artistic process,” says Delia Cabral, DCA's amiable owner. Art is created before guests' eyes and fine food and drink are offered, while London DJ S.I.M.O. spins hot soundtracks and the scent of pastels, oils and canvas fills the air. Artwork is priced inexpensively on the spot (ranging between $50-$200) and “bought right off the pad.”

We hear that a large number of very creative people will be attending, and the numbers summarizing the night are 8-3-1:

8 Artists: Alejandro Gehry, post pop erotica artist and son of seminal architect Frank Gehry; Katina Zinner, abstract painter, film editor and daughter of Oscar-winning film editor Peter Zinner; David Schoffman, a master and legend of life drawing; Barry Markowitz, a mixed media artist; Gus Harper, who specializes in acrylic and charcoal on canvas; Bogden Dumitrica, an expert on elegant drawings; Lynn Hanson, who creates unique ink and charcoal drawings; and Fausin Mdisa, who dazzles with latex paint and plexiglass.

3 nude models.

1 incredible live audience scene!

LIVE DRAW! May 24, 2008. Space is limited; call 310.770.2525 for tickets/reservations. DCA Fine Arts - 3107 Pico Blvd - Santa Monica, CA. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Cost $45/pre-sale - $55/door. DCA website (for more information and to buy tickets): www.dcafineart.com

INDIANA JONES 4 UNEARTHS BOX OFFICE GOLD; SPIELBERG WEAVES AWESOME ACTION THRILL RIDE WITH A REUNITING OF PAST THEMES & CHARACTERS; FORD IN FINE FORM

film review by Don Rose

The LA Report can now recommend the two best rides of Summer 2008: the new Simpsons Ride, and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." The Simpsons ride opened May 19, while Indy 4 opened May 22 with expectations of boffo box office. And boffo it shall be. Why? Because Indy 4 has every element of a huge hit, from its A+ creative team (George Lucas co-wrote story, Steven Spielberg directed, top action actor Harrison Ford stars, top rising star Shia LaBoeuf co-stars, top female actress-chameleon Cate Blanchett also co-stars) to its stellar and clever action scenes. Ford is in fine form, both in delivering snappy Indianalogue and in delivering non-stop thrills -- and I can't give enough accolades to Cate's latest mesmerizing character creation, as Indy's sinister Soviet nemesis (I don't mean to be cheeky, but can you get a meaner set of cheekbones?).

To be fair, the film is not perfect. Some critics have pointed out flaws (LA's CityBeat critic and the critic on NPR's "Fresh Air", to name two), but I believe the few negatives pale in comparison with the movie's many pluses. Prediction: after viewing, you will want to return to see the action scenes again, not unlike how you go on a ride again and again. Do you quibble over the "plot" of a theme park's thrill ride? No. Think of Indy 4 in that light, and you'll feel all right, no matter what any critic says. (For more reasons why Indy 4 is a must-see, see this MSN Indy 4 story.) As for me, I also want to go back to experience Blanchett's over-the-top accent and appearance again -- and to watch closer for what I believe is the screen debut of Spielberg's daughter; listed as "Slugger" in the credits, she's in the diner scene, during which you'll see why she got that moniker.

As for Spielberg the elder, Indy 4 feels in part like a return to a long lost love. While Indiana Jones reconnects with a long lost love in the film, the director's re-ignited love seems to be his formative film collection, those wide-eyed wonder-filled works about humans' place in the universe and intelligences from other worlds. Consciously or not, the DNA of Spielbergian themes and character archetypes from Indy 1-3, Close Encounters and ET seem to have undergone a bit of retroriffic recombination as they are resurrected in his new film (not the main cinematic dish, but a delicious filling that's fulfilling, especially during the climax). The result: Indy 4 delivers a double dose of nostalgia -- for Spielberg's past super-sagas, and for the nifty fifties (the era this film takes place in).

Here's hoping an Indy 5 will soon arrive, as well as other new movies that continue to integrate the wonder-filled Spielberg self with his later "more mature" self. Like Henry "Indiana" Jones, one of the director's best traits is his refusal to let growing up mean growing old.

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (aka Indy 4). Opened May 22, 2008. The LA Report recommends it. 4 out of 5 stars.

MAY 22: "HOT PICKS" FOOD AND WINE EVENT, PRESENTED BY WINE & SPIRITS MAGAZINE; BENEFITS LA SURFRIDER

posted by Don Rose

Here is a "hot" event for you, especially if you are "thirsty" this Thursday (for wine, that is), and hungry for great food, all for a great cause (thanks to http://www.socialdomain.com/ for the information):

Wine & Spirits Magazine's Los Angeles HOT PICKS Event

THURSDAY, May 22, 2008; 7 to 10 PM at the MODAA Gallery in Culver City (8609 Washington Boulevard Culver City 90232)

TASTE over 70 wines hand selected by our critics.

MEET local, young wine professionals at the center of your city’s wine culture.

SAVOR food from LA’s best restaurants, including: BottleRock, Comme Ça, Grace, Katana, Michael's, Osteria Mozza, Palate Food and Wine, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills and more.

MUSIC by Project Ethos artist DJ Lady Sha.

BENEFITS LA Surfrider. Admission is $75 and includes a one year subscription to Wine & Spirits Magazine

PURCHASE: http://www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com/hotpicks

More Info: http://la.com.socialdomain.com/info.php?id=29283