Category Archives: Rants

Dear Librarian…

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Joel J. Rane

“Dear Librarian…”  My continuing struggle against one of the oldest enemies in Los Angeles…  IGNORANCE! William B. of Bellflower asks, “Dear librarian, I’m sure you have a screed about Thanksgiving.  Can I hear it?”  Gee, William, you’re right, and I was … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Humor, Miscellaneous, Rants | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Striking Walmart Workers Add Their Voice to ‘Black Friday’

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Walmart workers, their outrage fueled by allegations of continuing low wages, erratic work hours, cuts to their benefits and the continuing termination and harassment of workers who have openly voiced criticism of management policies, marched in protest -accompanied by supporters – at stores … Continue reading →

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Not to Worry, Twinkies WILL Survive the Closure of the Hostess Company

Posted on November 17, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Growing up as a kid whose family were always counting their pennies, I can honestly say that I never tasted what most consumers today would call a “real” dessert until I reached my twenties. My family simply couldn’t afford to … Continue reading →

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Watch the Premiere Screening of the ‘It’s a Girl!’ Film

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Rita Banerji, Founder and CEO of ’50 Million Missing: a Campaign Against India’s Female Genocide: “Courteous greetings to all the readers of the LA Beat, ‘It’s a Girl!’, the much awaited new documentary film on female ‘gendercide’ in India and … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, News, Rants, Theater, Upcoming Events | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Stand with David Garcia to End Retaliation at Walmart Warehouses

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Shirley Pena

David Garcia: “Hello to everyone at the LA Beat! Working conditions in the Walmart-contracted warehouses are bad. We are temporary workers, we make minimum wage, we have no job security, no sick days and we work in extreme temperatures lifting … Continue reading →

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CA Secretary of State Urged to “Count Every Vote on Prop 37″ with New Petition

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Shirley Pena

According to investigative journalist Jon Rappoport, more than one million votes on Prop 37 (the GMO labeling initiative) in California have gone uncounted to date. Since the margin of “victory” is about 600,000 votes, this means that Prop 37 may have … Continue reading →

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UFW Lawsuit Accuses Cal/OSHA of Failure to Enforce Regulations Protecting Farm Workers

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Shirley Pena

Thursday, October 18: a lawsuit in California’s state court was filed against the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) for its “systematic failure” to enforce the regulation that requires farmers to provide water, shade and rest to their … Continue reading →

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Requiem for a Space Shuttle (Endeavour)

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Afropix

Creator God, you make all things and weave them together in an intricate tapestry of life. Teach us to respect the fragile balance of life and to care for all the gifts of your creation. Guide by your wisdom those … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, History, News, Op-Ed, Photo Essays, Rants | 1 Comment

Et Tu, Nucky?

Posted on September 15, 2012 by Joel J. Rane

Like a few million other people, I was completely flummoxed when Nucky Thompson shot his protege Jimmy Darmody in the head last year.  I hate to let television ru(i)n my life like this, but it’s worth talking through in public … Continue reading →

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About Lester Bangs

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Brick Wahl

Astral Weeks, insofar as it can be pinned down, is a record about people stunned by life, completely overwhelmed, stalled in their skins, their ages and selves, paralyzed by the enormity of what in one moment of vision they can … Continue reading →

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