“Exit Through the Gift Shop, the first film by renowned graffiti artist Banksy, became the hottest ticket at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival where it made its world debut.

Banksy is a graffiti artist with a global reputation whose work can be seen on walls from post-hurricane New Orleans to the separation barrier on the Palestinian West Bank. Fiercely guarding his anonymity to avoid prosecution, Banksy has so far resisted all attempts to be captured on film. Exit Through the Gift Shop tells the incredible true story of how an eccentric French shop keeper turned documentary maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner – with spectacular results.

The film contains exclusive footage of Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and many of the world’s most infamous graffiti artists at work, on walls and in interview.”

This is hands down one of my favorite documentary films of the year.

Website: http://www.banksyfilm.com/

“Founded in 1988, My Friend’s Place is a nonprofit Resource Center offering a comprehensive continuum of care that includes free emergency resources such as food and clothing in combination with health, educational, and therapeutic services to over 1,800 homeless youth and their children each year.”

I’ve been volunteering there for over a year and can’t tell you how incredible these folks are. If you’ve been looking for a great cause to bet behind, don’t hesitate to contact them.

Website: http://myfriendsplace.org/

“A full service casual dining spot in downtown’s historic Little Tokyo disctrict, The Lazy Ox Canteen focuses on serving the freshest ingredients seasonally available and pairing them with craft beers and esoteric wines. Their cuisine is carefully prepared with global techniques and exemplifies an artistic, hands-on approach that showcases local ingredients at a value-conscious price.”

Killer food, great ambience, and a knowledgeable staff make this one of my favorite spots in town.

Website: http://www.lazyoxcanteen.com/

“As the first brewery with operations based in Los Angeles in over half a century, the Eagle Rock Brewery is dedicated to the production of unique artisanal beers using the best ingredients to promote the ongoing development of the beer community in Los Angeles.

Their microbrewery is attached to a public tap-room where fellow beer lovers can gather to relax, refresh, and enjoy their unique beers. As they do not serve food, the Eagle Rock Brewery encourages its patrons to bring their own food or make a visit to one of the local food trucks/vendors that they have outside.”

If you’re a beer lover looking for a great day trip, stopping by this brewery is a must.

Website: http://eaglerockbrewery.ning.com/

“An unprecedented documentary series featuring thirty films from some of today’s finest storytellers. Each filmmaker will bring their passion and personal point of view to their film detailing the issues, trends, athletes, teams, rivalries, games and events that transformed the sports landscape from 1979 to 2009.”

One of the great joys in life these days is coming home to my TiVo and finding that I’ve recorded another 30 for 30. My personal favorites thus far are The 16th Man, The U, and Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks. If you’re not recording these gems, get to it.