In parts of the USA and Canada the native 'big cat' is the cougar (mountain lion, puma) which is also known as the 'panther.' However, the puma isn't actually a big cat, despite its size, it is simply the largest of the Lesser Cats as it cannot roar like the leopard, lion and tiger. In other regions of the world the 'panther' is a term to describe another, and official 'big cat,' being the darker......

The LA Times profiles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's relationship with the black community leading off with his rallying support and work with presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama. "The mayor's ascension as an Obama pitchman, while intriguing because of Villaraigosa's support of rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton during the Democratic primary, is a move that promises to work to the political advantage of both men." Even with that, the results still seem very mixed.......

The only one of the accused 6 to not post bail, Mychal Bell, is expected to receive his sentencing today in Jena, Louisiana. Local officials tried to impede the traveling march from entering the small town of Jena (population: 2,971) by limiting 5 buses to enter the city limits per 12 minutes. Most locals have fled the city, businesses have closed down. While the arrest stems from the fact that 6 black teens beat a......

LAist loves video games. Loves them. And we love Black folk. Half of LAist's Editors over the years have been African-American. Which makes you think that we should be covering more Black History Month stories than what we have, but, whatevs. LAist sees no colors. Last week the blog microscopiq wrote a wonderful post called "The First 11 Black Videogame Stars" where they listed and summarized 11 video game main characters that you *had*......

The Mayor Who Wasn't Is The Solar Panel Man Los Angeles Mayor challenger in the 2005 election, Robert Hertzberg: “California does have this great image,” said Mr. Hertzberg, a former speaker of the California State Assembly and the co-founder of an investment firm, Renewable Capital. “But Europe still is much greener than anywhere in the United States, by several orders of magnitude.” His thin and flexible solar panels work in overcast and in rain.......

Xasthur Subliminal Genocide Hydra Head (2006) As with any hyper-stylized music genre, black metal walks a fine line between inspired emulation and unintentional parody. With Xasthur's latest album, Subliminal Genocide, multi-instrumentalist and sole band member, Malefic, manages to defy both. Although adhering to certain conventions of the genre -- tinny, claustrophobic production, raspy, unintelligible vocals and bleak thematic elements -- his use of silence, extended instrumental passages, repeating melodic motifs and changes in tempo reveal......