Kanaki Toshikage portrait of Yoshitoshi One of Japan's greatest artists, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, was born on this day in 1839, which I reckon makes it as good a time as any to blog about him. For those unfamiliar, Yoshitoshi is widely regarded as one of ukiyo-e's greatest innovators, as well as its last major practitioner. He produced … Continue reading A look at Tsukioka Yoshitoshi on his 175th birthday
Month: April 2014
Italo-disco singer Savage is coming to Southern California
On 6 June 2014, '80s Italo legend Savage is performing for the first time in Southern California. He'll perform his greatest hits, including “Don't Cry Tonight,” “Only You,” “A Love Again,” “Fugitive,” “Radio,” and more in an event that will be DJed by BPM and hosted by singer TQ. Advance tickets are available here. Savage … Continue reading Italo-disco singer Savage is coming to Southern California
Ziv Television and a brief history of syndicated television in America
Due to the rise in quality television and the sad, hopefully-not-irreversible decline of Hollywood films, any unbiased viewer of both would have to agree that television is entirely capable of producing great art. Much of the credit goes to cable (e.g. Breaking Bad and Mad Men) and online television (e.g. Homestar Runner and House of Cards). … Continue reading Ziv Television and a brief history of syndicated television in America
Taking Public Transit to the Beach It may be chilly and windy today (perfect for flying kites) but it's officially spring and in Southern California, the beach beckons. Although many Angelenos are holding their breath waiting for a "Subway to the Sea" that won't arrive until sometime after 2035, there is (despite the suggestion to … Continue reading
The Rural Upsurge — A Brief History of Country Cool and Uncool
Arthur Rackham illustration for The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse Since the US's founding, Americans have steadily moved from the countryside to the city but the story of our pop culture has always been the product of a dialogue between the two worlds, with urban and rural fashions coming and going. While being country … Continue reading The Rural Upsurge — A Brief History of Country Cool and Uncool
Nobody Drives in LA — Taking Public Transit to the Beach
With bicycles, buses, ferries, planes, rideshares, sidewalks, subways, taxis, and trains at Angelenos’ disposal, why would any sane person choose car-dependency? Nobody Drives in LA celebrates sense and sensibility in transportation. ***** Although spring has officially just begun, thanks to our chaparral climate even Los Angeles winters have more than their fair share of warm days, perfect for taking trips … Continue reading Nobody Drives in LA — Taking Public Transit to the Beach
Eric Brightwell 