"Here's a song, originally written by a Black composer in honor of a Mexican bullfighter, covered by a Chicano band steeped in Black R&B and jazz, then sampled by the first major Chicano rap artist."

Southern Californian Lisa See's "Shanghai Girls," a meticulously researched novel about two young Chinese women who flee Shanghai in the late 1930s.

Off-Ramp commentator Hank Rosenfeld (seen above perusing a self-help classic) enjoyed watching James Cameron's Oscar nominated film "Avatar," but he says Dr. Suess's "The Lorax" was shorter and sweeter. (Photo: John Rabe)

Bestselling author Joshua Ferris talks the walk... Renassance Italy burns in vain... and Rico learns what locavores do when it snowcavores.

In the wake of the collapse of the Pasadena Playhouse, KPCC's Steve Julian ask what is the state of theater is Los Angeles.

If you're into beers, head over to Golden State on Farifax. Right now, Golden State has the only keg of Deschutes Brewery's "Abyss" a dark, flavorful beer that's 20% alcohol, which will literally knock your socks off if you have too much. They'll also be release a sour beer in a few weeks. Queena Kim gets a taste with co-owner Jason Bernstein.

Someone who donates to our on-air fund drive Thursday evening (listen between 5:45 and 7:00 for details) will win the services of Off-Ramp mariachi Mateo Stoneman for one hour ... here's the latest piece we did with Mateo, and an extra cut of his music. To hire Mateo yourself, or buy a CD, call or email him. He's at 323-215-6479 or ml_stoneman@hotmail.com.