Events

Hi friends, Some new words I find amusing and I vow to use them as soon as it’s appropriate for a dorky old white dude to do so. I haven’t said yet in the wild that something “slaps,” but it’s coming. On the other hand, some new words make me want to step in front […]

Hi friends, Some time in the next week or so, the ongoing Hollywood writers strike will become the longest such strike in the industry’s history. Will the suits ever learn that everything begins with good writing? Take care of your scribes already.

Hi friends, I was the sixth person in line at the market the other day, and I noticed that not a single person waiting in front of me was looking at a cellphone. Records show that hadn’t happened since *checks notes* April of 2011. I would have taken a photo to capture this rare occurrence […]

Hi friends, Memo to Burning Man: There’s this concept you guys should look into. Let’s call it a “natural lifespan.” Things do end, you know, and that’s not always bad. There comes a time to take a bow and make a dignified exit, though “dignified” is probably too late in your case. There is a […]

Hi friends, Sometimes it’s Labor Day and sometimes it’s a labor to get through the day. Here’s hoping for a wonderful and relaxing late-summer respite from all your worries.

Hi friends, Grouchy Old Guy Chronicles, Vol. 1: Recently, I coughed up $2.39 for a can of this stuff that the young’uns are drinking called Liquid Death, y’know, just to see what the fuss was all about. Turns out it was just water. WATER! Like, that stuff that you shower in? OK, sure, I live […]

Hi friends, Prayers for Maui. There are so many ways to help, including here, here, here and here.

Hi friends, One of the most popular songs from the great Texas trio Khruangbin is titled “August 10.” And, in a related story, would you look at Thursday’s date? Happy Khru Day!

Hi friends, I’m thinking this week of the time that Paul Reubens, the actor behind Pee-wee Herman, visited Santa Cruz many years ago as a guest of the Santa Cruz Film Festival. I got to meet him only briefly, but he struck me as a sophisticated and bright man who, at least at that time, […]

Hi friends, Of all of humankind’s engineering breakthroughs and technological advances, this time of year I wonder if any of them can top a rope hammock tied between two shade trees and a well-made margarita. Here’s to savoring the summer.