Taylor Swift and the case of the failed concept album

Share: As far as concept albums go, Beyonce’s “Lemonade” is the textbook definition. The thematic arc from “Pray You Catch Me” to “Formation” is abundantly clear and climactic. The journey Beyonce goes through is one of redemption, forgiveness and newfound strength. When she sings “I found the truth beneath your lies” in “Pray You Catch Me,” you know that lies she’s referring to are the secrets she was smelling in “Hold Up.” Follow:

Good coffee and company at Ginger Corner Market

Share: A three minute drive from PCC, Ginger Corner Market is an excellent choice when looking for either a place to study at or a place to enjoy a small meal. Right next to Grant Park on the corner of Blanche and Michigan, Ginger Corner Market has sat on the intersection for the past five years and continues to bring in regulars as well as new faces. Upon entering, the first thing that could be heard was the sound of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” and …

Joan Didion uncoiled in ‘The Center Will Not Hold’

Share: The eccentric quiet of Joan Didion is presented in the Netflix documentary, “The Center Will Not Hold,” a film about her career and life that could only be tenderly put together by her niece and nephew. Cousins Griffin and Annabelle Dunne captured their aunt so beautifully, I am tempted to write Didion in hopes that she will accept me as her honorary niece. I promise to always have an ice cold coke and a can of salted almonds if you can coach me on …

Tasty food market brings bite size culture to Pasadena

Share: Pasadena has always presented fun and memorable events to it’s local residents but this weekend it brought another that was quite delicious. The Tasty Food Market was the event that I was more than happy to check out. This food-based swap meet had a wide selection of food including Indian, sushi, Greek, Mexican, good old smoothies and ribs. There was a lot to choose from but everything I tried was not disappointing. Follow:

Jigsaw: An electrifying riddle to be solved

Share: Plot-twist lovers, thrill seekers and crime lovers will need to look no further than “Jigsaw” to find what they’re looking for. “Jigsaw” is the eighth movie in the SAW franchise and while it does have gory scenes of gruesome deaths, the film is much more suspenseful than it is horrifying. The majority of the film focuses on solving riddles and “playing the game.” There is a touch of humor from some of the jokes made by the characters but this SAW installment is not …