Why Does Rubio Hate America?

We pay Marco's Senate salary.  Playing Marco Rubio is much harder than the classic game of Marco Polo.  You can yell Marco up and down the Senate floor without ever hearing an answer.  He spits on our money.  Given his frequent financial problems, he should be more thankful for the paycheck.

The rare time he appears he spitefully harms America.  For six months he has blocked the popular appointment of Roberta Jacobson as ambassador  to Mexico.  Trade, immigration and energy issues languish to the detriment of the US.  She has served under Democratic and Republican administrations, knows Latin American politics, has trade negotiation experience, speaks Spanish, and was welcomed by Mexico.

Why the holdup?  Because as Assistant Secretary of State she helped negotiate the thaw in Cuban relations.  We get the Cuban part of Marco's Cuban-American heritage.  We wish he would get the American part.

Ditto

In the last Republican debate ISIS was the question.  Ditto was the response.  There were some exceptions.  Kasich urged US boots on the ground.  Some joined Hillary in calling for a no fly zone.  Ever the voice of reason, Trump called for killing women and children.

But on the whole, while calling him feckless, GOP candidates echoed Obama's policy of  bombing, use of special forces and maximizing regional involvement.  Nonetheless, I doubt they will applaud at the State of the Union when he reiterates the policies that they have endorsed.

Silent Night

Notwithstanding unexpected fund raising prowess, and overflow crowds, Bernie always had a tough Hill(ary) to climb.  Clinton has name recognition, a powerful organization, and ample funding.  Paris and San Bernardino have muted his economic populist message and spotlighted Clinton's foreign policy experience.

Hillary is content to quietly lock up super delegates and build the foundation for primary and general election victories.  Already a household name, she does not need press for success.  For Bernie each puff piece inflates his poll numbers.  As the Republican race sucks up the oxygen, it suffocates the Sanders campaign.

Clinton was wise to attend Trump's wedding.  He is her primary pal.

Saturday Night in the (Highland) Park

The second Saturday of each month is art night in Highland Park, Ca.  Local artists exhibit in and out of galleries.  Free wine and beer flows and music blows as you go down York in search of pork and other edibles.

The evening starts at one of the diverse collection of restaurants. El Huarache Azteca is my go to.

The York Avenue mainstay is the best food value in Los Angeles.

Generous tacos are street priced at one dollar.  Huaraches are three dollars for the regular and six for the super pictured below.

Huaraches, first created in Mexico City, are oblong mesa delights covered with meat, cheese, a thin layer of beans, onions and salsas.  My favorite is suadero, the beef equivalent of carnitas.

Art galleries and an eclectic mix of stores welcome strollers with beer, wine and music.

Additional spiritual or gastronomic sustenance is readily available.

Man does not live on Charles Shaw alone.  When it comes time for a serious drink, bars line both sides of the street.  Eschewing the more hormonal venues, Roslyn and I choose Sonny's for a custom cocktail and great (unpictured) flan.

On nearby streets Christmas lights shine.

Lessons of San Bernardino

San Bernardino is not the California dream.  Per capita income is among the lowest of urban areas in the state, and air quality is 3rd worst in the nation.  But what can we learn from the San Bernardino nightmare?

As with Paris, the danger is home grown terrorists. Syed Farook was born in Illinois.  Evidence is mounting that he was radicalized before contacting and marrying Tashfeen Malik.  He sought a kindred spirit.  But for his extremism, she would not have entered the country.

Some casualties may be inevitable in a war of ideas, but incendiary language by Republican presidential candidates can only add to the toll.  Trump could well be terrorist recruiter in chief.  Moreover, to the extent Trump, Cruz and others alienate the Muslim community, cooperation with authorities lessens.  We could be flooded with threats with a mere trickle of information.

Second we need to ban military grade weapons.  Maybe guns don't kill people, and it is people who kill people.  But clearly people with automatic and semi-automatic weapons kill more people.  True, some terrorists might illegally obtain such weapons.  But, law enforcement is trained to track illegal weapons.  Terrorists may be spotted because they seek illegal weapons.

Other steps may need to be taken such as tighter Visa background checks.  But the key is welcoming Muslim citizens into the flow of American life, and denying armament to those who seek to dam and damn that flow.

Republicans Abet ISIS

Republicans strive with every breath to enable domestic terrorism.  Refugees coming to this country are carefully screened.  Two thousand Syrians have relocated already without incident.  The refugee issue is a classic red herring.

Far fishier are GOP steps to radicalize American citizens and supply them with deadly force.  Presidential candidates threatening to close mosques and base immigration on religious affiliation are recruitment posters for ISIS.  To be successful radicals need  armament.  Republicans oblige, ensuring availability of military grade weaponry without so much as uniform background checks.  As an added bonus, Congressional Republicans refuse to authorize the war against ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

I am willing to concede that Republicans are unwitting co-conspirators. In fact, I will be even more charitable, and concede that Republicans are unwitting.

Bully

Although Teddy Roosevelt said, "Talk softly, but carry a big stick," he thundered from his bully pulpit.  Trump has left out the pulpit.  This political season Republicans prefer their crazy to be loud. Soft spoken Carson fades, as The Donald dreams of a gaudy gold plated make over of the White House.

Responding to international insecurity,  the GOP wants a father figure who does not spare the rod.  Much like the Russians with Putin, Republicans cherish a seeming strongman who neither apologizes nor backs down.  But Trump riding bare chested through Central Park would be a bridge too far.

A Thanksgiving Tale

Thanksgiving is about people coming together.  Thanksgiving is about helping those in need.  Such was the tale of Hurricane Sandy.  State, federal and local agencies bonded to meet the needs of the people of New Jersey.

Sandy is also a contrast between Democrats and Republicans.  For three years Chis Christie has been attacked by his party for embracing Obama.  No Democrat has ever questioned Obama shaking hands with Christie.

Hillary Clinton for President

As a life long progressive I feel the Bern.  But I also imagine the searing pain of a GOP victory.  Every four years presidential candidates stampede supporters to the polls with the claim that this is the seminal election of our lifetime.  Since most of us live more than 4 years it is seldom true. But 2016 matters.

Defeating ISIS and addressing income inequality are important.  But no more crucial than the domestic and international issues of past elections.  The primacy of this election rests on the nature and power of the opposition.  This is not your father's Republican party.  Without changing political positions, Kasich has moved from the right, to the left, wing of the party.  All the republican moderates could fit on the head of a pin and have enough room left over for a marching band.  This GOP is anti-science, xenophobic and jingoistic.  Republican tax plans and proposed budget cuts would take income inequality to 3rd world levels.

Well channeled resources have placed Republicans in control of a near record number of states.  With that power they have chipped away at women's health rights and minority voting rights.  Only a democratic lead justice department has moderated some of the excesses.

With control of a majority of states during the last reapportionment, the GOP locked in control of the House even though in each election Democratic candidates receive more votes in the aggregate.  The GOP Senate majority will be sustained if a winning Republican presidential candidate has coat tails.

The Supreme Court is conservative.  Over the next two presidential terms there will most likely be two vacancies.  If we lose the presidential election, the court will become ultraconservative.  Republicans will control all of the levers of government.

More than ever, electability matters.  A self described democratic socialist will not win over independents.  Bernie does not excite blacks or hispanics.  Progressive fervor, and a small increase in student voting, will not carry the day.  If we want to win, we need Hillary.

Experience matters.  Bill and Barack have been exceptional presidents.  But each had a rocky first year.  Eight years as first lady means Hillary can avoid freshman pitfalls.  She knows how the White House works.  She understands Congress through her time in the Senate.  No candidate in modern times has had a better grasp of foreign affairs.  She has policy depth, and even deeper empathy.  She cares.  So should we.

The Mystery of Jeb! and The Donald

This is a tough year for pundits.  Early on Walker and Paul were touted as top tier candidates.  One is gone, and the other is headed for the kiddie table debate.

As Jeb! dipped his foot in the water, pundits assured us that with bags of money, and an elite organization he would cross the streaming media to the nomination.  Now he has a better chance of raising hard money poll dancing than poll watching.

Although fascinated with Trump, pundits assured us he was the flavor of the month. Republicans have been eating the same damn thing for 4 months and like it better than ever.  To  explain the remarkably unfickle GOP, pundits wove a tale of anger.

GOP establishment politicians, after convincing voters that a centrist democratic President is a radical, have been unable to repeal his signature achievement nor reign in his executive powers.    The establishment over promised and under delivered.  Hostility was furthered, as black, brown, gay, transgender and immigrant became the new white. This explanation has some merit, but it is not the whole truth.

A recent New Hampshire poll was shocking.  Absence may indeed make the heart grow fonder.  If ultra establishment Romney were in the primary, he would be leading easily with over 30%.  He would garner 1/3 of his votes from Trump, taking him down to 20%.  He would draw from other candidates, notably Jeb!, taking him from a dismal 9% to a microscopic 3%.

Voters distaste may be for Bush, rather than for the establishment.  Trumps allure may not solely be as an outsider.  Facts are unimportant to Republicans, who, like Russians, are drawn to a strong man.

Why Do Republicans Hate America?

Republicans are some of the most blessed citizens in our country, enjoying everything America has to offer.  But while they often wrap themselves in the flag, they are shredding the values it stands for.

This country was founded on the precept of religious liberty.   Republicans protest that a baker might be asked to design a cake for a gay wedding, but rally in support of Donald Trump who proposes shutting down mosques.  Let that settle in.  Shuttering houses of worship.

Not to be outdone Ted Cruz wants to limit immigration to this country based on religion.  Trump further upped the ante, proposing that Muslim citizens, much like Jews in Nazi Germany, carry special identification papers.

Further disdain for the Constitution is palpable.  Republican governors are rushing to prevent freedom of movement of Syrian refugees in contravention of the commerce clause.  The same governors dismissive of the right to vote, are imposing restrictions to limit turnout by minorities.

Republicans threaten the security of Americans.  ISIS drools over the prospect of recruiting American Muslims with proof that this country is out to destroy their religion.  But it is not enough for the GOP to foster home grown terrorists, they also arm them.   The GOP has blocked simple precautions such as using the no fly list in background checks.  To date over 2000 individuals on the no fly list have  legally obtained weapons.

Perhaps we should prevent Republicans from entering this country.  But we would not do that.  We are Democrats.

GOP Flunks Paris Lesson

The GOP has long had a problem with science, but now they are flunking math.  For our numerically challenged Republican friends let us explain 7 is greater than 1.  One of the eight participants in the Paris atrocity might have entered as a Syrian refugee, the other 7 were home grown.  The ratio has increase as more members of the cell have been captured or killed.

Even as to the one alleged fake refugee, he would not have passed the US screening process.  Europe has absorbed a stream of refugees coming directly from war ravaged Syria.  The refugees coming to America have generally been in camps for a year or more.  They fall within a special program for the most vulnerable.  They consist of victims of torture, women who are heads of households,  and those with special medical needs.  Less than 3% are men of fighting age.  They are screened by the UN and screened and individually interviewed by us.  http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-syrian-refugee-screening-20151117-story.html.

Life does not come with guarantees, only probabilities.  A terrorist might slip though, just as your next door neighbor may shoot up you neighborhood with an AK47.   Although I have not met your neighbor, I would hazard that neither are likely.

The greater threat is assisting ISIS to radicalize American Muslims.  Republican demagoguery is whipping the public into a frenzy and spreading fear in the Islamic community.  Imagine how you would react if candidates for president called for closing your places of worship (Trump), excluding people of your religion from entering the country (Cruz),  and setting up a government agency to proselytize other religious values (Kasich).  Ala Nazi Germany's requirement that Jews wear a yellow star, Trump has called for special identification documents for American Muslims.  Shamefully, even the Democratic mayor of Roanoke, Virginia, David Bowers has cited with favor, the precedent of Japanese interment.

As I have said before, GOP bullshit is fertilizing home grown terrorists.  We may all reap what the Republicans sow.

Obama is Beating ISIS

With wall to wall news we know more, but remember less.  Lost in the 24 hour news cycle is the simple truth that the president's strategy is working.   Just a year ago, with only token opposition, ISIS was devouring land, just a bite or two away from Bagdad.  The blitzkrieg was unstoppable, and their caliphate within reach.

Large scale movement of men and machines is susceptible to air power.  The air strikes ended the advance.  Like a shark, when ISIS is not advancing it is dying.  The second part of the president's campaign was to arm and train locals.  Although not yet taking root in Syria,  the Kurds and to a lesser extent the Iraqi army, are reclaiming much of Iraq.

With the dream of the Caliphate fading, ISIS has turned to Al Qaeda style terrorism, albeit with a better media presence.   The Paris attacks are a sign of weakness.  The land war is morphing into a war of ideas.  ISIS depends on radicalizing western Muslims.

ISIS has been more successful with the marginalized Muslim community in Paris than with the more successful communities in America.   Unwittingly, Republicans are aiding and abetting ISIS.  Presidential candidates are falling all over one another trying to radicalize American Muslims.

Trump wants us to shut down mosques.  Cruz proposes only accepting Christian refugees from Syria. Even Kasich, who like most of the GOP wants to limit government and shut down agencies, proposes a new agency to spread Judeo Christian values.  Not to be out done, Republican governors are taking (unconstitutional) steps to preclude relocation of  Syrian refugees to their states.

Home grown terrorists are being fertilized with Republican bullshit.

Cruz on the Cross

Senator, and presidential candidate, Ted Cruz has the solution to vetting Syrian refugees:  only allow Christians to enter our holy land.  We can hear the hallelujahs from the evangelical wing of the Republican party.  Perhaps they will be singing all the way into the primary voting booths.

Testing may be tricky.  These are the same people that believe our church going president is a Muslim.  Will this truly be the church militant, with an army of ministers guarding the border?

Republicans are shirking their responsibility.  The neocon wing of the party broke the Middle East with the ill advised Iraq war, but refuse to own it.  Security concerns will not solve the refugee crisis. Our allies in Europe and the Middle East have already absorbed nearly 2 million refugees.  Our proposal to accept 10,000 is a mere pittance.  Nearly 1/3 of the world population is Muslim.  If we propose to be the world leader, we must lead the whole world, not just bona fide Christians.

Candidate Brands Matter

The Trump brand is the basis for his wealth and the rationale for his campaign.  Ben Carson's story of personal redemption is the primary source of his wealth and the focal point of his successful appeal to evangelical voters.

So just as it is appropriate to question Trump about bankruptcies,  Carson should be ready to forthrightly explain any holes in his life story.  His story is no longer just personal.  If I tell you wonderful exaggerations about my car, and perhaps even set back the odometer, it is of no moment unless I am selling you the car.

Ben's pyramid story is just quirky.  But lying for dollars and votes is a legitimate reason for public concern.

Cain and Carson

Superficially, Ben Carson and Herb Cain have little in common, other than populating the rare genus of black republicans.  Cain was bold and brash, almost a precursor to Trump.  Carson is soft spoken with subtle wit.  Cain was anti-intellectual, while Carson is almost professorial.

Their tax policies are similar,  9-9-9, compared to Carson's 10-10-10, subsequently amended to 15-15-15.  They also share a lack of elective experience, and total ignorance on most issues.  Carson is not as blatant as Cain's "uz beck beki beki beki stan stan."  But in the 3rd debate he admitted he was just making things up.  As he changed from prior positions his explanation was, "now that I have seriously studied the issue..."

Actually, Cain was more qualified.  He served as Chair of a Regional Federal Reserve Bank, and was an economic advisor to the Bob Dole campaign.  He also had business experience.

The greatest similarity is that when you closely listen to them, both seem a little off.  After 9-9-9, everything else was gibberish.  Cain was brought down by charges of sexual harassment.  Carson is likely to fail because he is a liar or delusional.  He claims to have been accepted to West Point, but records show he never applied.  He also has committed strange unforced errors.  Why would he opine, against all evidence, that the pyramids were not for burial but rather for grain storage?

 Even the most strident Obama opponents would be loath to compare Obamacare to slavery.  No doubt Carson will soon compare the school lunch program to lynchings.

Comparing Jeb to W

For the Bush family, W was the accidental president.  George was uneven and scraggily while Jeb was pure topiary.  Jeb was expected to be president.   The reasons are obvious. W had a drinking problem, and my friends in Austin swear, a fondness for nose candy.  Jeb was the deeper thinker, and now it seems marginally, the better speaker.  Grammar was not his enemy.

But Jeb's failure, and W's electoral success, was no accident.  W, unlike Jeb, is comfortable in his own skin.  He enjoyed the rough and tumble of politics, and although, bonkers on policy, was a political wonk.  He was so skillful that he defeated Ann Richards, a lioness in Democratic politics.  

Debating before the American public is about personality and confidence.  If you are uncomfortable, the public will be uncomfortable with you.  W's self deprecating humor covered most gaffes.  W enjoyed debating and was so secure that he was bemused by attacks.  Jeb hates campaigning.  He wants to be anointed.  He disliked being forced on to a debate stage, and because of that, the public dislikes him.  

We all would rather have a club soda with, the now sober, W than a beer with Jeb.

Bush Got a Brazilian

Bush got trimmed.  Not a good sign when your post debate campaign spin is, "Jeb is a doer not a debater."  Staying on message, the candidate explained, “Look, there are two types of politicians. There the talkers and there the doers. I wish I could talk as well as some of the people on the stage, the big personalities on the stage, but I’m a doer.”  The only good news is they replaced the stupid exclamation point.  The signage is now "Jeb?"

As to the new front runner, Doctor please heal thyself.  Ben proclaimed that he has changed many of his positions now that he has actually studied some of the issues.  If elected, he would be the first president to leave office for a book tour.

Substance aside, Rubio, Cruz,  and to a lesser extent, Christie and Fiorina, had a good night.  But oh, that pesky substance,  Fiorina wears her 4 Pinocchio rating with pride.   Even if Obama personally handed out pink slips, he could not achieve her mind numbing claim that 93% of the jobs lost were by women.

She, and the rest of the field danced the same old soft shoe.  While in the spot light they glibly glided through the downbeat news of income inequality and wage stagnation.  But the incongruous two step solution was lowering taxes on the wealthy and reducing regulatory protection for workers and consumers.

Off Road to Victory

Ben Carson left the campaign trail, and immediately took the lead in Iowa.  This 7th Day Adventist was the first to find the mystical path to victory.  Not to be outdone Jeb!, is going home to the Bush family compound.  By the way, never has an exclamation point been so out of place.

Surely more is to come.  Christie will go on tour with Springsteen, or perhaps visit the world's great bridges.  Rand Paul will run for Senate.

Trump will be the only candidate on TV.  No change there.

For a Secure Time, Call Hillary

The points made by the GOP in the Benghazi hearings are gauzy.  With total lack of clarity, here is my best understanding.

Sidney Blumenthal invaded the compound in Benghazi.  Americans are not ready for the truth, so only selected Blumenthal emails and statements are leaked.  Protecting the country from the truth is the sworn duty of Republicans.

Because of a time loupe, an incomplete discussion of the cause of the tragedy on Sunday talk shows actually caused the invasion and deaths.

Hillary Clinton does not give her phone number to enough people.  In chat rooms, and in the few remaining phone booths, she should scribble,  "For a secure time, call Hillary."

Republicans objected to public hearings because they are as dumb as they look.  The Gowdy haircut would be sweeping the nation, if he did not insist on standing upright.

A circular firing squad is all right if you miss.

God fearing GOP committee members are praying that President Clinton will not hold a grudge.

Days of Wine and Horses

For those with an itch for Danish kitsch, Solvang is down the road a hitch.  For those scabbed over by touristy Solvang, Santa Ynez is an upscale rural community with horse filled rolling hills,  and wineries around every corner.

The place to stay is the Santa Ynez Inn. http://www.santaynezinn.com

Our room

Balcony of our room, with view of the inn.

Rooms are not cheap.  Rack rate is over $500, but specials often bring the rate down to about $250.  The quality of accommodations coupled with generous perks make the room fair value.

Happy hour includes good local wines, cheese and other appetizers often including raw shrimp.  Fellow travelers become friends over a good Pinot.

Show your room key, and tastings are free at over 20 local wineries.  This is a savings of twenty to thirty dollars per couple at each winery.

Buttonwood pictured above is included. We also went to Gainey and Qupe.  The latter was our favorite, of the free tastings.

In the same delightful room used for happy hour, enjoy a yummy free breakfast, and late evening dessert.

Within a 2 block radius are a number of excellent restaurants.  No need to fear an extra glass of wine when you walk from your pick.

This visit we enjoyed Brother's Restaurant at the Red Barn.  Pictured above is my perfect prime rib, and Roslyn's tuna tartare.  Equally as good, but not pictured, was a stilton salad with poached pears, and a dish of brown butter ice cream.  On previous trips we have enjoyed the farm fresh California cuisine at S.Y. Kitchen,  with the same ownership as Toscana in Brentwood.  Another option we enjoyed on a previous trip was Trattoria Grappolo.

Santa Ynez is horse country.  Among the prominent thoroughbred horse farms is Tommy Town.

Tommy Town

Our weanling, Campaigner.

Our two favorite local wineries are on the other side of the 101 freeway in Lompoc.  Neither are part of the Santa Ynez free tasting program, but we taste free as wine club members.

Melville produces solid whites including their Chardonnay and Viognier.  Their reds, particularly Pinots and Syrahs, are world class.

Babcock, in the same Santa Rita appellation, produces lovely wines with exceptional specials for club members.

Traveling back to Los Angeles, I recommend two restaurants, one in Santa Barbara and the other in Ventura.  Good news for those with a bad memory, both have the same name http://www.brophybros.com/.  The original Brophy Brothers at the Santa Barbara Harbor, has a harbor view, slightly better food, but can be quite crowded.  Locals love it.

The Ventura harbor location also has great views, and has the advantage of a happy hour.  Fish and chips, peel and eat shrimp, garlic clams, and oysters Rockefeller, are among the offerings for about seven dollars.  Both are known for excellent seafood, and for those with a designated driver, an honest pour.  In Ventura,  Jameson Irish Whiskey is $3.50 during happy hour.

The Ventura Harbor is a nice place to walk after your meal.

Keeping Biden Hiding

There were no losers at the first Democratic debate.  The lesser known candidates gained stature and name recognition by sharing the stage with Clinton and Sanders.  O'Malley was smooth and sharp.  Perhaps not good enough to steal votes from the top two, but he may score with undecideds.

Other than a weak moment on gun control,  Bernie was Bernie.  He was preaching to his large choir, and you could almost hear the "Amens."    His poll numbers should stay steady.

But, the big winner was Hillary.  Her broad knowledge and deep preparation was expected, but her pitch perfect performance was a revelation.  At key moments she was fierce and passionate, while in general at ease, witty, and enjoying herself.  Democrats who have been jittery over her pounding on emails got a stiff shot of courage.  Money will continue to flow.

The only loser was not in the room.  Biden has to have renewed doubts about running.  If she completes the parlay before the Benghazi Committer, he will not enter the game.

Ryan's Hope

The lords of the GOP are hoping for a white knight to unite the party's fiefdoms.  Fealty goes both ways, but there is always a winner. Paul Ryan is unique.  Party leaders are begging him to accept their support for Speaker.  Others are pleading for votes, beholden to each faction of the party.  Others would fear being unseated, Ryan could threaten to step down.

Ryan would be a strong Speaker.  Still the Speakership may be a trap.  The Speaker's job is to keep the lights on, at a time when many in his party yearn for a prince of darkness.

Boehner's Last Lap

The long departed and discredited Dennis Hastert is all  that stands between Speaker Boehner and strutting across the finish line.  The Hastert Rule requires a majority GOP vote before anything comes to the floor.

If Boehner can sprint by that, his trophy case case could include, immigration reform, corporate tax reform, modern infrastructure, a new debt ceiling, and a realistic budget.   Bipartisan is not a dirt word.  He could stand up to the Freedom Caucus, since he has already tendered his resignation.   He can fiddle as the FC burns each new candidate for Speaker.

Will Boehner end his term with the swagger of Tip (of the hat) O'Neill, or dithering like Dennis Hastert?

McCarthy Will Be a Weaker Speaker

The Speaker of the House is 2nd in line for the presidency, but the most powerful legislator.  The pesky filibuster that hamstrings the Senate Majority Leader does not apply to the Speaker.  That power is already oozing out from self inflicted wounds.

Hoping to curry favor,  GOP house members were jostling to be the first to endorse McCarthy.  A few poorly chosen words have changed everything.  Now McCarthy, facing a challenge, must promise the moon and the sun to be the chosen one.  Each promise constrains his flexibility and power.  Whether he speaks softly, or at all, he will carry a small stick.

Broad 3

We returned to the Broad Museum, this time sporting my new Canon 6D camera.  On a couple of the exterior shots I used the wide setting on my 17-40mm lens.

As you can see from the bottom picture, the Broad is virtually across the street from MOCA, allowing for a full day of cultural exploration.   The Walt Disney Music Hall is across the street  to the North.  It is barely visible on the right side of the picture below.

 You can see the Disney Hall more clearly in this interior picture.

 The interior is well lit and architecturally interesting.

The collection is strong and varied.

Reserve in advance to be admitted to Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room.  http://www.thebroad.org/art/inaugural-installation

The room envelopes you, allowing your imagination to expand exponentially.  In the first picture below you can see me on the right side of the picture.

One disquieting note.  Heading toward the guard station and lockers is a low railing about 8 inches high.  Coming from the guard station (looking for the restroom), with the sun in my eyes I tripped.  Be careful.  The railing is low and with all the visual stimulation you might face the same plight.