I love the MLK Holiday weekend because it’s the extra break we need after the holidays. It’s sort of like a Bloody Mary the morning after a night of binge drinking; it helps take the edge off.

It’s important to remember why we get this day off. Our next president has called for a “Day of Service” on January 19th, the day before the inauguration and the day that we honor the work and memory of Martin Luther King. This past year we all seemed to demand one common thing: change. Change of the way our government works, change of the way that business works, change of the way we treat people and our environment. What ever you want to change, take this day to make that happen.
“Be the change that you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Ghandi

Location: All throughout Los Angeles there will be volunteer opportunities.
Web: Visit www.usaservice.org to find more information. Here is direct link for volunteer opportunities taking place this weekend within a 20 mile radius of L.A.. Also visit our event calendar for Heal The Bay Volunteer Opportunities this weekend.

“It’s part This American Life, part stand-up comedy.” L.A.’s best comedians and comedy writers will be displaying true life stories while DJs play a real time sound track (think the organ player at the Silent Movie Theatre). Added bonus? Free beer and wine. Come support local talent, get tipsy and have some fun.

Location: The Fake Gallery, 4319 Melrose Ave. Date/Time: Friday, Jan 16th, 8 p.m. Web: www.wordplayshow.com Tickets: Advance tickets are gone; to get on the list, email info@wordplayshow.com and wait for a reply.

So I made a boo boo last week, but it’s really happening this week. Join the cycling enthusiasts at the Flying Pigeon for their first Dim Sum Ride of 2009. The mission: ride a loaner Flying Pigeon Bicycle and taste the delicious dim sum that China Town has to offer. At the end, top it off with a cocktail at Hop Louie. If playoff football isn’t your thing, then this might be the way to spend your Sunday.

Location: 5711 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042. Date/Time: Sunday, 1/18, 10 a.m. Ride leaves promptly at 10:30 a.m. Web: http://flyingpigeon-la.com/
*Bring at least $20 to cover the meal and drink. RSVP required to attend. Please call 213-909-8986 to reserve your bike.

At ydt we love all things thread related, so this exhibit seems like a no brainer. Austin based artist Beili Liu creates beautiful artistic installations based on simply needles and thread. All there is to say is go and see it.

Location: Tarryn Teresa Gallery 1820 Industrial St. #230 Los Angeles, CA 90021 Tel: 213-627-5100 Web: www.tarrynteresa.com Dates: From 1/17 thru 2/27