Culture
“Citizenfour”: “The Shock Doctrine” plays out in the Patriot Act
November 7, 2014The NSA and the National Security State have committed possibly irreparable damage to democracy itself, which depends on free speech and liberty of thought.
Read moreNew directions for LA opera: “Dido and Aeneas/Bluebeard’s Castle”
November 3, 2014LA Opera's edgy double feature takes this august art form in other directions and shows the possibilities of different modes of expression for the operatic medium.
Read more“Season of the Witch” examines occult history of rock
October 31, 2014Speaking as an occult enthusiast, I prepared myself for the possibility that this book would consist of clichéd assumptions about the occult. Fortunately, the author doesn't go that route.
Read more“Free Radical Bluz”
October 31, 2014"To my fellow workers going it alone, who square off with bosses but just get skinned right down to the bone..."
Read moreBrad Pitt fires last shot in “Fury”
October 29, 2014The film does boast some excellent performances, but by the second half, the script turns utterly preposterous.
Read more




