Did you ever believe you would see Marilyn Monroe performing a pole dance at the Opera? And to add to that, imagine that she possesses the most glorious voice you have ever heard? This is one of the "special effects" you will witness if you are fortunate enough to obtain tickets to Massenet's Manon at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Gorgeous Russian Diva Anna Netrebko stars in the title role, as the innocent but frivolous country bumpkin, who segues from the Convent into High Society. Her singing partner is the astounding Mexican Tenor Rolando Villazon, who matches her note for note. We last saw this sizzling couple in the L.A. Opera's production of Romeo and Juliet, and they again provide an combo that is hard to beat The bedroom scene where the young lovers are minimally attired, is naughty but nice; and the scene where Manon tempts Villazon ( who has decided to become a priest) is the most sensuous we have ever witnessed at the Opera.

This Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 6:30 p.m., the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach will be hosting its third annual fall fundraiser, Sea Fare. The event features a taste of Long Beach with local restaurant chefs serving their fabulous cuisine along with wine, beer, an open bar during the cocktail reception, live music, and other entertainment. Auction items include several impressive European vacation spots and entertainment items which include: Castaway DVD and poster signed by Tom Hanks, Titanic DVD and poster signed by Leonardo diCaprio, Shrek 2 DVD signed by Cameron Diaz, and a chance to have your own red-carpet moment with you and up to 120 guests at the Aquarium of the Pacific's Honda Theatre for the yet-to-be released romantic comedy American Fusion, including director Q&A after the screening. Tickets are $125 per person (includes all beverages and food). For information on tickets, call (562) 590-3100 ext. 0 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org. All proceeds from Sea Fare fund the Aquarium's education and conservation programs. The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, is home to more than 12,500 animals and features: hands-on discovery labs; the new Dangerous Venomous Creatures exhibition; an interactive Shark Lagoon.

On Saturday, October 28 at 6:30pm in Beverly Hills, the Ronald McDonald House will be hosting a fun and unique charity festivity. In a twist of the usual wine-paring event, a sommelier will pair fine wine with some of our favorite fast foods. General tickets to the one of a kind "Fries and Wine" event are $100/person and will include a silent auction, music, open bar and eclectic array of wine and food. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Michael Buble will perform live at the event! A special $1,000/person Grand Cru Ticket will provide, among other incentives, a private champagne tasting reception with the sommelier. Proceeds will benefit the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House which provides a "home away from home" that reduces the stress of seriously ill children in treatment and their families. For more information about the "Fries and Wine" event, call 323-644-3082 or visit www.friesandwine.kintera.org/ or download the invitation here ... and keep in mind that when you supersize your burger, fries and Cab(ernet) combo, it becomes the ultimate McDonald's happy meal for adults :)