"Listen. For a dress like that, you've got to start laying plans when you're about thirteen." Guess the Movie..

Director:

Henry Hathaway

Writers:

Charles Brackett (written by) and
Walter Reisch (written by) ...
more

Release Date:

21 January 1953 (USA) more

Genre:

Drama / Film-Noir / Thriller more

Tagline:

Marilyn Monroe and "Niagara" a raging torrent of emotion that even nature can't control!

A Night Under the Stars at the Roosevelt

Here are some Roosevelt Pool People lounging by the pool. There's a party at the Roosevelt Saturday Night October 13 but you will have to RSVP. The info is below.
Z.




































Best of Downtown Special: A Night Under The Stars @ The Roosevelt | Sat. Oct 13

The Roosevelt is pleased to invite you to a special gala event in celebration of the LA Femme Film Festival. For those interested in the very Best of Downtown, this is an event not to be missed.

Admittance is by invitation only, and requires a confirmed RSVP. Sign in now in now to submit your information for this exclusive Downtown party.

Hercules Goes 130 mph on a Mountain Bike - Breaks World Speed Record

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/speed-record/hercules-hits-1307mph-on-a-bicycle-305161.php

Upcoming Events at the Orpheum This Week

Sunday October 7, 2007
Buffalo Killers 7:00 PM
The Black Crowes
Show Time 8:00 – 11:00 pm
Tickets through Ticket Master.

Saturday October 13, 2007
Devendra Banhart
With Special Guest Hecuba
Show Time 9:00 pm

Sunday October 14, 2007
Aid for AIDS benefit “Best in Drag”
Pre-Party begins at 5:30 pm
Show Time 7:00 pm
For more info go to aidforaids.com

Orpheum Theater

Blue Velvet's First Halloween Ball Wednesday October 31st.

Carnival, Moulin Rouge, turn of the century themed party. Regular menu will be served and DJ will play throughout the evening as guests move into the lounge for continued fun and cocktails.

Blue Velvet

Blue Velvet Sushi Event Friday October 5th

Friday, October 5th – Corporate Executive Chef, Mat Clouser and Master Sushi Chef, Kiyomi Sano of Kenichi Restaurant (locations: Aspen, Dallas, Austin and Kailua-Kona ) will join forces with Blue Velvet's Chef Kris Morningstar for one evening. It will be an evening of great sushi dishes along with Blue Velvet's regular menu and a couple of surprises throughout the evening. Wine/Sake/Cocktail pairing for the various courses.

Blue Velvet

Grand Avenue Festival 2007

Here are some pics. We sampled food from Noe which we really enjoyed.
Z.

Giant Village? Saturday Sept. 29th 8:00pm

I hear that the evening news reported, a bunch of people over-dosed and went to the hospital -- fun, fun!
Z. 10/1/07

There's a big rave going on right now. near 9th and Figueroa.

"Keep away from the windows. Somebody might... blow you a kiss. " Guess the movie...

Director:

Robert Aldrich

Writers:
Mickey Spillane (novel)
A.I. Bezzerides

Release Date:
18 May 1955 (USA) more

Genre:
Thriller / Film-Noir / Crime more

Tagline:
"I don't care what you do to me, Mike - just do it fast!"

Chinatown Moon Festival Saturday Sep. 29th 2-8 pm

Annual Chinatown Moon Festival in Central Plaza presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Free entertainment and moon cakes samples. For information: call (213) 617-0396 x 10 or visit www.lachinesechamber.org.

Grand Avenue Festival Sunday Sept. 30th

This Sunday!
Z.

Grand Avenue Festival

Sunday, September 30, 2007
11am to 5pm
Grand Avenue (between Temple and 5th Street)
Downtown Los Angeles
FREE Admission

Discover Downtown Los Angeles for the best in arts & culture!

Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the cultural heart of Downtown LA as theaters, concert halls, museums, and other attractions along Grand Avenue join together and offer a free and unbeatable day of entertainment.

The 2nd Annual Neighborhood Music Festival Sat. Sept. 29th

This Saturday!
Z.

On Saturday, September 29th, 2007, The 2nd Annual Neighborhood Music Festival will bring an avant-garde musical line-up to the greater Los Angeles area. Designed to give emerging indie artists a platform to flaunt their unique, pioneered sounds, DIM MAK Records and Stake Productions have joined forces to showcase a broad range of ground-breaking talent before a trendsetting, tastemaking audience.

Featuring The Faint, Mickey Avalon, Spank Rock, DJ AM, Steve Aoki, Crystal Castles, A-Trak, Kid Sister, Flosstradamus, Shit Disco, Amanda Blank, Santo Gold, Aaron LaCrate, Guns and Bombs, Them Jeans, Royal Rumble, Young Americans, Funeral Party, Brother Reade, Andre Legacy, Dirt Nasty, Lucky I am, Squeak E Clean, DJ Sin plus Special Guest Performances To Be Announced.

For more information, please visit: www.NeighborhoodMusicFest.com

Jessica Biel to Play Wonder Woman in Justice League of America

Speed Racer First Look

Summer 2008 Release

Fuller Lofts Sales Office Now Open

http://www.fullerlofts.com/

Downtown LA Housing Tour Saturday Sept. 29th

SATURDAY HOUSING BUS TOUR

Dear Potential Downtowner,

Our next Housing tour is on Saturday, September 29th and we will be seeing the following projects and welcome you (and guests) to join us!

1. Roosevelt Lofts—For Sale—We will see the gallery
2. Santee Village—For Sale—We will see a model unit
3. Luma—For Sale—We will see a model unit
4. South Park Lofts—For Lease—We will see a model unit
5. Biscuit Company Lofts—For Sale—We will see a model unit
6. 2121 Lofts—For Sale—We will see a model unit

Please sign-up now at www.downtownla.com. On the home page, just look for “Saturday Downtown Housing Tours” and simply RSVP.

"It vexes me. I'm terribly vexed." Guess the Movie...

Writer :

David Franzoni (story)
David Franzoni (screenplay)

Director:

Ridley Scott

Gladiator

Fashion District Farmers Market at Santee Village - First Ever!

Hope you can make the first ever Fashion District Farmers Market at Santee Village. The opening reception is Wednesday, October 3rd from 4 – 7pm. There will be an official “breaking of bread” with city officials starting at 5:30pm. The Farmers Market will take place from 4 – 7pm every following Wednesday.

Hope to see you there!

Katherine Schmidt

www.fashiondistrict.org

More about the Farmers Market...
Los Angeles, CA- Been searching for organic lettuce and farm fresh fruit to fill out that designer handbag? The farm comes to the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 3 from 4-7pm. This inaugural opening of the Fashion District Farmers Market at Santee Village Courtyard will welcome over thirty local vendors selling organic produce, baked goods, and homemade items, among other fresh fare.

Councilwoman Jan Perry, who represents the Ninth District communities of Los Angeles, will be there to kick off the festivities as well as Mark Weinstein of MJW Investments. Kent Smith, executive director of the LA Fashion District Business Improvement District, notes, “We’re excited to have a Farmers Market in the Fashion District for our workforce and residential population. The Farmers Market is a valuable resource for our growing neighborhood that, by 2009, will have 2,913 residential lofts and apartments for lease and sale.”

Avenue Q Limited Run at the Ahmanson Theater Sept. 6th to Oct. 14th

My wife and I ditched the car and hopped on a bus last night to get across downtown to the Ahmanson Theater. I really enjoyed the performances! A special thanks to my friends Greg and Gary who got us great tickets for my 40th. We had a pleasant walk home down Grand Avenue taking in the beautiful architecture and nightlife.
Z.

http://www.ahmanson-theater.com/

Avenue Q Website

Life on the 'Avenue' Downtown LA News
In Ahmanson Production, It's About Jobless College Grads and Irresponsible Drinking
It took four years, but Los Angeles audiences are finally able to get dressed up and pay healthy ticket prices to experience puppets cursing and having acrobatic sex.
More of this story

Movie quote...

"The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me."

(guess before you Read More)

Dean Vernon Wormer "The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me."




Directed by
John Landis

Writing credits
Harold Ramis (written by) &
Douglas Kenney (written by) &
Chris Miller (written by)

The Brewery Artwalk October 6th and 7th

From my friend John Smith. Yes, that is his real name.
Z.

The Brewery, where I now live, is having its fall Artwalk on Oct. 6th and 7th. You should come down and see all the wonderful artists and their work, including my own!

Here is a link to the Artwalk and there are directions on the site. My space will be marked on a map that they hand out when you walk in.

http://www.breweryartwalk.com/
2100 N. Main St. @ Avenue 20, Los Angeles 90031
Free Admission, Free Parking

John Smith

Downtown LA Art Walk Sept. 13 Phantom Galleries

Phantom Galleries Downtown LA
Santa Fe Lofts, 131 East 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

"Occupied"
Daniel Brodo and Bill Wheelock
September 13 through October 31, 2007

Phantom Galleries is proud to present

Occupied: works by Daniel Brodo
and Bill Wheelock, curated by Daniel Brodo. Located in Phantom
Galleries' Downtown Los Angeles space the show opens on September
13th, the evening of the Downtown Artwalk and remains on display
throughout October.

The word "Occupied," declares that a space has been claimed, a strategy
that Phantom Galleries deploys to the benefit of both the empty
storefronts that host artwork and the public who sees it. Occupations
in terms of our jobs, have taken over our identities; while the term
Occupation in reference to foreign lands is a euphemism for aggressive
seizure. From a sign on a train seat, to the sign on the bathroom
door, "Occupied" designates ownership like a flag: this space is
currently being used, even in the tenant's absence.

The works in this exhibition are by two artists who are preoccupied
with the political, emotional, and psychological issues of presence,
and the aesthetics and politics of its display. To what degree does
squatting equal ownership or ownership equal power?

Brodo occupies his time producing labor-intensive site and time
specific works, which, while they approach classicist themes of
sculpture, drawing, and architecture with a child-like enthusiasm,
lack a child's naivet. One Hundred loosely modeled terracotta figure
studies perch on ramshackle stands cobbled together out of scrap wood.
Upon closer inspection, the figures are revealed to be both heavily
armed and naked.

Bill Wheelock's long-exposure photographs spell out words written in
fire, created by waving a candle in the dark. Trails of flame cast an
eerie glow back on the writer who appears as a ghost image behind each
letter. The words depicted in a hellish fire font, reveal the fear of
terror latent in the refrains of children's stories.

Phantom Galleries LA is a Los Angeles County-based organization that
transforms unoccupied storefronts and spaces into temporary art
galleries. Exhibits are curated by local arts organizations, Los
Angeles-based galleries, independent curators, and Los Angeles-based
artists. The project gives artists an opportunity to exhibit their
work, while promoting the creative community to a broader audience and
keeping the area looking vital and culturally exciting.

For more information about Phantom Galleries LA, please contact:
Liza Simone at 213.626.2854
www.phantomgalleriesla.com

Downtown LA Art Walk Thursday Sept. 13

Bert Green Fine Art
http://www.bgfa.us
presents
3 solo shows:

David Meanix, Common Sense New Photosculpture
Yun Bai, Elegant Nasty
Arthur Tress, Paintball Nation New Photographs

September 13 - October 27, 2007

Opening Reception, Thursday, September 13, 2007 from 6 - 9 pm.

On Display in the Project Windows: Ryan Ross: Numeric Identities (in association with the Museum of Neon Art)
Vicki Barkley: Diffusion Focus
Devon Paulson: Open 24

*********************************

Come join us at City Center Gallery
Tonight, September 13th Opening Reception from 6pm to 9pm
On Exhibit "Historic Living LA - The Loft Revolution in the Heart of Angel City"
Tom Zimmerman's photo essay on historic building loft conversions in
downtown LA.

I will be holding a special Loft Open House in the Tomahawk building

Location:
City Center Gallery
Tomahawk Building
812 S. Spring Street

Exhibit September 13th to Nov. 9th, 2007

Bill
Bill Cooper
The Loft Expert!
www.TheLoftExpertGroup.com
310.721.2455 Cell
213.598.7555 Office
Bill @ TheLoftExpertGroup.com

Oh by the way, if you know anyone who would appreciate the high
quality service I provide in real estate, I am never too busy for
your referrals. Thank you!!!

Kings Play for Downtown - Free Pre-Game Party

Downtown residents will get a special treat this Tuesday, Sept. 18, when the Los Angeles Kings host a free pre-game party at Staples Center. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., locals will receive
an introduction to the 2007-2008 team and an update on the latest developments at L.A. Live. Anschutz Entertainment Group President Tim Leiweke and former Kings star and current team President of Business Operations Luc Robitaille will be on hand. Following the event, residents will receive a free ticket to the evening’s game (a pre-season contest) against the San Jose Sharks, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Space and game tickets are limited, and the offer is good only for Downtown residents (who must provide proof of residency when calling to redeem offer). For reservations call (888) Kings-LA. The regular season begins Sept. 29.

Salon Eleven - Grand Opening Sept. 15 at 6 pm

Salon Eleven will be holding a Grand Opening Event on Saturday, September 15th at 6pm. We have lots planned for the evening, including appetizers, beer, wine, and art exhibited by local artists, and various promotional activities!
Thanks,
Greg

Shiny Toy Guns - Le Disko

Forwarded to me by my friend Jen, an LA Band making waves on MySpace. They were featured in the latest Motorola Razr spot.
Z.

The World Beard & Moustache Championships 2007

The World Beard & Moustache Championships

(Gerhard Knapp - Germany 3rd Prize)

Winners announced, congrats!
Here are a couple of the championship's objectives:

"To encourage and celebrate standards of excellence in the growth, design and presentation of facial hair."

and

"To cover the costs of hosting the championships and to raise money for selected charity organizations, such as The Rockinghorse Appeal and TacheBack."

Z.

Shocking! LA Zoning Wants Skid Row to Remain the Same

Blogdowntown reported that the LA zoning commission has refused to give major developers permits to operate restaurants and nightlife -- the reason, "Permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages on the scale requested by the applicant will contribute to the incremental upgrading of the subject building and the image and character of Main Street while also contributing to the incremental dislocation of the Skid Row community. Because of the lack of balance, the Finding defaults to the negative."

So basically they don't want Main street and areas as far away as the Metlofts near Staples center to get nice because that may improve the neighborhood and push out Skid Row. They should give developers their permits and require them to contribute to the betterment of Skid Row rather than advocating to keep the blight that currently exists.

This kind of negative action can have big consequences for all the new loft buildings coming on-line with hopes of filling their retail space. The decision was appealed and looks like the developers will get their permits but that won't be decided for sure until the October 9th meeting.

Read all about it in blogdowntown
Z.

Stair Climb to the Top of the US Bank Tower 2007 Oct. 5th and 6th

Hosted by the Downtown Ketchum YMCA

Climb the 1500 steps of the US Bank Tower – the tallest office building west of the Mississippi -- to promote healthy lifestyles and raise funds that help the YMCA build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Preventable lifestyle-related diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease have risen to epidemic levels in the United States. The Stuart M. Ketchum Downtown YMCA works to promote healthy habits and lifestyles for all. By training for and participating in Stair Climb to the Top, you will inspire others to embrace healthy habits that improve and extend their lives!

Mode a French bistro will be opening in a few weeks.

Thanks to a post by Robert on the Eastern Columbia Yahoo Group.
Z.

LA Downtown News Restaurant Buzz

Downtown à la Mode, a Really Venti Latte and Beard Papa's Cream Puffs

by Kathryn Maese

Envision a 40-foot runway, model-like servers and a "French diner" serving fois gras and duck confit. Oh yeah, and did we mention it'll be open 24 hours?
LA Downtown News Article

Movie Quote...

I have come here to chew bubblegum or kick ass, and I'm all out of bubblegum.

(guess before you Read More)

Ray Nelson short story Eight O'Clock in the Morning
John Carpenter screenplay
John Carpenter's "They Live"

Westerns Galore! 3:10 to Yuma -- Starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale Opens Sept. 7th

The #1 movie this weekend, grossing 14.1 million and edging out Superbad, Halloween, The Bourne Ultimatum, Rush Hour 3 and Shoot 'em Up.
Z.


Release date pulled up to Sept. 7th. Lionsgate is racing to beat "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," starring Brad Pitt opening Sept. 21, and "No Country for Old Men," by Ethan and Joel Coen opening Nov. 7. according to this Variety Article

3:10 to Yuma LA Times Review

Assassination of Jesse James Trailer


Z.

I hear good things about this. Opening soon. Good review by Quint on [aintitcool].
Z. (8/23/07 )

3:10 TO YUMA stars Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster, Gretchen Mol and Peter Fonda in a modern take on the classic western by Elmore Leonard from

producing/writing/ directing team Cathy Konrad and James Mangold (WALK THE LINE). Presented by Lionsgate, 3:10 to Yuma is in theaters October 5th.

In Arizona in the late 1800's, infamous outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) and his vicious gang of thieves and murderers have plagued the Southern Railroad. When Wade is captured, Civil War veteran Dan Evans (Christian Bale), struggling to survive on his drought-plagued ranch, volunteers to deliver him alive to the "3:10 to Yuma", a train that will take the killer to trial. On the trail, Evans and Wade, each from very different worlds, begin to earn each other's respect. But with Wade's outfit on their trail -- and dangers at every turn -- the mission soon becomes a violent, impossible journey toward each man's destiny.

59th Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 16th

Make sure to fluff the ruffles on your tux and gas up the stretch limo 'cause the Emmy's are coming up soon.
Z.

Here's the short list...
Z. (7/19/07)

The 59th Primetime Emmy® Awards and
Creative Arts Emmy® Awards Nominees are...

Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming Less Than One Hour)

Avatar: The Last Airbender •
Robot Chicken • Lust For Puppets
South Park • Make Love, Not Warcraft
SpongeBob SquarePants
The Simpsons • The Haw-Hawed Couple



Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour Or More)

Good Wilt Hunting
Hellboy Animated: Sword Of Storms
Secrets Of The Deep
Where's Lazlo? (Camp Lazlo)



Outstanding Children's Program

Hannah Montana
Nick News With Linda Ellerbee: Private Worlds: Kids And Autism
That's So Raven
The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody
When Parents Are Deployed



Outstanding Comedy Series

30 Rock
Entourage
The Office
Two And A Half Men
Ugly Betty



Outstanding Commercial

Animals - American Express
Battle - Cingular
Happiness Factory - Coca Cola
Jar - GE
Pinball - Pepsi
Singing Cowboy - Truth
Snowball - Travelers




Outstanding Drama Series

Boston Legal • ABC
Grey's Anatomy • ABC
Heroes • NBC
House • Fox
The Sopranos • HBO



Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

30 Rock • NBC
Alec Baldwin

Extras • HBO
Ricky Gervais

Monk • USA
Tony Shalhoub

The Office • NBC
Steve Carell

Two And A Half Men • CBS
Charlie Sheen



Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

24 • Fox
Kiefer Sutherland

Boston Legal • ABC
James Spader

House • Fox
Hugh Laurie

Rescue Me • FX
Denis Leary

The Sopranos • HBO
James Gandolfini



Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

30 Rock • NBC
Tina Fey

Desperate Housewives • ABC
Felicity Huffman

The New Adventures Of Old Christine • CBS
Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Ugly Betty • ABC
America Ferrera

Weeds • Showtime
Mary-Louise Parker



Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

Brothers & Sisters • ABC
Sally Field

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Mariska Hargitay

Medium • NBC
Patricia Arquette

The Closer • Slippin' • TNT
Kyra Sedgwick

The Riches • FX
Minnie Driver

The Sopranos • HBO
Edie Falco



Outstanding Miniseries

Broken Trail • AMC
Prime Suspect: The Final Act (Masterpiece Theatre) • PBS
The Starter Wife • USA



Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program

79th Annual Academy Awards • ABC
Ellen Degeneres, Host

Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
David Letterman, Host

The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
Stephen Colbert, Host

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Jon Stewart, Host

Tony Bennett: An American Classic • NBC
Tony Bennett, Performer



Outstanding Reality Program

Antiques Roadshow • PBS
Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan • National Geographic
Extreme Makeover Home Edition • ABC
Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List • Bravo
Penn & Teller: Bullshit! • Showtime



Outstanding Reality-competition Program

American Idol • Fox
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Project Runway • Bravo
The Amazing Race • CBS
Top Chef • Bravo



Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series

Battlestar Galactica
Eureka
Grey's Anatomy
Heroes
Rome

Sinead O'Conner Sept. 18th at the Orpheum Theater

The 11th Hour

"The 11th Hour" An environmental documentary film by Leonardo Di Caprio

If you haven't yet seen "The 11th Hour", right now is the time to see it.
If the box office receipts don't jump up this week, the film won't make it to more than a few dozen theaters. In a week or two, it could be pulled back from circulation altogether.

A very precious opportunity to create much awareness could slip right through our fingers into obscurity.

http://www.11thhouraction.com/

Sharing with you an email I received from the GPLAC Greenparty LA County and cagreens.org Green Party of California. Edited for content and length.
Z.

Gena Giasson joins Salon on Seventh

Salon on Seventh
Downtown Los Angeles
Welcomes color specialist Gena Giasson

After many years in the Long Beach area, Gena is taking her abilities to downtown.

"I've been coming to downtown for many years now, and have always felt a connection to this very urban part of Los Angeles. I love the pulse in the area and am so excited about all the new development. With the hair industry still finding its beginnings here, I feel that the local personal service needs are not being met, especially the hair and beauty needs of the local women. What a unique opportunity to work and build a clientele in a city that is experiencing so much redevelopment."
-Gena

The Compound Dog

From my friend Danny...
Z.

Hi Folks - Check this show out i'm doing. Really hope you all can
make it! xo
Danny

The Compound Dog
by Haynes Brooke
directed by Kiff Scholl
starring Laura Lee Bahr, Haynes Brooke, Elizabeth Dement & Daniel Getzoff

Sept 7 - Sept 30
Fri & Sat at 8pm
Sun at 7pm
at Eclectic Company Theatre
5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Valley Village 91607
Reservations (818) 508-3003
$15

Saturday Housing Tour September 8th

September 8th, 2007

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

SATURDAY HOUSING BUS TOUR

Dear Potential Downtowner,

Our next Housing tour is on Saturday, September 8th and we will be visiting the following projects and welcome you (and guests) to join us!

1. Mandel Lofts--For Lease--We will see a model unit
2. Main Mercantile Building --For Sale--We will see a model unit
3. Chapman Lofts--For Sale--We will see the Sales Center
4. Little Tokyo Lofts--For Sale--We will see model unit
5. 1100 Wilshire--For Sale--We will see model unit
6. Market Lofts--For sale--We will see model unit

Please sign-up now at www.downtownla.com. On the home page, just look for “Saturday Downtown Housing Tours” and simply RSVP. Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.

Hurry, this tour will fill up! If it is closed when you go to register, please sign-up for one of our other scheduled tours.

Should you have questions or need particular assistance with registering, you may contact our office at 213.624.2146 and ask for Reggie Carter.

LA Weekly Detour Festival Annouces Line-Up

2nd Annual
LA Weekly Detour Music Festival

Bloc Party / Justice / Satellite Party / Kinky / Comedians of Comedy / Turbonegro
Teddybears / Moving Units / The Raveonettes / Shout Out Louds / Autolux / Celebrity Skin
The Aliens / The Aggrolites / Busy P / DJ Mehdi / SebastiAn Kavinsky
So Me / Noisettes / Cool Kids / The Deadly Syndrome / Scissors for Lefty / Johnossi
Augie March / Nico Vega / Franki Chan / Travis Keller / Bruce Perdew

Saturday, October 6
Main & 1st DOWNTOWN
(gates at 12 NOON)
4 STAGES / 20+ BANDS
DJ's / local art and more!

Tickets $35.50 Each
(With portion of the proceeds benefiting Tree People)
Tickets on sale NOW
through all Ticketmaster locations.
BUY TICKETS HERE

All Ages Welcome / Rain or Shine / Line Up Subject to Change

Twenty Percent of Americans Can't Find the U.S. on a Map

A recent poll shows that an astounding twenty percent of Americans cannot find the United States on a map. Miss Teen U.S.A. from South Carolina tries to explain why.
Z.

Salon Elleven Debuts

News Brief

The South Park condominium complex Elleven has a new ground floor tenant.
[LA Downtown News]

Nokia to Host Music Awards

News Brief

On Sunday, Nov. 18, L.A. Live's new Nokia Theatre will host the 2007 American Music Awards, the first awards show and broadcast to take place in [LA Downtown News]

Alma Guillermoprieto, “How to be Mexican: A Musical Instructional Manual”

Tuesday, August 28, 7pm at BP Hall in Walt Disney Concert Hall

[Zócalo and The Music Center Present]

Alma Guillermoprieto, “How to be Mexican: A Musical Instructional Manual”

The brilliant writer (The New Yorker and The New York Review of Books) and MacArthur “Genius Award” recipient Alma Guillermoprieto visits Zócalo to explore the importance of music and song in transmitting the spirit of Mexicanness. In a fascinating multimedia lecture, Guillermoprieto uses contemporary Mexican music to illuminate evolving notions of Mexican national identity. By exploring iconic lyrics and film clips that have been considered typically Mexican--both in Mexico and abroad--Guillermoprieto examines the very idea of mexicanidad.

he return of BOTANICA afterhours || August 25th

Saturday night to Sunday morning- August 25th 2007
2:30am - 6:30am || $5 all night
Hardwood Dancefloor || Fat Sound || Dress To Sweat || at Sabor, Downtown LA

deep afterhours house sounds by
Wayne Lyons & Lars Behrenroth

located at


SABOR <- click for directions
847 S Union Ave
Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90017

LA Opera Opens September 8 with Beethoven's Fidelio

LA 2007/'08 season opens Saturday September 8 with Beethoven's Fidelio at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown LA. It is followed by Verdi's Requiem on September 9th.
Z.

Here's the excerpt from the [LA Opera] website...

Beethoven's Fidelio
True love's fidelity triumphs over tyranny.

Music Director James Conlon opens LA Opera's season with Beethoven's Fidelio, a celebration of humanity's desire for freedom and justice. More than 200 years after its premiere, this drama of wrongful imprisonment and the triumph of true love remains as relevant as ever.

Unjustly incarcerated by a ruthless oppressor, Florestan languishes in a secret prison, held without charge or trial. His wife Leonore, desperate to find him and willing to die if she must, adopts the disguise of a young man - Fidelio - and becomes the jailer's assistant, hoping to free her beloved husband.

This astonishingly forceful contemporary production resonates with edge-of-your-seat excitement and matchless music, complete with stunning arias, inspiring choruses, two of the most famous quartets in all of opera, and exuberant orchestral writing.

Verdi
Giuseppe Verdi

Intensely dramatic in nature, Giuseppe Verdi's transcendent Requiem is a heartfelt rumination on life and death, singing of faith, doubt, heaven and hell with breathtaking beauty and thrilling suspense. Plácido Domingo conducts the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra and the Los Angeles Opera Chorus - prepared by Grant Gershon in his debut season as Chorus Master - in the Company's first ever presentation of the transcendent Requiem. The impressive quartet of world-class vocalists includes Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka, American mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, and in their Company debuts, German tenor Jonas Kaufmann and German bass René Pape.

Mexican Paletas, A Cure For This Heat

I don't know if anyone read their [LA Times food section] today, but there was an article on Mexican paletas, which are the best icecreams ever--they either are made with water (like a popsicle) or with milk and they are full of fresh fruit. One of the featured ice cream stores is right downtown--Paleteria La Michoacana at 306 W. 7th between Broadway and Hill.So I ran over right away and bought a bunch. And I'm here to tell you they are incredible. And in really interesting Mexican flavors like mamey, guanabana, tuna (cactus fruit) as well as more conventional flavors. Do yourselves a favor in this heat and go try one--let me know what you think.

Score 1 for CGI, Score 0 for Aliens from Outer Space

Movies mimic real life -- real movies mimic...I mean, life mimics...you know what I mean, right? The story, It Came From Outer Space in The LA Times debunks the Haitian UFO sighting.
Z.

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

I've heard some good buzz about this film.
Z.

In 1982, "Gamer of the Century" Billy Mitchell managed to score 874,300 points on the arcade classic Donkey Kong, a record many thought would never be broken. In 2003, 35-year-old family man Steve Wiebe, after losing his job at Boeing, found solace in Donkey Kong,surpassing Billy's record with a thought-to-be-impossible 1,000,000 points. Steve and Billy then engaged in a cross-country duel to see who could set the high score and become The King of Kong. Along the way, both men learned valuable lessons about what it means to be a father, a husband and a true champion. Directed by Seth Gordon.
Official Web Site http://www.billyvssteve.com/
Director Seth Gordon documents more than Donkey Kong
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/mn/kingofkong.html

"Enter the Dragon" to be Remade

According to this AP story in Yahoo News. "Enter the Dragon" is being remade.
Z.

LA Tofu Festival in Little Tokyo, Downtown LA

August 18-19
http://www.tofufestival.com/

Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Little Tokyo, Downtown LA

SAVE THE DATE - 2007 NISEI WEEK FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AUGUST 18-25

Save the date for the 67th Nisei Week Japanese Festival, being held from August 18-25, 2007 in Little Tokyo and Long Beach (Nikkei Games). The 2007 Nisei Week Festival will be held one week later than usual to accommodate the

Aomori Nebuta Festival float, which is coming to Los Angeles for the first time to participate in the Nisei Week Grand Parade on August 19, which is also starting later at 6 p.m.

Additionally, the Nisei Week Foundation is proud to announce its 2007 President, Keith Inatomi, who will lead the 67th Nisei Week Festival. This year's festival will build on the perpetual theme "Celebrating our Culture and Community," focusing on "Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future." As the face of Little Tokyo changes, especially with new housing and the shift in businesses, this year's festival promises to embrace these changes while educating a 'new' community of the rich Japanese and Japanese American culture that has come to be known through Nisei Week.

"This year we have the great opportunity of showcasing the Nebuta Festival from Aomori, Japan and bringing it to Nisei Week," said Inatomi. The Nebuta Festival is Japan's largest with a rich 300-year-old history. For the first time Los Angeles will experience this amazing Nebuta float that measures 30 ft. (L) x 24 ft. (W) x 17 ft. (H) made out of wood, special colored paper and hundreds of lights. Additionally, hundreds of lively dancers dressed in traditional costume, taiko drummers and pipers will accompany Nebuta along the parade route." This may be a once in a lifetime chance to see Nebuta. So come out and take part in Nisei Week August 18-25, in addition to the Grand Parade there's something for everyone and families to enjoy," added Inatomi.

Some of the other events and activities currently planned for the 2007 Nisei Week Festival include (see NiseiWeek.org for specifics):

• Nisei Week "Hoops" Basketball Tournament, June 22-24
• Nisei Week Baby Pageant, July 21
• Nikkei Games, August 4-19
• Martial Arts Demonstrations/Cultural Exhibits/Music Concerts/Car Show/Cosplay Contest, August 18-19
• Nisei Week Queen Coronation, August 18
• Nisei Week Grand Parade, August 19 (6 p.m.)
• Nisei Week Carnival and Street Arts, August 25-26
• Sumo Demonstration/Car Show/Taiko Gathering/Cultural Exhibits/Anime Festival, August 25-26
• Ondo Community Street Dance Celebration & Closing Ceremonies, August 26

Keith Inatomi has been involved in Nisei Week since 2001, when he was a member of the coronation committee. Previously he was coronation chair in 2003, Foundation 3rd vice president in 2005, and Foundation 1st vice president in 2006. Inatomi has also been active with the Japanese American Optimist Club, a member since 1994, he was JAO president from 1997-1999, and has since been a board of director.

Professionally, Inatomi is a project engineer for Northrop Grumman, overseeing the development and coordination of project deliverables and managing and coordinating major customer reviews.

In addition to Inatomi, the Nisei Week Foundation's 2007 officers are: Helen Ota, president-elect; Michelle Suzuki, secretary; Gerald Fukui, treasurer; Terry Hara, vice president ways & means; Nikki Kodama, vice president, events; Michael Lee, vice president, community relations; Diane Tanaka, vice president, marketing. The executive committee of its board of directors also include: Joyce Chinn, Staci Hashimoto-Fujita, Alan Furuta, Frances Hashimoto, Art Ishii, James Okazaki, Hayato Tamura, and Lauren Kinkade-Wong.

For a calendar of events information on the 67th Nisei Week Festival, please go to http://www.niseiweek.org/; for more Nebuta information, go to http://www.nebuta-la.org/.

Calendar Listing [view]
Volunteer Information [view]

Nokia Theater L.A. Live to Open with Dixie Chicks and Eagles

The 1st phase of L.A. Live will open featuring concerts by the Dixie Chicks and Eagles. October 18 and 20.
Z.

http://www.nokiatheatrela.com/lalive.php

Street Closures

8/18/2007 Immigration Reform March OCB/Central
TIME: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
ASSEMBLY:Olympic and Broadway
ROUTE: From Olympic and Broadway, proceed North to 1st Street, East to
Spring
Street, North on Spring to City Hall on Spring.
CONTACT: March 25 Coalition
John T. Parker
323-936-7266

Hairspray and Crybaby Double Feature Drive-In Movie

Fleur De Lethal Presents

"The Million Dollar Drive In"

Saturday August 25th

A double feature tribute to teenage rebellion and rock 'n roll -- John Waters' "Hairspray" and "Crybaby"

In the lot next to The Alexandria Hotel (501 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013)

Gates will open at 7:30 pm and film will roll at sunset!

A Beer Garden will be provided by our friends at Charlie O's.
A concessions stand will be on hand with popcorn, candy and
soda pop to enhance your movie going experience.

Rumor is some "Dolls" on skates might
be present as your "carhop" servers.

$7.00 per walk in or bike in.

Bring your own seating set up. You are encouraged to set up your own picnic areas.

Think thematically and get creative! Prizes for best set ups!

Pre-sale Ticket Specials: 2 tickets for $10, 4 tickets for $20.
Available online starting August 9th @ Charlie O's
Please contact Nico Bella at 213.325.0907 or royalpain@fleurdelethal.com

Due to the retro nature of this double feature, a few cars will be admitted at the rate of $25 per car (must be pre 1965 and RSVP is mandatory).

Visit for more details:
http://fleurdelethal.blogspot.com

Construction on the Expo Line has Begun

Major construction has broken ground on the Expo Line which is supposed to connect Downtown Los Angeles with Culver City and Santa Monica eventually. Completion is projected for 2010. It's certainly not the 2010 Kubrick envisioned.

This doesn't really address the traffic crunch between Downtown and Santa Monica further north in Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

Maybe we need more above ground rail lines or mono rails as Ray Bradbury championed in the 60's instead of costly and time consuming below ground subway lines.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/02/ray_bradbury_to.php

Culture Clash's "Zorro in Hell!"

Zorro in Hell tix on sale

Like zany hilarious political satire?

Culture Clash's "ZORRO IN HELL!" Co-created and starring Herbert Siguenza.

"A CALL TO REVOLUTION" - Los Angeles Times
"PROMISCUOUSLY EXTRAVAGANT" - The Hollywood Reporter
"MAN, IT'S GOOD TO HAVE CULTURE CLASH BACK AT WHAT
THEY DO BEST" - Daily News

Playing Weds -Sunday at the Ricardo Montalban Theater
on Vine and Hollywood through August 19th.

Log on to cultureclash.com for dates and tixs.

See you there! Support live theatre!

Here's a link to a Culture Clash's interview August 9 on KPCC 89.3

http://www.scpr.org/news/stories/2007/08/09/00_culture_clash_080907.html

Z.

Night Vision Moca After Dark - Sat. Aug. 11th -- Last One This Summer

Saturday, August 11, 2007
Featured Performer: SAUL WILLIAMS

"I am that timeless NGH that swings on pendulums like vines through mines of booby trapped minds that are enslaved by time. I am the life that supersedes lifetimes, I am."

Night Vision Moca

Downtown LA Housing Tour

The Downtown LA housing tour is a great way to see and compare several buildings in one day. We chose to walk around but if you want to hit more than a couple loft building in downtown LA then you should take the shuttle. We found our loft on a tour just like this in 2005.
Z.


August 11th, 2007

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

SATURDAY HOUSING TOUR

Dear Potential Downtowner,

Our next Housing tour is on Saturday, August 11th and we will be visiting the following new projects and welcome you (and guests) to join us!

1. Title Guarantee Building Lofts (model units available)
2. Main Mercantile Building (model units available)
3. Biscuit Company Lofts (model units available)
4. Barker Block (model units available)
5. Pan American Lofts (model units available)
6. Roosevelt Lofts (sales gallery available)

Please sign-up now at www.downtownla.com. On the home page, just look for “Saturday Downtown Housing Tours” and simply RSVP. Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.

Hurry, this tour will fill up! If it is closed when you go to register, please sign-up for one of our other scheduled tours.

Should you have questions or need particular assistance with registering, you may contact our office at 213.624.2146 and ask for Reggie Carter or Justin Weiss.

Regards.

Downtown Center Business Improvement District

National Night Out is Tuesday August 7th

National Night Out
Tuesday August 7
Free to public!
6pm to 10pm
Bloom's Square
(Traction/3rd in Arts District)

LAPD Central Division along with community members will
host National Night Out in the Arts District.
There will be booths with food and beverages from such
local Downtown establishments as:

Royal Claytons
The Alexandria/Team Pollack
East 3rd Steakhouse
Eric Big Red Tomato
Smokehouse BBQ
and live music featuring:
Double Naught Spycar
Carlos Guitarlos
X Factor
and…
Jump with Joey
For more information, contact
LAPD Central Area Senior Lead Officer Jack Richter,
Los Angeles Police Department,
Central Area at (951) 532-5766
John Saslow at (310) 678-7638, and
Blair Besten at (213) 700 9829.

This year, the central area of Los Angeles will be celebrating as never before. A recent resurgence has appeared within the area known as "Downtown" and thousands of newly arrived residents have revitalized the once strictly commercial location through the introduction of
"Loft living." A large influx of residents have appeared within central Los Angeles and National Night Out will be the first coordinated celebration welcoming the newly arrived residents of downtown Los Angeles. Recognized as the location to first energize the initial loft movement, the area known as the "Arts District" will be the host of the this year's event. In support, the Los Angeles City Council has moved that Traction Avenue, between 3rd Street and Avery Street, will be closed off for the evening festivities.

Beginning at 6 pm until 10 pm, the street will be filled with residents enjoying live music, food, and the companionship of their
neighbors-from all across the downtown area.
Area residents will be able to taste and sample cuisine
from several area restaurants ranging from barbecue to frosty desserts.

Working as partners, the LAPD is assisting several area residents, businesses, and government leaders who are organizing the localized National Night Out activities. Blair Besten and John Saslow, both downtown area community activists, are conducting pivotal roles in coordinating the festival that celebrates the reduction of crime and drugs in our communities.

Join us in sending a message to criminals that our neighborhood is organized and fighting back. National Night Out exemplifies the desire for a safer Los Angeles community. Where people can live, work, and play without the fear of crime and to prosper within a culture of growth, prosperity and social unity.

Historical info: National Night Out is a community-police partnership held the first Tuesday of every August since 1984 sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada.
It aims to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, and other anti-crime efforts. Initially communities held lights-on vigils.
Now, many communities hold block parties, festivals, and other events to help bring neighbors together. National Night Out
was developed by Matt Peskin of the National Association of
Town Watch in 1984. That year there were
2.5 million participants in 400 communities, in
2006 there were over 35.2 million
participants in 11,100 communities

source Los Angeles Downtown Arts District

The Tower Theater Los Angeles

It was very exciting to see The Tower Theater sign flick back to life -- welcome back!

The Tower Theater in historic core district of downtown LA is being restored. I'll post some pictures this weekend. Last night the power washer was out bringing the treasure back to it's original glory. A few weeks ago some major graffiti was removed from the stained glass windows.




Here you can see some before and after. Notice the top
the tower hasn't been cleaned yet.





Some friends say that it was purchased by the family that owns the Los Angeles, Palace and State theaters. Sources at the Chapman flats say that retail tenants are being replaced by higher end ones but the new line up has not yet been announced.

Possibly The Tower Theater will be a first run movie theater or house a theater company. Look for some more changes to occur in the next 60 days.

Z.



http://www.towertheaterla.com/

LA Weekly Detour Festival Returning to Downtown LA

Line up not yet announced but last year's festival around City Hall (1st and Main) included:



FEATURED:
Beck, Queens of the Stone Age, Basement Jaxx, Peeping Tom, Redd Kross, Blonde Redhead, !!!, Nortec Collective, Blackalicious, Of Montreal, The Like, The Elected, OH NO! OH MY!, The Blood Arm, Everybody Else, and Wired All Wrong

DJ SETS BY:
VHS or Beta, Weird Science (Steve Aoki/Kid Millionaire), Shepard Fairey, Travis Keller and Bruce Purdew

Z.

Eddie Izzard to Gig - Work in progress in LA

MORE SHOWS!

Eddie to gig - Work in progress, at

LOS ANGELES:
The Coronet Theatre
366 North La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90048

Performances: Tues-Fri, July 31 – Aug 3
For tickets call: 310-657-7377

http://www.eddieizzard.com/news/news.izz?id=144

Eastern Columbia Lofts

Here's a beautiful picture of the Eastern Columbia rooftop pool by Wynn Ruji. Check out his other images too, he's very talented.
Z.
Ruji Portfolio

Beyonce at Staple Center LA, Sep. 2nd

Cook a Chicken with Christopher Walken

Yes this is for real. The man himself shows us his favorite Chicken and Pear recipe. I'm not usually scared watching cooking shows but I was this time. I got the feeling someone was getting whacked while he was happily cooking in his kitchen.
Z.

Downtown LA Real Estate Market Still Hot

Good news for the Downtown LA real estate market thanks to LA Downtown News
Z.

News Brief

While the national housing market is expected to tumble well into 2008, the Downtown Los Angeles market is faring considerably better, according to a second quarter update by CB Richard Ellis. The recently released study found the average condominium sale price was

$635,005, an increase of 1.8% over the prior quarter. By comparison, the average price for a home in L.A. County during the same period was $535,000, down 1.8% from the previous quarter. The number of resale condo transactions also saw an uptick, with 84 of the 141 listed properties sold.

Construction of new condos averaged just over 80 units per month during the second quarter, a nearly 100% increase from the previous quarter. Still, there are only 199 new units available for sale and immediate occupancy. The report found that there was a total of 108 units of both resale and new construction sold per month, up from only 57 transactions per month in the prior quarter. "Increasing demand for condominium housing in Downtown L.A. is beginning to positively affect average prices paid per square foot," said the report. "Downtown L.A.'s recorded condominium sales increased nearly 3% - from $532 per square foot in the first quarter to $547 per square foot in the most recent quarter."

The rental market is also producing at record levels, with occupancy up to 92.9% in Downtown. Another 1,000 units are expected to open in the next six months, with rental rate increases continuing well ahead of inflation.

The report also found that office vacancy is decreasing, and is now at 13.65%; with no new supply, demand and rents are expected to rise as much as 17% over 2006 by the end of the year. In addition, the hotel sector made a strong showing, with 29 conventions booked at the L.A. Convention Center from 2008 through 2013, more than LA Inc. has ever booked since its inception.

© Los Angeles Downtown News

Indie Swap Meet & Art Mart with DJ and Drinks- Sunday, July 29

downtown la
An indie swap meet and art mart in the historic Palm Court of the Alexandria Hotel can mean only thing: Downtown just got even hipper. The Ballroom Blitz also boasts L.A. hipnoscenti Kim Cooper, Jim Freek and others doing the DJ thing while you swap and mart yourself drinking bloody marys and mimosas. The Alexandria Hotel, 501 S. Spring St., dwntwn.; Sun., July 29, noon-7 p.m.; free. (213) 325-0907.
-laweekly

New Beowulf Trailer - Opening Nov. 16th

http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/beowulf/

This trailer for Zemeckis' "Beowulf" attempts to look and feel like a computer game. The actors were filmed, motion captured and animated in cg to mimic the original performances. I think it will be a hit with younger audiences already into video games. The "plastic" quality, which I'm sure is deliberate may turn off some viewers not into the video game scene. It does deliver a new look on a classic tale. For those who don't like the style, I think you're missing the point. They're trying to market the film to a younger generation intent on blurring the lines between cinema and video games and vice versa. The first Tomb Raider which catered to the game crowd did very well.

Some friends pointed me to this review from an aintitcool screening the film in 3D projection at comicon.

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33456

And another review from comicon -- LA times

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-beowulf25jul25,0,2049226.story?coll=la-home-entertainment
Z.

Multimedia message

The best!

********
Testing mlog...entry made by cell phone. Mlogging is blogging on the move. Brings up interesting possibilities. Snap a cell phone picture, email it to a blog and the entry is made within minutes without entering any information into a computer.
Z.

Bye-Bye Trader Joe's

Ralph's was packed all weekend! A huge supermarket with everything in it. Nice produce, fine wine and liquor, bakery, ready made food, a Coffee Bean, dry cleaner, pharmacy, etc. Lot's of friendly staff and good deals too.

So even though we love Trader Joe's and usually make the trek to Pasadena, we'll be shopping there a lot less from now on. Clue phone to TJ's -- a lot of people already live downtown and they buy groceries.

Great to see all the people from the neighborhood walking back and forth to Ralph's. A greener LA -- who knew a supermarket could be so good!

Thanks Ralph's
Z.

Throng greets downtown L.A.'s first supermarket

By Cara Mia DiMassa, Times Staff Writer
1:21 PM PDT, July 20, 2007

More than 1,000 people lined up around the block as downtown Los Angeles' first supermarket in half a century opened its doors.



The huge turnout at 9th and Flower streets surprised organizers and spoke to the symbolic value of the Ralphs opening at a time when downtown is seeing a rebirth as a loft and condo hub.

After decades of decline, downtown is in the middle of a revitalization and building boom thanks to an influx of more than 20,000 residents who live in new high-rise towers and restored historic buildings. The new residents have long complained that there is no supermarket in the city center, forcing them to drive miles to get groceries.

The crowd wrapped around the block this morning chanting, "Open! Open!"

Carol Schatz, head of the downtown Business Improvement District, did her best to quiet the crowd.

"We've been waiting 50 years for this," she said. "You can wait five more minutes."

Inside the store, Michael Rich perused the gourmet coffee selection. The 39-year-old resident of the Gas Co. Lofts, a block from the store, said he had been tracking its progress since he moved in two years ago. In the meantime, he'd been shopping at the Vons in the Mid-Wilshire area.

"This is a big day for the residents," he said. "I'm going to be eating much better."

Buzz about the store had been developing for months on downtown-oriented websites.

Terry O'Neil, a spokesman for Ralphs, said the company had never seen this size of a turnout for a grocery store opening.

"We've had lineups, but not like this."

cara.dimassa@latimes.com