"EARTHQUAKE": Giant stomping lizards may regularly visit particular towns in big-screen disaster flicks, while ocean water fully submerges other cities. But Los Angeles? Our fair metropolis has experienced a number of large-scale cinematic shakers over the years, but none is more famous than "Earthquake," the 1974 tumble-up that featured a huge, star-filled cast, mondo drama, and local cred. Want to see it again in a theatre, or see it for the first time? Vintage Los Angeles is presenting the flick at the Million Dollar Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 10. Special guests will appear and, bell bottoms crossed, lots of 1970s flared pants and wide collars will festoon the audience, too.
THE GOLDEN GLOBES: Toodle anywhere in the vicinity of the Beverly Hilton this weekend and you're bound to run into press trucks, more press trucks, and people hauling red carpets and such. The joke-richest, dinner-table-iest of all the awards shows rolls on Sunday, Jan. 11, and while at-home watching is the typical name of the game, the not-so-far-from-the-action Four Seasons Beverly Hills will have a bar viewing in its Windows Lounge, complete with drinks themed to the nominated films.
PASADENA CHEESEBURGER WEEK: That delightful, deal-lovely time known as California Restaurant Month is in full, charming swing at the moment, which means that cities and counties through the state are putting their own spin on the concept. As for Pasadena's savory spin? It involves melted cheese, sesame seed-dotted buns, gooey sauces, and a deliciousness that salutes the cheeseburger's local beginnings (yep, it's said to have been invented in the Crown City). Delish doings start on Jan. 11.
UP-CLOSE WITH THE SAMURAI: Exhibits can be robust, but few history-focused displays have the sheer muscle power, stories of strength, and ancient armor found in the samurai show currently on at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Feel like you need a closer, more in-depth look at weaponry, helmets and dozens of other artifacts? Hop on a Saturday morning tour. It's 50 minutes long and full of tales, facts and vibrancy. The exhibit rides on through Feb. 1.
A BIRTHDAY FOR ELVIS: Fans of The King will mark his 80th birthday in a big way, regardless of where they are. But those "Love Me Tender" buffs who happen to be in Palm Springs on Saturday, Jan. 10, are in for an extra special spangle- and sequin-covered treat: There's a party at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, complete with cake, a tribute artists, friends of Elvis and those knowledgeable in all things King. Plus? You can take a tour of where Mr. Presley and Priscilla honeymooned back in 1967.
