John and Jeri Heiden, of the Silverlake-based boutique design firm SMOG Design, Inc., have a deep passion for the art of physical music packaging. They started in the music industry in the early ’80s, ...

Bilocation—being in two places at the same time—might be the stuff of science fiction. But a new recording by Israeli mandolinist Avi Avital has the feel of transporting us here and there all at once.

When it comes to choosing a leader, birds are just like us. Subject to gaggle mentality, bitter political campaigns and senseless squawking, they argue endlessly and viciously peck each other. That is ...