Features
Toxic Waters: DDT in the Bay
For more than three decades, DDT was produced at the Montrose chemical plant in Torrance and dumped into Palos Verdes’ coastal waters. In 1996, the offshore site, considered by some the largest deposit of DDT in the world, was added to the EPA list of Superfund sites. Over the years, DDT spread to the Santa Monica Bay. The accurate measurement of the pesticide’s presence — the focus of Rachel Adams’ research — is crucial for assessing water quality in the bay.
Remembering Salamunovich
Paul Salamunovich (1927–2014) was director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, LMU professor and director of choral activities, and choir director of St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood. One of his most creative and satisfying collaborations with was Morten Lauridsen, composer-in-residence of the Los Angeles Master Chorale (1994–2001) whose “Lux Aeterna” was premiered by Salamunovich and the chorale. “I have waited for this piece my entire life,” Salamunovich once said of it. We asked Morten Lauridsen to reflect on his friendship and work with Paul Salamunovich.
Hunger Strike
David L. Ulin explores political reality and fictional dystopia in “The Hunger Games” films with director Francis Lawrence ’91.
Whiplashed
Technological change is reshaping the music biz and rerouting revenues. Who is singing odes of joy or songs of lament?
Disturbing Arts: A Conversation with Dana Gioia
Dana Gioia’s words have started arguments. His 1991 article, “Can Poetry Matter?”, sparked a national discussion about poetry, and his 2013 essay about the state of Catholic writing, “The Catholic Writer Today,” launched another debate. As a poet, arts advocate and chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (2003–09), he has shaped America’s cultural life for more than 20 years. Editor Joseph Wakelee-Lynch interviewed Gioia about art, literature and faith.
Operation Huck Finn
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is both a simple and profound story of a journey: The novel depicts Huck and Jim’s rafting trip down the Mississippi River, and Huck’s journey into self-understanding as well. In 1959, six Loyola undergraduates decided to re-create Huck’s fictional journey. This is their story.—The Editor.
Ever Ancient, Ever New
St. Ignatius raised money to support his work and that of his companions who became the Society of Jesus. What lessons can we learn from his experience?
The Lawton Legacy
When Robert B. Lawton, S.J., resigned as president of Loyola Marymount University as of May 31, one of the most significant eras in university history came to a close.
Reading the Waters
One thing LMU graduate Chris Collato ’10 has learned, after 10 years of surfing, is that the ocean isn’t necessarily as it appears. Learn more.