FARE THEE WELL, L.A. BOOK FAIR ...

Dennis regaled us with stories today from this weekend's L.A. Book Fair, where he rubbed shoulders with some of the country's top literary experts.  While Dennis gave a somewhat high-brow report, emphasizing all he learned about the influence of retailers on the publishing world, Kovar quickly brought the discussion down-to-earth with one, unanswered question:  "Was Larry Flynt there?"

FROM COFFEE KLATSCH TO CHARITY BASH AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...

Robin will trade in her cappuccino for champagne tonight as she heads to yet another charity event in Beverly Hills, this one promoting literacy.  There seem to be so many of these fundraisers lately, I wouldn't be surprised if they make "Banquet Chicken" the new, official bird of Beverly Hills.  Have a ball, Robin ... !

LIVING ON THE EDGE AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...!

Genevieve moved her table dangerously close to the Curb from Hell this morning in what onlookers described as a bid to "live on the edge" at 7th and Montana.  If she seemed a bit edgier than usual, no doubt it was the result of yet another incident requiring a security guard to remove a student from her classroom yesterday.  Evidently, the young scholar in question took the phrase "running with scissors" a bit too seriously ...!

DINNER IS SERVED ... THE TRUTH IS REVEALED!

More than two weeks ago, I posed a challenge:  Whoever could identify the Mystery Dinner I endured while visiting my parents in Sarasota would win a "Big Surprise."  Guesses ranged from Ghoulish to Goulash and Fricassee to Feces ... but no one got it right.  The correct answer, surprisingly enough, is:  Vegetable Pasta ...! 

LET THERE BE BLIGHT ...!

The plot thickened today in what locals are calling "the case of the missing greenery" at 555 7th Street.  While residents of this desirable craftsman home have finally decided to landscape their yard, a sizable patch at the corner of 7th and Alta seems to defy even the greenest of thumbs.  Said one area resident, "I think we're talking about unhallowed ground here ...!"

FROM FERAL TO FEROCIOUS IN PALISADES PARK ...

Fur was flying in Palisades Park this morning on news that Greg and Natalie's eccentric neighbor -- known throughout Santa Monica as "the Crazy Cat Lady" -- is undergoing some corrective surgery.  Best known for feeding feral felines, the Cat Lady has for years defied local authorities who claim she's inadvertently serving up a "Fancy Feast" to all kinds of rodents.  Let's all hope for a speedy recovery! 

INVASION OF THE NEANDERTHALS AT 7TH AND MONTANA ...

What does Adorable Baby Alex (#1) have in common with Irascible Sheepdog Charlie (#2)?  They're both going through what experts call their Neanderthal Phase, that's what!  While in Alex's case, the condition -- characterized by minor squawking on arrival at 7th and Montana -- seems temporary, Charlie seems a bit more set in his ways.  Rumor has it that Charlie simply turned up his nose at Richard's latest training efforts!