LAaLALanders,
This weekend’s events include the: Abbot Kinney Walk, Italia Fest, British Television Advertising Awards, DocuDay LA, Oscar panels, online Academy Award ballots, Manifest Equality exhibit, Lantern Festival & more!
Have a great time.
EnJOY…
LAaLA
I’m looking for websites, web/graphic designers, podcasters, bloggers, etc. to collaborate with. If you’re interested, hit me at laalamatias@gmail.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 5th
FIRST FRIDAYS ON ABBOT KINNEY 
Art galleries, boutiques and stores all up and down this famed Venice street will stay open until 10pm. There should lots of complimentary libations.
Free
6-10pm
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice 90291
ALL SPACE CONSIDERED @ GRIFFITH PARK OBSERVATORY
Join the Observatory’s curatorial staff at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater for a discussion on the most-talked-about subjects in astronomy, space science, and space exploration. Maybe even find out more about how the recent earthquakes have shifted our planet. First come, first served.
Free
7:30-9pm
Griffith Park Observatory
http://www.griffithobservatory.org/
BRITISH TELEVISION ADVERTISING AWARDS 
Picked by the top advertising executives and producers across the globe, these unique British spots include dancing marionettes, monkeys, and nudists as well as American celebrities Snoop Dogg, Rob Lowe, and Anjelica Huston hawking products to UK audiences. There will an ’80s flashback for Virgin Airlines, highlights from the history of twentieth-century Britain condensed into 120 seconds for a bread commercial, and a spectacular skydiving stunt for Honda that was broadcast live. See what works on the other side of the pond.
$10
7:30 & 9pm
LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles
http://www.lacma.org/programs/FilmListing.aspx#1265163216174
LA ITALIA FILM, FASHION & ART FEST
Celebrate the past, present and future of Italian cultural arts at screenings, symposiums and special musical events at the Mann’s Chinese Theatre complex. Showcasing the very best of Italy’s contribution to the arts, with an authentic Italian style and spirit, the festival features daily movie screenings, an art and photography exhibit and fashion show.
Thru ends March 6th
Free with reservations
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood 90028
http://www.losangelesitalia.com/
GET HOOKED: CROCHET CAVALCADE 
This a solo art show by Katie Schutte, one of the winners of the Harveys Intro Art & Fashion Competition. Join for drinks at the Harveys Gallery on Melrose for the prerelease an exclusive Harveys tote “Hooked” designed and signed by Katie Schutte.
Free
7-9pm
7955 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles
ZOCALO PUBLIC SQUARE PRESENTS “THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WOUNDS OF URBAN VIOLENCE”
MacArthur Fellow and author of “Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Trauma and Violence in the Lives of Young Black Men,” John A. Rich visits Zócalo to discuss how to prevent and heal the hidden wounds of violence.
Free with required reservations
7:30pm
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
250 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles 90012
213.626.6222
http://zocalopublicsquare.org/
RIDE –ARC NIGHT RIDE
This monthly social bicycle ride incorporates architectural themes, Urban Anthropology and you.
Free
9-11pm
Mayfair Market
5877 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles 90028
9TH HOUR HAPPY HOUR @ KATSUYA
This weekday event features cocktails and small bites for $9.
Brentwood, Hollywood and Glendale Katsuya locales
Mondays-Fridays: 5-7pm
702 Americana Way
Glendale 91204
SATURDAY, MARCH 6th
CELLA GALLERY PRESENTS A DISCUSSION WITH ARTIST JEFF RAMIREZ 
In commemoration of the extended dates of his show “This is the life / These are the real things”, there will be an artist’s talk and reception.
Free
6-9pm
5229 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood 91601
http://www.cellagallery.com/
DOCUDAY LA 2010!
The International Documentary Association presents all of the 2010 Oscar nominated documentaries (feature & short subject) for a screening marathon this Friday & Saturday.
$11-20
WGA Theater
135 S. Doheny Dr
Beverly Hills 90211
http://www.documentary.org/docudays2010
ORGANIZATION OF BLACK SCREENWRITERS MEETING
Our Stories Films will be in attendance to speak to writers. There will also be a WGAw Panel on New Media with Jayson Pope – Lead Organizer WGAw Organizing and Jurisdiction Department, Kimberly Myers – WGAw Diversity Director, and Tamara Krinsky; panel starts at 10:30 am.
$20 for non-members (can be applied towards joining that day) or free for members
10am-12:30pm
Organization of Black Screenwriters
Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Bldg.
1999 West Adams Blvd., Rm. Mezzanine
Los Angeles 90018
www.obswriter.com
http://www.ourstoriesfilms.com/
FREE INTRO TO FIRE DANCE CLASS 
Curious about learning how to fire dance? Wondering which tool to start with? Want to meet some great people and learn something you never imagined you would try? Enjoy this preview of the 6 week Poi, Staff and Hoop Groove Basics courses, be inspired by a rockin’ performance, learn a few basic moves in each tool, and go over some important tips to getting started. Bring a friend and come on down!
Free
1-3pm
The Groove Spot
1110 N. Beachwood Dr. 3rd Floor
Los Angeles 90038
RSVP by e-mailing reserve@firegroove.com
2010 OSCAR-NOMINATED EDITORS PANEL
Presented by American Cinema Editors, this open discussion features this year’s Oscar-nominated editors: Stephen Rivkin, Joun Refoua, and James Cameron ( AVATAR); Julian Clarke ( DISTRICT 9); Bob Murawski and Chris Innis ( THE HURT LOCKER); Sally Menke ( INGLORIOUS BASTERDS); Joe Klotz ( PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE). Admission is free on a first come, first served basis.
Free
10am-12:30pm 
address below
2010 OSCAR-NOMINATED ART DIRECTORS SEMINAR
Presented by the Art Directors Guild and Set Decorators Society of America, this panel discussion features this year’s Academy Award-nominated art directors and set decorators: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg (Art Direction) and Kim Sinclair (Set Direction) for AVATAR; Dave Warren and Anastasia Masara (Art Direction) and Caroline Smith (Set Direction) for THE IMAGNARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS; John Myhre (Art Direction) and Gordon Sim (Set Direction) for NINE; Sarah Greenwood (Art Diretion) and Katie Spencer (Set Direction) for SHERLOCK HOLMES; Patrice Vermette (Art Direction) and Maggie Gray (Set Direction) for THE YOUNG VICTORIA. Art Directors Guild President Thomas A. Walsh will moderate the event.
Free
2:30-5pm
Egyptian Theatre/American Cinematheque
6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood
http://www.americancinematheque.com
http://www.ace-filmeditors.org
LANTERN FESTIVAL 
In celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Tiger, The Chinese American Museum re-creates a typical Chinese street fair with live music, acrobatics and dance. The festival will also feature a number of educational workshops (kite making, calligraphy, face painting, lantern making), an al fresco display of a traditional New Year’s dinner table, and acclaimed Chinese authors signing and reading from their latest books.
Free
Noon-7pm 
425 N. Los Angeles St.
L.A. 90012
http://www.camla.org/lanternfestival.html
SUNDAY, MARCH 7th
FREE PRINTABLE OSCAR BALLOT 
Spice up your Oscar party with this printable ballot. See how well you pick!
http://qa2.pandimedia.com//content/all_PrintableOscarBallot_14795/Oscar%20Ballot%202010.htm
FAMILY ART WORKSHOPS
Participate in a tour of Collection: MOCA’s First Thirty Years and explore how artists have been inspired by their personal history. Meet and work with a guest artist to create your own autobiographical artwork with family and friends. Everyone is welcome.
Free
1pm
MOCA Grand Avenue
Downtown LA
http://www.moca.org/museum/event_calendar.php?&m=3&day=7#7
INDIAN SPRINGS SPIRITUAL DAY
Free lectures, workshops and live music. Over 20 healers and psychics. Bring a photo of your pet for a sample reading by pet psychic Gail Thackray. Browse crystals, crafts and spiritual gifts. Hypnotherapy and past lives Introduction to Tarot, astrology cycles 2010, face reading, healing through harp, spirit medium demonstration, sound therapy, quantum skeletal alignment, quantum bio feedback, sacred geometry, spirituality, vibrational balance, Indigo children.
$10, or email gail@gailthackray.com for 2 FREE tickets.
11am
14300 Little Tujunga Canyon Road
Sylmar
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FESTIVAL
This annual festival offers free screenings, art workshops, live music and panels. Check out the site for the schedule.
Free
Noon
628 Alamitos Ave.
Long Beach
http://molaa.org/Programs-and-Events/events-calendar.aspx
TIGHT SHORTZ FILM, MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL
All genres of short film (drama, comedy, animation, music video, and documentary) will be screened after hours of quality entertainment, food and shopping provided by emerging musicians, dancers, artists, comedians, and small businesses.
$7-12
Noon
943 N. Broadway (Chinatown)
Los Angeles
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with performances, stories, and more sponsored by the Chinese Arts Council.
Free
Noon-4pm
46 N. Los Robles Ave.
Pasadena 91101
FAMILY SUNDAYS @ LACMA
Every Sunday LACMA offers art-making workshops, gallery activities and bilingual tours for families. Learn more about the current Greek and Roman art theme.
Free with paid museum admission
12:30-3:30pm
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles 90036
HINAMATSURI: CELBRATING JAPANESE GIRL’S DAY
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this traditional family festival in honor of young girls. Stroll through the newly re-dedicated James Irvine Japanese Garden, enjoy a tea ceremony and Japanese music, and view an elaborate display of traditional Hina Dolls.
Free with required pre-registration on the site
1pm
Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
244 S. San Pedro St., Ste. 505
Los Angeles
GETTY DRAWING HOUR
Sketch outdoors as an artist provides general guidance; just bring are drawing pads and pencils. All experience levels welcome.
Free with sign up at the Museum Information Desk beginning at 2:30 p.m. the day of the program
3:30–5:30pm
Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive Los Angeles, CA 90049–1679 (310) 440-7300
http://www.getty.edu/museum/programs/courses/studio.html
TENDER GREENS POT ROAST SUNDAYS
Enjoy a Coleman Farms beef short rib “roast” braised in red-wine sauce, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, and a salad or vegetable for pennies on the dollar.
$10
9523 Culver Blvd.
Culver City 90232
MELROSE TRADING POST
Check out 200 eclectic vendors with bric-a-brac, food, music, records, furniture, and arts and crafts and more in the Fairfax High parking lot.
$2, $1/students and seniors
9am-5pm
Fairfax & Beverly
Los Angeles
MONDAY, MARCH 8th
“TAGOLOGO” SCREENING
Freedom Park squatter camp, situated in the Northwest province, accommodates a migrant workforce that mines the world’s largest single source of platinum. The women in this community service the needs of the male miners as a means of basic survival. A group of former sex workers living with HIV have created a network called Tapologo and have learned to be home-based care-workers, joining in solidarity to care for others in the community living with HIV. As we learn each woman’s story, we come to understand how she herself was transformed—from someone who had lost hope into someone who decided to help others in the same situation.
Free
6-6:30pm – light reception; Screening; 8-8:30pm – Discussion & Q&A film with Deborah Mindry AIDS Research Fellow UCLA Program in Global Health, Sharon Gelman Executive Director Artists for a New South Africa
6–8:30pm
James Bridges Theater
Melnitz Hall
UCLA
Westwood
ELLEN SANDLER TALK
The Emmy-nominated Co-Executive Producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and successful pilot creator is also a playwright who recently produced and directed her adaptation of NY Times food writer Mimi Sheraton’s book The Bialy Eaters for Jewish Women’s Theatre. Should be interesting…
Free
7pm
Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica
ALL WEEKEND/ONGOING
MANIFEST EQUALITY EXHIBIT 
This high-profile pop-up exhibition supports equal rights for the gay and lesbian community with live entertainment and many arts-related events. Exhibited artists include Miles Regis (see picture), Barry McGee, Ron English, Shepard Fairey and Eric Otto.
1341 Vine St.
Los Angeles 90028
http://www.manifestequality.com
SPORT: LOOSS & LEIFER PHOTOGRAPHY
Check out two of the world’s pre-eminent sports photographers’, Walter Looss and Neil Leifer, works.
Free
Thru March 7
The Annenberg Space for Photography
2000 Avenue of the Stars, #10
Los Angeles
ZENspin CLASSES
This class takes the mind-body-spirit transformation to the next level. Jesse Brune (Bravo’s “Workout”) and Rev. Jennifer Hadley (Agape International Spiritual Center) have teamed up to offer you spiritual fitness. ZENspin is a collaborative effort created to honor the body, mind, and spirit of each student and create a truly transformative and inspiring ride. Challenge your body as trainer Jesse Brune takes you through a rigorous spin experience while Rev. Jennifer Hadley taps into the Mind-Spirit connection with humorous and heartfelt inspiration to transform and live your very best life! It’s a true twofer – spiritual fitness!
Fee: Love Donation
http://web.mac.com/jenhadley/JH/ZENspin.html
http://www.meetup.com/ZENspin/
GRIFFITH PARK NIGHT HIKES
Put on your hiking shoes and join the Sierra Club on these unique, instructive two hour hikes through Griffith Park. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Upper Merry-Go-Round parking lot.
Free
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays – Meet at 6:45pm; hike at 7 pm
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles 90027
PUBLIC PRACTICE: A FREE SPACE TO PLAY MUSIC OUTDOORS
Practice, practice, practice your musical talents in the outdoor public spaces at the Music Center. This opportunity is for non-professional instrumental musicians and music hobbyists of all skill levels and cultural musical traditions. Choose to participate as a solo musician or as a duo. Apply online in as little as 15 minutes at http://www.musiccenter.org/events/aa_practice.html thru March 5, 2010. There is no audition. Musicians will be selected based on stated interest, understanding of Public Practice goals, and commitment to recreational music-making. Apply early!
Free
Noon-9pm
The Los Angeles Music Center- Performing Arts Center of LA Co.
135 North Grand Ave
Los Angeles 90012
http://www.musiccenter.org/events/aa_practice.html
COMPIMENTARY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ADMISSION FOR SCHOOL WORKERS
K-12 teachers and school employees of California public, private and/or charter schools with required credentials (school and state ID presented to the box office) get in for free while their guests (up to 3) get in for half price.
Thru March 31st
Universal Studios
1000 Universal Center Dr
Universal City 91608
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
MICHAEL JACKSON: HIStyle EXHIBIT
In homage to the immortal King of Pop Michael Jackson, this iconic exhibit has been extended. It features some of Jackson’s seminal wardrobe pieces like the Thriller album cover suit, seven elaborately embellished jackets, two gloves and more. Also check out the 44-minute video of some of his most exciting GRAMMY performances.
$14.95, general; $11.95, students $ seniors; $10.95, military & youth 6-17 years old
800 W. Olympic Blvd., #A-245
Los Angeles 90015
213.765.6800
HELP WITH HAITIAN RELIEF
The people of Haiti are suffering after the 7.4 earthquake that crushed the beautiful island nation. Support Doctors Without Borders as they provide much needed medical care via volunteer nurses and doctors and they were in Haiti prior to the disaster. I heard that the money donated is used within 5 minutes of processing in the country. Let’s help revive this very relevant nation!
http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
FREE BOWLING
Join the AMF’s Bowling E-Club and bowl for free. They’ll even send you a birthday gift and other incentives.
http://www.amf.com/corporate/inquiries/e_club_inquiry.amfx
FREE SKI LIFT TICKET ON YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Calling all Caps, Aquarians and Pisces: with a valid ID, go to the resort ticket office of the resorts listed below and enjoy free skiing, snowboarding, rides, ski-lift ticket, night skiing and more
GIVE A DAY (VOLUNTEERING), GET A (FREE) DISNEY DAY
Contribute to the community AND get something material back in return. How rare is that?! Give a day to a Disney approved charity and you’ll get a pass to get into Disneyland or Disney World. They hope to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service with this incentive. There will only be tickets given to the first million volunteers who participate so don’t procrastinate if interested. Get your friends, family, organizations and others to participate so you can all attend together for free.
http://handsonnetwork.org
GRATIS HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
Something you may have always wanted to try but never did – a hot air balloon ride! This time around, it’s green too. Check out the OC skyline from 500 feet up. There will be thirty people on each ride, it’s handicap accessible, registration is 15 minutes before flights and sign a waiver to participate. http://www.ocgp.org/visit/hours-directions/
DOWNLOAD THE NEW COLDPLAY ALBUM FOR FREE
Wow! I love Coldplay. They’re offering 14 songs from their “Left Right Left Right Left” album for free at the link below.
http://www.coldplay.com/lrlrl/lr.html
FOOD BANK RESOURCES
If you or anyone you know needs free food due to a lack of funds, check out the links below. There’s no reason anyone should be homeless or starving anywhere, nevertheless in a wealthy country like the US!
http://www.lafightshunger.org/
http://www.lafightshunger.org/agencies_serving_daily_meals.htm
http://www.jfsla.org/sova/LocationsServices.php
http://www.laokay.com/FoodBanks.htm#LosAngeles
http://02bcd4a.netsolhost.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid=94
RESTAURANT.COM GIFT CERTIFICATES
Every few days this unique site does an amazing sale. Here’s how their site benefits over 5 million customers: find the restaurant you want to eat at and gift certificates of multiple denominations. Normally a $25 gift certificate that requires a minimum $35 purchase (+ 18% gratuity on the total bill) for 2 people sells for $10. Well, if they’re having an 80% off sale that voucher comes out to only $2! Spend $2 and get $25 off of your $35 check. This is totally legitimate and restaurants are usually quite appreciative for the new business.
***A special request***: I’m seeking new employment. Ideally, in the creative field but I’m flexible. I’m open to suggestions and leads (nationally). While I love producing this weekly resource list but this is not my bread and butter. If you’d like to find out more about me, click on the “About LAaLA” button above and or feel free to email my personal email address @ laalamatias@gmail.com. Thanks!
