Eye Spy LA   
November 30, 2012
DUCK FOR COVER OR NOT

 

 

Downtown on IceHELLO HOLIDAYS! It's starting to look festive already. Downtown is not the only place now aglow with red bows and wreaths on windows, twinkly lights on trees and every where else. Outdoor ice skating rinks are all the rage and for those who prefer indoor activities there are a feast of holiday shows, including concerts, films and live performances to get you in the mood. 

 

 RAIN OR SHINE:

SANTA-APPROVED SHOWS: 

WORLD AIDS DAY is today. Show your support with these events:

WHAT RAIN? You'll find plenty of places to duck inside for some cool alternatives to the local cineplex on our Entertainment calendar. OR

 

The Last Bookstore

FEELING BOOKISH? We think the best way to enjoy a cool autumnal day is by curling up with a good book and a cup of hot cider. One of our favorite places is The Last Bookstore located on Spring Street  Downtown. With 16,000 + sq. ft including its recently added on Labyrinth of Books in its mezzanine area, this is every bibliophile's dream come true.

 

You can spend countless hours wandering through the wide aisles or sit for a spell in one of their comfy, vintage chairs. Their performance space offers public readings, demonstrations and discussions with artists.

 

Support local bookstores on our Books & Readings page. 

  

HOLIDAY HEADACHE RELIEF: Forget about snagging a good deal on Black Friday or Cyber Monday (which no longer seem to be one day special events - now they last through the entire holiday season - but who's counting?), shop local for handmade gifts. You are sure to find something unique and affordable for everyone on your list on our Shopping page.

 

HOLIDAY FUN: As usual there's more to do than just shop 'till you drop during the season - find all kinds of fun holiday themed events on our happy and hefty Holiday Guide. 

See all of this week's Editors Picks or view the full Eye Spy LA Calendar 

 

TIP: you can find events and other things to do near you - you'll find neighborhood and regional calendar links at the bottom of all Eye Spy LA web pages.


Have a wonderful weekend!  

MY HOLIDAY HERO, 2012 by Charles Phoenix

   

Holiday Hero   

 

Out-of-work contractor turned holiday yard decor artist extraordinaire, Marty Sumrall is my holiday hero for 2012!

I discovered Marty's whimsical work by chance while meandering through Riverside, CA in search of classic and kitschy local places to photograph and include in my recent Riverside holiday show.

 

Between the vintage neon signs, fragrant orange groves, classic drive-in theaters, fun folk art environments and legendary Mission Inn, Riverside was a field trip tour de force!

But the big surprise of the day...

 

READ THE FULL ARTICLE   

Slip, Sliding Away...Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Are All the Rage 

by M.R. Hunter

   

 

One of the most popular and scenic outdoor rinks is Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square.

When you think of downtown Los Angeles, ice skating isn't exactly what comes to mind, but this modest rink is about the closest thing we have to Rockefeller Center and while it may not be as grand, the thrill of gliding past the surrounding skyscrapers is much the same. The distinguished Biltmore Hotel across from the rink adds some panache to the overall setting along with the autumnal trees outfitted with holiday lights. 

 

The rink is far less crowded during the weekdays, but the daylight takes away some of the illusion while in the evening the effect from the surrounding lit-up skyscrapers and holiday lights is much more charming and somewhat surreal.

 

 READ THE FULL ARTICLE

"Avenue Q": The Musical to See Extends Thru Feb 3 by M.R. Hunter

Avenue Q  

 

DOMA Theatre Company's 2012 season closer extends its critically acclaimed, Ovation-recommended, sold-out production through February 3.

 

Finally! A musical that takes us back to childhood by reminding us how to get through the daily crap and bullshit with peppy numbers, cheerful animations and cute, cuddly talking heads...Whether you need career advice, a kick out of the closet, emotional clarity in relationships or just wanna relive your childhood, DOMA's "Avenue Q" is the place to be...for adults. 

 

READ THE FULL REVIEW 

Eyestrology - This Month's Event Forecast
By Cici Psy-Chic

 
EyestrologyTeller Happy birthday to these celebrity November Sagittarians: Scarlett Johansson (11/22), Robin Rene Roberts (11/23), Katherine Heigl (11/24), Ben Stein (11/25), Rich Little (11/26), Jaleel White (11/27), Jon Stewart (11/28), Don Cheadle (11/29), Mandy Patinkin (11/30)


Celebrity December Sagittarians: Bette Midler (12/01), Lucy Liu (12/02), Brendan Fraser (12/03), Jay Z (12/04), Paula Patton (12/05), Steven Wright (12/06), Ellen Burstyn (12/07), Nicki Minaj (12/08), John Malkovich (12/09), Bobby Flay (12/10), Mo'nique (12/11), Bob Barker (12/12), Taylor Swift (12/13), Patty Duke (12/14), Tim Conway (12/15), Flo Rida (12/16), Milla Jovovich (12/17), Christina Aguilera (12/18), Criss Angel (12/19), Dick Wolf (12/20), Samuel L. Jackson (12/21), Diane Sawyer (12/22)

 

SAGITTARIUS - Fearless

CAPRICORN - Hot or Fake
AQUARIUS - Remain Objective
PISCES - Reassess Your Goals
ARIES - Ducks
TAURUS - Riding High
GEMINI - Go Party
CANCER - Quality over Quantity
LEO - Mistletoe
VIRGO - Good Works

LIBRA - Meld

SCORPIO - Peace of Mind  

 

It's the final push from Thanksgiving to Black Friday all the way up to Christmas and Hanukah. This is an excellent time to explore a new neighborhood, shop at local boutiques and attend seasonal festivities. Most signs will do better if they stick to a budget and practice frugality. Find ways to save by attending free events, using coupons or visit swap meets. Due to crowds, traffic and overall congestion, tempers might wear a bit thin. Remember the spirit of the holidays by not being a Scrooge. The next few weeks are optimal for starting your new year's resolutions

 

Read your full EYESTROLOGICAL Forecast

ABOUT EYE SPY LA
 

Eye Spy LA has been the online Local's Guide to L.A. since 2003. Content is written, edited and maintained by locals and focuses on local and nearby events and the local creative community.

 

Editorial policy: Eye Spy LA editorials are stories written about places, entertainment and events that we go to. The opinions are those of our editorial staff and the writer of the piece. Calendar listings are ads posted by the people producing events and activities in the local area. Each week we pick and recommend events and other things to do based on our experience or sometimes because they look particularly unusual, unique or in some other way interesting. We do not recommend them based on any fees they may or may not have paid us for advertising.

 

You'll always find the latest events & activities plus commentary about where we've been at eyespyLA.com - updated daily. 

 

Andrea Kirk, publisher ([email protected])

 

Eye Spy L.A. EYE SPY LA CONTRIBUTORS:

 

M.R. Hunter - editorial and reviews

Mark Share - reviews

Kelly Hargraves - dance and reviews

Abby Abanes - food adventures

Charles Phoenix - retro slide of the week