Guest Contributor

The fashion world merged beautiful women with the deep cultural background of Australia's ancient, Indigenous heritage to create a melting pot of modern music, art and fashion. The politically charged exhibit NOMAD: Two Worlds embodies the positive message of Reconciliation from the ashes of a tragic cultural devastation.

The prolific technology guru Ray Kurzweil that foresaw the expansion of the Internet, the possibilities of services such as YouTube, and invented the synthesizer, graced the Westside for two nights for the screening of his documentary, Transcendent Man. Nearly selling out both nights, Angelenos flocked to see a coveted appearance by Kurzweil at the Laemmle’s Royal Theater Feb. 16 and 17.

Fresheast in West Hollywood is a newish fast-casual concept featuring a healthful pan-Asian menu. Located in a Pavilions shopping center - which means free parking, a rarity in WeHo - Fresheast offers dishes with Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai and Indian elements, but with a decidedly L.A. flair (quinoa, anyone?).

Having a large sum of money vanish is a great misfortune for any community, but it is especially difficult for a city already facing a massive budget deficit like Montebello. Nearly $1 million dollars, which was mysteriously placed in an off-the-record account at Union Bank, has now dwindled to just $5,000 with no explanation.

After six months of renovations, Psychobabble on Vermont has been transformed into the decidedly sleek and sophisticated Bru Artisan Coffee + Tea. Forget the dark interior, mismatched couches, and Bohemian vibe that defined Psychobabble- the new look is minimalist, complete with high ceilings, stark white walls, and polished cement floors. Bru officially opened in Los Feliz on February 7, with an all-new staff and brand new concept.

The much-anticipated condos at L.A. Live are scheduled to open starting this month. The first escrow is set to close on Tuesday in the high-rise, luxury condominium complex located at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, according to the LA Times. Last summer, developer AEG reduced the prices on the condos between 10% to 20%.

Fill the Long Beach Convention Center with belly dancers and belly dance enthusiasts and it will look pretty much like you’d expect: a sea of glitter, glitz, chiffon, sequins, false eyelashes, fake hair and boundless enthusiasm. Throw in a collection of cash prizes and cheering crowds and you have the 21st Annual Bellydancer of the Universe Competition (BDUC), happening this weekend.

If you feel a wave of nostalgia when you pass Rae’s Restaurant on Pico, you’re not alone. The iconic sweep of 1950’s neon, the rows of lunch counter seating, the overstuffed booths, and Rae’s signature mid-century drop lights are the same today as they were five decades ago. Rae’s owners, Teodoro “Teddy” Delgado and his wife Maria, work hard to keep it that way.

Major ticketing services will see new players in the market with “direct-to-fan” platforms that allow event organizers and artists to turn to a smaller marketing middle man. Both Topspin and brand-new Gigswiz announced at the New Music Seminar this week marketing tools that artists can use to sell retail and direct ticket sales through their own websites.

The moment of the season has already occurred for the Clippers - but which moment it is, exactly, is unclear. Is it Blake Griffin’s rocketing, ballistic November 20th dunk over (and on) the New York Knicks Timofey Mozgov, the cover page to his diverse and expanding portfolio of highlight plays?