People come and go, but what we create is a reflection of the time and place we live in.  Long Beach is a strange amalgam of buildings that go back to the 19th Century, and include Victorian, Art Deco, Modern, and Googie architecture.  

Stan Poe has been a tireless defender of the City's architectural heritage, having served on the board, and as president, of Long Beach Heritage.  Not only is he a respected architectural historian and educator, he's authored two important books on the history of Naples Island, where he and his wife live.  

Stan took some time to meet and speak with me about some of the efforts he's been involved with recently, including the effort to save parts of the Seaport Marina Hotel, and consulting with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra for their chamber music series.  


Stan Poe  speaks about preserving the architectural heritage of Long Beach

Kevin Smith is a celebrated 'indie' film maker, actor, and writer who's work has not been without controversy.  His hilarious first film, Clerks, was made with a shockingly low budget of $25,000 and, despite crude language and off-camera necrophilia, continues to rake in the cash while delighting a whole new generation of viewers.  

Not only are his films really funny, they're also surprisingly sensitive, insightful, and occasionally informative.  He's tackled many of the big issues we face as human beings: In 'Chasing Amy,' he asks if a guy can really convert a lesbian? In 'Dogma,' he asks if murdering God is really a sin? In 'Zack and Miri Make a Porno," he asks the question that has plagued men since the dawn of time: Can men and women really be friends?

His most recent creation is Red State, which diverges from his past work in a number of ways.  First, it is a horror film.  Also, his beloved Jay and Silent Bob are absent.  Beyond that, the film has had a limited release, so Smith is literally carrying it from theater to theater for one night screenings, and talking at length with audiences after each show. 

That's why, tomorrow night, he'll be in Long Beach at the Art Theater.  In conjunction with the Long Beach Cinematheque, he'll be screening Red State at 7:30 and 10 PM, with Q&As to follow.  

While I've not yet seen Red State, Mr. Smith agreed to speak with me briefly, and I recorded our phone conversation (with his permission, of course) which I present for your enjoyment here:

 

sanderis