Lafayette, I have arrived.

Landed in LA around midnight on Sunday, just minutes after finishing James Ellroy’s upcoming mammoth novel, “Blood’s a Rover.” Ten hours later, I’m in the oh-so-swanky bachelor pad of the author of “LA Confidential” and “The Black Dahlia.” Ellroy kicks off our popular “Talking Volumes” series in September and I was working on our “mammoth” Sunday profile on him that will run when he comes to town. You’re in for a treat. Ellroy is a unique writer with a unique approach that involves a lot of Beethoven, a lot of brooding and a lot of Chinese take-out. Look for it.

This morning, the TV Critics Press Tour begins in Pasadena. Hotel was fairly dead last night, although CNN took up a big table in the restaurant; John King and Soledad O’Brien are among the bigwigs in town to chat us up. Considering that the restaurant prices were fairly high, I headed for the bar. Ended up chatting with a couple articulate bruisers from the upcoming show “Rescue Ink,” about tattooed love boys who save dogs in distress. Interesting timing considering that we were talking the same day Michael Vick was somewhat cleared by the NFL despite his involvement in dog fighting. Guys said those who abuse dogs very often end up abusing children and their spouses. Food for thought.

Tonight: Cocktail party with the cast of “Mad Men.” Salut!

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