LABJ’s LA Stories
Night Moves
It’s 3 a.m. and you just woke up because you need to use the toilet. You stumble into the bathroom, don’t bother turning on the light, sit down and oops! Someone forgot to put the lid down. Women know the feeling all too well.
Arcadia-based Arkon Resources Inc. understands, too.
It’s created LavNav, a $30 bathroom night light and sensor that attaches under the toilet’s lid of your toilet. When someone approaches in the dark, the light glows red if the seat is upright, green if it’s down.
Gadget crazy Angelenos might remember Arkon’s earlier His ‘n Her Toilet Night Light. That product shined a red bulls-eye into the toilet bowl, providing late-night aim assistance.
But Aaron Roth, vice president of marketing and sales, insists the product is not a gag. “We’re trying to get away from the gimmicky marketing,” he said. “It’s a functional, practical solution. In a sense, it can be touted as a marriage saver.”
Rachel Rosmarin
Calling All Heidis
Anyone shopping at Third Street Promenade on Labor Day (1st) shouldn’t be surprised to hear a yodel or two instead of the national anthem.
Internet portal Yahoo Inc. is winding down its West Coast search for “America’s favorite amateur yodeler” in the City of Angels. One Los Angeles yodeler will move onto the nationals, where the grand prize winner will win $10,000 and appear in a Yahoo ad.
But why here, half a world away from the Alps?
“We expect there is a lot of hidden talent in L.A. that we’re looking forward to uncovering,” said Yahoo spokeswoman Joanna Stevens. “Even though it’s yodeling, we think that people will want to come out.”
Several city groups have joined in the local collaboration. Finalists will each receive tickets to the Gene Autry Museum and partner KYSR-FM (Star 98.7) will host live call-ins. For every person who yodels, $10 will be given to the local Big Brothers Big Sisters foundation.
Katherine Wang
Exclusive Address
Hollywood has its Walk of Fame soon Beverly Hills will have its Walk of Style.
On Sept. 9, the city’s Rodeo Drive Committee will unveil the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style, dedicating its first sidewalk plaque to international designer Giorgio Armani.
The outdoor tribute, the brainchild of Rodeo Drive Committee co-founder Fred Hayman, begins at Robert Graham’s “Torso” sculpture at the intersection of Rodeo and Dayton Way. Each 2-foot by 2-foot square, engraved with the recipient’s name, will also showcase a signature quote describing the importance of fashion to the person.
Future Walk of Style members may also include notable photographers. “It’s not just about fashion; it’s about fashion, entertainment and style,” says Peri Ellen Berne, president of the committee and store manager of La Perla in Beverly Hills.
“We will be identifying people who are legends and have made a significant mark in their field,” she said.
Katherine Wang
Tipsy Toddlers
Those who didn’t get enough to drink over Labor Day weekend will have the opportunity to get wobbly and have blurred vision this week, without the alcohol, no less.
Diaper maker Pampers and nonprofit educational firm Zero To Three is bringing its cross-country Inspired By Babies exhibit to Los Angeles. The traveling exhibit includes a truck with three rooms that provide a simulation of various stages of a baby’s development from birth to three years.
One room will have a wobble board that approximates a baby’s first attempt at standing up, while another provides special mirrors to simulate a baby’s developing eyesight.
The tour hits the California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles Wednesday (3rd), and will arrive at the L.A. County Fair in Pomona Sept. 15-28.
Danny King
The Roving Eye
God Is His Co-Star
The Almighty has appeared in movie titles, biblical epics and even a few leading roles usually in the form of George Burns. But Erwin Raphael McManus says the Lord pops up in other ways on film.
As pastor of a new-age church with Southern Baptist roots called Mosaic, McManus conducts a series of viewing events he calls “Framing Reality.”
At various locations the downtown L.A. Entertainment Center is one venue moviegoers can sit through a showing of, for example, the Brad Pitt action drama “Fight Club,” then discuss its spiritual meaning with McManus and a co-host.
“Movies are another form of storytelling. And storytelling imparts our values and traditions,” said McManus. “Jesus used images of farm life because he dealt with farmers. We’re not farmers anymore. But we are film critics.”
So what’s the spiritual message behind the Jack Nicholson tearjerker “As Good as It Gets?” McManus suggests that the film shows love can make anyone a better person.
What about “The Matrix: Reloaded?” Despite its lack of “a great story,” McManus thinks the movie can help people resolve their questions about the existence of heaven.
Whether or not “Framing Reality” actually gets McManus’ message across, the viewings do allow him to indulge his love of cinema. As a student at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, he claims to have often skipped church for the multiplex.
RiShawn Biddle
