AUGUST 14TH, 2024

WEDNESDAY’S VIBES

GOOD AFTERNOON,
GOOD LOOKIN’

WEDNESDAY VIBES + COLLABS
THAT WILL HAVE YOU TINGLING

• 📆 TODAY + TOMORROW TOPS: I am trying something new for today and Friday called ‘Tops.’ Simple links (five max) of trending releases, events, and news from a national, regional (West Coast), and local standpoint. Feedback always welcomed as we will continue this design practice moving forward if no panic attacks.

  • TODAY’S TOPS:

    • TODAY IS: Social Security Day

    • APPLE TV+: Bad Monkey

    • DISNEY+: Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures

  • THURSDAY’S TOPS:

    • THURSDAY IS: National Relaxation Day + Indian Independence Day

    • BASEBALL: Little League World Series Begins

    • NETFLIX: Emily in Paris

    • LA DEALS: Thirty-three deals across Los Angeles for ‘All Out for Fallout.’

TRENDING 

THE HOV LANE

• 🐇 ^{represents our hopes to provide political news without opinions. Please don’t trust us on politics, we don’t know anything other than how to drink a good CapriSun.}

• ℹ️ ^{indicates information only, no linked content}

• ^{CATFISH TEXT LINE: 747-200-5740 to submit content. Please no late night ‘WYD?’ or OnlyFans.}

EATS

HEADLINES

• 🍟 POOLSIDE PARADISE: Dive into summer at McDonald's Collector's Club Poolside Paradise this Saturday at the Santa Monica Pier from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Enjoy exclusive drinks, exciting giveaways, and live DJ sets while soaking up the sun in a vibrant atmosphere designed for fun and relaxation. Don’t forget to grab your Collector's Cup with a meal purchase for entry—this is a pool party you won't want to miss, especially if you’re like me and love McDonald’s. 💸 

• 🐔 KFC SANDWICH: KFC is shaking up the fried chicken game with the launch of its new Saucy Sandwich, now available nationwide. This mouthwatering creation features a crispy, all-white meat chicken breast nestled in a buttery brioche bun, complemented by crisp pickles and the Colonel's mayo, all topped with a choice of five tantalizing sauces, including the new Honey Garlic, Chipotle Ranch, and Mango Habanero, alongside returning favorites like Korean BBQ and Honey BBQ. Priced at a suggested $6.49, this limited-time offering promises to deliver a flavor explosion that fans won't want to miss.

• 🍔 NORTH HOLLYWOOD: Raising Cane’s has officially landed in North Hollywood, and the excitement is still buzzing! Located at 4835 Lankershim Blvd., this new spot is serving up its famous chicken fingers, along with a vibrant atmosphere that featured live music and exclusive giveaways on opening day. For those lucky enough to be among the first in line, free T-shirts and boxed combo meals were just the beginning—twenty patrons even walked away with a year’s supply of Cane’s deliciousness.

• 🍪 BESTIES: Coca-Cola and OREO have joined forces as Besties, launching two limited-edition products: the OREO® Coca-Cola™ Sandwich Cookie and Coca-Cola® OREO™ Zero Sugar. This playful collaboration, inspired by the spirit of friendship, invites fans to indulge in unique flavors that blend the iconic tastes of both brands, complete with immersive digital experiences like the ‘Bestie Mode Digital Experience’ on Spotify. Besties are available starting September 9th.

OPENINGS

• 🥯 HIGHLAND PARK: Los Angeles locals Nick Schreiber and J.D. Rocchio have transformed their beloved Belle's Bagels into Belle’s Delicatessen & Bar, which opened just ten days ago in Highland Park. This new full-service eatery offers a delightful menu of Jewish classics, including Reubens and schnitzels, alongside a selection of wines and cocktails, all served in a cozy, retro-inspired space that retains the charm of its predecessor. Belle’s curations consist of classics and an expanded menu from morning to night.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍕 MALIBU: The Malibu Brick Oven Pizza and Wine Club offers a delightful dining experience with stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. Renowned for its crispy brick oven pizzas topped with fresh ingredients, the venue also boasts friendly and attentive service, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Open from Friday to Sunday, it's the perfect spot for both casual meals and special celebrations.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍢 DOWNEY: In a city where Afghan cuisine is scarce, the Afghan Kabob House in Downey stands out with its mouthwatering koobideh. This gem offers a range of traditional dishes, including qabuli palao adorned with raisins and almonds, savory leek-stuffed bolani, and the delectable borani banjan, a fried eggplant delicacy topped with tomato and yogurt sauce. For an authentic experience, diners can enjoy their meals seated on traditional toshaks, adding a unique touch to the culinary adventure.

  • Website + Menu + Instagram

• 🍣 DOWNTOWN LA: Temaki Society has swiftly taken over the former Fabby’s Sandwicherie space, transforming it into a vibrant hand roll bar within The Grayson in DTLA. Here, diners can indulge in inventive temaki topped with unique ingredients like uni and jalapeño marmalade, or soy-marinated shrimp with kimchi, all served in nori sheets reminiscent of tacos. Additionally, the menu features Mexican-style seafood tostadas, adding an unexpected twist to the offerings.

  • Instagram

• 🇺🇸 ECHO PARK: Butchr Bar is set to make its debut in Echo Park with a soft opening currently taking place. This culinary gem promises a unique twist on classic comfort food, featuring a menu that highlights expertly crafted meat dishes alongside vibrant, seasonal sides. With its inviting atmosphere and a commitment to quality, Butchr Bar aims to become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors looking to indulge in a hearty yet refined dining experience.

  • Website + Instagram

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EVENTS

TODAY

• 🔥 THE MOROCCAN LOUNGE: TONIGHT, 6:30PM: Fleetwood Mac, A Tribute Benefitting the World Central Kitchen. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE: TONIGHT, 7:00PM: First Dates with Leroy & PONY. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 HOLLYWOOD IMPROV: TONIGHT, 7:30PM: Tonight at the Improv (standup comedy) ft. Kevin Nealon, Dulcé Sloan, Donnell Rawlings, Jimmy O. Yang, Drew Lynch, Sara Tiana, Dean Delray, Francisco Ramos & Julia Hladkowicz! Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 KIA FORUM: TONIGHT, 7:30PM: Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour. Buy tickets online.

• 🎹 HOLLYWOOD BOWL: TONIGHT, 8PM: Herbie Hancock Head Hunters 50th: Herbie reunites for the first time in fifty years with the original lineup of Harvey Mason, Bennie Maupin, and Bill Summers, with Marcus Miller standing in for the late Paul Jackson. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 THE ROXY: TONIGHT, 8:30PM: An evening with Foster The People. Buy tickets online.

• 📣 HARVELLE’S SANTA MONICA: TONIGHT, 9:30PM: Come Sing with the Band, Live Band Karaoke. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 THE COMEDY STORE: TONIGHT, 10:30PM: Bros Before Joes (stand up comedy) featuring: Kevin Fard, Srider Wilson, Joe Marrese, JT Parr, Chad Kroeger, George Perez, Andrea Jin, Robby Hoffman + Isaac Hirsch. Buy tickets online. Low ticket warning.

• 😘 ATWATER VILLAGE: TONIGHT, 7PM: Singles Only Social Club at Club Tee Gee. Singles, patio party, drink specials. What could go wrong? Via Instagram. H/T: Happenings by Camber.

THURSDAY

• 🎤 THE ELYSIAN: TOMORROW, 7:30PM: F&^K This Month. A cast of veteran comedians wil take your crummy month and spin them into a fully improvised show. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 LAUGH FACTORY HOLLYWOOD: TOMORROW, 7:45PM: KLOS Radio & Honda Show (stand up comedy) featuring: Jeremy Piven, Craig Robinson, Laurie Kilmartin, Max Amini, Frazer Smith + Vinny Fasline. Buy tickets online.

• 🎸 THE BELLWETHER: TOMORROW, 8PM: Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph. Buy tickets online.

• 🎻 HOLLYWOOD BOWL: TOMORROW, 8PM: The Elements with Joshua Bell. Joshua Bell brings his new violin suite and Rodolfo Barráez performs Copland and Bernstein. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 THE COMEDY STORE: TOMORROW, 8PM: Fifteen Minutes ft: Whitney Cummings, Drew Lynch, Rick Ingraham, Lara Beitz + more! Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 INTUIT DOME: TOMORROW, 8PM: Bruno Mars. The official unveiling of the Intuit Dome. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 THE COMEDY STORE: TOMORROW, 9PM: The Originals: Mark Normand, Jessie ‘Jetski’ Johnson, Sarah Tiana, Dean Delray + more! Buy tickets online. Low ticket warning.

• 🎧️ THE ROXY: TOMORROW, 9PM: ScHoolboy Q. With Devin Malik. Buy tickets online.

• 🎛️ SOUND NIGHTCLUB: TOMORROW, 10PM: RAC. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 THE COMEDY STORE: TOMORROW, 10:30PM: Comedy Spotlight with Chris Millhouse, Mark Normand, Craig Robinson, Gianmarco Soresi, Leslie Liao + more! Buy tickets online.

FUTURES

• 🏎️ BOB’S BIG BOY BURBANK: FRIDAY, 4PM: Bob’s Big Boy Classic Car Show - Burbank, 4211 W Riverside Drive, Burbank 91505. More information online. 💸 🎈

• 🔥 GREEK THEATRE: FRIDAY, 7PM: St. Vincent. Buy tickets online.

• 🔥 REGENT THEATER: FRIDAY, 8PM: Wild Nothing. Buy tickets online.

• 🎞️ HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY: SATURDAY, 6:45PM: Kirsten Dunst Slumber Party: Bring It On + The Virgin Suicides. Buy tickets online.

• 🎻 HOLLYWOOD BOWL: SATURDAY, 8PM: Sara Bareilles with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Thomas Wilkins (conductor), with guest Renée Elise Goldsberry. Buy tickets online.

• 🎷 HOLLYWOOD BOWL: SUNDAY, 6:30PM: Smooth Summer Jazz. Gregory Porter, George Benson with Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Lizz Wright. Buy tickets online.

• 🎤 LARGO: SUNDAY, 7:30PM: Patton Oswalt and Friends. Buy tickets online.

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ACTIVITIES

• 🎤 BURBANK: NOW - SUNDAY: The Burbank Comedy Festival continues through Sunday. This year’s lineup features over three-hundred comedians from around the globe, showcasing a delightful mix of established stars and rising talents across multiple venues. Past celebrity guests have included notable names like Jay Leno, Pauly Shore, Tom Segura + more. Don’t miss this week-long celebration of humor that promises nonstop entertainment and unforgettable moments.

• 😋 LONG BEACH: TOMORROW, 5PM: Downtown Long Beach celebrates the Taste of Downtown: Waterfront, tomorrow from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Enjoy culinary delights that meet stunning ocean views! Indulge in bite-sized samples from local chefs, sip on craft cocktails, and enjoy live music, all while exploring the vibrant flavors of Downtown Long Beach. Best of all, admission is free, making this the perfect summer send-off for food lovers and music enthusiasts alike.

•  ☢️ ALL OUT FOR FALLOUT: TOMORROW: Get ready for All Out for Fallout Day tomorrow, as Amazon MGM Studios teams up with 33 local businesses across Los Angeles to celebrate the hit series! Enjoy incredible deals like 33-cent burgers at The Win~Dow, free Fallout-themed donuts at Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, and immersive experiences such as 33-cent horseback tours with stunning views at Sunset Ranch. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to indulge in themed treats and discounts while exploring the post-apocalyptic charm of Fallout!

• 🎤 SILVER LAKE: TOMORROW: Join a stellar lineup of comedians at In The Meantime for an evening of improvisational hilarity based on audience suggestions. Featured performers include Lauren Lapkus, Jon Gabrus, and Phil Jackson + others. Tickets are $25 and include an open bar, with the fun running from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

• 🚴‍♂️ HOLLYWOOD: SUNDAY, 9AM - 4PM: Join us for CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 9 AM to 4 PM, as we transform the streets of East and West Hollywood into a vibrant car-free zone! This 54th edition of CicLAvia invites everyone to explore the city on foot, bike, or roller skates, celebrating community and active transportation. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover local gems and activities along the route—check out the digital map to plan your perfect day!

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COMMUNITY

• 🚌 LA28: Los Angeles is gearing up for a revolutionary approach to hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics, with Mayor Karen Bass proposing a no-car Games to tackle the city's notorious traffic. The ambitious plan includes expanding public transportation, borrowing buses from across the nation, and encouraging businesses to embrace remote work during the seventeen-day event. While the concept may seem daunting in a city known for its car culture, Bass draws inspiration from the successful traffic management strategies employed during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, aiming to create a more sustainable and efficient Games experience.

• 💸 PILOT PROGRAM: Los Angeles is taking step towards community empowerment with its L.A. REPAIR participatory budgeting program, allocating $5.4m to six neighborhoods for resident-approved improvement projects. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by the Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department, allows community members to directly influence how public funds are spent in their areas. From providing fresh food access in Arleta-Pacoima to offering filmmaking vocational training for youth that are at-risk in West Adams-Baldwin Village-Leimert Park, the program aims to address the unique needs of each community while ensuring that funding stays within the designated REPAIR Zones.

• 🪨 SEISMIC ACTIVITY: Southern California is experiencing an uptick in earthquakes, with this week's 4.4 magnitude tremor just the latest jolt. Renowned seismologist Lucy Jones warns that this heightened activity is likely to continue, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. While the ‘big one’ remains unpredictable, Californians are encouraged to create emergency plans and reassure themselves with the state's improved building codes.

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DEVELOPMENT

• 🎬️ HOLLYWOOD: Onni Group's ambitious project at 1360 N. Vine Street has received the green light from the Los Angeles City Council, paving the way for a stunning new high-rise in Hollywood. This development could take the form of either a thirty-three-story residential tower featuring 429 units and a grocery store or a seventeen-story office building with vibrant restaurant spaces below. Whichever option prevails, the project promises to elevate the iconic intersection of Sunset and Vine while preserving existing bungalows, adding a unique blend of modern living and community charm to the area.

• 🏡 PICO-UNION: Exciting news for Pico-Union as Rex Developments of Irwindale proposes a six-story residential project at 1134-1138 S. Berendo Street. The development plans to replace existing structures with forty-five apartments, including a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, along with parking for twenty-one vehicles and a rooftop amenity deck. As part of the Transit Oriented Communities program, five units will be designated as affordable housing at the extremely low-income level.

• 🦖 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM: The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will unveil NHM Commons, a vibrant new wing and community hub in Exposition Park this November. The expansive 75,000-square-foot space will feature free experiences, including the striking seventy-foot green sauropod, Gnatalie, and Barbara Carrasco’s landmark mural, ‘L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective.’ Visitors can also enjoy a beautifully landscaped plaza, a 400-seat theater for diverse programming, and a café run by South LA Café, all designed to foster community engagement and exploration of science, nature, and culture.

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BUSINESS

• 🛍️ SANTA MONICA: Santa Monica is buzzing with excitement as MINISO, the trendy Chinese retailer known for its affordable lifestyle products, prepares to open its doors at 1418 Third Street Promenade. This vibrant new location will offer an eclectic mix of items, from Sanrio collectibles to stylish home décor and Disney-themed goodies, promising a delightful treasure-hunting experience for shoppers of all ages. As part of its rapid global expansion, MINISO aims to enchant locals with its unique blend of quality, affordability + aesthetic appeal.

• 🚀 NORTH HOLLYWOOD: Janet Roth, a dynamic comedian with a rich Ukrainian-Armenian heritage, is set to unveil her first fashion storefront, Resin Kitty, in North Hollywood this Sunday with a grand opening celebration from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. Janet’s new venture blends her passion for fashion with rave culture, showcasing unique pieces crafted by Ukrainian refugees, reflecting resilience and creativity. Join the grand opening for an evening of celebration, complete with raffles, champagne, and a vibrant community spirit.

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ENTERTAINMENT

• ⭐️ VINCE VAUGHN: Vince Vaughn received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, celebrating a career that began with the cult classic Swingers and includes hits like Wedding Crashers and Dodgeball. During the ceremony, Vaughn reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the joy and laughter he aims to bring to families, while also honoring his supportive family, including his wife Kyla and their children, who were present to share in the moment. Vaughn’s new series, Bad Monkey, premieres today on Apple TV+.

• 🎞️ CASTING ASSISTANTS: In a unanimous vote, casting assistants in Los Angeles and New York have officially unionized with the Teamsters, marking a significant milestone for the entertainment industry. The newly formed union, representing approximately 91 casting assistants with potential growth to 150-200 members, will advocate for higher wages, health benefits, and improved working conditions as they prepare for negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on August 26th.

• 👩‍🎓 JAMIE LEE CURTIS: Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis was honored with an honorary doctorate of fine arts by the American Film Institute during the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024 at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Celebrated filmmaker John Carpenter, who directed her in the iconic ‘Halloween,’ introduced her, praising her as a force of nature. In her inspiring address, Curtis encouraged graduates to embrace creativity and enthusiasm, reminding them, ‘Life hinges on a couple seconds you never see coming.’

• 🧮 ACCOUNTANT 2: Grab your calculators and sharpen your pencils, because Ben Affleck's number-crunching vigilante is back for another thrilling adventure! The Accountant 2 is set to balance the books and settle old scores next year on April 25th, as Amazon MGM Studios doubles down on their commitment to theatrical releases. With Affleck reprising his role as the deadly CPA Christian Wolff, alongside a star-studded cast including Jon Bernthal and J.K. Simmons, this high-stakes sequel promises to add up to one explosive cinematic experience.

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SPORTS

• 🧢 DODGERS 7, BREWERS 2: The Dodgers secured a 7-2 victory over the Brewers, extending their winning streak to five games. Shohei Ohtani led the charge with his National League-leading 37th home run, while Gavin Lux and Andy Pages each contributed two-run homers during a pivotal five-run fourth inning, showcasing the Dodgers' potent offense as they improved to 71-49, tying for the best record in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers play in Milwaukee tonight at 5:10pm local.

• ⚾️ BLUE JAYS 6, ANGELS 1: In a tough outing for the Angels, LA fell 6-1 to the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium. Kevin Gausman dominated on the mound for the Blue Jays, pitching seven shutout innings, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shined with a home run, marking his 10th since the All-Star break. Despite the loss, Willie Calhoun's late-game homer prevented a shutout, and Zach Neto's three hits showcased some bright spots for the Angels as they look to bounce back in the series finale against José Berríos and the Blue Jays tonight at 6:38pm in Anaheim.

• 🏀 EMIRATES NBA CUP: The Lakers are gearing up for a thrilling title defense in the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, with their group play schedule now unveiled. Mark your calendars for key matchups: they’ll kick off against the Spurs in San Antonio on November 15, before returning home to host the Jazz on November 19. With a tough lineup that includes the Thunder and Suns, the stakes are high as LeBron and the crew aim to reign supreme once again.

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CU FRIDAY, LA!

🤙 Got love for this CuratedLA Crew. See you all on Friday!

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