L.A. Times - Most E-mailed Stories

More attacks on redheads reported at Calabasas school

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Three students reported being beaten up by about a dozen students at A.E. Wright Middle School. Authorities believe the attacks are linked to a Facebook group based on a 2005 episode of 'South Park.'

At least three youngsters in Calabasas have fallen victim to violence by fellow middle-school students after a Facebook group urged people to beat up redheads, authorities said Monday.

Understanding China

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The West has gotten it wrong on China for decades -- even as it embraces a market economy, it has shunned Western-style freedoms. And its power is only growing.

The dynamics of President Obama's trip to China were markedly different from those evident on visits made by President Clinton and President George W. Bush. This time the Chinese made clear that they were unwilling even to discuss issues such as human rights or free speech. Why? The relationship between the countries has changed: America feels weak and China strong in their bilateral ties. This is not a temporary shift that will reverse itself once the U.S. has escaped from its mountain of debt. Rather, it is the expression of a deep and progressive shift in the balance of power between the two nations, one that is giving the Chinese -- though studiously cautious in their approach -- a rising sense of self-confidence.

Screaming kids and airplanes: Mayday! Mayday!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Parents don't have a right to get on a jet with unruly children. In fact, they're stealing from the rest of us.

Alittle late in making those Thanksgiving flight plans? Wondering how you could possibly afford your ticket -- that is, without putting a kidney up for sale on Craigslist? Good news! You can get a free flight home on Southwest plus a $300 travel voucher. Just do what I plan to -- get on a Southwest flight in the next few days, and when it's taking off, shout over and over, "Go, plane, go!" and "I want Daddy! I want Daddy!"

Restaurants brace for a sour season as consumers lose appetite for dining out

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The number of people visiting restaurants has plunged for four quarters in a row, according to NPD Group. Some higher-end establishments are offering discounts for holiday parties.

Adele Cabot and her husband used to dine out three or four times a week, regularly spending $75 to $100 at a sushi bar sampling rainbow rolls and yellowtail nigiri sushi.

Recipe: Dry-brined turkey

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Dry-brined turkey

A more flavorful dry-brined turkey

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Thanksgiving is a holiday built on tradition. And, much to my surprise, I seem to have found a new one of my own -- writing about dry-brined turkey.

Disney Studios drama might alter the industry

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Chairman Rich Ross has begun restructuring operations and set in motion a plan that could pit the film unit against business partners.

If you thought President Obama moved quickly, that's nothing compared with the first 50 days of the Ross administration.

At least 24 dead in Philippine election massacre

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The victims -- many of them beheaded -- include 13 women, who were among those accompanying an official's wife carrying papers to nominate him for governor.

Reporting from Seoul and Zamboanga City, Philippines -- Twenty-four people were found dead in the southern Philippines after scores of gunmen on Monday kidnapped a caravan of supporters accompanying a woman en route to file her husband's nomination papers to run for provincial governor, authorities said.

Conservation is seen as key to dealing with state's water woes

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Rebates and low-flow fixtures are helping. Now comes the tough part: individual sacrifice.

Katie Martin grew up with a set of water commandments. No lingering in the shower. Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth. Don't flood the yard.

Beck shakes up LAPD's command staff

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Deputy Chief Michel Moore is named an assistant chief and will assume command of Special Services, according to the department. And Assistant Chief Sharon Papa will become a commander.

Less than a week after taking over the Los Angeles Police Department, Chief Charlie Beck announced a shake-up in the department's command staff, including the demotion of two of the LAPD's highest-ranking officials and promotion of several others.