Diane Rodriguez was a leading light of the local and national theatre communities. She was one of the smartest people I have ever known. She was my colleague and my friend and I am still in deep denial about the fact that she’s gone. After a long struggle with cancer that only a few people knew about (I was not one of them), she died, only 68 years old, on April 10.

Diane’s long, distinguished career began with El Teatro Campesino in San Jose. Luis Valdez, its founder and artistic director said, “Her power as an artist came from the heart, which she shared onstage as well as in life.” She spent 24 years at Center Theatre Group during which time she simultaneously kept a career as an actress, playwright, and director, working here in LA, around the country, and internationally. She was appointed to the National Council on the Arts by former President Barack Obama and served as president of the national service organization Theatre Communications Group. Put simply, her achievements were impressive and many.

For a good portion of the time I worked at CTG, Diane’s office was right next door to mine. We chatted, we laughed, we debated world issues (sometimes when we probably should have been working). She was truly an extraordinary human being and I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed. Rest in peace, dear Diane. You will never be forgotten.

As the old adage goes, time sure flies when you’re having fun! LAArtsOnline is celebrating its eighth anniversary this month and none of us can believe how, in fact, the time has flown. Proudly celebrating the arts since May 2012, founder and editor Paige Petrone has chosen and developed a diverse group of writers to share information about film, television, movies, art, all genres of music, events, dining, and so much more, every month. In addition, over the past eight years LAArtsOnline has sponsored and hosted countless opening nights at a myriad of LA’s favorite entertainment venues.

When Paige first invited me to be a writer for the website, I politely declined. But she rarely takes ‘no’ for an answer! She convinced me to write one story. Eight incredible years later, I’m still here! Reaching this anniversary milestone during the COVID-19 pandemic has been bittersweet for sure. Such a strange and scary time. But we have adjusted our coverage, taking a closer look at all of the new entertainment options popping up all around us. The imagination and creativity of artists of all types has been pretty overwhelming and inspiring!

There has been much conversation about what the post-coronavirus world is going to look like. Well, as we await the happy time when we’ll be able to safely go out into the world again, remember that we’re all in this together and together we will make it through!

While we sadly can’t magic away the coronavirus pandemic, Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling has done the next best thing by mixing up the perfect spell to keep kids and their adults entertained while schools are closed. Rowling launched the Harry Potter at Home Wizarding World Experience earlier this month, offering special activity kits, nifty magical craft videos (like how to draw a Niffler) fun articles, quizzes, puzzles and more. “Parents, teachers and carers working to keep children amused and interested while we’re on lockdown might need a bit of magic,” the British author wrote on Twitter. The service promises to cast “a Banishing Charm on boredom,” and “just like Hogwarts and its staircases, this page will be changing all the time.”

Test your Potter knowledge with a word search, or choose your own adventure in the Hogwarts Mystery portkey game where you can learn magical spells, and duel against rivals in a magical journey. The online experience is free. After entering your basic information, you can take part in a Sorting Ceremony that will assign your House, enter the Forbidden Forest to discover your Patronus, have a wand choose you at Ollivanders Wand Shop — then all of this will be saved in a user profile for when you sign into your Wizarding Passport. Harry Potter at Home also offers a free download of the audiobook for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

 Click here for more details.

How do I start? How do I choose the right color for my roots? How do I color my own hair? Should I just go grey? What are my color options? Have no fear I can help! You can order products online or  from the pharmacy for a temporary color touch up. FHIHEAT makes one called Hair VEIL and comes in every color! Also, Kevin Murphy, L’Oreal and Bumble and Bumble, and Toppik, all have color powder sprays. Give one of these products a try!

How to  color your hair yourself… You start with deciding what hair color you are trying to match. Are you trying to match your natural base? Are you trying to match a fashion color you had before the lockdown? Are you going lighter? Or darker? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before you begin.

This is not the time to try something new. Unless you’ve always wanted a punky color and aren’t going to freak out your employer on your next FaceTime or ZOOM call! But, if you’re on an extended leave or in-between jobs, then this might be the perfect time to explore your perfect pastel side, or vibrant “Rock Star” look. Fun! Once you have the answers worked out, then purchase your color (either online or from the pharmacy) and read the directions carefully and apply. Good luck!

To view Sean’s video tutorials on Hair and Home, click here.