Size Doesn't Always Matter

"Scooters: Size Doesn't Always Matter" is on exhibit at the Petersen until May 28, 2012

It's been a while since I posted about automobiles or similar matters. So, let's take a look at some scooters!

The Petersen Automotive Museum currently has an awesome exhibit going on, showcasing scooters from their earliest days to the modern era. Normally, I'm not the kind of person who would get excited by scooters, but the breadth and depth of the display won me over. The developmental history of both the technology and style made for a fascinating show.

And, of course, it reminded me of undeniable coolness of the Vespa. ;-)

1951 Vespa 125

It's always exciting when you go into an exhibition with low expectations, but come out of it enthusiastic and inspired.

Time Out

Dave Brubeck was born on December 6, 1920.

I can't let the day end without celebrating the birth date of jazz legend, Dave Brubeck. His music defines West Coast cool jazz, with a complex yet accessible smoothness.

When I head out to listen to live jazz at local venues, it is clear that Brubeck's influence is still going strong. There's a sense of play and mellowness, enthusiasm and placidity. The music holds an invitation to do what you wish, dance or sit back; it's all good.

The sound is vital, but laid-back; it's too cool to stomp and hop, but not too cool to have a good time. ;-)

Detail from the cover image of Time Magazine, November 1954

So, let's send a Happy Birthday to Dave Brubeck and give thanks for his wonderful music.

Off to See the World

Henry Mancini was born on April 16, 1924. I'm of mixed feelings towards his compositions. On one hand, he was fantastic at creating accessible and memorable tunes. The themes from Peter Gunn, the Pink Panter, Romeo and Juliet, and Moon River are all classics of the cinematic genre. They elegantly and powerfully express the mood of the movie. In my imagination, I can see Audrey Hepburn on her window or Peter Sellers bumbling along whenever I hear these tunes. That's the result of pure compositional brilliance.

On the other hand, I don't feel that he was very good at creating quality cinematic scores as a whole. It's as if he would spend his creative genius composing a single "highlight" piece, leaving the rest of the score to rely on repetitions of the theme and mood reinforcing "fluff" works. Now, nothing's wrong with pleasant "fluff" but it certainly isn't the sign of high artistry. Mancini was too talented to get a pass on "mailing in" the incidental music.

In sum, Mancini was like a poet who specializes in short works, such as sonnets ot haiku. However, his genre required the skills for long works, odes and epics. Nevertheless, I'm grateful for his music.

Here's a link to his Wikipedia page.

And here's the divine Audrey:

Enjoy!!!