A SCATTERED LIFE

The presidential election is turning nasty, the Oscars had their worst ratings in 30 years, and the best picture trophy went to the Coen brothers and the bleak body count of “No Country for Old Men.” Plus, I’m told there’s a new feng shui McDonald’s in Hacienda Heights. Can things get any more grim? You bet: Just drop by “James Joyce’s The Dead” over at the Open Fist Theater ([323] 882-6912). Director Charles Otte has taken the elegiac short story back to its chamber origins. It ends March 22. . . . Tonight the Guitar Center (“Please . . . no ‘Stairway’ ”) in Hollywood will be the site of kung fu wisdom, Brooklyn tall tales and pure breakbeat genius as RZA, the mastermind of the Wu Tang Clan, sits down for “an evening of dialogue and insight.” He’s promoting his new custom Roland music machine and, if you bring $6,000 to buy one, you get a free tutorial session with Bobby Digital himself. The 7 p.m. event is otherwise free ([323] 874 1060). . . . Our date in L.A. history this week: The late Pete Rozelle was born in South Gate 82 years ago Saturday. The savvy Compton High graduate took the NFL to dizzying heights as commissioner. How smooth was he? He kept both hands on the Super Bowl trophy when handing it to Al Davis so he wouldn’t have to shake hands. Let’s celebrate by not caring who the Raiders draft.

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-- Geoff.Boucher@latimes.com