Events and Happenings
Stay up to date with all of the goodness this little slice of heaven has to offer with our events and happenings blog!
Rise Lantern Festival is Coming Next Month to the Mojave Desert
Next month in the Mojave Desert is the annual “Rise” Lantern Festival. The gathering is a ritual like experience where attendees write personalized message inside of the burning lanterns before letting them go into the sky. According to the festival’s statements, each lantern takes two to three people to launch, thus making the experience very driven by community and sharing. Though it seems as if the event might somehow produce pollution, 98%-100% of the lanterns are said to be retrieved and are 100% biodegradable. Each vehicle is also equipped with a carbon offset. Rise’s message is very focused on giving people an ethereal experience while being completely sustainable. Tickets for RiSE Lantern Festival 2014 are available for purchase at...
read moreEllo is the Anti Facebook, but is Ello ready for the spotlight?
In July, a mysterious social network begin making it’s rounds online with little success. The platform named “Ello”, bearing a logo of nothing but a black, eyeless smiley face, was accepting members at a sluggish rate. But since July, Ello is picking up momentum, so much momentum that it’s receiving 4000 member requests per hour. That’s requests, not actual members, because Ello is invite only, much like facebook formerly being strictly for college use. By receiving your intial invitation, you can create an account, register an avatar, a cover photo, make posts, and do the normal social networking routine. However, Ello looks very different inside, and it might take a second to realize, there’s absolutely NO ads. Ello almost resembles the back end of a site that nobody sees, providing a more intimate environment for it’s users. With the new found Facebook controversy of drag queens being booted off for using aliases, and more privacy invading questions being asked, people are growing weary of exposing personal information time and time again. As a shift in popular social media is picking up speed, Ello is here at the right place right time. In light of seemingly endless privacy concerns such as recent celebrity cloud hacks, phishing scams, NSA privacy violations, and Facebooks increasing personal data collection + selling of info for advertising there of course was a niche carved out waiting for the ANTI facebook, which it boldly proclaims itself to be. The actual operation of Ello is in it’s beta stage, which is very apparent once you log in. Things are not nearly as intuitive as Facebook. but also they are vastly simpler. There are two categories, “Friends and Noise”, much like Google Plus Circles. The site is proclaimed to be invented by artists and designers, hence the extreme minimalism. As the first adopters are mostly artists, performers, creative types, and members of the LGBTQ community it’s clear Ello has a target demographic of sorts. Currently Ello has proclaimed is openness to NSFW content, something Facebook is not keen on, but simultaneously Tumblr very much is. In order to collect revenue and maintain the, a few dollars here and there can be spent in the future to customize your page, manage multiple accounts etc. Also, Ello has rules, apparently, but has changed them a few times to assure people of their openness to all types of content. The real question is will Ello be able to handle it’s rise to popularity on it’s current financial structure, as more users will require more power to run. “Ello doesn’t mine or sell data or have ads, so we invite people to be who they want to be on Ello” Mr. Budnitz (co founder of Ello) said. “There is no reason for us to require people to use real names.” People are hoping Ello can withstand the onslaught of new members as it rises in popularity, and thus requiring better servers = potentially alot of money, while remaining commercial free. Making it’s rounds in social media platforms, there is the now viral Ello Manifesto reading “…We believe a social network can be a tool for empowerment. Not a tool to deceive, coerce and manipulate — but a place to connect, create and celebrate life.” ...
read moreEcho Park Lake Vendors Under Pressure
Echo Park Lake is under fire once again after a 40 million dollar renovation, and a two year hiatus, less than a year after it’s reopening. Like many public spaces in Los Angeles, vendors of various goods have begun to set up shop in any location possible. Places with open areas such as public parks are the most susceptible, as it contains no roads, and draws a great deal of foot traffic. Though many residents have expressed support for the lower income vendors trying to make a living, many people who live closer to the park have taken an opposite stance. “My fiance and I live right on Park Ave. at Echo Park Lake and this has definitely been a major issue since the lake reopened. We agree that vendors should be allowed to come and make an honest income but over the summer the explosion of vendors has become too much since there is no regulation. It is not uncommon to see 6-8 vendors circling the children’s playground – making it difficult for parents to monitor their children while they play. One vendor even brings two shetland ponies and offers children rides at a cost. The ponies eat the grass and defecate close to areas where food is prepared and children are playing. its disgusting and very unsafe.” From Pony rides, to un-refrigerated goods being prepared on top of shopping carts, there seems to be no regulations in place. However, many residents, patrons, and families are seeking help from the city, who put so much into fixing the park to keep it regulated. As of late, there was a proposed ordinance in place, but has been rejected. As of late there is no regulation enforcement and the issue is being sent o city...
read moreLA adds new Bike Buffer Zone
Los Angeles is getting more bike friendly than ever before. Cyclists are being given a three foot buffer zone legally or drivers could face penalties if seen breaking the law. Over the last few years road rage incidents, and bike to car accidents have risen, despite the 200 miles of new bike lanes painted in. Road rage is no foreign concept to any angelino, as many police reports, sometimes upwards in the thousands, involve some element of road rage, reckless driving, and overall carelessness behind the wheel. The new law involves a $120 fine for crossing that buffer zone and endangering cyclists. In 2012 more than 150 cyclists lost there lives in auto related accidents, prompting further action state wide. Localized action took place beginning with the “every lane is a bike lane” slogan. The new law is already in effect and will enforced strictly. Automobile Commuters and cyclists must learn even more to share the road as bicycles are considered vehicles with the same rights, rules, and regulations as a normal...
read moreLoz Feliz 90027, A live Theater event at The Rockwell
Many of LA’s restaraunts are staffed to the neck with aspiring actors and musicians. In fact, it’s not all that uncommon to hear the nervous phrase “you’re not an actor right?” in a job interview. Director Jake Wilson (You Must Be Joking, The Battery’s Down) and producer Kate Pazakis have teamed up on performance series entitled 90027. Alternating between live theatrical Performances, and pre recorded scenes, the series offers a multi media night of entertainment revolving on the wait staff of Los Feliz’s Rockwell Table and Stage. The show is considered 18+, and begins it’s run Oct 9th at 8PM and Oct 12 at 7pm. Both events will be held at The Rockwell Table and Stage. 1714 N. Vermont Ave.Los Angeles, CA 90027 . Tickets can be obtained at The Rockwell Site or by phone...
read more7 Tips to Survive the LA Heatwave
Los Angeles has been hit with a heatwave this week, with blistering temperatures over 95 degrees to the 100s on a consistent basis. Over 4000 homes have been left without power, with temperatures spiking into triple digits. California’s mountain ranges have also been issued a red flag warning for forest fires, while a heat advisory for the city is under way. If you’re one those who has lost power, make sure you are taking precautionary measures to keep you and your loved ones safe during the heatwave. Heatstroke can easily cause confusion and make people disoriented, incapable of good judgment. In every case prevention is the best step to take. 1. Eliminate excess heat sources. This means the oven, desktop computers, laptops, heavy machinery, etc. Anything giving off heat can contribute to rising temperatures inside ones home. Keep the lights off in rooms you’re not using, and make sure you’re using only whats necessary. After all, the excess consumption of power thru air conditioning units is what caused the power outages to begin with. 2. Drink More Water than normal. The recommended serving is eight 8oz glasses a day, but if caught in a heatwave you’re going to be stepping that up. Add electrolyte supplements or consume drinks that contain electrolytes that have been lost due to excess sweating. Do not consume alcohol, excess coffee, or energy drinks (despite them claiming to be full of electrolytes) as these act as diuretics and promote dehydration. Remember, if you’re thirsty, you’re actually already dehydrated. 3. Recognize heat related illness such as heat rash, heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. These can be serious medical emergencies if left untreated. 4. Take advantage of Water to keep cool. If you afford it, take cool showers, run through the sprinkler, wet your hair, your forehead, wrists, and neck. These points on the body can keep the rest of your body cool if kept cool. Your body has cooling spots all over which you can apply cold compresses, ice packs, and wet cloths to. 5. Prepare your home. Keep the windows shaded as to not let sunshine heat up the room. Use Box fans to circulate air and push hot air out of your house. Open up the windows at night and turn the fan around to pull in cooler night air. 6. Eat lighter meals. Los Angeles, despite being in a heatwave, is an easy place to eat light. With endless options for juice, salads, smoothies, etc. You can get a nutritious and balanced meal without consuming protein rich foods that increase our metabolic heat and overall body temperature. 7. Take it easy. The last thing you should do is go outside and jog in the heatwave. We can be easily fooled into thinking our excess sweating and heavy breathing is just apart of working out, but during a heatwave, raising your heart rate, body temp, and over all fatigue is a dangerous decision that one should be very wary of. If you’re an exercize fanatic, take it to an indoor location with proper air conditioning or a local pool to swim...
read moreLA parks now have free WIFI
6 parks across Los Angeles are now equipped with free wifi. People can now connect with tablets, smart phones, and tablets in Cabrillo Beach, Echo Park Lake, Griffith Observatory, Pershing Square, Reseda Park and Venice Beach. This huge step in city communications was made this summer. Globally, internet access is being regarded as more than a commodity but as a necessity. Playing a vital role in social change, worldwide announcements, and social networking, access to wireless internet is gaining more traction as a part of our everyday life. Cities like Santa Fe already have city wide wifi, distributed in timed increments. The wifi’s intention is to draw more families, friends, and patrons to the park. The internet development was funded by Toyota, with LA’s Department of Recreation and Parks & American Park Network. The network named, “Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi” has been in the testing stages since earlier this summer and is finally up and running. Announcements have been made to launch further wifi expansions in other parts of LA. ...
read moreTarantino to take over New Beverly theater and only show film
Quentin Tarantino is one of the most celebrated and widely famous directors of a generation, so when he said he was going to be taking over a movie theater in Los Angeles, many ears were listening with full attention. Tarantino had been a long time owner of the New Beverly, yet he was never curating or putting in any work regarding the theaters content. The New Beverly, a onetime vaudeville theater, turned XXX theater, and back to normal again has somehow survived many decades. While other theaters were floundering, Tarantino was putting the money up front to keep the new Beverly Cinema alive. Now after years of debates, complications, and a declining film industry Tarantino has vowed to transform the space and set the opening date for October this year. With an expansive collection of 35 mm films, shorts, trailers, and cartoons, Tarantino will certainly be catering a vintage feeling atmosphere. He plans to gather further remaining films from avid film collectors and showcase those on a weekly basis. Opening week features a whole week of Pulp Fiction as it’s reached its 20th anniversary. The biggest factor in the theaters original take on it’s shows would be Tarantino’s lack of interest in profits. “I want people to show up, and we’re going to give them a good show,” Tarantino said. “But I also want some of these movies to just get another chance at a projector, to get the chance to be shown again. If people show up, great. If they don’t, too bad. They’ll be playing anyway.” ...
read moreMOCA to debut performance series September
Silverlandia Art Report: MOCA’s new director Philippe Vergne is gaining alot of positive momentum, this time for announcing a new performance series at the MOCA this september. The performance series titled “Step and Repeat” is featuring artists including but not limited to rapper Le1F; internet and video artists Yung Jake, Jacolby Satterwhite, DJ Ashland Mines; comedians Heather Lawless, Neil Hamburger, the Power Violence collective, performance artists Dynasty Handbag and Wu Tsang with Boychild, artists/musicians Geneva Jacuzzi and Brendan Fowler ,and bands The Jicks, Nguzunguzu and Stephen Malkmus. The MOCA event will be featuring noise/experimental music, performance art, poetry readings, stand-up comedy, and live bands / DJ’s. Moca refers to the event as a gathering that “celebrates all kinds of artists”. With ambitions to make step and repeat as a reocurring event, with Vergne stating “In a way, yes, it sets a tone — and that is to be a platform for innovation across disciplines. For many artists working today, disciplines as they were constituted at the end of the 20th century are simply irrelevant; so many works now exist above and beyond traditional, even modernist and avant-garde traditions. The tone of Step and Repeat, as well as the tone I want to instill in the museum, is one of freedom and artistic independence. I want MOCA to be fearless.” STEP AND REPEAT will be at the MOCA Geffen Contemporary Space, 152 N. Central Ave., dwntwn. Sept. 13, 20 & 27 and Oct....
read moreSilverlake Art Show 9/6/14 at Works Of Art Hair Studio
This coming Saturday September 6 the award winning hair salon, Works Of Art will be hosting one of their annual art shows. Featuring the art of Erick “dubeejunk” Yanez , Darby Krow and Todd Spence . All the work featured is self described pop culture work, with influences of graphic illustration, street art, comic culture, and cartoon. Works of Art have built quite a name for themselves hosting various art events over the years with great success, and always a pleasure for the neighborhood. Silverlandia will be in full effect as usual Saturday nights. Where: Works Of Art Hair Studio 4655 1/2 Hollywood Blvd. 90027 When: September 6th 7:30 pm-1:00am...
read more