People and Things fails to shine


People and Things by Jack’s Mannequin 2/4 Stars Released Oct. 4, People and Things is the third album from Orange County-based piano-rock/pop/punk group Jack’s Mannequin.  In order to understand People and Things, we must first examine the journey of frontman Andrew McMahon. In 2005, shortly after the release of the band’s first album, McMahon was diagnosed […]

Online education needs connection


From the most trivial of issues (who went to what party this weekend?) to the most traditional of society’s establishments (newspapers, music and book industries, Postal Service), Internet has transformed our lives. But one area remains to be revolutionized digitally: education. Online education is on the rise, pitting those who support the idea of a […]

Boyle Heights contains flurry of enticing ethnic cuisine


If there’s ever a place that best defines the spirit of Los Angeles, it’s not the glitzy Hollywood theaters, the pale sands of Venice Beach or the celebrity mansions in Beverly Hills. It’s Boyle Heights, a not-so-quiet neighborhood teeming with rich cultural history and food — everything from Jewish delis to Japanese izakayas and Mexican […]

Brown bans California minors from tanning beds in landmark bill


Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation earlier today that renders tanning beds off-limits to minors in the state of California. The bill will take effect starting on January 1, 2012, and was part of a handful of other bills related to health initiatives the governor signed in one swoop. Minors at least 14 years of age are […]