Andy Sternberg

Follow-up reporting has been sparse in the days since the National Enquirer's alleged (for the second time in a year) that former Senator and presidential candidate John Edwards was embroiled in a "love-child scandal" with 44-year-old videographer Rielle Hunter (aka Lisa Druck) at the Beverly Hilton. Both Hunter and Edwards denied having the tabloid's initial salacious cover story last October. Now, a handful of videos in which Hunter, as producer, documented John Edwards' travels over...

Cirque Berzerk, the LA-based, all-volunteer, DIY fire-dancing, contortionist, aerial daredevil, burlesque cabaret, clown troupe debuted its new show "Beneath" at Los Angeles State Historic Park last weekend. Complete with two acts, an original score, and a ten-member live band, "Beneath" practically set the big top on fire (under supervision of the Fire Marshall, of course). Cirque Berzerk was so hot that the Thursday - Sunday run sold out by Friday night's intermission. Lucky for those...

If you missed out on LA-based Cirque Berzerk's sold-out run under a big top at Los Angeles State Historic Park (née Not a Cornfield) this weekend, here are a few samples of what you missed. video by Lisa Borodkin for LAist....

In a bid to revive the Hollywood stars after years of abuse and being stepped on, Absolut Vodka became the first corporate contributor to a $4-million dollar restoration plan in advance of the Walk of Fame's 50th anniversary in 2010. To recognize Absolut's initiative (and creative marketing tactics?), Leron Gubler, CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce presented the company with an honorary star near the entrance to the Kodak Theatre. More on the "Friends...

Styrofoam food containers will be banned in city buildings, at LAX, and at city-sponsored events beginning next July and plastic bags will be ordered pulled from store checkout counters July 1, 2010, in accordance with a ban approved today by LA City Council. The decision comes just weeks after a similar measure in Manhattan Beach passed despite the threat of a lawsuit. Malibu banned plastic bags in May and the debate stalled on the issue...

Evangelical mega-pastor Rev. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and author of "The Purpose-Driven Life" has done what nobody else could. No, Warren has not established peace on earth or claimed an end to global poverty, but this morning he announced that he'll be bringing the two major 2008 presidential candidates together (or, rather, back-to-back) on August 16....

Funny guy Andy Dick was arrested on drug and sexual battery charges around 2 a.m. today in a Murrieta (Riverside County) parking lot after allegedly groping the breasts of a 17-year-old girl. After Dick pulled the teen's tank top and bra down, exposing her breasts (according to the victim and witnesses) in the Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot, police arrested him in the lot of a nearby Sam's Club. Drugs charges were tacked on after...

Nearly 100 taiko drummers from across California congregated on the stage at the Ford Amphitheatre this weekend. LA-based Kitsune Taiko, Yukai Taiko, Isshin Taiko, and Bombu Taiko took turns performing the 4,000-year-old Buddhist drumming style and later, Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka -- credited with bringing taiko to the U.S. 40 years ago -- and San Francisco Taiko Dojo took over the night. TAIKOPROJECT's Rhythmic Relations 2008 continues tonight at the Ford at 8 p.m. John...

No, you're not hallucinating, that's Charlie Hunter and his 8-string guitar. | Photo by imacuckoo2 via flickr. Check out live music -- FREE -- after work this evening. LA's Earlimart plays a set at Amoeba at 7, and Charlie Hunter visits Hollywood & Highland's Wine and Jazz Tuesdays from 7-9. For more of what's going on in rock music this month, check out our This Month in Rock guide. Earlimart @ Amoeba Charlie Hunter...

A vehicle crashed into a bridge support pillar on the westbound 10 near the Arlington Ave. exit around 8:15 this morning, killing five four. Eyewitness calls to 911 reported that a red Lexus sedan crashed into the pillar and overturned, bursting into flames and trapping the vehicle's occupants. All westbound traffic was being diverted at Arlington. As of 9:15 a.m. the three left lanes were reopened. An investigation is ongoing. *Updated; reports of a 5th...