Guest Contributor

A boss that acknowledges the realities of Super Bowl Sunday? Refreshing. This week’s Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on Robin Hood, Portia de Rossi and the big-bang theory.

Mapquest and Google Maps don’t show it. Countless people who live and work in Torrance drive right by it and have no idea. Yet it’s there and very real: the 10-acre Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve, an urban oasis right in the middle of Torrance.

There are a few waterfalls that are unknown even to veteran hikers—such as the small one off the Frascati Trail on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Following recent rains, hikers can see this five-foot cascade and enjoy its musical flow.

Fresh from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, where it was only one of two live performances selected to participate, Early Morning Opera’s Abacus opens tonight at REDCAT and runs through Saturday.

There’s no predicting the shenanigans that can go down at L.A. after parties. One lucky lady has found a fail-proof method to stay safe at such events. This week’s Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on amateur astronomer night, Shiva and serial killers.

Compared to the Santa Monica Mountains and the Angeles National Forest, the Palos Verdes Peninsula might not be one of Los Angeles’s most famous hiking destinations, but there are many great trails in the area.

College students across the country attempted to cope with Wikipedia’s blackout this week, some faring better than others. This week’s Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on mistaken identities, Escalades and Harry Potter.

We’ve already explored how hiking in the incredibly scenic and varied outdoor areas in and around Los Angeles can help you set and achieve New Year’s Resolutions; hiking can also keep you motivated when your spirits are low, and perhaps inspire you to take up the mantle again even if you’ve already given up.

East Los Angeles isn’t generally thought of as a hiking destination—but Ascot Hills Park may change that. The 93-acre park opened in the summer of 2011, and provides a great opportunity for recreation in an area of the city not typically known for its open space.

If your idea of a fun hiking trip involves maximum view for minimal effort, the site of the former Topanga Fire Lookout is a good destination. A quick walk on a fire road provides views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Gabriels, the Simi Hills, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, downtown L.A., the Santa Ana Mountains and San Gorgonio Mountain.

The Seed Library of Los Angeles - an exciting new addition to the Los Angeles food community - embarks on its second year in lending its seeds to the community. Seed libraries hold seeds in trust for the community, much like literary libraries. Members "borrow" seeds to grow plants in their garden, and at the end of the growing season save some seeds from this stock to return to the library.

Disneyland: the most magical place on Earth—and in one woman's case, inspiration for cutting-edge ideas. This week's Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on texting while dating, Spanx and what taking a bath has to do with anything.