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Los Angeles Audition Tips

Your Audition’s Secret Weapon

By: Deena Nissley

Today we’re here to help you with the quintessential Los Angeles experience.

No, we don’t mean spotting Jason Priestley in line with soy milk at Ralphs—we mean totally nailing your lines at your next big audition. (And even if you don’t have a next big audition, you may want to land one after you see this app.)

Introducing Rehearsal, helping you get from the callback to the set, now available.

Basically, it’s a little like having Stella Adler in your pocket (or at least the housekeeper you normally run lines with). When your agent sends over your sides, just import them into the app and start breaking down your character, wherever you are. You can highlight your lines, black them out to see if you remember all of them, and record yourself and play it back until you get the inflection/smoldering intensity just how you want it.

And if there’s something you want to use for motivation at a particular turn—a lazing palm tree, a plastic bag dancing in the wind, a mirror—you can capture a quick photo or video, and attach it to the relevant bit of dialogue.

We’d say you’re a lock for Pedestrian #3.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Audition's Secret Weapon, Deena Nissley, how to nail an audition

OakPointe Neighbors Fight Crime

The OakPointe neighbors in Sherman Oaks strengthen their defense against crime–by sharing information!

By: Deena Nissley

Wondering what all the fuss is about when you see Police cars and hear sirens in your neck of the woods? Find out!

The Oakpointe Community and Sherman Oaks Galleria neighborhood in Sherman Oaks encourages its denizens to sign up to receive information about crimes in their neighborhoods, and to offer information to help solve them!

Click here for your area crime map:
http://www.lapdcrimemaps.org/

Click here to sign up to receive email alerts.
http://www.lapdepolicing.org/

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: LAPD in Oakpointe Community, Oakpointe Community homes, Sherman Oaks Homes

LACMA Hosts Renior in the 20th Century

Peruse famous nudes at Renoir in the 20th Century at LACMA

By: Deena Nissley

The most important show of 2010 (so far) opened this week — Renoir in the 20th Century. Take a date.

LACMA’s choice retrospective of the French impressionist focuses on the artist’s later years, when he moved towards modernism, influencing Picasso and Matisse.

It’s a brisk, well-edited selection of soft, sophisticated paintings and sculptures. You can do the whole loop in under an hour before dinner.

Paintings of nudes in soft focus make up the bulk, along with radiantly colored Mediterranean scenes. Pull up a chair in the small theater midway through to watch a revelatory film of the artist at work, alongside surprisingly crisp black and white photos. Skip the side gallery of surviving sketches and studies if you’ve had enough.

Don’t miss the painter’s masterpiece, “The Bathers.” The culmination of a lifetime of techniques, it hangs alone in the final chamber.

Renoir in the 20th Century
Through May 9.
LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 857-6010
lacma.com

Hours: Mon, Tue & Thu 12-8p, Fri 12-9p, Sat-Sun 11a-8p. Closed Wednesdays.
Price: $20 here
Parking: Museum lot on 6th St. just east of Fairfax
Nearby: Village Idiot; Terroni; Little Bar
Painting we loved: Naked ladies frolic with shellfish in the third room’s “Bathers Playing with a Crab.”

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: LACMA, LACMA Renior, Peruse famous nudes at Renoir, Renoir in the 20th Century

Unusual Real Estate; Hobbit House

A low-impact, eco-conscious house fit for a hobbit in Wales.

By: Deena Nissley

I stumbled upon this Wale-based home which appears to be much like a hobbit house. Simon Dale, the builder, intended for this house to regard the environment above all else.

Simon claims he built this with a chainsaw, a hammer, a 1-inch chisel and very little else. He enthuses, “This kind of building is accessible to anyone. My main relevant skills were being able bodied, having self belief and perseverance and a mate or two to give a lift now and again.”

Now this is unusual!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Hobbit House, Hobbit house in Wales, Unusual Real Estate

The Oakpointe Ducks are Back

The Oakpointe Community in Sherman Oaks sees a return of their ducks

By: Deena Nissley

The Oakpointe community in Sherman Oaks is seeing the returnnof their “Pool Ducks.”  Last year we saw the male and female swimming in all the pools, and we remarked at how beautiful they were. Next we saw them with 6 adorable ducklings waddling behind them! And then we gave them some props because they couldn’t hop out of the pool…

We were so worried! But they must have gotten out and waddled off. We all wondered where they went and if they were okay. Well, it looks like mom and dad are back! And chances are they’ll get romantic again, so we’re all looking forward to nature, once again, taking its course!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Oakpointe Community, Oakpointe Community in Sherman Oaks

Chinese New Year, Cult Jammers, and Ron Burgundy riffs for charity

By: Deena Nissley

Jam Band: Medeski Martin & Wood
The avant-groove jazz trio brings their cult following and eclectic sound to a sway-friendly venue.
Funky visibilty: Watch their video for the hip-hop-flavored “Uninvisible” here.
Tonight 8p. El Rey, 5515 Wilshire Blvd. (323-936-6400). $30-32 here. Nearby: Little Bar; Frank N Hanks; Three Clubs

Make it Better: An Evening of Comedy with Will Ferrell and Friends
Tenacious D and Daily Show alums Demetri Martin and Rob Riggle join the Anchorman himself in a raucous benefit for A Better LA.
A Better What? It’s USC football coach Pete Carroll’s youth violence prevention charity.
Sat 8p. Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Ct. (213-763-6020). $40-250 here. Nearby: Rivera;Church & State; Corkbar

Art Opening: Deva Loka: Los Angeles
Influential Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano shows new works in his first major LA show in nearly a decade.
Who’s Amano?  He designed the characters for the Final Fantasy
videogames.
Opening reception Sat 7-10p. Runs thru March 13. LeBasse Projects, 6023 Washington Blvd., Culver City (310-558-0200). Free. Nearby: Rush Street; Father’s Office 2.0; Mandrake

Happy (Chinese) New Year: Golden Dragon Parade
Celebrate the Year of the Tiger at the 111th edition of this massive parade through Chinatown — beware of firecrackers.
Festival, too: There’s music, food and even a car show along the parade route on both Sat and Sun.
Sat 1p. Parade route starts at Main and Cesar Chavez. Free, $25 grandstand tickets available here. Nearby: Redwood Bar & Grill; Library Bar; Patina

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Chinese New Year, cult jammers, Ron Burgundy

Valentine’s Weekend Haiti Benefit

This Weekend: Haiti Benefit, and Barney’s NY Warehouse Sale…

By: Deena Nissley

Wine Time: Walley’s Wine Tent
This is the big one. Get up to 80% off all flavors of alcohol, from $20 Hitching Post Pinot to $40 bottles of Macallan 12.

Fine duds, too: Barneys New York Warehouse Sale is on through Monday at the LA Convention Center.
Fri-Sun 9a-5p. Wally’s Wine & Spirits, 2107 Westwood Blvd., Westwood (310-475-0606). Nearby: W Hotel Westwood; Yamato; Westwood Tavern

Haitian Benefit: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia/Family Guy Live
Seth MacFarlane leads the Family Guy cast in a table reading, and Always Sunny performs their rock opera, “The Nightman Cometh.”
Get a glimpse: Revisit the birth of Dayman here.
Fri 8:15p. Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk, 100 Universal City Plaza (818-622-4440). $30-90 here. Nearby: Henry’s Hal; Yamashiro; Casting Office

Rock Show: Editors with The Antlers
English indie rockers tour in support of their latest, the dark and heavily synthesized In This Light and on This Evening.
Hot opener: The Antlers’ Hospice was on nearly everyone’s best albums of 2009 list.
Tonight 7p. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd. (213-388-1400). $22-25 here. Nearby: Frank N Hanks; HMS Bounty; Maitreya

Bad Romance: Mortified LA: Doomed Valentines Show
Authors unearth cringe worthy journals, stories, and songs about love and deliver them with comic results.
What to expect: See video of previous performances here.
Sun 8p. King King, 6555 Hollywood Blvd. (323-960-5765). $15 here, $20 at door. Nearby: Delphine; Geisha House; The Mercantile

Tags: Haiti Benefit Valentine's Day, Valentine's Weekend Haiti Benefit

LA Street Food Fest

Sample the city’s best roach coaches at the LA Street Food Fest

By: Deena Nissley

Taste the city’s finest meat on a stick, dirty water dogs, and roach coach cuisine at the LA Street Food Fest this Saturday.

This is the first event of its kind, collecting popular gourmet food trucks and authentic local street vendors from all over (including the Bread Street food fair). And they’re all dishing out day-of-event-only tasting menus filled with small plate and bite-sized items for $1-5 each.

Bring cash: $5 admission at the door gets you inside (and a free drink ticket), but from there it’s pay as you go at vendors like the Grilled Cheese Truck, Fishlips, and Mama Koh’s Korean chicken, plus a surprise celebrity chef pop-up. Proceeds from beer and wine bars around the fair benefit the LA Regional Foodbank.

Since it’s organized by the people behind the Unique LA craft fair, there will also be a shopping area with cool, crafty last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts from local designers and artists, as well as a DIY DEN where you can build your own trinkets. A photo booth (complete with props), Capoeira performances and other live entertainment round out the afternoon.

1st Annual LA Street Food Fest
Saturday, February 13
LA Center Studios
500 S. Beaurdry Ave., Downtown
lastreetfoodfest.com

Hours: 11a-5p
Tickets: $5 general admission at the door; kids under 10 free
Nearby: Standard Downtown; Seven Grand; Redwood Lounge

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Valentine’s in Los Angeles

The best gifts for Valentine’s Day

By: Deena Nissley

Dinner reservation: check. Now cover all your gifting bases, from trinkets to trips.

The Surprise
Lingerie from Wundervoll has a touch of Berlin kink, yet remains wearable. Their silk bras and matching bottoms have ’70s soundtrack-style names like Rock ‘n’ Roll, Percussion, and Boom-Chick-A-Boom.
$55 and up here or at Sugar Lilie Dessous Prives, 8024 W. Third St. (323-655-0795) and Ten Over Six, 7427 Beverly Blvd. (323-330-9355).

The Shine
In silver or gold, Italian-made Dodo charms allow you to give a bracelet with a message. Each animal-shaped piece has a specific meaning (the rocking horse is “let’s play together,” while the shark says “I can take care of myself”), letting you express simple, complex, or completely contradictory sentiments.
$140 (comes with waxed cotton bracelet) here, or at Bloomingdale’s, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. (310-772-2100‎).

The Shoe
UGG alum Ruthie Davis turned a sheepskin boot into a fashion phenomenon. Her own line is equal parts high-tech, high-glamour, and high-priced: Beyoncé wears a pair in Video Phone. Her spring line was inspired by Barbie, like the studded metallic Cindy sandal ($895) and the strappy patent pump Sushi ($795).
Available here or at Neiman Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd. (310-975-4350).

The Scene
Pack a toothbrush and head to the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs for their February 13th “Doo Wop in the Desert” party. The special package includes room, a $50 credit at the onsite spa, and two tickets to the bash, which features a live band, photo booth, cupcakes and cocktails.
From $439. Sat Feb 13 9p to 2a. Book online with the rate code “Valentine” here. 701 E. Palm Canyon (760-325-9900).

The Scent
British fashion designer Stella McCartney (she’s Paul’s daughter) expands her fragrance line with Stella Nude Linen Mist. It’ll leave a whiff of Moroccan rose, grapefruit, pepper and Ugandan vanilla on her (and hopefully your) pillow.
$59 here or at Sephora

The Snacks
One-stop Deaan and Doluca peddles all varieties of sugar-highs, from hand-iced XO-shaped cookies from Eleni’s (18 cookies, $50) to hand-painted hearts from Chocolat Moderne (12 pieces, $36) and alcohol-infused bonbons from Bond Street chocolates (6 pieces, $28).
Available here.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Ace Hotel, Deena Nissley, Dodo, Ruthie Davis, Stella McCartney, Valentine's Day, Valentine's in Los Angeles, Wundervoll

SuperBowl Sidebets: Properly preparing for Sunday

By: Deena Nissley

SuperBowl Side bets to make the Big Game more watchable

The biggest bets might be on the winner, but Sunday’s most intriguing action goes down well before the fourth quarter. Here are our party favorites (complete betting lines here).

Oh Say Can You See
How long will it take Carrie Underwood to sing the national anthem? Over/under = 1 minute 42 seconds. (Last year, Jennifer Hudson was timed at 2 minutes 3 seconds.)

Touchdown Antics
The first endzone celebration will be:
Ball spike: 2 to 1
Flex bicep: 4 to 1
Slam dunk football: 5 to 1
Punch goalpost: 15 to 1
Take out Sharpie and sign ball: 20 to 1
Group celebration: 20 to 1
Heisman Trophy pose: 25 to 1
“Ickey” Shuffle: 100 to 1

The Big Easy
How many times will CBS show Bourbon Street during the game? Over/under = 2
How many times will CBS announcers mention Hurricane Katrina during the game? Over/under = 2

Who’s Better, Who’s Better, Who’s Bets
How many times will Pete Townshend do his legendary windmill move? (Windmill move must be a full 360 degree revolution and be shown on TV to be counted.)
If any member of The Who smashes their guitar, what does the guitar hit first?
Floor
Speaker
Microphone
Drummer
Fan

I Like Big Butts and I Cannot Lie
Number of times we see Kim Kardashian: Over/under = 3
What color top will she be wearing? Black, white, other

Big Ups
Who will the Super Bowl MVP thank first?
God
Family
Teammates
Coach
Does not thank anyone

Early Adopters
Will they show clothing apparel proclaiming the Super Bowl Champion before the final whistle?

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Deena Nissley