This past June, Una and I visited the Philippines. While she was born and raised there, it was my first time in the country and only my second visit to Asia. We spent a week in Una's homeland before taking off on the next leg of our vacation, to Korea. The following is a record … Continue reading Where Fools Fear to Tread — A Snapshot of the Philippines (Metro Manila and the Calamian Islands)
Introduction to the Music of 라이너스의 담요/Linus’ Blanket & 왕연/Yeongene
I only discovered the music of Korean band-cum-solo project, Linus’ Blanket, a couple of years ago, through singer (and now sole member) Yeongene’s collaboration with BMX Bandits, of whom I’ve long been a fan. Sadly, BMX Bandits are barely known in the US -- and the same is true of Linus’ Blanket. However, whereas at least … Continue reading Introduction to the Music of 라이너스의 담요/Linus’ Blanket & 왕연/Yeongene
Urban Rambles — Exploring Koreatown Malls with Machiko
2017 marks the tenth anniversary of me exploring Los Angeles for my online series, California Fool’s Gold. For the occasion, I’ve turned to fellow explorers to see where they’d want to go and published my accounts on my newer series, Urban Rambles. My friend Machiko and I recently explored Mid-City but she suggested another ramble, which … Continue reading Urban Rambles — Exploring Koreatown Malls with Machiko
Urban Rambles — Exploring Inglewood with Marya
For my tenth year of exploring Los Angeles with the series, California Fool’s Gold, I’ve been reaching out to fellow explorers to see where they’d like to explore for another of my series, Urban Rambles. So far all of my rambling companions have had names that start with "M" -- Marvin, Maya, Mike, and Machiko. … Continue reading Urban Rambles — Exploring Inglewood with Marya
Where Fools Fear to Tread — A Snapshot of Mexico (Tulum, Teotihuacan & Mexico City)
In June 2016 I went to Tulum and Mexico City. Although I'd by then lived in neighboring California for 17 years, my prior experiences in California had been limited to Baja California -- namely Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito, San Felipe, and Tijuana. While I certainly didn't expect the Yucatán or capital to closely resemble the border and resort … Continue reading Where Fools Fear to Tread — A Snapshot of Mexico (Tulum, Teotihuacan & Mexico City)
Nobody Drives in LA — Riding the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego
I've now lived in Los Angeles for eighteen years. Even though most of my dreams still seem to unfold in Missouri, I've been in California longer than I've been anywhere else. However, as much as I love exploring cities, I rarely make it over to the state's second largest, San Diego. Furthermore, as much as … Continue reading Nobody Drives in LA — Riding the Pacific Surfliner to San Diego
Urban Rambles — Exploring Mid-City with Machiko
In this -- my tenth year of exploring, writing about, and mapping Los Angeles -- I've so far eschewed undertaking my fairly exhaustive (and completely exhausting) community explorations for which I'm probably best known, California Fool's Gold. Instead, I've preferred to undertake smaller, less structured "rambles" though the city accompanied by fellow explorers. For this edition, I explored Mid-City with my friend Machiko … Continue reading Urban Rambles — Exploring Mid-City with Machiko
