February 2010 Archives

Photo gallery: Mirai Nagasu of Arcadia places fourth in her first Olympics

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It was quite a night for women's figure skating. Gold medalist Kim Yu-na of South Korea gave what will likely go down as one of the greatest performances in the history of the sport.

Canada's Joannie Rochette melted hearts with her bronze-winning performance, just four days after the sudden death of her mother.

And our own Mirai Nagasu, just 16 years old and hailing from Arcadia, jumped two positions to finish in fourth place after a near-perfect performance. More than anything, her winning personality has been a highlight of the winter Olympics.

Nearly all the competitors seemed pleased with the outcome. Here's a round-up of the best photos of Nagasu in the final, long-form program in Vancouver.

Photo gallery: Arcadia's Mirai Nagasu on the ice in Vancouver

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"I eat, sleep and drink ice skating. Then, I do my homework," 16-year-old Mirai Nagasu of Arcadia told our staff reporter Stacey Wang.

On Tuesday, members of the Pasadena Figure Skating Club gathered in Arcadia to watch their friend and peer perform in the women's figure skating competition at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

Here she is on the ice in Vancouver, during her short program performance Tuesday and, further below, during a training session on Sunday.

Nagasu's race for a medal is becoming a stretch -- but definitely not out of reach. In order to medal, Nagasu will need not only a near-perfect long program Thursday, but also one of the front-runners will need to fall behind, the Associated Press reports.

Scenes from Altadena: A panoramic view

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Flickr user Lucas Janin captured this composite, panoramic view of Altadena and the clouds settling into the lush, green San Gabriels after rainfall.

Click the image to see it enlarged.

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(Photo via Flickr)

'Pasadena Babalon': The world of Jack Parsons, on stage at Caltech

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"Pasadena Babalon" lives in the in-between space of things we know and don't know about John Whiteside Parsons.

Jack, they called him; He, the young genius of a nascent aerospace industry as it emerged in Southern California, of the founding of Aerojet Corp. and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and of the darkest pursuits of occult ritual and magic.

The Theater Arts at the California Institute of Technology takes on all these sides of Parsons in its new production, covering a broad swath of territory from his childhood to his death in 1952.

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Drumroll, please: Carmelite nuns to hold first-ever public concert, live and 'unplugged' in Duarte

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It wouldn't be fair to compare "The Carmelite Sisters in Concert: Unplugged" to the movie "Sister Act" because Whoopi Goldberg and her merry band of nuns have nothing on this group of devoted Southland singers.

Members of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles -- for whom music is intricately woven in their daily lives inside the convent -- will perform for the public for the first time on Feb. 28 at the Madonna Hall Community Center in Duarte.

Performers will range from nuns who took their vows decades ago to novices and candidates still in the process of discerning a religious life. They come from the different Carmelite facilities in Southern California, including the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Alhambra.

Some of the sisters double up as singers and musicians. They will play guitar, bass, flute, violin and drums to accompany some of the more lighthearted pieces, including "Prince of Peace," which will start with a drum solo by one of the nuns.

"We hear each other every day, but coming together like this is just so beautiful," said Sister Scholastica, the concert's stage manager and the Alhambra group's choir director.

Sister Scholastica described the concert line-up as a little mix of everything -- including an original composition by one of the Carmelite nuns, hymns and Gregorian chants. The sisters' first song will be the Solemn Salve, which they typically chant during morning prayers at the break of dawn.

"We feel that the world today needs God's peace," Sister Timothy Marie said. "This is our small way of bringing light in the darkness."


$35 donation. Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Madonna Hall, 819 Buena Vista St., Duarte. 626-289-1353, ext. 246

Scene from the Pasadena Marathon: Sparkle motion

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A blurry mass of feet bolting across the starting line as more than 8,000 runners begin the Pasadena Marathon on Sunday, Feb. 21.

(Photo by Eric Reed / Staff)

Rose Magazine wins Award of Excellence from Society for News Design

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Exciting news! Rose Magazine has won an Award of Excellence in the Society for News Design's 31st Edition Best of News Design Competition.

The award is in the category of magazines, inside features page design, for our page made entirely out of flowers and organic material in December's Rose Parade edition.

Back in December, we chronicled on this blog the making of our Rose Magazine mini-float. To call the process laborious would be an understatement, but our design team managed to have a blast with the project. We worked late, late, late into the night, supporting each other through moments of delirium and exhaustion and outbursts of laughter.

There couldn't be any greater validation of our efforts than recognition from the SND.

Even more exciting is the caliber of work by fellow winners in this category and the competition at large. We feel a little star-struck to be in such good company.

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Letters from New York: Rodarte at the Cooper-Hewitt

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If you're planning a trip to New York between now and mid-March, there's a new exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum that focuses on Pasadena residents Kate and Laura Mulleavy -- they of the acclaimed U.S. fashion label Rodarte.

The exhibit delves into the Mulleavys' unique process of creation; The sisters execute complex manipulation of materials and meticulous techniques, first deconstructing and then rebuilding the elements into high fashion.

As an example, from January's lengthy New Yorker profile by Amanda Fortini:

"They often speak of 'building' a dress. To create their garments, which tend to include a multitude of textiles (and finicky ones, like tulle, organza, leather, and lace), adornments (crystals, feathers, rosettes), and techniques (draping, pleating, dyeing), the Mulleavys work with a team of three seamstresses, a pattern-maker, a dyer, a leather worker, and three knitters. One mid-length yellow chiffon dress from the 2006 fall collection took a hundred and fifty hours to complete."

It's a nice day for a white wedding ... show

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It could be pure genius or just mere coincidence that a week after Valentine's Day there is an abundance of wedding shows all over L.A. and Orange Counties and beyond -- the most I've seen in just one weekend.

But offering something a little different from the rest is the White Satin Wedding Show being held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday, Feb. 21, at the University Club Pasadena.

There will still be a variety of wedding vendors and features just like any other wedding show but they want to kick it up a notch with events such as sparkling sake tastings, "Ask the Experts" with a panel of Southern California's top wedding planners, and a special demonstration by the Rose City Ballroom dancers led by ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" choreographer, Christian Perry.

A bridal show by designer Deborah LaFranchi will begin at 1 p.m. followed by the dancers then a groom show by Friar Tux will start at 2:30 p.m.

The wedding planners scheduled are Mary Dann-McNamee, Tobey Dodge, Michael Willms and Kevin Covey, some who have been featured on shows such as "Platinum Weddings", "Bridezilla", "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway", "Married Away", and "Wedding Altered."

Cost is $6 with online pre-registration or $8 at the door. University Club is at 175 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena. Valet parking next to the club is available for $5.

Wonder if the dancers can do Billy Idol?

Putting ink to paper at the Pasadena Museum of California Art

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Los Angeles-based drawing collective Sumi Ink Club is in residency through the end of May in the Pasadena Museum of California Art's Project Room. The club executes topsy-turvy, super-detailed, collaborative drawings using -- what else? -- ink on paper. Their group drawings are a true social gathering, playing off interactions that bleed into everyday life.

In their new installation for the PMCA, the artists hold weekly events to fill the room with their signature sumi ink drawings. The next gathering is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 21, from 1 to 5 p.m., and visitors will be provided with a brush and ink to add their own flourishes to the walls.

The club welcomes the public -- "all humans, all ages, all styles," they say -- to these drawing events.

Through May 30, Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 E. Union St., (626) 568-3665, pmcaonline.org, sumiinkclub.com

The photos, at top and below, are from the Sumi Ink Club Web site, where they've documented some of the progress in the PMCA Project room.

Photo gallery: Lucent L'amour love fest in downtown L.A.

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The Do Lab does it again (and again and again): This Valentine's weekend, the Shrine Expo Hall was playground to more than 100 carousing artists and legions of curious interlopers checking out a frenzied scene.

Music, art and a general explosion of Lucent L'Amour creativity made for a crazy all-night affair.

Photographer Watchara Phomicinda was there Saturday to catch the blessed insanity. Feel free to live (or re-live) vicariously through these images.

Deeper state of play: Pasadena Hoop Group

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Hooping is a lot of things. It's a tool for exercise and meditation. It's a skill that looks harder than it actually is. (Translate: You can really pick this up without too much practice.) And it's a socially acceptable way for adults to play with fun toys.

For Stacey Wang's story, above, on hooping in the February issue of Rose Magazine, we had a photo shoot with Pasadena Hoop Group founder Sharleen Liu.


The shoot was at the Sierra Madre Community Nursery School, which is a beautiful, organic learning environment for children and the parents who keep it running.

Shoes light up Rodarte runway, plus more behind-the-scenes images

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Let's talk about those shoes.

They lit up the Rodarte runway like fireflies in an unearthly darkness, and managed somehow to be ever-so-much cooler than the effect of white confetti under black lights.

SHOWstudio, which earlier today carried the impressive live stream of Rodarte's fall/winter 2010 collection, had this to say, of the shoes, on its blog:

"These strapped and sliced Nicholas Kirkwood shoes -- with their cut-out sportswear-inspired fronts contradicted by illuminated fairytale melting wax heels -- were just the cherry on the cake of a captivating collection that is undoubtedly one of the finest of the week so far. You can keep the heels, girls -- we're walking on air!"

You can, and should, catch the whole runway show, on-demand, at SHOWstudio.

Some close-ups, with variety:

Scenes from the LA Street Food Fest in downtown

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Photographer Watchara Phomicinda captured these scrumptious images from the LA Street Food Fest this weekend.

Were you among the thousands that swooped in upon downtown L.A. on Saturday for a morsel of food-truck goodness?

The lines were outrageously, crushingly long. But if you previously had trouble tracking down the individual trucks as they cavort about town, it was a way to kill about 30 birds with one stone -- provided you had good company for the queuing.

Photo gallery: Rodarte Fall 2010 collection

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Pasadena's own denizens Laura and Kate Mulleavy came out strong at New York Fashion Week this morning in Rodarte's fall 2010 collection, worthy of an ethereal ghost bride with a penchant for neutrals, lace and a touch of pearls.

Still present were their bold textures and patchwork layering, but the muted color palette put a dreamlike haze over the affair. Where before their designs were almost tribal, that quality was overtaken by a spectral, romantic glow.

The Mulleavys have said they were inspired, among other things, by the notion of sleepwalking.

UPDATED: Live tweeting Rodarte at New York Fashion Week

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UPDATE: Below, what people are saying about Rodarte, now that the show's over, on Twitter.

The Rodarte show starts in less than 10 minutes, and we'll be watching, via live feed, at ShowStudio.com

See our live tweets @RoseMagazine


Shop the Block: Savor the Flavor, 11 Kersting Court

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Gourmet specialty food store Savor the Flavor is the kind of shop run by people -- a mother and daughter team -- who know and love food. The kind of food that brings people together, for parties, holidays and even a simple dinner shared by family. New items are constantly being brought into the shop, and they'll gladly seek out special requests for hard-to-find items. For gift-giving, Savor the Flavor is a sure bet if you know someone who eats -- which is to say, for anybody.

11 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 626-355-5153, savortheflavor.net

Shop the Block: B.la, 24 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

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This is the smallest but most precious gift shop in which you'll ever set foot. Owner Deb Doumitt packs a spatially-restrained but powerful punch in her eclectic mix of goodies. Her stock of stationery and fine paper goods is always plentiful and far more meaningful than those you'll find in traditional card stores. Each is a small and colorful objet d'art.

24 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Suite B, Sierra Madre, 626-355-2906

Shop the Block: Attitude!, 90 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

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A bit like an upscale Melrose shop, Attitude! is a gem in the crown of Sierra Madre's boutique shopping scene. The owners create many of their own designs and execute them in craftsman-like detail. Handbags, in particular, are a specialty here, from the offbeat to the glamorous to the everyday. Expect to pay a bit more for the high-quality of each piece, but know it's an investment worthy of your hard-earned moolah.

90 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, 626-355-3929

Shop the Block: La Bella Rouge, 34 N. Baldwin Ave.

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French provincial touches meet the Montmarte-ian in La Bella Rouge, a women's clothing and accessories boutique. Notebooks and knick-knacks put a hint of Anthropologie in this roadside shop, but without the sky-high prices and with a little more love. La Bella Rouge caters to women of all ages, making it a best-bet when your shopping buddy is an older or younger gal than you are.

34 N. Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre, 626-355-1427

Lavender loves, part deux: Lather skin care

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Here's the thing about Lather: It was founded by Emilie Hoyt, who knows a thing or two about that buzz word, aromatherapy. Ten years ago, Hoyt got the idea to start the botanical skin care brand after she discovered lavender soap helped to relieve her intense migraine headaches.

She would even put the soap under her pillow to relax at bedtime.

So lavender abounds at Lather, which means we had so many options from which to choose. Some favs:

Lavender loves: Lush soaps and bubble bars

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We are on a serious lavender kick here in the newsroom. After reading about lavender's soothing properties, we now have a community lavender lotion bottle and lavender room spray to diffuse tense situations. (And even if the scent doesn't actually make meeting our deadlines any easier, at least we smell good doing it.)

For handmade cosmetics and bath products -- in any scent -- Lush is where it's at. Here's what we recommend:

BabyCakes, BabyCakes ... bake me a cake as fast as you can

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If these photos don't make you drool, you're seriously lacking a sweet tooth (or even a sweet taste bud, for heaven's sake!)

Erin McKenna, founder of BabyCakes NYC, has brought her brand of healthy baking to a new storefront in downtown Los Angeles.

That conspicuous H-word is not a misprint: BabyCakes products are all-natural confections that can fit deliciously into even the most persnickety of diets. Check the menu and take note: There are gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, casein-free, egg-free and refined-sugar-free goodies. Vegan and kosher items, too!

Virtually everyone can eat here, except for those who don't like cupcakes. And we honestly can't confirm the existence of such people.

Mon., day-old stock, all 50 percent off, noon-6 p.m. or until sold old; Tues.-Weds., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 130 E. 6th St., between S. Main Street and S. Los Angeles Street, 213-623-5555, babycakesnyc.com

More images over which to salivate after the jump.

Behind the scenes: Rose Magazine cover shoot

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For our February issue on health and wellness (with a pinch of Valentine's Day), we worked with staff photographer Watchara Phomicinda to create this blissful cover look.
Lots more photos after the jump.

Rooted in love: Valentine's Day at The Folk Tree

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The Folk Tree has the art of romance boiled down to a science -- or is it the other way around?

Its 23rd annual Hearts & Flowers Exhibition runs through Feb. 20, with love and all its requisite -- and some unexpected -- symbols the focus of the show.

Expect a variety of mediums, including jewelry, as 50 local artists display their works. Small-scale decorative works and whimsical objects are balanced against emotionally-charged pieces reflecting the ups and downs of love.

An array of related Mexican folk art is also on view, including ceramic figures, repousse hearts cut from tin, and paper and cornhusk flowers.

Lots more amazing photos after the jump.

217 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Mon.-Wed., 11-6; Thurs.-Sat., 10-6; Sun., 12-5. (626) 795-8733, folktree.com

Role-playing at JPL: Send your name to Mars and build your own space mission without leaving home

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As part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, you can now send your name on a microchip to Mars. That's right: This is your (probably only) chance to go to Mars, even if only in name.

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The Mars Science Laboratory rover, which will be exploring the red planet to determine if its environment is habitable, heads to Mars in 2011. Your name could be there, or be ... not on Mars.

Less real, but with even more interactive fun for you and the kidlets: Build your own space mission on the JPL Web site.

You get to:

  • Design your Mii-like scientist/engineer
  • Equip your laboratory with data-capturing devices
  • Choose an orbiter or rover as your spacecraft
  • Outfit it with more information-gathering instruments
  • Select a destination like Mars, Saturn, its moon Titan or Earth
  • Launch your rocket -- with a countdown and everything
  • Study your destination and collect data and samples to send back to Earth
And, at the end of it all, NASA always requests that you build a new mission! How's that for positive reinforcement? (And, no, I have not played it three times already today.)

That's me, below, in my casual-Friday look. I actually use two of those three instruments in my real-life job.

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Health and wellness: Rose Magazine February issue hits the streets today with Valentine's goodies

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The February issue of Rose Magazine, which focuses on health and wellness, is out today!

Inside -- among our regular departments and guides to the best events, shopping and dining in Pasadena -- you'll find:

  • Crucial things to know before taking your first step in the Pasadena Marathon
  • A community clinic that's turning the notion of free-clinics-as-last-resort on its head
  • A primer on loose-leaf teas, with teapots that are truly works of serviceware art
  • The best Valentine's Day cards ever, crafted by local Anemone Letterpress
  • Our regular Shop the Block feature, this time showcasing boutiques in Sierra Madre
  • Healthy cupcakes -- and you won't have to travel the world over to get them
  • A riveting and revealing column by our resident mommy blogger on the pain of postpartum depression
Pasadena Star-News subscribers receive the magazine automatically with their newspaper.

If you're not a subscriber, you can pick up a copy at Vroman's or select spots around town, like the Convention Center and the Star-News office, 911 E. Colorado Blvd. Contact us and we'll make sure you get a copy!

To get future issues delivered direct to your home or office, subscribe to Rose Magazine.

You can also peruse the entire February health and wellness issue below:

Scenes from Pasadena City College

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Students at Pasadena City College made good use of their umbrellas on another rainy day in the Southland today.

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(Photo by Walt Mancini / Staff)

Festival of Brides: The Upscale Bridal Show

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The Festival of Brides, Upscale Bridal Show made its tenth appearance at The Langham, Huntington in Pasadena this last Sunday -- and it was an afternoon to remember.

Being a fairly new bride-to-be, I've only been to one other bridal show, but as I entered the Huntington Ballroom at the Langham on Sunday, I could easily see why there was such a steep entrance fee ($35).

These beautiful displays by Luna Party Rentals provided some of the decorative and lighting displays in the foyer entrance to the ballroom.

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Cheesing it up for the Super Bowl

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It's almost time for the Super Bowl, and that means it's also time for ... cheese, obviously.

At Bristol Farms in South Pasadena, experience the exciting world of cheese sculptures created by Sarah "The Cheese Lady" Kaufmann, a nationally recognized cheese sculptor. (They do exist.)

Taste champion Wisconsin cheeses, and watch The Cheese Lady create a stampede of crashing helmets for this year's big game rivals, the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, out of super-sized cheeses.

The lineup of mammoth Wisconsin cheeses includes 22-pound to 150-pound Cheddar "linemen" and Sartori Raspberry Belavitano as the "taste-backer."

Let the cheese-sculpting begin, today, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at  Bristol Farms Supermarket, 606 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena.

Nominate a Pasadena woman to be honored at Rose Magazine's gala event

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Nominations due: March 1
Nominees must live, work or go to school in Pasadena

STEP 1: Select an award category
  • Arts & Culture: "Distinguished Artist of the Year"
  • Education: "Educator of the Year"
  • Philanthropy: "Philanthropist of the Year"
  • Community Service: "Volunteer of the Year"
  • Health & Wellness: "Inspirational Woman of the Year"
  • Family: "Mother of the Year"
  • Youth: "Young Woman of the Year" (under 21 years old)
  • Business: "Entrepreneur of the Year"
  • Science & Technology: "Innovator of the Year"
  • Woman of the Year: Nominees from other categories are automatically eligible for this award.

STEP 2: Tell us about the nominee
  • Send us a statement of nomination via:
     e-mail: therose@sgvn.com
     fax: 626-856-2758
     mail: 911 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106

  • Describe the nominee's attributes and abilities:
     Contribution as a role model
     Contribution to the well-being of the community
     Individual achievement

  • Include letters of support:
     Letters should refer to your nominee by name and to her accomplishments

STEP 3: Provide contact information
  • Please give us your contact information: address, phone number, e-mail address
  • Please also provide your nominee's contact information: address, phone number, e-mail address

Nominees will be announced in the April 14 edition of Rose Magazine. Winners will be honored at a gala event in May, sponsored by the Pasadena Star-News and Rose Magazine.

For more information, call 626-962-8811, Ext. 2669, or e-mail therose@sgvn.com

Design Revolution Road Show rolls through Art Center

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RBLOG-HIPPO1.jpgThe Design Revolution Road Show that will be rolling through the Art Center College of Design campus on Monday has an agenda, and the 40 objects it's bringing in tow help make a convincing case: good design solves problems.

There are solutions to first-world problems, like needing to sync your iPod with your workout. But there are also straws to purify polluted water as you drink it, sharp jewelry to punch would-be attackers and affordable, custom-fit eyeglasses that use liquid to bend light accordingly.

The photos are of Hippo Rollers, a water transport barrel for the developing world. The Hippo has a capacity of 24 gallons, and frees women and children from having to spend most of their days collecting water for their households.

The all-day exhibition takes place in a mobile, 1972 Airstream trailer, and visitors can experience, use and touch all of the products on display. In the evening, GOOD, Art Center's Alumni Office and Designmatters present a celebration with food, drink, music, books and dialogue.

Monday, Feb. 8, noon-10 p.m., lecture at 1 p.m., evening reception at 6 p.m. Art Center College of Design at Ahmanson Auditorium, 1700 Lida St. designrevolutionroadshow.com

(Photos via Design Revolution Road Show)

You and a zombie, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G

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Love. Zombies. They're both infectious, and they're both the subject of Gallery Nucleus' Valentine's art happening "Zombies in Love."

It's much ado about something dead. (Has the Jane Austen/zombie love affair already jumped the shark?)

Gallery organizers advise bringing your beloved to the exhibit, because true love doesn't die -- or un-die.

The opening reception will feature a volunteer zombie walk; arrive in your finest undead state for the sake of art. The zombified also are spared the $2 cover charge.

Paintings, sculptures and live performances will be showcased in the gallery, and zombie professionals from film and publishing will be signing their work, including Chris Lane, the Oakland illustrator who collaborated on "Zombies: A Record of the Year of Infection."

Opening Feb. 6, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Zombie walk at 6:20 p.m., starts at corner of Atlantic and Main St. Exhibit runs through Feb. 22. Gallery Nucleus, 210 E. Main St., Alhambra. 626-458-7477. gallerynucleus.com

(Photo via Gallery Nucleus)

Nightlife: T. Boyle's lives up to tavern name, with pub fun and games on tap

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THE PLACE: The name alone intrigued me: T. Boyle's Tavern. It's been a while since a pub-style bar has opened in the area.

I love the look and feel of a bar that makes you think of "Cheers" -- "where everybody knows your name." But it's not easy to find one that can keep up with the times and avoid turning into a dive.

Troy Boyle, aka T. Boyle, opened the Tavern on Halloween night last year with the idea of turning this former Latin club back to a bar. Boyle brings a lot of bar and contracting experience to the renovated space. The former La Boom club was mostly destroyed inside by a fire.

The new bar offers a great place to catch games on flatscreens, relax with a game of pool or shuffleboard, or just enjoy a nice pint of some tasty ale.

Empty-house party at the 2010 Pasadena Showcase House of Design

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Last week, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts held its empty-house party in the historic Cravens Estate, which was selected as the 2010 Pasadena Showcase House of Design. The event gives media-types and Showcase supporters a chance to see the property before it undergoes a dramatic transformation at the hands of 26 interior designers and seven exterior designers.

Dining: iX tapa Cantina is a boisterous, urban watering hole

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RBLOG-IXTAPA3.jpgFood writer Merrill Shindler recently tackled the phonetically-challenging iX tapa Cantina, a newcomer to the Colorado Boulevard dining scene.

He, first, found that the eatery's name brought out his inner grammar curmudgeon:

Look: You'll forgive me if I spell it "Ixtapa." Apparently, the spelling chosen by the Jack and Karen Huang, the restaurateurs who opened this Urban Chic Cantina, is the somewhat keyboard-unfriendly "iX tapa," which will drive me to madness. And it's apparently caused those who note restaurant openings on the Web to sprain all ten fingers. Take a look, and you'll find "Ix Tapa," "ix tapa," "IX Tapa," "Ixtapa" -- the variations go on and on.

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