LAPD Crime Map

Do you know that the LAPD has a Crime Maps feature that allows you to search around a certain address for crimes including rape, theft from vehicle, and personal theft?

This is like the sex offender map; it is frightening to see the types of criminal activity that takes place everywhere.

My neighborhood is bad for stealing stuff from cars (purple dots are theft from vehicle):
Mike's neighborhood is different; that green dot is rape, and the orange is violent robbery.
Lewis, sharpen your claws!

First Whitman v. Brown Debate

I have a hard time taking Meg Whitman seriously because I feel like she is wearing one of George Washington's wigs.





But, I have to take her seriously because she has a fighting chance of winning the November gubernatorial race against old kook Jerry Brown.

Last night was their first debate, and I think it was more informative than these events typically are. Though, as Steve Lopez points out here, we don't have any concrete plans for how to prevent California from becoming one large privately-run prison.

Handicap Placard Abuse

This month saw a few pieces about handicap placard abuse (Washington Post and NPR are the largest outlets that covered the topic). This is of special interest to anyone in Venice who knows that one of the reasons RVs are able to stay on the street is their use of handicap placards, which exempt you from many parking rules.

In related news, I will sell my Mom's for a nice profit. Bidding starts at $1,000.

Suicide, Academia, and Workplace Bullying

This is an interesting article about the July suicide of the managing editor of the Virginia Quarterly Review. It is compelling because it is sad, but also because it asks questions about what kind of behavior is acceptable of a boss. Additionally, I knew one of the key figures involved, and I am frankly not surprised that she had a role in this kind of incident!

Bilal on Jonsi

My friend Bilal did a piece for NPR about Jonsi (lead singer of Sigur Ros) and the visuals that accompany his live shows. You can read it or listen to it here.

Weary Working Women

Is "Weary Working Women" a bonafide voting block now? God, it is depressing to be an adult female these days.

Burning Man 2010

There's a lot that has been written about Burning Man, but I will stick with a few photos.

Courtney and me looking typical with the Man in the background.


Good point.


Out favorite art car cum whiskey bar.

Installation with participation.


Don't worry Mom; I was keeping it real.

Hair Envy

I know I am way late to the party for people jealous of Alexa Chung, but right now it's just her hair that's getting to me.

Lara Stone on cover of French Vogue

NBD.

Cats eating flowers

PB has been eating a lot of the flowers at our house, and promptly barfs them up. PB when will you learn?