Ever read Mike Davis's "Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster"? Written 30 years ago, it's an analysis of the various disasters LA can (and does) fall prey to, as well as the disaster fatigue they create.
Since timing is everything, I certainly wouldn't recommend any Angelenos read "Ecology of Fear" NOW, but it presents a strong case that what we're seeing is inevitable—& not all that unusual.
I agree with Megyn Kelly. Mayor Bass needs to apologize and explain why she promised her constituents she’d curb her out of country travel. I had the exact same reaction when I saw her get off the plane. Crazy!
I’m a bit ashamed how often I’ve repeated “I escaped LA” in particular Bev Hills the place of my birth (.actually Good Sam in Hollywood) 50 years ago for NYC & points beyond . The inferno . I couldn’t escape from news, print, video, texts from friends. A few who’ve lost everything . I travelled those streets. Sunset to PCH. Shared rent in my early 20’s in Malibu. Gobsmacked. War zone . As for Mayor Bass. A sacrificial lamb . Someone’s got to be sheared . Trump blaming Newsome ? Doncha know?. Gavin was working with a weed wacker above the Palisades.
There's no where safe really is the problem. We will sooon all be climate refugees from somewhere. Gavin needs more than a weed wacker to be considered a possible Potus after this.
Persona and image are not new criteria for politicians. It has always been part of the American electoral experience. There also needs to be a veneer of 'authenticity'. The McLuhan era of TV being the realm of the coin still holds, but social media communication skills are also necessary. "Are we having fun yet?"
To be left standing in only the clothes you are wearing, not so much as a toothbrush to your name, is unfathomable. The usual people who step up to help will be there but it will take years for people to rebuild, if they can. Right now, they just need a place to sleep and some food would be nice.
PS Your comment re “Traci Harmon, a tense, pointy-nosed perfectionist” turned me away from these horrors to revisit my Tina Brown-caused obsession with middle-aged nose spread.
My grandgirl and I would watch Law and Order reruns in the summer, and she was elated that her Gram could point out the protagonist very early in the game. A writer gave me clues how to pick up the tell of the murderer. I was always correct.
Did not know of the new Wolf streaming, will watch while I recover from my first bout of Covid, late to the party, but have every Covid vaccine, and hoping it is a mild strain.
Great column, especially on Los Angeles. Not all conspiracy theories are bonkers though. We spotted Andrew C. hailing a cab earlyish one recent morning on the southwest corner of 1st Ave and E.53 St., suggesting he might be a new near-neighbor—soon to declare for mayor?
OMG this is why I adore you - Law & Order is still my favorite all time best nightly watching show !!! It evokes a continuity and thing of the past that is at once comforting and familiar - I know the entire opening narration by heart too!
You are still the absolute best at titles, Ms. Brown!!
How nice to hear from you ! and congrats at the last verdict . You are the only one who keeps winning against squirming Potus elect!
Fresh Hell is the best entertainment I've found in a long time.
So far as the ascendency of people like Bass and Trump it's not so baffling when so many people make ignorance a point of pride.
Glad you are enjoying . Still hoping there is someone out there who can perform in both senses , on the air and on the jobT
Ever read Mike Davis's "Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster"? Written 30 years ago, it's an analysis of the various disasters LA can (and does) fall prey to, as well as the disaster fatigue they create.
Part of it is excerpted here if you're interested: https://longreads.com/2018/12/04/the-case-for-letting-malibu-burn
Since timing is everything, I certainly wouldn't recommend any Angelenos read "Ecology of Fear" NOW, but it presents a strong case that what we're seeing is inevitable—& not all that unusual.
fascinating. Will indeed read it . The trouble is none of the forecasts of doom land with people until its too late.
I agree with Megyn Kelly. Mayor Bass needs to apologize and explain why she promised her constituents she’d curb her out of country travel. I had the exact same reaction when I saw her get off the plane. Crazy!
It was truly bizarre wasnt it. I actually felt sorry for her if it wasn't so appallingT
I’m a bit ashamed how often I’ve repeated “I escaped LA” in particular Bev Hills the place of my birth (.actually Good Sam in Hollywood) 50 years ago for NYC & points beyond . The inferno . I couldn’t escape from news, print, video, texts from friends. A few who’ve lost everything . I travelled those streets. Sunset to PCH. Shared rent in my early 20’s in Malibu. Gobsmacked. War zone . As for Mayor Bass. A sacrificial lamb . Someone’s got to be sheared . Trump blaming Newsome ? Doncha know?. Gavin was working with a weed wacker above the Palisades.
There's no where safe really is the problem. We will sooon all be climate refugees from somewhere. Gavin needs more than a weed wacker to be considered a possible Potus after this.
Thank you for being you. I love everything you write and laughed heartily about Law and Order. You nailed it on LA.
Thanks for both and so delighted to have such an - um - discerning reader T
Persona and image are not new criteria for politicians. It has always been part of the American electoral experience. There also needs to be a veneer of 'authenticity'. The McLuhan era of TV being the realm of the coin still holds, but social media communication skills are also necessary. "Are we having fun yet?"
This is true but social media has amplified, accelerated and made performance values such a much more high profile issue
To be left standing in only the clothes you are wearing, not so much as a toothbrush to your name, is unfathomable. The usual people who step up to help will be there but it will take years for people to rebuild, if they can. Right now, they just need a place to sleep and some food would be nice.
PS Your comment re “Traci Harmon, a tense, pointy-nosed perfectionist” turned me away from these horrors to revisit my Tina Brown-caused obsession with middle-aged nose spread.
Thank you for the recce re the new Wolf show.
REally sorry i have made you nose obsessed. Unfortunately having written that piece ii find people are constantly peering at my nostrils.
Just don't get a nose ring, it will only draw attention.
On Call is an amazing show, we watched a few episodes last night.
My grandgirl and I would watch Law and Order reruns in the summer, and she was elated that her Gram could point out the protagonist very early in the game. A writer gave me clues how to pick up the tell of the murderer. I was always correct.
Did not know of the new Wolf streaming, will watch while I recover from my first bout of Covid, late to the party, but have every Covid vaccine, and hoping it is a mild strain.
On Call is prfect antidote to Covid and glad you vaxed up. Feel better! T
Thank you, On Call is addictive.
This piece cracked me up over and over! I needed this. Thank you!
Love having you as a reader T
I’m reading your column during breaks between f episodes of On Call. I fully expect it will keep me awake one more night. Sleep well.
Great column, especially on Los Angeles. Not all conspiracy theories are bonkers though. We spotted Andrew C. hailing a cab earlyish one recent morning on the southwest corner of 1st Ave and E.53 St., suggesting he might be a new near-neighbor—soon to declare for mayor?
I am convinced Andrew will be the next Hizzoner
Keeping it fresh, and real, and an absolute delight. Thank you.
Hell must always be fresh if not real! T
OMG this is why I adore you - Law & Order is still my favorite all time best nightly watching show !!! It evokes a continuity and thing of the past that is at once comforting and familiar - I know the entire opening narration by heart too!
How funny you feel that way too ! Wonder how many others share this feeling of comfort from murders and mayhem!