The Busiest Day of the Year at Goodwill

Talk about making it just under the wire. I dropped by our nearby Goodwill store this evening, at about 6 p.m., to drop off some donations -- and yes, pick up a slip for tax deduction purposes.

Clearly I wasn't the only one. By Saturday evening, the parking lot outside Glendale's Goodwill was jam-packed with donations. The Goodwill employee accepting my donation told me it was the busiest day of the year -- as everyone tries to sneak in one more tax deduction.

Happy 110th Birthday, Angels Flight

Today, at Angels Flight in downtown Los Angeles

The Blogger Kid and I took to the rails on Friday -- downtown L.A.'s famed incline railway, Angels Flight. The famous funicular (and its orange cars, nicknamed Olivet and Sinai) is celebrating its 110th birthday on Dec. 31, and we happened to already be downtown a day early, enjoying another round of ice skating at Pershing Square's Downtown on Ice.

Angels Flight is just down the street from Pershing Square -- and leads right to California Plaza, where I was anxious to grab some sandwiches from Mendocino Farms. That's right -- we not only rode Angels Flight for fun, but we actually also used it as a real form of transportation up Bunker Hill.

Angels Flight opened down the street (at 3rd and Hill) from its current location on Dec. 31, 1901. When Bunker Hill was redeveloped in 1969, Angels Flight was shut down -- and kept in storage until 1996, when it was finally reborn in its current location. A tragic accident in 2001 (killing one rider and injuring others) kept Angels Flight closed for another nine years, until reopening again last year.

Tomorrow, in honor Angels Flight's 110th birthday, fares will be lowered to a penny -- the same price as in 1901.

Angels Flight in 1901, photo by Los Angeles Times

Previously on Franklin Avenue:

Uh-Oh: Angels Flight is Grounded (June 2011)

Retro Friday: Angels Flight Edition (April 2011)

Back on Angels Flight, Nearly 10 Years Later (September 2010)

Nine Years Later, Angels Flight Returns to the Rails (March 2010)

I'll Believe It When I See It: Angels Flight To Finally Re-Open (January 2007)

Angels Plight (February 2005)

The Return of Angels Flight (August 2003)

LISTEN: Discussing The Year on TV with KCRW's "The Business"

As another eventful year in entertainment draws to a close, I once again visited the KCRW studios to banter about the year in TV on "The Business." Below, you can stream the show and listen as I join "The Business" host Kim Masters (of The Hollywood Reporter) and John Horn of the Los Angeles Times.



Or, click on the link below:

The 2011 Hollywood Year in Review - The Business on KCRW

KCAL's Marathon 10-Hour Yule Log Wins Christmas

KCAL/Channel 9 upped the Yule log ante this Christmas, and it paid off handsomely for the CBS-owned independent station.

KCAL won this year's local TV Yule Log Smackdown, averaging 81,000 viewers from 4:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. -- compared to KTLA/Channel 5's 79,000 viewers during the same time frame.

KCAL perhaps held the edge thanks to its decision this year to get a jump start on KTLA by airing the Yule log beginning at midnight early Christmas morning -- which means the station expanded from four hours last year (6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) to 10 hours this year.

Both stations peaked during the 9:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. quarter hour, with KCAL averaging 153,000 viewers and KTLA bringing in 139,000 viewers. (That means 292,000 Angelenos had one of the two TV Yule Logs crackling in the background.)

According to KCAL, the two stations averaged 181,000 viewers from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. -- down 15% from last year but up 18% from 2009.

The Yule log TV battle was also a proxy for L.A.'s local radio Christmas format war. KCAL played holiday music simulcasted from sister CBS Radio station KTWV The Wave (which went wall-to-wall Christmas for the first time this year), while KTLA continued its partnership with Clear Channel's KOST-FM, long the market Christmas leader. (Last yearIn 2009, KCAL simulcasted KOST, while KTLA went with rock-oriented holiday tracks from KLOS-FM. Last year, KCAl switched to The Wave and KTLA took on KOST).

KCAL first brought the Yule log tradition to L.A. in 2004, inspired by New York's WPIX. This is the fourth year that KTLA has broadcast a rival Yule log.

Check out our past coverage of TV's Yule log here.

(Corrected to reflect the proper year that KCAL last simulcasted KOST.)

A Very Los Angeles Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve hasn't been the same for us since the Blogger Kid was born on that day -- which means we have to cram in a birthday, last minute shopping, Christmas mass and the big extended family Christmas gathering, all in the same day. Whew. And yet, we've managed to pull it off and create some traditions along the way.

You probably know us well enough that several of our traditions revolve around L.A. and downtown. As we have the past few Christmas Eves, we hit the early 4 p.m. Children's Mass at the Taj Mahoney (a.k.a. the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels), before hopping across the street to catch the tail end of the free annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration (held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion). This year we even got extra ambitious and threw in an afternoon ice skate at Pershing Square's Downtown on Ice.

Ice skating under the sun in 80 degree weather? Yep, sounds like A Very Los Angeles Christmas Eve. Some highlights:


I hate to give away this secret, but the normally crowded Downtown on Ice attracts a smaller crowd on Christmas Eve -- giving the Blogger Kid and I more room to skate.


Zamboni clears the ice at Pershing Square.


This was the first Christmas that new Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez (who replaced Cardinal Roger Mahoney) presided over the archdiocese.


Christmas mass clears out at the Cathedral.


Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, decked out for the holidays. Like last year, the L.A. County Celebration (normally a much longer affair) was cut down to just three hours due to budget concerns. That actually benefits us, as we were able to get inside to see the last four acts.

(In case you're not familiar with the celebration, here are details from the PR team: "Each year since 1959 the Arts Commission has produced a free Holiday Celebration on December 24th on behalf of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Community and professional choirs, music ensembles, and dance companies representing the diverse cultures and holiday traditions of LA County perform in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center while the program is broadcast live on KCET. More than 5,000 people attend the program each year and about a million Southern Californian households tune into the live broadcast.")


Dancers at the LA County Holiday Celebration.


The Gay Men's Chorus of LA cracks the crowd up with "Hanukkah in Santa Monica."


Lisa Haley and the Zydekats ended the show, including a N'awlins-style rendition of "Silent Night" (the traditional LA County Holiday Celebration closer).


View of City Hall, from the Music Center

Hard to believe that another holiday has already come and gone. We're getting old, people. Hope you and yours have a fantastic holiday season.

Your Picks for L.A.'s Best Tamales

It's the most wonderful time of the year -- for tamales, of course. Tamales are a year round food, but take on special importance during the holidays here in Southern California. That's why I put out the call on Twitter the other day, asking folks to give their pick for best tamales in L.A. Here are some responses:

@1PrincessWombat: Lilliana's on Cesar Chavez-just like abuelita used to make!

@Loteriagrill: is it wrong to say our tamales? :) Menu and order form are on the website. We have till New Year's. loteriagrill.com

@AllAboutTheDash: Gloria's Cafe in Culver City.

@sdcall: El Indio in Redondo Beach

@mrsproflacroix: Tamales Lilianas, 4629 Cesar Chavez

@DanCoxPR: mexikosher.com & he's giving them away today on Facebook!

@Variety_JLD: Parking lot of the 99-cent store on Fig & York.

@debra_hotaling: Las golindrinas

Retro Friday: L.A.'s Dearly Departed Retailers, Holiday Edition

"The Broadway *is* Southern California." From 1985, when The Broadway still existed... and it was still considered acceptable to tout the fact that you're selling fur.



In 1989, electronics store The Good Guys still existed... and apparently was still touting electric typewriters!



"It's the shirt all the boys are wearing!" Mervyn's, your Christmas value store.



Zody's -- Tapedeck not available at the Downtown Los Angeles store. Why?



From the 1970s, "The May Company has Christmas under wraps."



From 1998: Lucky means low prices, even during the holidays.

Long Beach Ballet's Explosive Nutcracker

"The Nutcracker" remains an enduring holiday tradition, and yet Maria and I had never seen it (it was just never high on my "to do" list). But we were recently invited to watch the Long Beach Ballet's version of the classic ballet, and we brought along the Blogger Kid to stuff a little culture in him.

The Long Beach Ballet may be local, but this is by no means a "local" style production. It's the crowd pleaser. Elaborate sets, special pyrotechnic effects (including a cannon that scared the crap out of the Kid), a flying sleigh, a real live horse, a cast of more than 200 and a 55-member orchestra did the show justice, as did the setting: the grand Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The show also includes the South Coast Children's Chorale.

The kids appreciate the slapstick of the Nutcracker Doll and the Mouse King -- and most importantly, the breakdancing Russian dancers in Act II. You'll appreciate the grace of dancers including "So You Think You Can Dance" contestant Melissa Sandvig and Pacific Northwest Ballet's Sarah Ricard Orza and Seth Orza.

Former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer were behind the set; the detailed costumes were designed by Australian artist Adrian Clark; and special effects handled by magician Franz Harary.

In the show's press release, Long Beach Ballet Artistic Director David Wilcox notes that "You can hate ballet and you’ll still like this production."

Says Wilcox: “I spent the last 29 years perfecting The Nutcracker. From the moment you sit down till the moment it ends there’s not a single second that’s boring. Plus, this year we have the children’s choir, which was the missing piece to the puzzle. Tchaikovsky wrote it with the children’s harmonies and normally productions replace them with synthesizers; we don’t and that’s what sets us apart. The way we introduce the choir is going to be a surprise, it’s going to be unexpected and very theatrical."

The Long Beach Ballet Academy is the successor to Long Beach's Audrey Share School of Dance, which first opened in 1956 as the first Royal Academy ballet school in Southern California.

The final showtime is today, Friday, December 23rd, at 2 p.m., at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Call (877) 852-3177 or go to Ticketmaster for more info.

Happy Holidays, Ukulele Style

Ukulele maestro Jake Shimabukuro wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year via this rendition of "Silent Night."

The $100 Margarita

Via Thrillist, a gift idea for the person who has it all. As long as you're stupid wealthy as well. It's the $100 margarita at Red O. I'm sure it's delicious. And really, we're already paying $13 for margaritas at some places, so is it really that crazy? Yes, it's crazy.

FREE L.A.: The Best Santa Deal in Los Angeles

The place to get your Santa photos this year? No contest: The Westfield Century City Mall is offering free photos with the big jolly guy, thanks to a promotion underwritten by Microsoft and Southwest Airlines.

Not only are the pics free, but on weekdays I have never seen a line for Santa. It's quick in and quick out. As a matter of fact, when I brought the kids we were the only ones there, so Santa's helpers took a ton of pics to make sure we got a great one. We even took a few with me and Maria in the frame. Plus, when the jet printer left a tiny smudge, they kept printing additional shots for us. (I believe we left with about 10 photos -- not bad). What's more, the workers email you your entire sitting, which means they're easily shared on Facebook or by email.

And, if that's not enough, the Santa we got was amazing. Real beard. Dedicated to his role as Kris Kringle. Gave the kids candy canes. It's the whole grand Santa experience, and it's free.

But hurry -- Santa's only at the Century City Mall until Christmas Eve.

License Plate of the Day: Whatta Day Edition

Whatta day? Or a day devoted to Woda? Thoughts?

Only in Vegas: The Viagra Sign Holder

I was in Las Vegas for a quick trip and spotted this guy as I rode around town. You've seen sign twirlers promoting store sales and liquidations or meal deals for spots like Subway and Little Caesars. But this may be the first street corner sign holder I've seen promoting Viagra. Only in Vegas, kids, only in Vegas.

Retro Friday: "The Simpsons" Christmas Edition

It's hard to believe that it's now been 22 years (December 17, 1989, to be exact) since "The Simpsons" first spun off from "The Tracey Ullman Show" into its own entity. I still remember watching "The Simpsons Christmas Special" (also known as "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire") for the first time and realizing that cartoons would never be the same.

When "The Simpsons" returned in January 1990 as a regular series, I recorded every episode on my family's old VCR. Those first season episodes are so different from what we now consider The Simpsons, and seem so slow-paced and tame -- but it was nothing short of a revolution in 1990. It was the moment that the Big 3 networks stood up and realized that they had a real competitor on their hands.

Some basic info via Wikipedia:

In the episode, Homer discovers that he will not be getting a Christmas bonus and thus the family has no money to buy Christmas presents. He decides to keep their financial troubles a secret and gets a job as a shopping mall Santa, but later discovers that the job does not pay enough. Desperate for a miracle, Homer and Bart go to the dog racing track on Christmas Eve in hopes of earning some money.

The episode was written by Mimi Pond and directed by David Silverman. "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" was nominated for two Emmy Awards in 1990, and has received positive reviews from television critics. It was viewed by approximately 13.4 million viewers in its original airing.

Above, a KTTV/Channel 11 promo from 1989, touting a rebroadcast of the initial "Simpsons Christmas Special."

Also found on YouTube: A collection of commercials that ran during the original airing of the special:



And here's a promo touting the Jan. 14, 1990 official launch of "The Simpsons":

Spotted at Lunch in Century City: Sexy Santa

My TV Guide Magazine colleagues Rob (who shot this pic), Geraldine and I were having lunch at the Westfield Century City mall BJ's (snicker) restaurant this afternoon when we looked up at the towering Century Plaza Hotel and saw this. A skeezy male in a bathrobe taking pics of his female companion, dressed in sexy Santa wear, on a hotel balcony. (The female eventually disrobed, wearing a holiday-themed bikini underneath). It's about 50 degrees outside.

Rob wonders whether we were witnessing the exploits of 17 year-old Courtney Stodden and her 51 year-old actor husband, Doug Hutchison -- after all, it sure seems like something the pervy, exhibitionist duo might do.

Press Release of the Day: Jersey Shore Cancer Edition

This pitch doesn't only win the award for Press Release of the Day, but it's also the biggest reach I've seen for a pitch in a while. "How can we interest the press in an obscure Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center study? Bring up 'Jersey Shore'!"

The pitch:

Hi Michael,

The guys of Jersey Shore are not ones to hide their fake baking - after all, the “T” in “GTL” is for tanning. But how is tanning three times worse for Pauly D and Mike “The Situation” than for the girls of Jersey Shore?

That’s because men are three times more likely to develop skin cancer than women. While that’s not breaking news to the science world, scientists have struggled to figure out the reason why men are more susceptible - and now, researchers may have discovered the breakthrough.

While testing mice at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, researchers found that women may have more natural antioxidant protection in their skin than men - giving females, or “the fairer sex,” a rather unfair advantage.

To download multimedia elements (e.g. the published study, full news release, stills, web video and more) visit our journalists-only site.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like an interview with the researchers involved - I am happy to coordinate!

To be fair, there are many who might argue that "Jersey Shore" is a cancer on TV.

Grammy Museum Celebrates 30 Years of L.A. Pop Music

(Flickr pic by MindHead Media.)

The Grammy Museum joins in on "Pacific Standard Time" initiative this February with "Trouble In Paradise: Music and Los Angeles, 1945-1975," a look at 30 pivotal years in the Los Angeles pop music scene. The exhibit opens on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, and will be housed on its fourth floor. USC professor Josh Kun is co-curator. A few details:

The exhibit features iconic images, a cross-section of ephemera (album art, handbills, concert posters, etc.), music, and filmed interviews with key figures in the scene. Rather than an exhaustive overview, Trouble In Paradise focuses on the tensions between alluring myths of Southern California paradise and the realities of social struggle that characterized the years following WWII.

Genres of music highlighted in the exhibit include surf rock, jazz, R&B, Laurel Canyon folk rock, the Sunset Strip rock scene and the East L.A. Chicano sound, all of which helped shape the most diverse and influential music scenes in all of America during this socially tumultuous period of L.A. History. Trouble In Paradise : Music and Los Angeles, 1945-1975 will be on display through March 25, 2012. Additional public and educational programming related to the exhibit will be announced soon.

The Grammy Museum is located downtown at L.A. Live.

My Exclusive Chat with Chuck Lorre for TV Guide Magazine

A month ago, I sat down with "Two and a Half Men" co-creator Chuck Lorre, who was ready to finally talk about what happened earlier this year with Charlie Sheen. Sheen, of course, was fired from the show after his drug addiction impacted his work on set. At the same time, Sheen had a very public meltdown, directing most of his bile toward Lorre. But Lorre never responded (other than in thinly veiled vanity production cards) -- until now.

My exclusive sit-down with "Two and a Half Men" co-creator Chuck Lorre, in which he finally breaks his silence over what happened with Sheen, is the cover story in the next edition of TV Guide Magazine (on stands Thursday). Already, the story has managed to generate quite a bit of interest in the media world at large.

You can read it all here. An excerpt:

When all hell broke loose this year on Two and a Half Men, and it was clear that his relationship with star Charlie Sheen had turned toxic, executive producer Chuck Lorre came up with a way to end the madness.

"I offered to quit the show last winter," Lorre, 59, reveals for the first time. "I said, 'Listen, if for some reason I'm now the Antichrist I'm happy to leave. It's not in my interest to stop the show, and I certainly don't want to put all these people out of work. Keep going. Get another guy. Don't stop on my account."

There's a lot more good stuff; read the full story here. And pick it up on stands!

Best Product Packaging Ever? Japanese Popsicles

Apparently the Gari Gari Kun Soda-flavored popsicles are very popular -- and I'm sure they're delicious. But you gotta credit the packaging and marketing as well. According to this website, "Gari Gari Kun" can be translated to "Crunchy Boy." OK, that's odd. But still looks delicious.

'Tis The Season for Kitschy Americana, Courtesy Charles Phoenix

When we last saw Charles Phoenix, the histo-tainer was, of course, speaking at the start of last month's 6th annual Great Los Angeles Walk. Charles mentioned to us that this is his busiest time of year -- and given how retro Americana seems to be popular this time of year, you can see why. (That's Maria with Charles after we caught his show in 2009 -- read about it here.)

Phoenix's popular holiday slide show, featuring kitschy shots from the 50s and 60s, is celebrating its 10th year and returns to L.A. next Sunday, Dec. 18, at downtown's REDCAT theater. Haven't been to one of Charlie Phoenix's slide shows? Here's what to expect:

Phoenix's beloved annual offering gives glory to the spirit of celebration, including holidays from throughout the year, in one time-traveling journey. Experience politically incorrect New Year's Rose Parade floats, a bizarre Lamb Cake Contest on Easter Sunday, and an explosion of patriotic pride on the Fourth of July, followed by howlingly funny homemade Halloween costumes, the truly tragic life of a Thanksgiving turkey, and a Yuletide bondage party.

This retro revelry is sure to get everyone in the mood for the season to come, and Phoenix helps point the way with forecasts on retro-inspired trends in decadent dŽcor, crafty creations, gift ideas, fun food, and more. Festive holiday dress is encouraged.

Admission is $30; go to the REDCAT website or CharlesPhoenix.com for more info.

Charles Phoenix's Retro Holiday Slide Show
Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater)
631 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Autry Celebrates Michael Jackson in "How the West Was Worn"

Michael Jackson at the Autry National Center? Not the first museum you would seek out for an exhibit about the late King of Pop. But the Autry is currently home to "How the West Was Worn by . . . Michael Jackson," an ongoing exhibit that "shows how Jackson’s use of Western wear evolved over the years, reflecting his ability to use classic Western styles in distinctive ways."



Among the items on display, from the private collection of designers Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush: Jackson's red bib-front shirt with black trim; Black 501 Levi’s jeans; Black fedora hat; Aviator sunglasses; and, of course, one of his signature single white gloves. Some background from the Autry's blog:

Tompkins and Bush, who designed for Jackson for 25 years, spent several months working with Jeffrey Richardson, the Autry’s associate curator for film and pop culture, choosing items from the wardrobe of the King of Pop that were inspired by western themes. The costumes all went into a case in the Imagination gallery, which focuses on Hollywood’s interpretation of the West.

“The idea is to show people that Michael used western influences,” Richardson said. “That influence continues even if people don’t realize where the ultimate inspiration came from. It didn’t come from Michael. Michael was taking from other things.”

And here's a 2010 ABC "Good Morning America" story on the installation:



We recently visited the Autry during a free museum weekend (which the Autry frequently participates in -- take advantage of it). The Blogger Kid particularly enjoys the make-believe mid-20th century Chinese restaurant housed in the kids' area, while I enjoy the Hollywood western memorabilia (including a vintage TV Guide). A few more pics:

The Huntington Sustains Wind Damage, Looks to Recover

The Huntington, during a previous visit. I wrote a few days ago about how we attempted to visit The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens on Saturday, only to find it closed. The Huntington re-opened on Sunday, but sustained quite a bit of damage from last week's heavy winds. Huntington President Steven S. Koblik sent this message to members yesterday:

Many of you have asked how The Huntington fared after the extraordinary windstorms that buffeted Southern California and especially the San Gabriel Valley. Unfortunately, The Huntington was significantly affected. We believe that by the time we finish with debris removal, as many as 100 specimen trees from the collections will have been lost (more than 50 major trees are down; many others have been so badly damaged they will have to be removed). Large areas have been closed to visitors pending safety assessments for weak and broken limbs. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and only minor damage to structures and garden statuary.

As I write, the Gardens staff is fully involved in clearing, removing, and grinding debris into mulch. Among the high priorities are opening safe walkways in the gardens and clearing the parking lot and perimeter areas. Work will be ongoing at full capacity for weeks, if not months. At the same time, we'll begin the process of renewing the affected gardens.

The Huntington has set up a fund called HARP—the "Huntington Arboreal Recovery Project" -- to start accepting donations to restore the grounds.

Wow: Video of Today's Hollywood Shootout

Via the Twitvid account of Rich Kingston, who took video today of a gunman shooting randomly at people and cars at the Sunset and Vine intersection. (LAPD rushed to the scene and shot the gunman, who died. At least one person was struck by the gunman, according to the L.A. Times, but it looks like he will survive.) Kingston appears to have taken the video from the Los Angeles Film School building; watch as cars speed out of the way once they realize they're in danger.

Quite a video, but the L.A. Times has an scarier, close-up one here. And a third video has apparently been sold to news outlets. That's what happens when you shoot up a major intersection in Los Angeles -- there's video coverage from every angle.

Retro Friday: Christmas on Hollywood Boulevard in the 1940s

From the the Producers Library of Los Angeles, a look at when Hollywood Boulevard was "Santa Claus Lane."

LA River Finally Getting Its Makeover?

Is the Los Angeles River finally getting ready for its close-up? Curbed LA writes (by way of the LA Daily News) that the City Council has just approved the Los Angeles River Implementation Overlay. What does that mean? Curbed writes:

The LA-RIO creates a set of design guidelines for developers looking to build along the river's edges, and it's a crucial step in finally removing some of the concrete currently lining the river. According to city planner Tom Rothmann, this is the first plan for actually making changes along the river, unlike the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan, which provided more of a vision exercise. Rothmann told Curbed today that the overlay "requires changes along the river and a quarter-mile buffer around the river."

Read more here.

FREE L.A.: Pershing Square's Winter Festival This Saturday

I still find that downtown, particularly around Pershing Square and the Biltmore Hotel, gets me in the holiday spirit this time of year. And if you've got the kids in tow, there's no better time than this Saturday to head down, for the free annual Winter Holiday Festival.

The event, 11:00am to 7:00pm, takes place at Pershing Square and includes a visit from Santa: "Pershing Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with free holiday activities like tons of snow, a train ride, make & take children’s crafts, puppet shows, community youth performances, memento photos, and more. Santa’s emporium features stocking stuffers and tasty holiday treats for purchase."

While you're down there, make sure to spend some time at the Biltmore and Grand Central Market, which is also decorated for the season. And, of course, there's the outdoor skating at Downtown on Ice ($6 for skating and $2 for skate rentals).

FIRST LOOK: An Awesome "Yo Gabba Gabba!" Christmas

Yo Gabba Gabba! “A Very Awesome Christmas.

Here's a first look clip from the new upcoming "Yo Gabba Gabba" Christmas special, "A Very Awesome Christmas" (airing Saturday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. on Nick Jr.). I will forgive the Tori Spelling appearance because of DJ Lance's money line: "Cookie Me tastes awesome!" (Read about our recent trip to the "Yo Gabba Gabba" live stage show here.)

Trader Joe's Wants To Stuff Your Face with Holiday Goodies

Cookie Butter -- spread made of crushed biscuits

This is why I'll be getting fat this holiday season. Trader Joe's seems to have upped the number of specialty holiday items on its shelves. I mean, how can you not try something called "Cookie Butter," right? Or Kettle Corn drizzled with cocoa? Just a sampling of treats you'll be putting in your Trader Joe's cart this holiday season:


Mini Gingerbread Men cookies with white fudge icing


Chewy egg nog cookies with white chocolate drizzle


Mosaic of chocolates


Cocoa Drizzled Kettle Corn


Astounding Multi-Flavor Joe-Joes covered in chocolate, sprinkles and drizzles


Pfeffernusse -- German spice cookies


Dark Chocolate Minty Mallows


Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe-Joes

FRANKLIN AVENUE CONTEST: "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" Prize Pack

Based on the classic John le Carré novel of the same name, the new feature "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" takes place in 1973, at the height of the Cold War, and revolves George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a career spy for Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (code named "The Circus"). Smiley is forced out of the agency but later secretly rehired to uncover a double agent in their midst.

Tomas Alfredson ("Let the Right One In") directed the film, based on a screenplay adaptation by Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan. Benedict Cumberbatch, David Dencik, Colin Firth, Stephen Graham, Tom Hardy, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Toby Jones and Mark Strong also star.

The movie opens in select cities, including L.A., this Friday, Dec. 9. Focus Features has given a prize pack to give away to a Franklin Avenue reader -- simply shoot us an email (with SPY in the header) and the Blogger Toddler 2.0 will pick a lucky winner. The prize includes a $25 Movie Theater Gift Card, T-Shirt, Voice Recorder Pen and Post-it Note Cube.

Check out more info on the "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" Facebook page. And here's a trailer for the film:

If Many Trees Fall in a Crowded Urban Setting

On Saturday afternoon, the Franklin Avenue Quartet decided to head over to the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino to enjoy their annual holiday festival. Of course, we should have checked beforehand to see if they were even open -- and sure enough, due to last week's windpocalypse, the Huntington was still closed on Saturday. (It re-opened on Sunday, and will hold a makegood day for its holiday festival next Saturday, Dec. 10).

But even though we missed out on the Huntington, it gave us an opportunity to finally try out Pasadena's Slaw Dogs (review to come) and drive around town to witness the jaw-dropping tree destruction first hand.

The visual of this collapsed massive oak, off Hill, was enough for us to stop the car and snap some photos. They still don't do justice to the sheer size of this toppled tree and its roots.

Thankfully for the home owner, somehow the tree knew exactly where to fall -- in the driveway. But nonetheless, it did some serious damage, destroying the driveway and ripping up both the sidewalk and the street. How even a fierce gust of wind can topple over such a giant is fascinating to me. A friend of ours suggested that all of these non-native trees in L.A., because they rely more on watering than on any deep water under the surface, have shorter roots and are less entrenched in the ground than in other parts of the country.

It's going to be a good Christmas for the San Gabriel Valley's tree trimmers. More pics of that tree: