Irvin Kershner, USC graduate, USC professor, director of the Star Wars film, “The Empire Strikes Back” and the James Bond film “Never Say Never Again,” has died at age 87. The Philly-born Kershner passed away Saturday in Los Angeles after a long illness and is survived by two sons. more ›

Written and photographed for LAist by Cecil Castellucci, author of The Plain Janes and Beige. More pics available here. more ›

reading anything, especially Harry Potter. We here at LAist are humbled by the shocking aftermath of our decision to put off reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for a week. It came as a surprise to no one, especially ourselves, that when you wait to do something, you might not have time to do it. more ›

She's simultaneously idolized and pitied by millions. How can you resist a gal who once quipped "(On merchandising for "Star Wars") I signed my likeness away. Every time I look in the mirror, I have to send Lucas a couple of bucks." more ›