Michael Silverblatt is the iconic host of the Santa-Monica based radio program Bookworm; a nationally-syndicated show about literature and poetry that has featured some of the greatest writers of our time. LA's favorite literary pundit shared with us his love of literature, thoughts about the local LA literary community, and why he can hardly wait to meet author and poet Sapphire. more ›

FILM*: The Old Pasadena Film Festival kicks off today—but this is a festival with a twist. For the next three weeks, the American Cinematheque will be screening films in basements, walls, courtyards, shops and theatres throughout downtown Pasadena. Best of all, all screenings are FREE. Tonight’s film choices are Breakfast at Tiffany’s at One Colorado Courtyard @ 8:30 pm and War of the Worlds on top of the school house parking structure @ 33 E. Green. For complete Festival details, visit: www.oldpasadenafilmfestival.com.
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Leave it to writer Tod Goldberg to put together a wickedly good preview of the LA Times Festival of Books, which has just come out with its panel schedule. His recommendations are good, if oddly humble (apparently you may find him at the LA Lit panel instead of his own); we have to add that it's worth seeking him out, since he's entertaining as hell. The best part, though, is his imagined conversation between Joyce Carol Oates and Michael Silverblatt (pictured). It helps to imagine Tod doing his Michael Silverblatt impression, which is somehow more Silverblatty than Silverblatt himself. All in good fun, of course; anybody who talks about books is cool in our, uh, book. more ›

Two quick news bits out of the LA Times before the weekend more ›

Writers Bloc presents prolific author Joyce Carol Oates in conversation with David Ulin at the Skirball Cultural Center tonight, June 21st, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $20. Reservations suggested. You can call Writers Bloc at (310) 335-0917. more ›