Author: JohnValbyNation

Despite strong cast, French comedy drama ‘Sink or Swim’ mainly does the former

Somewhere between a splash and a belly-flop is the French comic-drama “Le Grand Bain,” which instead of getting translated as “The Big Bath” for American audiences has been retitled “Sink or Swim,” ironically a more accurate reflection of how one regards each scene in this choppily assembled male-crisis story. (They mostly sink.) When out-of-work suburban…

By JohnValbyNation October 10, 2019 0

What's on TV Thursday: 'Law & Order: SVU' and more

SERIES Young Sheldon Ed Begley Jr. reprises his role as Dr. Linkletter on a new episode of this “Big Bang Theory” spin-off. With Iain Armitage and Annie Potts. 8 p.m. CBS Superstore “Saturday Night Live’s” Heidi Gardner guest stars as Dina’s (Lauren Ash) nemesis on a new episode of the workplace sitcom. With America Ferrera…

By JohnValbyNation October 10, 2019 0

Nights for art and haunting, days of grape stomping, all close to L.A.

Lovers of wine, the blues and Halloween spookiness will feel right at home at nearby events next weekend. Pasadena Two dozen Pasadena art and cultural institutions provide free activities and entertainment during ArtNight. Highlights include ’80s artwork and dancing at the Light Bringer Project, rare automobiles at ArtCenter College of Design and multigenre performances at…

By JohnValbyNation October 10, 2019 0

Employees of Microsoft's GitHub demand company cancel its contract with ICE

GitHub became the latest technology company to come under fire for its supporting role in the Trump administration’s immigration clampdown Wednesday, with employees of the Microsoft-owned company demanding Chief Executive Nat Friedman cancel a $200,000 contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In an open letter on Twitter, employees of the cloud-based service for…

By JohnValbyNation October 10, 2019 0

Calm comes to Hollywood

With his intentionally messy hair, boyish charm and rock star wardrobe, Calm cofounder Michael Acton Smith gives off an air of a younger Mick Jagger, albeit tempered with the polite and engaging demeanor of college professor. Think Russell Brand meets Stewart Brand. Holding court at a Soho House booth in West Hollywood on a recent…

By JohnValbyNation October 10, 2019 0