Dinner Party Download ... "Up!" gets best pic nom, we talk with Ed Asner ... Queena tastes a bacon donut ... Steve Julian tastes at least six tequilas but no margaritas ... Remembering journalist and author Tomas Eloy Martinez, who bared the soul of Argentina.

Ringo Starr in concert and conversation ... Providence's Michael Cimarusti learns secrets and legacy of Japanese cuisine ... the DineLA family tree of chefs ... CyberFrequencies on life on the web ... Animators hold benefit auction to help comatose teen ... Local troupe performs Steve Martin play with Picasso and Einstein.

Ed Asner on being a grouch, Cyber Frequencies, Garrison Keillor, samurai art and a start to finish run with the L.A. Marathon.

Happy Memorial Day!

This week, browse the Off-Ramp collection!

WWII fight for commemorative stamps; rocker Stew disses actors; homegrown Trekkie reviews the latest movie; Disney's rotten karma; Charles Perry and Miki Dora

Poet-provocateur August Kleinzahler reads from his latest book, "Sleeping it Off in Rapid City," and John tells us how to grow a Victory Garden.

We continue our look at Esa-Pekka Salonen's tenure by delving into his composition LA Variations. Plus, KPCC's Steve Julian and Charles Phoenix explore the newly refurbished Pomona Fox Theatre.

We say goodbye to Esa-Pekka Salonen, leaving the LA Philharmonic after 17 years as Maestro. Plus, Dinner Party Download makes you 31% smarter.