“I Like Big Bird” – Happy Birthday, PBS, and Happy Teachers’ Day

INTRODUCTION Today is the birthday of PBS and also Teachers' Day. For any reader that might not know, PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is a non-profit American public broadcasting television network headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It was founded on this date (5 October, 1970), 42 years ago, in 1970, after the termination of its predecessor, National Educational … Continue reading “I Like Big Bird” – Happy Birthday, PBS, and Happy Teachers’ Day

A happy birthday, of sorts, to radio

As regular readers of my blog (if there is such a thing) probably know, I’m a bit of a radio junkie – spending many hours every day listening to Old Time Radio dramas, public radio, AM radio and podcasts. Therefore it shouldn’t come as a surprise that 20 August is a pretty big deal to … Continue reading A happy birthday, of sorts, to radio

Herman Stein – Architect of the Sound of Science-Fiction

Though his name isn’t widely recognized, Herman Stein was a very influential American composer. Though he composed hundreds of film scores, he was most influential in for his work within the genres of horror and science-fiction. Some of his most recognized scores were created for Creature from the black lagoon, The incredible shrinking man, It … Continue reading Herman Stein – Architect of the Sound of Science-Fiction

The 17th Central Avenue Jazz Festival

THE CENTRAL AVENUE JAZZ FESTIVAL   Every year for the past 17 years, during the last weekend in July, LA residents and visitors are treated to the preeminent jazz event on the West Coast with The Central Avenue Jazz Festival. It’s free and open to the public – last year, 35,000 attended. The focus, of course, … Continue reading The 17th Central Avenue Jazz Festival

Southern California Night Markets – the Return of the 626

  The first 626 Night Market was a victim of its own, unanticipated success. Taiwanese-American organizers Jonny and Janet Hwang struggled to get enough vendors to commit even after lowering fees to the point that they expected to lose money. The Facebook page had about 2,000 fans a couple of weeks before its debut but … Continue reading Southern California Night Markets – the Return of the 626

Happy 4th of July

        Bruce Springsteen      Toby Keith        U2      Galaxie 500  Bruce McCulloch Eric Brightwell is an adventurer, writer, rambler, explorer, cartographer, and guerrilla gardener who is always seeking writing, speaking, traveling, and art opportunities — or salaried work. He is not interested in generating advertorials, clickbait, listicles, or other 21st century … Continue reading Happy 4th of July

Pendersleigh & Sons Cartography art opening at 1650 Gallery

In a recent poll of Americans conducted by Public Policy Polling, only 33% of respondents said that they view Los Angeles favorably whereas 40% view it negatively. 27% stated that they’re not sure. Of America’s largest five cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia), LA is the only one with a higher negative … Continue reading Pendersleigh & Sons Cartography art opening at 1650 Gallery

For Ozoners Only — On this day, in 1933, the first drive-in theater opened

THE FIRST DRIVE-IN An advertisement for the first Drive-In  The first drive-in theater opened on 6 June, 1933 at 2901 Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden, New Jersey. It was the invention of Richard M. Hollingshead Jr, who'd began screening films outdoors at his home with a 1928 Kodak projector sat on the roof of his car. … Continue reading For Ozoners Only — On this day, in 1933, the first drive-in theater opened

Happy Birthday Alan Aldridge — The Man with the Kaleidoscope Eyes

Today is the 69th birthday of English artist, graphic designer and illustrator, Alan Aldridge (click here to visit his site). His distinct airbrush work adorned numerous books and albums in the 1960s and '70s and helped define the aesthetic of the era -- equal parts whimsy and menace. Aldridge appeals to me, in part, due … Continue reading Happy Birthday Alan Aldridge — The Man with the Kaleidoscope Eyes

K-Town goes to Youtube – Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

After two years of shopping around to various TV networks, the Jersey Shore-inspired Korean-Americanreality show K-Town has just been picked up -- not by any of them -- but as a Youtube exclusive set to debut July 2nd. Although the trailer describes it as “The most anticipated reality show of all time” and “the reality show no TV network could show you,” I have … Continue reading K-Town goes to Youtube – Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month