No taxation without representation! Citing a quote from legendary writer, producer and crusader for artists' rights Quincy Jones, an enterprising New York-based jazz composer named Jaime Austria has begun distributing a petition designed to encourage the Obama administration to name a Secretary of the Arts. If you agree that America's creative types should have an organized voice in the White House, take a moment to sign the petition. more ›

We can still remember with vivid clarity our parents sitting us down for the two major "talks" (sex and drugs) of adolescence. In our family, both talks were equally jarring and minimally helpful. Now imagine having to sit down and talk about drugs and/or sex with Bill Cosby. The Cos has long been a fan of jazz and at times dabbled in singing and scatting; his comedic talent and mugging for kids also masked for... more ›

LAist is flashing a sad peace out to their editor Carolyn Kellogg with one hand and bumping knuckles with their new head typist L.A. blogger king Tony Pierce with the other. Where do ist editors go when they hang up the 'editorial we'? They take on MySpace, apparently. At least Ben Brown does. Austinist reminds of the just rewards of less savory careers this week and then they witness the Arctic Monkeys and We Are... more ›

The Pre-Show Ah, what to say. Everyone looks so...puffy. We're watching WGN because...well, we can't find the remote honestly. 6:10 PM - Do you even have the right to complain about cheesy presenters if you're watching an Oscar pre-show? Isn't that like visting a dominatrix and complaining about the pain? Still, we have a deep burning hatred of Sam Rubin. 6:17 PM - Hilary Swank going against the grain with no cleavage display. Wearing drapes... more ›