We just tell it how we see it, nothing more, nothing less -- Neue Sachlichkeit in film at the Amoeblog

We just tell it how we see it, nothing more, nothing less -- Neue Sachlichkeit in film



Today marks the 91st anniversary of the release of Austrian director GW Pabst's debut, Der Schatz. Pabst was the greatest director associated with the arts movement known as Neue Sachlichkeit, usually translated as "New Objectivity" -- a cold and detached reaction against the popular German Expressionism of the

Stories start in many ways -- a look back at old time radio's Night Beat at the Amoeblog

Stories start in many ways -- a look back at old time radio's Night Beat



On 6 February, 1950, the radio drama Night Beat debuted on NBC. Although it feels like a hard-boiled detective program, its hero (Randy Stone) was a newspaper reporter covering the sordid goings on in early-'50s Chicago for his human interest column, "Night Beat." The hero was played to perfection by radio veteran Frank Lovejoy.

More than just riots and towers -- Exploring Watts for Black History Month at the Amoeblog

More than just riots and towers -- Exploring Watts for Black History Month



On Wednesday, Bruce Chan and I explored Watts. We visited the towers but find quite a few more neighborhood treasures during our visit.

Is bustin' a cap is really fundamental? -- Exploring South Central for Black History Month at the Amoeblog

Is bustin' a cap is really fundamental? -- Exploring South Central for Black History Month



Two days ago I explored South Central, sometimes now referred to as "Historic South Central." After starting at the African American Firefighter Museum, I headed down South Central Avenue (from which the neighborhood derives its name) and took in the beautiful historic buildings and bustling contemporary scene.