PROFILE
FROM Emma Allen
The rise of improv and the mainstreaming of ‘yes, and’ When a Press Play producer pitches a story idea that doesn’t make the cut, the staff jokingly says, “yes and.” The phrase, of course, comes from improv. In improv comedy, when someone throws an idea at you, no matter how bad, during a scene, you’re supposed to just go with it say, “yes and.” The fact that this is known outside the world of comedy clubs tells you how mainstream improv has become. The key organization behind that ubiquity is the improv empire known as the Upright Citizens Brigade, which holds classes in New York and LA and attracts tens of thousands of students a year, raking in millions of dollars. UCB has also promoted the idea of improv as self-improvement: something for everyone, not just wannabe actors. But it has also been criticized for a corporate and even cult-like environment.
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Why is Trump so behind on filling staff jobs, establishing concrete policies? Yesterday Donald Trump signed a “decision memo” to revamp the air traffic control system. But there was little legislative detail in the plan. There’s not much to other splashy announcements from the White House, including tax cuts and the arms deal with Saudi Arabia. And hundreds of positions are unfilled in federal agencies.
'Dandelion and Quince,' food and crime, 'All About Eggs' Sarah Lohman talks about the murder and historic recipes that form the backbone of her new book, “Ohio 1910,” and Rachel Khong shares highlights from Lucky Peach’s last cookbook, “All About Eggs.” Michelle Mckenzie tells us how to cook oft-forgotten fruits, veggies and herbs, and Jonathan Gold reviews AR Cucina in Culver City. Plus: raspberries at the market and a special guest DJ set from Alton Brown.
Farewell LA freeways, Peter Shire is back Angelenos don't want more freeways but we seem not to want mass transit either. Metro has killed the 710 freeway extension, and bus and train ridership is down across the region. What's the future of getting around in LA? And, Peter Shire is having a comeback. What attracts a new generation to his playful ceramics and furniture?