Something to look forward to Saturday. I’m not mad at this…..

I was pointed to an interesting book by one of my main dudes, Paul Breckow, and from this I’m here to pass on what I think is an unmatched look into one of the most uncelebrated extensions of the city of Los Angeles. This book, The Ulysses Guide to the LA River VOL. I, is the beginning of an in depth perspective of the Los Angeles River, offering a close inspection of the hidden life and culture that thrives within the influence of the city and river. The first chapters begin by embracing the nature that exists within the confines of the river’s concrete walls. If you’ve seen the LA river for yourself, it is well known that this is not an ordinary river by any means. It is unique in that it is not founded on a natural setting, but is instead shaped by man’s own hand. In a city overruled by tall buildings and advanced architecture, it may seem that a concrete river running through the heart of the city would only be a hindrance, yet the people behind Ulysses use art, photographs and stories to depict a world that only a native eye could uncover- with displaying these perspectives, they allow everyone the chance to experience what it is to be an Angelino by viewing the Los Angeles River through these native eyes, doing the city a much deserved justice.

Hit up the site and pick up the guide, and check out art exhibition February 14 – May 30, 2010 @ the Pasadena Museum of California Art- www.pmcaonline.org

you won’t regret taking the ride.

The infamous Yokohama Sakuragicho station graffiti wall is no more. The wall had over a mile long of graffiti images representing a subculture of Street Art that is vanishing.

Yokohama Wall as it stand today with no traces of images or …..

Below images where taken before the wall was painted and a sign posted prohibiting any sort of painting by stating ” “Those who scribble will be subject to prosecution for vandalism”

 I pulled into the parking lot this morning with great expectations. As I ran up to  the guarding brick wall and stared out to the ocean I noticed that it wasn’t 15 foot?!! Although it wasn’t as big as the report said it would be, there was still some sizable waves out there. I took a small amount of pictures before I headed out. Before I left, the locals said the conditions would be better tomorrow. I guess I’ll just wait till tomorrow morning. In the mean time…I will take some flicks of what some of the boys are doing tonight…haha. Anyway, here’s a few pictures from today…the rain didn’t help as I was trying to get a few pictures.

We at Civil have decided to do something different so our readers will have something to look forward to periodically. Every week, Style Watch Tuesdays will feature someone who we feel embodies what we are about, or feeling at the moment.

These gents would be dapper if they sported the Bittersweet from our collection. Everyone needs some Bittersweet in their life….

Here is Shane rockin’ the Bittersweet.

The saying a picture equals a thousand words doesn’t even begin to describe the stark contrast evident in Sao Paulo…. It’s truly alarming how much the poverty rate grows each year compared to the growth of the world’s population.

In the last half century, U.S. industries and banks have invested heavily in those poorer regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The attraction of the rich natural resources, the high return that comes from low-paid labor, and the nearly complete absence of taxes, environmental regulations, worker benefits, and occupational safety costs proves beneficial for neo-imperialism.