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Last Laugh

Way back in May, Internet entrepreneur Alan Arkatov, then chair of L.A.’s Information Technology Commission, decided to play a little prank.

The panel was holding its final public meeting before releasing its report on cable access for broadband service. After hours of political posturing by lobbyists for AT & T; and America Online, Arkatov faked receiving a note.

“I announced that AT & T; and AOL would be holding a press conference the following morning regarding a historic agreement,” he recalls.

The implication was that AT & T; would allow AOL access to its coveted cable lines. After a long silence, Arkatov told the crowd it was just a joke. Nervous laughter followed.

Now it seems Arkatov could have the last laugh. Last week, The New York Times reported that AT & T; and AOL were indeed in talks about broadband access.

Krishna Consciousness

What’s the hottest place to shop for comfortable clothing in Los Angeles?

The designer boutiques along Robertson Boulevard? Barneys in Beverly Hills? Try the Hari Krishna center on Watseka Avenue.

Sales have doubled in the past year at Govinda’s International Imports at the center, according to manager Tadit Beca. Driving that increase is the newfound popularity of two traditional items pashmina shawls and cotton skirts.

“We sell so many. I can’t imagine how many are walking around L.A.,” Beca said. “Somehow or other, they’ve become more fashionable this year.”

The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar and the Italian fashion magazine Iodonna have all done small spreads on the boutique, which includes as its customers Gwyneth Paltrow and Sharon Stone.

Such a Deal

The editors of Beverly Hills (213) have come up with a list of alternatives for spending the proceeds from a $150 million bond proposed by state officials to help bring an NFL expansion team to L.A.

Among their suggestions:

? “Pay Al Davis not to move the Raiders back here.”

? “Buy the UCLA football team some legitimate parking permits. (A few copies of a textbook on ethics might not hurt either.)”

? “Give it to the Los Angeles Dodgers for another pitcher.”

? “Invest in losangelesfootball.com. A cyberspace team would probably have a better won-loss record anyway if previous teams like the Raiders and the Rams are any indication.”

? “Invest in a professional soccer league for women. They’re a lot more fun to watch and, besides, who wants to see a 350-pound lineman whip off his jersey.”

Web Welcome

The L.A. Convention & Visitors Bureau recently added a feature to its Web site a home page in Japanese.

Titled “The New L.A.,” the page provides prospective visitors from places like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto with information on L.A.

For example, they can learn how much to tip waiters, bell boys and taxi drivers (which must be very helpful because there is no tradition of tipping in Japan). The site also says the three key words necessary to understand life in L.A. are culture, entertainment and sports.

“The L.A. life that couldn’t be enjoyed without living here has become something that even visitors can find enough to enjoy,” the page proclaims in Japanese.

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