I’m an opinionated person.
I was allowed to stretch out and play with a weekly column that looked at pop culture. It ran every week for 10 years — or, in Internet time, forever.
I also contributed various essays analyzing trends and, in some cases, sports and a
- Commentary and cultural perspective
Overrated/Underrated (2009-2019)
An occasionally syndicated column that ended with a farewell edition.
2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013, pt 1, pt. 2 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009
On the impact of social media on the very idea of over/underrating things.
After a year of hot takes and backlashes, what are we doing here?
This column stretched out as a full-length essay about the artists beyond criticism.
Pop culture’s sacred cows: Just dare to dis them
- Sports and Pop Culture
13 shows to get sports fans through our pandemic’s quarantine orders
How do the Rams fit into L.A.’s pop cultural fabric? It’s complicated
Speed is key to the NFL keeping ratings up despite on- and off-field issues
The World Cup lives up to its billing with far-reaching appeal — even for neutrals
To watch or not to watch: Notes from an ambivalent Patriots fan as the Super Bowl approaches
Super Bowl LI proves thrilling on the field, inclusive in its advertising
NBC braces for anything as the Summer Olympics approach
- Movies
You know Hollywood is serious about stopping Trump when they call in the Avengers
Don Cheadle makes his Miles Davis film ‘feel like Miles’ and not just be about Miles
Playing Chet Baker in ‘Born to be Blue’ was an unexpected second chance for Ethan Hawke
- Arts
For a time I was the daily reporter for the Times’ arts and culture blog Culture Monster, much of which has been lost to Internet history after various redesigns. A collection of posts can also be found here
A complicated canopy for Siqueros ‘America Tropical’ set to rise
Bone flutes found in Germany point to roots of creativity
- Local entertainment
Amusing asides A cover story on the alternative comedy scene in L.A.
Beyond last call On places open for after hours dining in Los Angeles. Service!
- Travel
But wait, there’s more — Just ask Google. Or that paper where I used to work.
Chris Barton 