Blog #45 / The LA Times

Tagging Outside an L.A. Street Art Exhibit Fuels Debate

   The Museum of Contemporary Art expected to make some waves when it launched "Art in the Streets," billed as the first major U.S. museum survey exhibition on graffiti and street art. In a city considered one of the birthplaces of street art, the exhibit at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA has intensified an already fierce debate about whether something that is illegal can also have artistic value. To fans, it's a welcome recognition of an urban artist style that is evolving from street vandalism into something more. "It's exciting to have some of the most vibrant street art in the world happening in Los Angeles," Greg Linton, an arts blogger who documents street art in L.A., said of the exhibit. "It's what makes these urban areas so special." I believe that it is a pretty neat and interesting event.

Alleged West L.A. Burglar Suspected in Hollywood Temple    Fire

   Los Angeles police have arrested a man in a West Los Angeles burglary who they believe is responsible for a fire and burglary at a prominent Hollywood synagogue. Dmitriy Sheyko, 21, a transient known to frequent the Hollywood area, is suspected of breaking into Temple Israel in the 7300 block of Hollywood Boulevard on April 14 and a nearby grocery store. Sheyko, who police said has a criminal record, was arrested Monday in connection with a burglary in West Los Angeles. I think it is a shame that people do things like that.

2 Afghan Soldiers Killed in Assassination Attempt

  

   An insurgent dressed as an Afghan soldier opened fire Monday inside the Defense Ministry, killing two soldiers in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the Afghan and French defense ministers. The attacker, who was also armed with explosives, struck the ministry before noon, ahead of a joint news conference the ministers had scheduled. He was shot and killed by Afghan soldiers before he could detonate his explosives. It is a shame that all of this killing is going on.

3 Western Powers Sending Military Advisors to Libya

   In the wake of a plea for help from besieged rebels in the Libyan city of Misurata, three Western powers have announced that they will send military advisors and one said Wednesday that it would step up airstrikes against Moammar Kadafi's military. Italian Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa said 10 military instructors would be sent and details were being worked out. He spoke Wednesday after meeting with his British counterpart, Liam Fox. France and Britain had announced earlier that they would send military officers to Libya to help rebel forces organize and bolster the NATO air campaign that has failed to rout Kadafi's military. It is great that they are willing to help those people.

Angels' Youth Serves With Distinction in 15-4 Win Over Texas

   You can blame it on injuries, credit it to talent or split the difference and say both had something to do with it, but whatever the reasons, Angels Manager Mike Scioscia has grown comfortable with a lineup that includes rookies at catcher and first base, a center fielder who came into the season with just 62 days of big league experience and a closer who hadn't pitched in relief until last April. "There's a lot of youth on that field," Scioscia said. "The bottom line is not to look at the number next to that experience column. It's what can a player do now. When you see talent … you'll go with it." That is great news for the team. YAY!!!