Emmy FYC Season Is Under Way

 

This year, the TV Academy is sticking with virtual Emmy For Your Consideration events -- with the exception of Drive-In screenings. Bravo took advantage of that opportunity to kick off the first Emmy Drive-In event of the season, at the Rose Bowl, for "Top Chef." Doing a Drive-In made extra sense as the entire episode revolves around the contestants cooking for a Drive-In crowd (including the show's judges). The FYC event caterers took the recipes from the winning dishes and recreated them for attendees -- and yes, that was worth attending.  Among the dishes: Korean fried chicken with a kimchi dipping sauce, a pupusa with braised jerk pork and cheddar masa, and popcorn sprinkled with chicken-skin furikake and spiced caramel.

And even a milkshake at the end.

'Stranger Things' Drive-Into Experience Immerses You Fully into the Show's Full 80s Mystery

We weren't sure what to expect when we signed up to attend the "Stranger Things" Drive-Into Experience, now taking place downtown at the Row DTLA. The parking lot and parking garage next to the building doubles as the lot for Starcourt Mall and the Hawkins High School 1985 reunion. If that means nothing to you, then you're not a "Stranger Things" fan. But if it does, the immersive experience will bring you back to the events of "Stranger Things" Season 3, including the opening of the Starcourt Mall, the falling out between Eleven and Mike, the transformation of Billy, "Neverending Story," Russians and more.

Per the press release: "The show, which runs just over an hour, provides an epic journey through key moments across the first three seasons of Stranger Things, including Starcourt Mall, Russian labs and the Upside Down, where you’ll drive from scene to scene as the story unfolds from all sides. Get ready for mind-blowing sensory surprises that blur the line between reality and fantasy, encounters with characters from the show, and new music from Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein, the series’ composers, developed specifically for the experience."

In this COVID age, where every event now takes place via the car (think of all the drive-through Halloween attractions), this is what now passes for experiential events. In the case of the "Stranger Things" Drive-Into Experience, it works. Especially in the beginning, as the Hawkins High reunion party/Starcourt Mall opening allows for plenty of interaction between people in cars and the DJ on stage — and with the performers on site, dressed and playing the role of "Stranger Things" characters. (A tip: They recommend you dress in your 80s finest before showing up -- and there's a reason for that.) Secrets abound -- they request we don't post photos we take on site, and instead offered these shots. And there are certain things that happen that I can't tell you about -- including more backstory that will inform what you know about the fate of our favorite characters as we head into Season 4. A few more pics:

Go here for more information, and here for more information.

29Rooms Returns to Los Angeles With a Message of Empowerment — And Instagram-Friendly Displays Too

Refinery29's "29Rooms" showcase was back in Los Angeles this weekend for another run, with 29 new rooms that are a mix of art, play, message, and marketing. It's truly made for the Instagram age. Thanks to an invite from Refinery29, Maria and I dropped by the Reef in downtown Los Angeles to check it out. Phones in hand, naturally. 

The first installation we saw (and waited in line to experience) was an underwater world designed by Kesha.

Here's how the current tour is described: "The new #ExpandYourReality tour is the break you need from our fast-paced, digital world and dissonant political climate. Travel blindfolded through a multi-sensory ASMR tunnel, dance it out with performers in a reimagined nightclub, write an intimate letter to your inner child and work side by side with Artists in a dedicated studio space. Come ready to explore as you “choose-your-own-adventure” in this ever-changing dreamscape of modern art and experiential design." (We didn't do all of those things, given the lines.)

Some of the messages of female empowerment, voter rights, and more, were well received.

The ACLU reminded us that we should "know your rights."

"Love Letter to the World"

"Artist in Residence"

"Pay women." Yes.

"Money Mantras"

Our favorite display of the night was probably this one: "A Long Line of Queendom," by Unbothered. 

In this room, people were invited to write a note to their "inner self."

Pop-up performances included one by inclusive dance company Infinite Flow.

Other collaborators included Lena Waithe.

L.A. Zoo Lights Returns for 2018 With an Expanded Twinkle Tunnel, a New Elephant Circle Display, and More

The L.A. Zoo Lights is always a reliable way to get into the holiday cheer, and although it's a relatively new tradition — this is its fifth year — it has become an annual staple for the Franklin Avenue family. (Check out last year's post here.) We returned for this year's visit on Friday night, and can report that it's perhaps more photo-friendly (and Instagrammable, natch) than ever.

The L.A. Zoo Lights has received several accolades since its launch; this year it's nominated in the USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards. Voting ends on Monday, December 10, so vote here to help our zoo out!

Entrance to the L.A. Zoo lights. More pics below.

A silhouette screen is a popular spot for pics. 

Most of the animals are tucked away for bed during L.A. zoo lights, but the reindeer are out for Santa.

The lighted and tumbling meerkats.

The illuminated elephants came with an L.A. theme this year.

Disco! It doesn't appear that KCRW is sponsoring this year's music, however, unlike past years. 

The Lair is the only animal area open during the L.A. Zoo Lights, and it's a chance to see snakes, turtles, fish, and more after hours.

The baby snakes creeped and delighted.

The water fountain show takes place every few minutes.

New this year: The Elephant Circle is transformed into a kaleidoscopic savanna with stained-glass animals – including the endangered California condor, Masai giraffe, Asian elephant, and more.

The popular twinkle tunnel has also been lengthened, although it comes with a wait when the zoo is crowded.

Performers at the end of the twinkle tunnel.

There are plenty of festive food and drinks (including cocktails!) available for purchase. L.A. Zoo Lights takes place through Sunday, January 6, 2019 (except December 24 and 25) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission to L.A. Zoo Lights ranges from $14.95 to $21.95 for adults (13+) and $11.95 to $16.95 for children (2-12). Children under age 2 are free. Tickets for members of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association are $11 during the entire run, which is up to 50 percent off.