Category Archives: Photography

A Tour of the Santa Ana Civic Center

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: In the comments of my last post, Sir Barken Hyena said that, “SoCal is stupid nice.” Well, parts of it certainly are. On the other hand, some areas are architectural wastelands. This especially seems to be the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Photography | Tagged anti-communism, brutalism, California, civic center, Orange County, Orwell, Santa Ana, Soviet Union | 22 Comments

City Sights: Claremont, CA

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: A few pics from the city’s lovely downtown.

Posted in Architecture, Photography | Tagged California, Claremont | 8 Comments

Old California Cars 3: A Hot Chevy

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: I ran across this beautiful old Chevrolet muscle car in a grocery-store parking lot: If those wheels don’t radiate “Fast” and “Furious,” then I don’t know what does. Click on the image for a more detailed look. … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial art, Photography | Tagged cars, Chevrolet, indudstrial design, photography | 2 Comments

City Sights: the Seal Beach Administration Building

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Designed by Gordon F. Powers in 1969. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he was thankfully not taken in by Brutalism. Compare to Boston City Hall at the Wikipedia link, also built in 1969. Which would you rather work … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Photography | Tagged California | 4 Comments

Arbor Gates, The Saga Continues

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: The estimable Blowhard, Esq. and I are involved in a quest to direct the attention of architecture fans (and potential architecture fans) to the modest pleasures of what are called “arbor gates” — trellised, usually overgrown, garden … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Photography, The Good Life | Tagged arbor gates, architecture, California, gardens, Santa Barbara | 5 Comments

Old California Cars 2: A Sweet VW

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: I’m still in California, and I continue to get a lot of pleasure out of the well-preserved old cars that abound out here. Back in the northeast, it’d be a rare treat to run across something like … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial art, Photography | Tagged California, cars, Volkswagen | 1 Comment

City Sights: Arbor Gate to a Community Garden

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: An impressive specimen that I had to pass along.

Posted in Architecture, Photography | Tagged arbor gates, California | 4 Comments

City Sights: Downtown L.A.’s Grand Park

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: When the guys at the office don’t care if we win or lose, I’m sent downtown to make court appearances. One of the perks of going — besides getting out of the office — is the chance … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Photography | Tagged California, Los Angeles | 3 Comments

Architecture We Love 2

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: As a follow-up to Paleo Retiree’s post, I put together my own montage of multistage entryways from my neighborhood. As you can see, some are more charming and inviting than others. A quote from A Pattern Language: While … Continue reading →