What better way to watch a movie this summer than alfresco; watching movie stars under the night’s stars. My friend, Kenar, invited me to go with her last night to see the 1972 film Chinatown (which starred Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson) at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Yep, a cemetery! I’d heard of movie nights here, but couldn't wrap my head around the idea of sitting amongst the dearly departed to see a movie. Well, it was definitely worth it. We popped some popcorn, dusted off her lawn chairs and off we went. Were I not afraid of possibly seeing a spirit, I would have been tempted to bring along some spirits. (pun NOT intended!) FYI... Hollywood Forever will show their last screening of the summer on September 22nd of... wait for it... The Exorcist!

Some other hot spots to see a movie outdoors is the American at Brand in Glendale and The W Hotel in Westwood, to name a few. My favorite outdoor film festival, though, is the one starting on July 5th, at One Colorado in Old Towne Pasadena. This year they'll have everything from High Noon and The Miracle Worker to Poltergeist and Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? with Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. If you've never experienced a movie like this, it definitely offers a new spin on the classic, but jaded, date-night at your local cinema; guaranteed to win you brownie points. Just remember to bring a jacket and something to sit on.

With Father's Day less than a week away, here are a few gift suggestions beyond the common (and quite tired) tie/shirt combo:

1. The new Lytro camera is more than a marvel; it's revolutionary. It truly takes the guesswork out of photography for the average man. Unlike any other camera, it allows you to focus an image AFTER you've taken it. No more blurry or missed shots because you were still trying to focus long after the action stopped. For the neophyte or the professional, this camera is a must have. Even though I'm not a father yet, I'd gladly welcome this as a Father-to-be gift.  ($399-$499)

2. Any man worth his wears a belt, so why not make it this elegant Engine-turned Slide Belt Buckle, in Sterling Silver, from Tiffany & Co?
Throw in a reversible black/brown leather belt and he's more than good to go. ($225.00)

3. This Gucci checkers set is definitely for the father who has everything. The buttery-soft brown leather would be a beautiful addition to any library.  ($4,350.00) 

4. L.L. Bean's Hunter Tote Bag (Zippered or Open-Top) is the perfect accessory for the father looking to upgrade his style, but doesn't care for the messenger bag/murse look. Manly and rugged, it can take him from a camping trip (it has a water resistant lining) to the gym to an overnight stay at a friend's house.  ($25-$39)

5. Sure you good buy that special man in your life a classic wooden case to hold his cufflinks and watches, but why? This Faux Zebra Box (Cowhide)  from Mecox is surely more sophisticated and stylish and a welcome addition to any gentleman's bedroom dresser. ($360-$440)

I had never heard of Chris Guillebeau until a few days ago when I came across a little blurb in Vroman’s newsletter. I’m glad I did. Last night, the Pasadena bookstore (my favorite) hosted a reading/signing of his book, The $100 Startup, and boy did followers of Chris show up in support. This was one of the few times when they allowed an author to speak outside in the courtyard; a nice departure from the stuffy, indoor book signings. Which, ironically, is kind of what the book is all about – bucking tradition and breaking away from the norm. He spoke of following your entrepreneurial dreams, often for as a little as $100. (Hence, the book’s title) Unlike so many “How To” books, though, which succinctly tell you that Joe Public had an idea and overnight made a million dollars, Chris interviewed several people who’ve either gone from jobs that they hated or from which they’d recently been laid- off/fired and tells of their ideas from inception to reality with all of the victories, headaches and pitfalls involved; the good, bad and the ugly. I’ve only leafed through a few pages, but Chris was so inspirational last night that I’ve been inspired to finally get into gear and get going on a couple of my own ideas. As my aunt Martha says, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”