In recent years it seems to have finally begun to dawn on a growing number of folks that Chinese cuisine is far from monolithic. That this comes as a surprise to anyone comes as something of a surprise to me. Ancient human teeth were discovered in Hunan -- and presumably, they were used to eat … Continue reading Pan-Asian Metropolis — Overseas Chinese Cuisine
Author: Eric Brightwell
Eric Brightwell is an essayist, rambler, explorer, cartographer, and guerrilla gardener. He lives in Los Angeles, not because he was born here, but because he chose to... for all of the things for which its famous: its verticality, its mass transit, its diversity, its schools, its liminal spaces, its architecture, its wildlife, its museums, its night markets, its cinemas, its theaters, its enclaves, its restaurants, its bars, its libraries, &c
Mist & Iron — Climbing Mount San Antonio
INTRODUCTION “You look like you got a bit of sun,” an acquaintance told me, last winter, having noticed that my face was bright red. I explained that I'd just hiked up Mount San Antonio and had, as I often do, forgotten to apply sunblock. His only response was a blank stare. Realizing that more people know … Continue reading Mist & Iron — Climbing Mount San Antonio
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Swinging Doors — The Chain Pubs of Los Angeles
In 2015, whilst vacationing in England, I ducked into the first pub I encountered in the tiny village of Crowmarsh Gifford. It was the first real English pub that I'd ever been in and whereas I had been led to believe that all pubs were cozy, warm, and woozily welcoming places, this one had an ambiance … Continue reading Swinging Doors — The Chain Pubs of Los Angeles
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There It Is, Revitalize It — The Los Angeles River
THE LOS ANGELES RIVER The Los Angeles River begins in Canoga Park, at the confluence of ... From there it flows 82 kilometers east and south into the San Pedro Bay. I decided to ride its length on my bicycle, Cream Soda. I invited anyone who wanted to join me but none came -- which … Continue reading There It Is, Revitalize It — The Los Angeles River
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Greater Streets — Exploring Valley Boulevard
INTRODUCTION Normally when I write an account of one of my explorations, it's after I've concluded it. Sometimes I work on them for months and when I can't stand thinking about it anymore, I just publish it and figure I'll correct the typos later. However, I began exploring and writing about Valley Boulevard more than a … Continue reading Greater Streets — Exploring Valley Boulevard
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California Fool’s Gold Nights — Revisiting Granada Hills
Years ago a reader asked me why I never conducted my California Fool’s Gold explorations at night. I told her that it was due, in part, to the difficulty in getting good pictures in the dark but also because many of the places which interest me (churches, historic homes, model train clubs, museums, parks, temples, … Continue reading California Fool’s Gold Nights — Revisiting Granada Hills
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Where Fools Fear To Tread — A Snapshot of Korea (Seoul and Busan)
INTRODUCTION In June, Una and I went to the Philippines and Korea on vacation. Since people will invariably ask me to clarify "North or South?" the answer, is South. Perhaps I'm wrong to think that this would be obvious since I usually assume that "Korea" means "South Korea." More than 12 million travelers annually visit Seoul alone … Continue reading Where Fools Fear To Tread — A Snapshot of Korea (Seoul and Busan)
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Where Fools Fear to Tread — A Snapshot of Scotland (Glasgow)
a In the spring of 2015, Una, Leonard, and I visited Glasgow, Scotland. I know that, had I had more time, I'd've liked to have also visited Edinburgh, Inverness, Orkney and elsewhere. In the past, I amused myself with the idea that on my first visit to the UK I'd skip England, instead limiting my … Continue reading Where Fools Fear to Tread — A Snapshot of Scotland (Glasgow)
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Nobody Drives in LA – A Guide to Los Angeles Mass Transit Agencies
INTRODUCTION TO LOS ANGELES COUNTY TRANSIT When it comes to getting around, the 21st-century city dweller has options. Walking and cycling are my most common methods of getting anywhere but for longer journeys, I like public transport which in Los Angeles includes buses, ferries, light rail, subways, and water taxis. Los Angeles has one of … Continue reading Nobody Drives in LA – A Guide to Los Angeles Mass Transit Agencies
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Introduction to the Music of 王若琳 (Joanna Wang) for the Use of the English-Speaking World
JOANNA WANG Joanna Wang is one of my favorite contemporary songwriters, although that, in and of itself, was not enough to compel me to write this biography/discography/ timeline. For one, most of what I've been able to gather about Wang has been written in Chinese, whereas I think that the appeal of her music should extend … Continue reading Introduction to the Music of 王若琳 (Joanna Wang) for the Use of the English-Speaking World
Eric Brightwell 