Los Angeles is a hotbed for startups. Mark Suster, a long-time investor in L.A. startups, informed Business Insider of the three main areas where Los Angeles excels - online video, advertising and vertical e-commerce. He also named fourteen local startups that everyone should be following. more ›

Los Angeles represented in a big way at SXSW 2011 in the film, music, and gaming world -- no surprise there. But this week two locally-based startups were recognized for their ability to use the internet as a tool for action and a community resource for social change. more ›

Over the years Twiistup has evolved from a blowout meet 'n' greet for startups, entrepreneurs and investors to a can't-miss, day-and-a-half of panel discussions, showcases and mixers featuring the top tech and media innovators and venture capitalists from LA and beyond. Billed "LA's biggest technology event," the agenda and guest list is a stacked who's-who of elite tech talent. But don't let the mature, sit-down nature of Twiistup 7 fool you, as Hollywood's penchant for partying is not forgotten with a 007-themed after party and a hosted pre-party included with each event pass. Twiistup 7 begins at 6pm at UCLA's Korn Hall with panels and demos all day tomorrow at the Skirball. Discounted tickets are still available ($397 before 3 pm today, $497 at the door.) more ›

Get your cyber punk, Blade Runner and SciFi geekery from 1982 out of your closet because starship Twiistup 5 is getting ready to touch down at Santa Monica airport next Thursday. more ›

The entertainment industry is arguably the most dynamic and kinetic facet of pop culture. While the Internet may have turned everyone into a critic, the blogosphere (by way of technology) has turned everyone into a producer, and for those who wish to tell a story can do so without worrying about high profile book publishers or intimidating movie studios. While the entertainment industry may not be as affected by the perils of the spiraling economy as others, there still has to be a degree of consideration when it comes to maintaining an edge, and one group of Hollywood veterans that have shied away from classic media seem to have their fingers on the pulse. In what started as a simple formula for a TV show about video games, the folks at Gamervision have used their industry expertise to take their ideas to the next level by fusing elements of classic entertainment with web 2.0 themes, creating what can only be described as "laissez-faire entertainment" at its very best. more ›

Twiistup is hosting its third event tonight at the Air Conditioned Supper Club on Lincoln Boulevard in Venice. What is Twiistup? It's the brainchild of Mike Macadaan who was seeking to fill a need for a fun, tech-focused event that would showcase up-and-coming companies, while providing a casual environment for discovery and networking. Geeks are cool. Southern California tech company startups are hot and Twiistup is the place to be to bring those elements together. The event is sold-out, but never fear, LAist will be there to fill you in on all the excitement and news to come out of the evening.
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I didn't want to just do a "best of" list. So this year, I've decided to take a years worth of personal New Year's Resolutions, ask around for those of friends and put a call out to readers (email me here) about things you've always wanted to know, always wanted to do and then take those requests and ask an expert, an insider to help out. The result? Here goes... more ›