So, it was just a typical Los Angeles day of running errands. And then I noticed that across the street, Darth Vader was waiting at the bus stop with a group of seemingly oblivious commuters. Still kind of typical, since I live near the studios. Of course I had to get a picture for you guys. I wanted that "everyday people" shot, but as soon as they saw me jaywalking towards them, Darth and his... [continue]

Liberation Yoga | Photo by Melissa Moore/LAist With as many gurus of yoga available as the personality types frequenting their classes, finding a studio and a style as a beginner can be daunting. But one need look no further than the local newsstand and their dizzying array of yoga journals to see that the health (and other) benefits of the practice run far and wide. Originally envisioned as a way to physically prepare the body... [continue]

A friend of mine recently expressed interest in finally taking the plunge and rebelling in the utmost conformist way. Yes, she wants to get her first tattoo. Cool. Go for it. They’re awesome. Well, most of them. We were discussing what she was going to get, when the time comes. You’ve got to have an idea or design when you go in, or you end up with gawker’s cramp in your neck looking at all... [continue]

Politicians, world leaders, and monied mac daddies - beware. If you like your sex rough, if you like it superfreaky, make sure to keep it in your own home, with partners you trust. Having kinky sex with paid prostitiutes in an uncontrolled place that could be chock full o' hidden cameras is just stupid. Because the media loves headlines that include the words: NAZI INSPIRED SEX ORGY In fact, I can't think of another phrase... [continue]

I’ll put up with a lot in the name of health and a trim, firm bod. I’ll run on the treadmill till I want to hurl myself out the 24 Hour Fitness dome window from boredom. I’ll walk up the dusty trails of Runyon in the midday sun. Shit, I’ll even hang upside down from a flying trapeze. But of everything I do, I never cease to amaze myself by returning, week after week, to... [continue]

I watched parts of Idol Gives Back last night and was pleasantly surprised by some of the performances. Annie Lennox's cover of "Many Rivers to Cross" was amazing; Carrie Underwood sang a cover of George Michael's "Praying for Time" and showed that her Idolness was warranted. Other Idol Chris Daughtry visited Uganda and turned a village singalong into a plea for help for Africa. Fergie singing and cartwheeling while performing "Barracuda" with Heart was just... [continue]

We have one Sooky Goldman to thank for the treasure that is Franklin Canyon, which sounds like a subplot out of "Chinatown": In 1914, William Mulholland and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) began construction of a reservoir in upper Franklin Canyon to distribute water newly brought from the Owens Valley. The family of oil baron Edward L. Doheny used the canyon as a summer retreat and a place to graze and... [continue]

These flowering blossoms remind us that today, March 20th, is the first day of Spring. The first day of Spring is also known as the Vernal Equinox. It is one of two days a year (The other being Autumnal Equinox) when there are 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of night. Equinox = equal night. Why? Most descriptions are a little overly complicated, so let's try not to get too Mr. Science about... [continue]

Pinkberry, CeFiore, Red Mango, Lime Light, etc., etc., etc., have nothing on Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in Valley Village off Laurel Canyon between Magnolia and Chandler. At Menchie's, there's not just two flavors, there's ten. At Menchie's, you don't get served, you serve yourself. At Menchie's, there's not just a handful of toppings, there's more than thirty-five. Ranging from chocolate to cake batter to fruit flavors, the Valley yogurt shop let's you serve yourself, pay by... [continue]