Every once in a while, I am reminded why non-Angelenos often get the impression that this city is a vapid waste of geographical space.

Here is one excellent example: the last Tuesday of each month is "Film Industry Night" at Villa, which means free drinks and appetizers. The catch? You must first e-mail pictures of yourself to the two promoters, who will determine whether you're hot enough to be allowed into the club at all. (These two faux-hawked oddities are also trying to sell a reality TV show called, imaginatively, "The Promoters.")

According to Metromix, if you are granted this coveted access, "you’ll score two hours of complimentary sushi, sake and vodka, not to mention access to agents, casting directors, producers and managers." Really, Metromix? Really? Because we're pretty sure the place is populated by just-outta-college assistants, Forever 21-clad "model" wannabes, porn directors, and small-time managers with toupees and offices in Thousand Oaks. On a good night.

We know times are tough, but are people now willing to undergo a virtual hot-or-not casting call for a free California roll? Ugh.