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From Alexa on Fossil Watches to the Chronological Feed Return on IG and more! | Tech News

We’re jumpstarting the first week of the new year with this week’s leading tech headlines. Read on for all the tech world news you want to know. From Alexa on Fossil Watches to the Chronological Feed Return on IG and more, we have you covered!

New TikTok Deal May Bring Top Videos to a Waiting Room Near You

The most popular TikTok videos may be heading to a waiting room near you. The popular social media app has partnered with Atmosphere, a startup that drums up popular content for settings like hotels and waiting rooms. Currently, Atmosphere delivers its content services to places like Tace Bell, Roadhouse, and Meineke. The app works by allowing customers to choose from a number of “channels” that fit different environments. This new partnership will bring a dedicated channel to curate videos from the platform. The app does not use audio, however, which means your favorite vids maybe sans the catchy jingles you’ve grown to love. Likewise, it’ll simply be a matter of where else you can expect to see the service, whether that be a waiting room or grocery store near you.

Alexa to Land on Fossil watch-ware Soon

If you are a fan of Fossil’s brand of smartwatches and Alexa, you are in luck. At this week’s CES, the company launched two new smartwatches. While the Wear OS 3 upgrade won’t be available for several months, Alexa will be coming to Gen 6 watches soon. As far as when Alexa will arrive on your watch, “coming soon” is the currently provided timeframe. In a recent media statement, Fossil said the update should arrive in the first half of 2022. The new watches already include the widget for Alexa, with a “coming soon” in place of voice assistant capabilities. One can likewise only assume that soon means before midyear for eager Fossil and Alexa fans.

 

Walmart to Expand Direct-to-Your-Refrigerator Deliveries

Direct to you deliveries from Walmart are getting a much-needed expansion boost. The company announced that InHome, its delivery service, will expand its services to 30 million US households by the end of this year. To accommodate the change, the company will hire an estimated 3,000 delivery drivers. In addition, Walmart will also establish an all-electric fleet of delivery vehicles from General-Motors-backed EV company BrightDrop. To use InHome, users pay $19.95 a month as a subscription fee along. The company also provides an optional option for the delivery body-cam-clad driver to enter your home and refill your fridge for a $49.95 smart lock fee. The expansion will bring InHome to more locations across the US, although where exactly this will have not been disclosed. 

A Defibrillator Delivered Via Drone Saves First Heart Attack Patient in Sweden

Drone’s are here to save the day, at least in Sweden, that is. For the first time, a Defibrillator delivered via drone helped to save the life of a heart attack patient in Sweden. The 71-year-old had a heart attack while shoveling snow and was resuscitated by a nearby doctor after a drone flew in a defibrillator. The delivery was made via Everdone’s Emergency Medical Aerial Delivery (EMADE) service is designed to deliver help as quickly as possible. The device allows emergency dispatchers to send a drone carrying the device to a caller’s home and administer lifesaving aid. The drone was developed with the Center for Resuscitation Science at Karolinska Institutet, SOS Alarm, and Region Västra Götaland.

Chronological Feed Returns with New Instagram Test

It’s the year of the throwback, especially in the case of the Instagram feed we all know, love, and have missed. In a new test from the platform, Instagram is bringing back the chronological feed. The current test includes two new feed settings, including the chronological option. The test also includes a new menu with three options for how Instagram can display posts. The three feed options include a “Home” feed based on content Instagram thinks users will be interested in. The second option, a new “Favorites” feed, will include content from a subset of accounts chosen by the users. The last option, “following,” would be the return of the chronological feed. The latter has already been on its way back after being promised sometime last year. Instagram’s current feed test will determine if the other features will launch on the app soon. 

Google to Boost Cloud Security With Latest Purchase

With the recent acquisition of Israel-based startup Siemplify, Google’s cloud security will soon get a much-needed boost. The purchase of the company cost Google $500 million. In a recent blog post, Google described the company as a security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) organization. Google plans to integrate its capabilities into Chronicle. “Siemplify is an intuitive workbench that enables security teams to both manage risk better and reduce the cost of addressing threats,” Sunil Potti, the vice president of Google Cloud Security, states in the blog post. “Siemplify allows Security Operation Center analysts to manage their operations from end-to-end, respond to cyber threats with speed and precision, and get smarter with every analyst interaction.”

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Weekend Events: January 7-9, 2022

It’s a new year and another weekend full of local fun! Make the most of your first weekend in January with our list of fun events happening around town! Read on for the weekend round-up!!

 

LOS ANGELES JANUARY WEEKEND EVENTS

What is a Western Film Series Presents: The Outsiders

When: January 8, 2022

Where: Autry Museum of the American West

What: Giving rise to the brat-pack genre of the 1980s The Outsiders represents the adolescence angst the remains a cornerstone of teen dramas today. Catch this cult classic presented in 35mm at the Autry for their ongoing What is a Western Series.

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers

When: January 9, 2022

Where: SoFi Stadium | Inglewood

What: It’s NorCal versus SoCal in this weekend matchup of the LA Rams against the SanFran 49ers. No matter who you root for, it’s a great time to catch a game at LA’s SoFi stadium for some well-deserved weekend fun. 

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

When: January 8, 2022

Where: Dolby Theatre | Los Angeles

What: Direct from sell-out tours of the UK & Europe The Simon & Garfunkel Story tells the fascinating tale of the beloved music duo, Simon & Garfunkel. The show features 1960s photographs and film footage accompanied by a full band performing all their hits. 

 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES JANUARY WEEKEND EVENTS

Violins of Hope

When: January 8, 2022

Where: Terrace Theater – Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center

What: Violins of Hope is a project of concerts based on a private collection of Violins, violas, and cellos all collected since the end of World War 2. This weekend’s musical act will feature a remarkable slate of performances you won’t want to miss.

South Coast Botanic GLOW 

When: Until January 17, 2022

Where: South Coast Botanical Gardens | Palos Verdes 

What: The illuminated wonder of South Coast Botanic Garden’s light display returns for the winter season. Walk through the Palos Verdes Peninsula garden, set to a genre-spanning mix of music for an evening like no other. For this year’s event, you’ll find additional lit areas like the lavender garden, koi pond, Fuschia garden, and lower meadow. 

Francesco Clemente: Twenty Years of Painting: 2001–2021

When: Nov 5, 2021-Jan 16, 2022

Where: Santa Monica

What: View 30 paintings from the nomadic Neapolitan Neo-Expressionist assembled by the Vite Schnabel Gallery. The art will be displayed at Santa Monica’s old Art Deco post office. Visits will be by appointment only.

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY JANUARY WEEKEND EVENTS

Women Painters West: A Century of California Women Artists

When: Nov 13, 2021-Jan 8, 2022

Where: Brand Library and Art Center | Glendale

What: Celebrate Women Painters West for its centennial at this Glendale exhibit of over 100 works from current members. The Laguna Beach-based women’s art organization will also feature 25 paintings of past members to view. 

Rise N Grind Fitness Bootcamp

When: January 9, 2022

Where: 14201 Huston Street | Sherman Oaks

What: If your 2022 goal is wellness, this Sunday’s yoga session with fitness trainer Danny Royce is the place to be. Find your inner zen well getting in a much-needed stretch for a stress-free weekend.

Moonlit Saturday

When: January 8, 2022

Where: The Nitecap | Burbank

What: Don’t miss the city’s best comedians from HBO, Netflix, Showtime, and more at this Saturday’s comedy show. The Nitecap is a fantastic lineup that is sure to add some well-deserved laughter and joy to your weekend plans. 

 

CONEJO VALLEY JANUARY WEEKEND EVENTS

Live Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration at Channel Islands Harbor

When: January 7, 2022

Where: 3900 Bluefin Circle | Oxnard

What: If you have ever wondered how a Coast Guard rescue mission is conducted, this weekend you’re in luck. The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) will host a US Coast Guard Live Rescue Demonstration this Friday. The Coast Guard Demonstration will take place on the water in Channel Islands Harbor directly in front of the Maritime Museum.

County Line Cars & Coffee Meetup in Westlake Village

When: January 8, 2022

Where: 30770 Russell Ranch Rd, Westlake Village

What: Calling all classic are aficionados, make your way to this Saturday’s County Line Cars & Coffee. The classic car club will be hosting a meetup at The Shoppes at Westlake Village, from 8-10am on January 8th.

 

Malibu Coast Beach Wine Tasting and Food Pairing experience

When: January 9, 2022

Where: Paradise Cove Beach | Malibu

What: Learn and sip wine award-winning French & CA wines + chef-paired gourmet cheeses/picnic foods @ unforgettable Paradise Cove Beach. Indulge in a premium wine tasting of at least 6 French and Napa California luxury wines from a collection of 26 award-winning wineries.

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The Top Fine Dining Restaurants To Try This Month | L.A. Eats

There’s no shortage of fine dining restaurants in Southern California. With so many options to choose from, we thought to save you the google search. Certainly, we know you’ll enjoy some of our favorites to try this month.

LOS ANGELES FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

Phenakite

The Top Fine Dining Restaurants To Try This Month

Location: 1370 N. St. Andrews Pl, Los Angeles

2021 was a good year for Phenakite after earning a Michelin star and being named Best Restaurant of the Year by the L.A. Times. Most importantly, you’ll enjoy a unique outdoor restaurant upon your visit to Phenakite. The restaurant features Vietnamese-inspired seafood dishes that are certainly worth a visit.

n/naka

Location: 3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles

Named to Food & Wine’s 30 Best Restaurants in the World in 2019, n/naka is a two-Michelin-star (kaiseki) Japanese restaurant. In addition, n/naka was featured in the Netflix series Chef’s Table. Likewise, it is one of the area’s top fine dining restaurants.

Redbird

Location: 114 E. 2nd St, Los Angeles

For exquisite contemporary American dining, Redbird is certainly hard to beat. Most importantly, the one-Michelin star restaurant has an amazing avocado salad and an excellent wine list.

 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

Spago of Beverly Hills

Location: 176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills.

You know Spago. Certainly, the anchor of the Wolfgang Puck fine dining restaurants, located in the heart of Beverly Hills remains a favorite. Likewise, diners especially enjoy the bacon-wrapped pork leg and Lox Pizza.

Mélisse

Location: 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

For exceptional contemporary French cuisine, Mélisse is certainly a joy. A two-Michelin-star restaurant and one of the best fine dining restaurants in the area, consider ordering their lobster bolognese. With a pristine reputation, great food, and stellar ambiance, Melisse is certainly an amazing dining choice.

Pasjoli

Location: 2732 Main St, Santa Monica

A restaurant that takes a French bistro and wraps it in an exquisite presentation, Pasjoi prepares classic French cuisine with a Parisian market feel. Likewise, the creation of award-winning chef Dave Beran, Pasjoli is an absolute must.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

Terra e Marré

Location: 13251 Ventura Blvd Unit A, Studio City.

A recent addition to Southern California’s fine dining restaurants is Terra e Marré. In Studio City, Terra e Marré features an Italian-infused menu. Likewise, you’ll find a casually elegant ambiance, house-made pasta, and premium wine and beer selections.

Mistral

Location: 13422 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks

Elegant dining from Southern France will be found at Mistral. With crystal chandeliers and polished brass, of course, you will feel you walked into a bistro in Lyon. Likewise, the gratis blue-cheese puffs and garlic-buttery escargot à la Bourgogne are amazing. Certainly, you will feel you have all that you need for the perfect Parisian atmosphere in the heart of Sherman Oaks.

CONEJO VALLEY FINE DINING RESTAURANTS

Zin Bistro Americana

Location: 32131 Lindero Canyon Road #111, Westlake Village

Beautiful lakeside dining, a scenic fire-lit patio, and a spacious bar highlight the Zin Bistro experience. Featuring a menu derived from a variety of cultures, Zin Bistro Americana of course, offers a relaxing atmosphere to dine and sip in.

Tuscany il Ristorante

Location: 968 S. Westlake Blvd #4, Westlake Village

Tuscany il Ristorante provides traditional Italian cuisine in a romantic atmosphere with dim lighting. Likewise, should you visit, we recommend you try the linguini with fresh clams or the pumpkin ravioli. With delicious food and amazing ambiance,  Tuscany il Ristorante is certainly a fantastic restaurant to try.

Austen’s Restaurant

Location: 550 Sanjon Road, Ventura

Executive Chef Eduardo Quintero oversees the preparation of a menu that uses locally sourced and sustainable fresh ingredients. Likewise, a visit to Austen’s comes with breathtaking views of the Pacific. Most importantly, the food is as exquisite as the scenery.

We certainly hope you enjoy the many fine-dining restaurants Southern California has to offer.

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Museum Exhibits to Check out this Winter | Out & About

Southern California offers a wealth of museums and art galleries to appeal to almost every taste and any age. Many museums and galleries have rotating and temporary displays to keep things fresh, and some have exciting seasonal exhibitions. If you’re looking for somewhere fantastic to visit this winter, check out these awesome museum exhibits.

LACMA

Museum Exhibits to Check out this Winter

Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, attracts almost one million visitors each year. As the biggest art museum in the western U.S., it’s home to a fascinating collection that spans diverse genres and epochs. Over winter up until April 2022, the Black American Portraits exhibition contains more than 100 works that span more than 200 years. The Mixpantli exhibition, open until May, offers insights into Mexico’s indigenous past. Until February you can also visit the Golden Hour exhibition. Likewise, the exhibit showcases photography from around California. In addition, there is In the Now, a photographic exhibition that features modern pieces created by female European-born or -based artists and that seeks to challenge traditional ideas of gender and nation.

Grammy Museum

Museum Exhibits to Check out this Winter

On view at the Grammy Museum through January 2022, Motown: The Sound of Young America provides a fascinating look into the world of the famous record label. Likewise, museum exhibits include musical instruments, costumes, photographs, records, and promotional materials.

CAAM

The Californian African American Museum, or CAAM, has a permanent collection of around 5,000 pieces. Several temporary exhibitions are due to end in the early months of 2022. Make this winter the ideal time to visit if you didn’t already see them. On view until the end of February, Rights, and Rituals: The Making of African American Debutante Culture shows how Black debutante customs were established in the West, while Sanford Biggers’ Codeswitch (on view until January 23rd) contains eye-catching quilts. You can also visit The Last Cruze by LaToya Ruby Frazier, which details the lives of people who worked at the General Motors factory in Ohio, until March.

Skirball Cultural Center

The Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds exhibition at Skirball Cultural Center is a terrific exhibition for sci-fi fans. Open until February 20th, you’ll likewise find an array of props, costumes, models, and other memorabilia from the popular franchise.

Getty Center

Museum Exhibits to Check out this Winter

Housing a large permanent collection the Getty Center is also celebrated for its beautiful gardens and sweeping city views. Temporary exhibits over the winter include the strikingly ornate prayer books of Transcending Time, In Dialogue, and La Surprise, which showcases a number of glorious works by 18th-century French artist Antoine Watteau. In Recent Acquisitions 2021, you can see some of the museum’s newly acquired pieces.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has a winter display dedicated to rare stones. Likewise, brimming with interesting exhibits at all times of the year, it’s worth a visit anytime! Entitled Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels, it features numerous minerals and gems, detailing how they can be used in science.

Other terrific museum exhibits to enjoy this winter include:

  • Rubens: Picturing Antiquity at the Getty Villa Museum
  • Kumihimo: The Art of Japanese Silk Braiding by Domyo at Japan House
  • Sahara: Acts of Memory at Benton Museum of Art
  • A Garden of Words at The Huntington
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Trendy vs. Timeless Decor in your Home | Home Tips

One of the most important decisions in home décor is between trendy and timeless looks. Trendy décor entails the latest and up-to-date décor which changes over time while timeless décor is not affected by changes in fashion or the passage of time as it is rooted in traditions. The best option for many real estate homeowners is to find a balance between the two.

Timeless Décor

Timeless décor features provide comfort and durability. They add value to your home and the best thing is that you don’t have to worry about timeless décor going out of style. In addition, traditional elements give your home an elegant and classic look.

Here are a few ways to work with timeless décor:
  • Invest in high-quality timeless major fixtures. These features include hardwood flooring, built-in shelving, and white kitchens.
  • Vintage décor pieces such as an antique dresser or sofa, clawfoot bathtubs, fireplaces, and marble bathrooms add a classic look to a home. A traditional kitchen with granite countertops with soft colors such as white, crème, taupe, or light gray is also great.

Trendy Décor

Trends make your home cutting edge, exciting, and attractive to your guests as well as buyers. This is because they keep changing and allow you to reinvent your home regularly. Selecting trendy décor is a satisfying way to express your style. Here are a few tips to work with trendy décor:

  • Use trendy pieces for accents and finishes such as lampshades, chandeliers, or lightweight decorative pieces which are easy to replace when they go out of style.
  • Play with textures to add fun to the rooms. You can use printed wallpapers to add interest to a plain wall. Wall arts and floor rugs are also interesting ways to lift the spirits in a room.

While trendy pieces can go out of fashion, they can be easily stripped away or painted over to give a completely new fresh look. Some trends such as a white kitchen have evolved to be a classic palette preferred in the kitchen.

Finding a balance between the two decor styles provides the best of both worlds. The use of trendy pieces on vintage pieces such as using built-in bookcases or antique dressers to display art pieces can give the home a classic look. A sofa could also be styled using colorful and trendy cushions or reupholstered to give a vibrant new look. These and other elements give your home an enduring appeal. Trendy colors and patterns can also be incorporated in accents and accessories around the home.

Whatever feels like home to you is the best to put in your home. You do not have to decide between trendy or timeless décor. The real challenge is to strike a balance between the two. If stuck, it is advisable to partner with a professional.
Working with a professional in remodeling or building a home provides you with personalized consultations and draft designs to match your taste. This way, you get to express your individuality while also giving your home a luxury finish and versatile look.

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From Quantum Computing to the 3rd Gen Razr and more! | Tech News

Stay connected with the leading headlines of tech news from across the globe. From quantum computing to the 3rd Gen Razr and more, we have you covered. Read on for our round-up of the tech news you need to know this week!

Quantum Computers are Leading the Way Towards Solving Larger Problems

This past year brought a swift change in the future of quantum computing. With a new level of sophistication reach for these radical machines, the business world is taking note. Automaking giants like BMW have already changed course to a realm of possibilities for the machines and how they can capitalize on the physics of the ultrasmall devices advantages. Recently the automaker choose four winners in a contest with Amazon to spotlight how the new tech could help the German automobile manufacturer. From the contest, BMW found that quantum computers hold the potential to optimize the placement of car sensors, employ AI in quality checks, and more. Likewise, the company joins the likes of LG, Paypal, and Aerospace giant Airbus is seeking to revolutionize how quantum computing can impact our future for the better. 

Foldable Phones to Make a Continued Comeback with 3rd Gen Motorola Razr

The 2010s continue to make a comeback with this week’s news from tech giant Motorola and the return of the Razr phone. The company announced they are currently working on a new version of the famed foldable smartphone. This new addition to the company’s lineup of foldable phones seeks to combine modern necessity with nostalgic design. Likewise, with the phone still in the early stages, there is little that is known about the 3rd Gen Razr. However, the announcement does mention that a better processor is underway long with 5G capabilities. Additionally, the phone is expected to release in China first before becoming available in the U.S. and other markets.

A Fleet of Self-Driving, All-Electric Robotaxis Underway from Waymo

Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving car company recently announced a partnership with Chinese automaker Geely. The companies will work together on a fleet of all-electric, self-driving robotaxis. Additionally, according to the press release from the company,  Geely’s all-electric five-door Zeekr will serve as the adaption for the vehicles. In addition, Waymo will outfit the cars with the necessary hardware and software to allow for autonomous driving. Likewise, the vehicles will be deployed in the US as part of Wyamo’s existing fleet of self-driving robotaxis some time “in the years to come”, according to the company. 

California’s Shake Alert App Helped to Give Crucial Warning for Recent Earthquake

This past Monday’s earthquake in Northern California gave the state’s MyShake app another opportunity for providing early warning. Serving as an early alert system, the app was able to provide crucial seconds of warning to a half-million phones ahead of this week’s 6.2 magnitude earthquake. The quake was the largest in the state since the app’s initial rollout through its system ShakeAlert. According to the company, ShakeAlert pulls information from the United States Geological Surveys (USGS) sensor network to provide advanced data.

The Latest Acquisition by Zoom’s Will Connect Professional Broadcast Tools for Large-Scale Events

Zoom is seeking to expand its reach as a video-conferencing company. This week the company announced it had acquired the startup Liminal. Liminal, and likewise its add-ons allow for professional virtual events. Additionally, this recent acquisition signals that Zoom will likely integrate the tool into its software. Zoom believes by acquiring these assets the company will be able to “bridge” the gap between emerging and traditional forms of event control tools. This advancement will likely come in handy for broadcast studios, theaters, and other organizations that want to create professional streams. 

New Tesla Update Lets Drivers Turn Vehicles into Moving Megaphones

This week Tesla announced the release of a new feature that will let drivers turn their cars into megaphones. Currently, the update is only available on the newer Tesla models (2019 or later). Tesla’s megaphone feature uses the vehicle’s external speakers. The speakers are part of a U.S. regulation for silent electric vehicles. The regulation requires an audible alert to pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence at low speeds. The speakers are able to repeat everything that a driver says. Likewise, the audio has a slight delay and with a bass-heavy distortion. There has been no word given on if the delay and audio distortion will be remedied in the future. 

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Weekend Events: December 31-January 2

The countdown is on to 2022. Ring in the new year with these fun new years eve weekend events around town. From firework displays to neighborhood bar happenings, we have you covered on all the NYE fun!

LOS ANGELES NEW YEARS EVE WEEKEND EVENTS

NYEx10

When: December 31, 2021

Where: Big Bar | Los Feliz

What: For a countdown unlike any other, Big Bar in Los Feliz is celebrating with 10. That’s right, 10 countdowns. The trendy neighborhood bar will have 10 different playlists and 10 original cocktails for each hour leading up until midnight. The event will be held outdoors only with proof of vaccination required.

N.Y.E.L.A.

When: Dec 31, 2021

Where: Grand Park [Virtually]

What: While this year’s event will no longer be held in-person as planned, at-home revelers can still witness LA’s biggest countdown. The event will be headlined by Esty, DUCKWRTH and Kinky will headline the evening, with DJ sets in between from Peanut Butter Wolf and J.Rocc. The annual countdown will stream live with a 3-D recreation via Fuse and the Grand Parl Youtube pages.

Holiday Gingerbread Bar 

When: Until Dec 31, 2021

Where: Godfrey Hotel | Echo Park

What: If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be inside a gingerbread house, now is your chance. The Godfrey Hotel has turned its rooftop bar I|O into a life-size gingerbread house decked out with royal icing and candy canes. Enjoy an evening under the stars inside a literal sweet treat.

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES NEW YEARS EVE WEEKEND EVENTS

Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks

When: December 31, 2021

Where: Burton Chace Park

What: Ring in the new year with a stunning pyro-filled evening under the stars. Marina del Rey will be showcasing their fireworks celebration of the new year at both 9 pm and midnight. Those dining with a harbor view should be able to see the dazzling show once it begins

New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Long Beach Waterfront

When: Dec 31, 2021

Where: Long Beach

What: For those spending their NYE in Long Beach, you’ll be treated to a stunning show of fireworks to kick off the new year. The midnight show will be viewable from most areas near the water with dinner specials and parties aplenty nearby. 

Francesco Clemente: Twenty Years of Painting: 2001–2021

When: Nov 5, 2021-Jan 16, 2022

Where: Santa Monica

What: View 30 paintings from the nomadic Neapolitan Neo-Expressionist assembled by the Vite Schnabel Gallery. The art will be displayed at Santa Monica’s old Art Deco post office. Visits will be by appointment only.

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NEW YEARS EVE WEEKEND EVENTS

Keep it Local New Year’s Eve Karaoke Extravaganza

When: December 31, 2021

Where: Sherman Oaks

What: For a local Sherman Oaks affair, enjoy the Keep it Local karaoke party at the Oaks Tavern. General Admission is free, but tables can be reserved as well. Celebrate the new year locally with this fun event!  

Universal CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebration

When: December 31, 2021

Where: Universal Studios Hollywood

What: Universal Studios offers a special New Year’s Eve experience that you’ll never forget. Enjoy the park’s nighttime transformation and a midnight fireworks display.

Women Painters West: A Century of California Women Artists

When: Nov 13, 2021-Jan 8, 2022

Where: Brand Library and Art Center | Glendale

What: Celebrate Women Painters West for its centennial at this Glendale exhibit of over 100 works from current members. The Laguna Beach-based women’s art organization will also feature 25 paintings of past members to view. 

 

CONEJO VALLEY NEW YEARS EVE WEEKEND EVENTS

New Year’s Eve at the Reagan Library

When: December 31, 2021

Where: Simi Valley

Where: If you’d like to celebrate the New Year in stately style, then you need to do so at the Reagan Library. Ring in the New Year under the wings of Air Force One, with a gourmet dinner, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase in Pasadena

When: January 1-2, 2021

Where: Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards | Pasadena

What: If you plan to venture over to Pasadena for this weekend’s annual parade, you’ll have plenty more to see afterward. Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase will have up-close views available of this year’s float from Saturday through Sunday. Presented by Avelo Airlines, the event serves as a delightful and relaxing way to cruise into the new year.

 

Broadway at the Seaside 2 NYE Dinner Show

When: December 31, 2021

Where: Poinsettia Pavilion | Ventura 

What: For those who’d like their evening to end a little earlier so they can enjoy midnight privately, the Poinsettia Pavilion offers a Broadway show and a lovely catered dinner.

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NYE Dinner to Go | L.A. Eats

New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles is usually the best of times, but during the age of Covid, going out is problematic. For those planning at-home New Year’s Eve celebrations, dinner to go is an excellent option. Here are a few recommendations of places to get a great NYE dinner to go.

Angelini Osteria

NYE Dinner to Go

Location: 7313 Beverly Boulevard | Los Angeles.

Chef Gino Angelini’s fine Italian restaurant knows how to do takeout dinner right. They offer an impressive menu of large pasta trays, salad trays, appetizer trays, antipasti trays, and main dish trays that will satisfy any craving. Angelini Osteria is in the Fairfax District.

République

Location: 624 S. La Brea Avenue | Los Angeles

Hollywood’s République offers the finest in French dining, known especially for their exquisite seafood first and second courses, fresh-baked baguettes, Liberty Farm Duck, and amazing pastries and desserts. They take pride in making sure your to-go meal loses nothing in the trip.

Bar Amá

NYE Dinner to Go

Location: 118 W. 4th Street | Los Angeles

Maybe you’re in the mood for takeout nachos this New Year’s Eve, but you’d like them with a twist. How about caviar? Was that a yes? Then Bar Amá’s chef and owner, Josef Centeno, says, come on down. Respected throughout LA for their fantastic Tex-Mex fare, Bar Amá puts care into takeout order preparation and packaging. Bar Amá is in the Downtown Historic Core, in the Farmers and Merchants Bank Building.

Westside and Beach Communities NYE Dinner To-Go

Cassia

Location: 1314 7th Street-Santa Monica Boulevard | Santa Monica

If you have a taste for excellent South Asian cuisine on New Year’s Eve, Cassia has you covered. Cassia’s honey-lemongrass flattened half-chicken, Vietnamese black pepper cornbread, and Vietnamese Coffee Pudding are meant to be savored. 

Baltaire

NYE Dinner to Go

Location: 11647 San Vicente Boulevard | Brentwood

One of the area’s top steak houses, Brentwood’s Baltaire, offers an exceptional takeout experience. With an extensive menu, Baltaire’s perfectly seared steaks, wonderful seafood selections, and creative and irresistible appetizers (Charred Spanish Octopus) will get your New Year’s Eve off to a fabulous start. 

Rustic Canyon

Location: 1119 Wilshire Blvd | Santa Monica

Ring in the New Year Michelin Style. Rustic Canyon will be offering a delicious array of dishes to choose from. The festive spread combines old-school steakhouse fare with an added fun twist. Patrons will have the option to choose between five to seven courses.

San Fernando Valley NYE Dinner To-Go

Bourbon Steak

NYE Dinner to Go

Location: 237 South Brand Blvd | Glendale

Celebrate a new year with a culinary trip through centuries past. Bourbon Steak’s “Odes to Epicurean Eras” prix fixe menu will offer dishes that span the 19th and 20th centuries. Located at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, Michael Mina’s modern steakhouse provides a perfect way to ring in 2022.

The Local Peasant

Location: 14058 Ventura Blvd | Sherman Oaks

For an NYE Dinner to-go, the is low-key, what could be better than delicious gastropub bites? The Local Peasant gastropub will have a range of tasty dishes to indulge in from their 1.5-pound lobster to their loaded baked potatoes and more.

Boneyard Bistro

NYE Dinner to Go

Location: 13539 Ventura Blvd. | Sherman Oaks

What would The Dude do? He’d enjoy an NYE dinner to-go courtesy of Boneyard Bistro’s ‘Big Lebowski’ themed new year celebration. Treat your tastebuds to dishes inspired by the film for what is sure to be a very Hollywood holiday.

Conejo Valley NYE Dinner To-Go

Saddle Peak Lodge

Location: 419 Cold Canyon Road | Calabasas

Known for offering exquisite culinary dishes, it should come as no surprise that Saddle Peak Lodges NYE dinner would be just as delicious. The Malibu Canyon restaurant is offering a fantastic four-course menu that will surely bring joy to your New Year’s Eve fête.

Lure Fish House

NYE Dinner to Go

Location: 30970 Russell Ranch Road | Westlake Village

If you prefer from the sea cuisine this NYE, look no further than Lure Fish House. The Westlake Village restaurant will have all of their famed dishes available to you this New Year.

Pedalers Forks

Location: 23504 Calabasas Rd | Calabasas

A Calabasa’s favorite, Pedalers Fork will be offering a fantastic menu to ring in the new year. Enjoy a range of tasty dishes for an NYE dinner you will always remember.

Thanks to Los Angeles’s finest restaurants, there will be plenty of delicious NYE dinner to-go possibilities to choose from. Here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2022.

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From TikTok Kitchens to Zoom on Amazon Fire TV and More! | Tech News

It’s time for this week’s tech news. Stay connected with the world of tech as we break down the week’s leading headlines. From TikTok Kitchens to Zoom on Amazon Fire TV and more, we have the tech news you need to know!

Tesla to Reward Timely Holiday Travel with Free Charging

If you happen to be road-tripping for the holidays AND driving a Tesla, you’re in luck. The EV company has announced a predawn holiday gift for commuters in need of a charge. From December 23 through December 26, drivers will be able to charge at certain Supercharger locations before 10AM or after 7PM for free. The deal will be available at 75 charging stations out of the 1400 available Tesla stations in the U.S. Most of the charging stations are located in California, making this an excellent gift for local Tesla drivers. 

World’s Longest Lithium-Ion Flexible Fiber Battery Produced by MIT Engineers

Engineers at MIT have created the world’s longest lithium-ion flexible fiber battery ever produced. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery was developed in the form of an ultra-long fiber. As a result, the lithium-ion battery can be woven into fabrics and could potentially provide power for fiber-based electronic devices and sensors. In addition, the engineers believe that the battery could be used in a variety of wearable electronic devices. The researchers involved in the project envision new possibilities for self-powered communications, sensing, and computational devices. 

Amazon TV’s can Now Take Zoom Calls

If you are looking for an expanded view for your next Zoom meeting, Amazon has a new solution. With the launch of Amazon’s Fire TV last month, the company will finally be adding the promised Zoom video calling app. The app became available on the Fire TV device this week, just in time for the holidays and as such virtual holiday gatherings. Zoom users seeking to use their TV to connect will need a USB webcam for video capability. Likewise, users will not need to locate the app in the app store and can find it by simply saying, “Alexa, find Zoom”.

New Study Finds electric vehicles provide lower carbon emissions through additional channels 

In a recent study conducted by Yale School of the Environment published in Nature Communications, researchers found that electric vehicles provide lower carbon emissions. The study showed that with regard to emissions, EV’s have a clear advantage over conventional vehicles. Likewise, the research gave a better understanding of how comprehensive carbon pricing can shift consumers toward electric vehicles. In addition, the study gave consideration to future technological change, such as decarbonization of the electricity supply.

TikTok Kitchens to Bring Viral Culinary Creations Straight to You

Foodies of TikTok rejoice because your favorite viral culinary creations may be coming via delivery to you soon. This week TikTok announced they will be partnering with Virtual Dining Concepts to launch TikTok Kitchens. The delivered-only service features the trendiest and tastiest recipes on the app. According to Bloomberg, TikTok and VDC plan to open around 300 locations across the US with plans to expand to 1,000 by the end of 2022. Likewise, the menu for TikTok kitchens will rotate quarterly to keep things fresh and exciting.

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Weekend Events: December 24-26

Christmas weekend has arrived so we are rounding up the best holiday happenings around town for you to celebrate with friends and family!

LOS ANGELES CHRISTMAS WEEKEND EVENTS

L.A. County Holiday Celebration

When: December 24, 2021

Where: Online

What: Get into the holiday spirit this Christmas weekend with L.A.’s biggest holiday show. Although this year’s event will now be streamed live, you can still enjoy all of the fun from the comfort of your home. The L.A. County Holiday Celebration will include more than 20 choirs, music ensembles, and dance troupes from all over the city.

Holiday Gingerbread Bar 

When: Until Dec 31, 2021

Where: Godfrey Hotel | Echo Park

What: If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be inside a gingerbread house, now is your chance. The Godfrey Hotel has turned its rooftop bar I|O into a life-size gingerbread house decked out with royal icing and candy canes. Enjoy an evening under the stars inside a literal sweet treat.

Yuletide Cinemaland

When: Dec 4-Dec 26, 2021

Where: Heritage Square | Montecito Heights

What: If you want old-fashioned vibes this holiday season, you’ll enjoy the outdoor screenings being offered at Heritage Square. Enjoy Victorian home tours, piano sing-alongs, and more while you sip hot cocoa and mulled wine. The month-long event will feature a range of screenings from Elf to Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, and more.

 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES CHRISTMAS WEEKEND EVENTS 

South Coast Botanic GLOW 

When: Until January 17, 2022

Where: South Coast Botanical Gardens | Palos Verdes 

What: The illuminated wonder of South Coast Botanic Garden’s holiday display returns to light up your festive season. Walkthrough the Palos Verdes Peninsula garden, set to a genre-spanning mix of music for an evening like no other. For this year’s event, you’ll find additional lit areas like the lavender garden, koi pond, Fuschia garden, and lower meadow. 

Seaside Cinema Holidays Presents: A Christmas Story

When: Dec 25, 2021

Where: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

What: What better way to spend Christmas weekend in SoCal than seaside with a cinema classic? The team at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel has you covered with their screening of the beloved holiday film ‘A Christmas Story. Bundle up and bring a loved one for a fun evening of film, seasonal culinary treats, and more!

Skating by the Sea

When: December 4-December 31, 2021

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates

What: This takes skating and sites to new heights. The rink at the RPV Civic Center offers you the chance to skate around atop a bluff overlooking the ocean at this Rancho Palos Verdes rink. Stop by on the weekend and plan for themed nights throughout the month.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CHRISTMAS WEEKEND EVENTS 

‘Christmas In Wizarding World Of Harry Potter’ & ‘Grinchmas’: Universal Studios Hollywood

When: Until January 2, 2022

Where: Universal Studios

What: The holidays have arrived at Universal Studios and you’re invited to partake in all the fun. From Grinchmas to Hogwarts, there is plenty of festive cheer to go around for everyone in your family this Christmas weekend. 

Women Painters West: A Century of California Women Artists

When: Nov 13, 2021-Jan 8, 2022

Where: Brand Library and Art Center | Glendale

What: Celebrate Women Painters West for its centennial at this Glendale exhibit of over 100 works from current members. The Laguna Beach-based women’s art organization will also feature 25 paintings of past members to view. 

Moonlight Rollerway Christmas Skate Night

When: December 25, 2021

Where: Moonlight Rollerway | Glendale

What: Roll your way into some holiday fun with a skate night at Moonlight Rollerway. The famed skating rink will be hosting a Christmas Skate Night for those seeking a less traditional way to celebrate the day!

CONEJO VALLEY CHRISTMAS WEEKEND EVENTS 

Snow N Glow Holiday Festival

When: Until January 2, 2022

Where: Surfers Point Live | Ventura

What: Stroll through the sparkling lights of this festive winter wonderland as Rudolph’s red nose leads the way. The Snow N Glow Festival has plenty of fun for the entire family to enjoy this Christmas Weekend. Play around in the snow and take part in a bevy of winter games and activities!

A Magical Cirque Christmas 

When: December 28, 2021 | 7 pm – 9 pm

Where: B of A Performing Arts Plaza | Thousand Oaks

What: The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production! Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family. 

Holiday Road Holiday Experience

When: Until Dec 31, 2021

Where: King Gillette Ranch | Calabasas

What: Gather together with friends and family for a fun outdoor immersive experience. Holiday Road features a fun and festive walking trail, delicious bites to eat, a holiday bar, and a souvenir shop. For a fun and memorable Christmas weekend, we recommend you don’t miss out on this cheerful fun!

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