ICONS OF DARKNESS is coming to Los Angeles and no it’s not the latest disaster to beset our city.  ICONS is a fascinating exhibition of more than 3,000 timeless pieces of Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy Memorabilia representing hundreds of films including Frankenstein, The Exorcist, Star Wars, Iron Man, Jurassic Park, Joker and Harry Potter. This walking tour of fully restored props, artifacts, and costumes (all were featured in the original films) is a must see for cinematic buffs, sci-fi fans, gamers and horror aficionados.  Highlights include: the original Xenomorph costume from Alien; Michael Keaton’s original Batsuit; Hugh Jackman’s battle arena Wolverine suit from X-Men; life casts of Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney, Jr. and Boris Karloff from their classic horror films; work from Academy Award-winning makeup artist Rick Baker including Planet of the Apes. There is also an interactive area, Monster Midway where guests can play a selection of carnival-style games such as Zombie Brain Smash and Skeleball for prizes. The exhibit was created in partnership with TV actor, writer, producer and director Richard Correll, owner of the collection and The Montalbán which has transformed its lower level into an open floor plan.  Note guests are limited – allowing for safe social distancing viewing – and reservations are a must.  Correll is one of the foremost experts in horror film history.  Correll and special guests will make appearances and guide tours at ICONS.

For more details on The Montalban, click here.

A friend recently shared a very personal and uplifting documentary – An Inconvenient Time (www.aninconvenienttime.com).  It’s the true story of Ruth Ravina and sets a new standard for female empowerment, human resilience and ingenuity during a complex and difficult time in our history. This remarkable journey of the human spirit takes place in the 1930’s as World War II begins across  Europe and became very personal for Denny Klein, the film’s director and producer who was introduced to Ruth Ravina by his daughters as part of their community service work.  “I immediately knew that these recollections of a young child were so unique and special it demanded to be filmed,” remarked Klein.

Though Ruth’s story of survival contains many twists of fate and acts of random kindness that literally save her life as she is shuffled from one concentration camp to another, her mother Paula is the true heroine of this adventure story.  She was a woman ahead of her time as she ran the family business. In the camps she always gave Ruth a daily assignment from learning the multiplication tables to memorizing poems by famous Jewish poets. Ruth raised a family and continued to spread kindness overcoming but never forgetting her childhood.

“An Inconvenient Time” is a relevant story with an important positive message for today’s turbulent times.  The documentary will be streamed via the Loudoun Arts Festival.

When Pretty Little Liars, the ultimate TV teen drama, debuted on ABC Family in 2010, it was an instant hit with millions of loyal fans.  Recently a whole new audience is discovering the show thanks to HBOmax.  Now there is an outrageous weekly podcast, Pretty Little Wine Moms, that breaks down the show episode by episode with tons of gossip, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and a Superfan quiz at the end to be sure you were listening.  Add a weekly guest interview (former cast members, writers, producers) and you have the perfect recipe for a PLL fan’s dream come true.

The ‘rewatch’ podcast (a new phenomenon) is hilariously hosted (with favorite drink in hand) by PLL co-stars and friends, Holly Marie Combs who played Aria’s bohemian mother; Lesley Fera, protective mom of Spencer, and Nia Peeples, Emily’s uptight and devoted mother. When Fera realized no PLL rewatch podcast existed, she created PLWM with her husband Ned Mochel who is also the announcer on the show. The guest lineup for September has just been announced and includes Mandi Line (costume designer), Lindsey Shaw (“Paige McCullers); Bryan Holdman (writer/producer); Lisa Cochran Neilan (the show’s executive producer) and Tyler Blackburn (“Caleb Rivers”).

A new “Pretty Little Wine Moms” show debuts every Wednesday and is available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. Previous episodes (you’ll want to catch up) are here. 

The timing for the release of Paul Haddad’s 10,000 Steps a Day in L.A. could not have been better. With Angelenos looking for something safe to do during the pandemic, why not explore the City of Angels…on foot.  You might just feel healthier and lose some of that “Covid” weight.

The book’s 52 walking adventures will take you all over the Southland from Simi Valley to the South Bay and Pasadena to Pacific Palisades. For each walk of approximately 10,000 steps, Haddad provides detailed maps and directions; descriptions of the terrain; where to park; places to picnic, dog –friendliness and other details that will help you navigate the area.  But the best part of each description is the trivia, stories, bits of history and fun facts about the things you will see as he opens your eyes to the ‘hidden LA’.  I love all the secret pathways; hidden murals, defunct attractions; unknown rivers, old bridges, private parks — even an old machine gun nests. There’s also random Extra Steps and Side Steps for those who have more time to spend.

I don’t want to give too much away as part of the fun is discovering all the wonderful places you can find in Los Angeles. So, tuck 10,000 Steps a Day In L.A. into your backpack – it’s like having a personal guide with you so you won’t miss a thing.

To purchase, click here.