Elise Thompson

Will Zweigart has made it his mission to bring you photos of the creepiest and craziest Santas on his website, Sketchy Santas. Zweigart tells CNN, "On the site, we really like to celebrate the more retro Santa photos and part of the reason why is that the standard of who could be a Santa was really quite lower back then." Santas range from the obviously drunk, overly handsy, and the well-meaning Santas who just can't stop the kids from crying. Especially creepy are those retro Santa masks and costumes of yesteryear.

Back in 1955 Sears Roebuck & Co. printed an advertisement for children to call Santa. They misprinted the telephone number and a tradition was born. Instead of reaching Sears' "Santa" the kids were connected to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." According to the website, "The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location."

This year is a fantastic time to give out green gifts, especially if you haven't done your holiday shopping yet! True, it's a little late in the game, but some of us work best under pressure. The idea is to give gifts that don't increase the size of the landfill, or your carbon footprint, or any of that stuff. The ultimate goal is that no new products are to be purchased. Failing that, go green, go organic, go recycled.

The Redondo Beach Police Officer's Association has been celebrating the holidays every year by sending Santa Claus around the city to pass out candy, listen to Christmas wishes and spread good cheer. It takes an entire month for the heavily guarded Santa to make his way down every single residential street of the city, assisted by Redondo Beach Police and Fire Association members. Most South Bay cities, including Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Lomita and Gardena make...

At first glance, you can tell these pancakes are trouble. The profusion of whipped cream and holiday colors make you want to cringe. Let the flavors alone be a warning: Egg Nog, Gingerbread, Pumpkin and Pecan Pie. Still, your intrepid reporter just had to see for herself. First we tried the eggnog pancakes, because they sounded like the worst choice. Surprisingly, the nutmeg custard atop buttermilk pancakes wasn't so bad. It was almost good...

Thanksgiving not only marks the beginning of shopping season, but the beginning of drinking season! Holidays parties are looming, but don't fret. We have a whole host of of holiday-themed drinks to liven up your next soiree. Cinnamon Rise By Brian Miller, Death & Company, New York, NY 1 ounce Zacapa 23 Year-Old Rum 3/4 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce cinnamon bark In a cocktail shaker, combine Zacapa 23 Year-Old Rum, lime juice, and...

First of all, you are a total jerk if you don't mention family first. It's de rigeur. OK, as much as I hate it, Mom, thanks for that Catholic school education that I hated but that taught me phrases like de rigeur. Then you're usually supposed to be thankful for your health. Well, that hasn't been so great this year. But I'm still alive. I can see, hear, walk, and navigate through Citiwalk without assistance....

Pierce Brosnan at Bouchon/Elise Thompson for LAist Bouchon, Bouchon, Bouchon, it's all over the blogs and the foodie sites. It's also the hardest reservation to get in town. According to one server, the Thomas Keller outpost is currently booked up for dinner until March. The secret to getting a reservation? First of all, don't get a reservation. This is not a Buddhist koan. Both the bar and the patio of Bouchon are seated on...

Glamour was the order of the evening at Bouchon's opening event Monday night. After ascending the staircase, we were greeted by servers offering champagne near a caviar station with caviar quenelle and whipped cream cheese-topped bagel crisps surrounding the biggest ice volleyball in the world. Gliding down the elegant hallway, we came across a full bar on the right serving Bouchon's signature drink of Grey Goose vodka, Lillet Blanc, and Brizard Peche with an Orange...

Last weekend Rachel Rosenthal celebrated her birthday with a wild and wacky shindig at Track 16. Dramatic and funny performances paid tribute to the popular artist and teacher, delicious Cake Diva cupcakes were passed by a sexy Marie Antoinette and an eccentric array of guests laughed as they drank little pink bottles of Bitch Bubbly. The walls were hung with portraits of Rosenthal from the likes of Ed Moses and Robert Rauschenberg. There were also...