A SCATTERED LIFE

So what do TV stars think of the writers strike? You can find out this weekend. First, there’s the chance to pose awkward questions to cast members at the frackin’ Battlestar Galactica convention at the stately Burbank Airport Marriott (Fri.-Sun., [818] 409-0960). Then, on Sunday night, see if Mary Lynn Rajskub, who portrays prickly Chloe O’Brian on “24,” riffs on the picket lines in her funny solo show at the Steve Allen Theater. The show is called “The Complications of Purchasing a Poodle Pillow” and it’s ongoing -- even more ongoing if that “24” premiere keeps getting postponed. . . . Next Tuesday, Van Halen will be runnin’ with the devil at Staples Center (I get goose bumps just thinking about it) but if you can’t wait that long to get in touch with your inner spandex, stop by Alex’s Bar ([562] 434-8292) in Long Beach this Saturday night after 9: free heavy-metal karaoke with the band KNAC/DC rawking out with you. It does a heartwarming version of Danzig’s “Mother” if you’d like to treat your mom to a night out. . . . Our Southern California birthday of the week is Mickey Mouse, who turns 79 on Sunday. What better place to celebrate than Walt Disney Concert Hall ([800] 787-5262) where the Los Angeles Master Chorale program includes a new work by Louis Andriessen called “The City of Dis or: The Ship of Fools,” which sure sounds like a fancy version of “Steamboat Willie” to us.

-- Geoff.Boucher@latimes.com