In the world we live in now, Pixar is nothing less than an institution. Every film it releases is an event and each of them receive excellent reviews and make piles of money. Of course, Pixar wasn't always so admired and ubiquitous. It was once a money-losing division of LucasFilm that was sold off to Steve Jobs for a paltry 5 million dollars. All of this is laid out in a behind-the-scenes feature on... more ›

The Hammer Museum has free admission all summer. And it's air conditioned. Of course, the galleries are organized around a central courtyard, but last weekend, when the rest of the city was as scorching as it was today, that little courtyard felt like an oasis of shade and calm. Parking in the building costs $3 with the Hammer's validation, or there's a Metro Rapid stop right outside. They've also got some cool nighttime events going this summer, including this indie rock concert series. more ›

John Stewart recently called John Hodgman "very funny." That would be enough to keep us home playing the Daily Show video over and over, but it's not enough for Hodgman. He was center stage at the McSweeney's thing at REDCAT on Saturday and will be at Book Soup tonight. Because it's all about his book, The Areas of My Expertise, which includes the heretofore unknown Hobo Rebellion. Stewart says the book should not be taken as "real history" — and if there's anyone who knows their fake news, it's John Stewart. Tonight, 7pm, Book Soup in West Hollywood with fellow funny New YorkerJonathan Coulton. more ›

Snuggled into the base of the Hollywood Hills near Franklin Avenue is 1822 Camino Palmero Street. Known more commonly among American television viewers as 822 Sycamore Road, this gray-shingled colonial home was the actual home of the Nelson family, who invited millions of viewers into their quiet residential palace every week during "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." The charming title couple and their sons, David and Ricky, became synonymous with American domestic life in the '50s—so much so that they continue to be part of the vernacular of popular culture 50 years later. more ›