There’s no escaping the fact that certain aspects of modern life as we know it have changed for the time being — and that includes how we celebrate. Thanksgiving and Chris... Read More
The ants invaded my kitchen in L.A. a few days ago. I was just standing there and peeling a grapefruit when I looked down at the counter next to the sink to behold a sight that in... Read More
A couple of days ago, I received an email from my alma mater. It informed me that, owing to a certain global crisis plaguing the United States more than any other sovereign nation... Read More
It’s been more than 100 days and counting since the last time a game was played in any of the four major American professional sports, and this loyal-through-thick-and-thin ... Read More
From all the available evidence, we’ll be living under some sort of pandemic strictures for longer than any of us could possibly want. I’m not gonna say that a mask is... Read More
It’s hard to reconcile the title of this column — “The Coastal Commuter” — with my current state of affairs. My car is tuned up and ready, the spirit is willing, the... Read More
Remember when “going viral” was a good thing? These days, it’s a phrase that suggests something much less desired than it did a few months ago when it was the fondest w... Read More
I noticed the occasional discomfort in my left shoulder a couple weeks back, right after I returned to San Francisco from a stint at my place in Los Angeles. The ache went up the l... Read More
When I told people that I was moving to Calistoga last September after 30 years of living in the city, once they recovered from the shock, many mentioned how wonderful Napa is. But... Read More
It’s February — a month when the fancies of many turn to thoughts of love. An impending Valentine’s Day will do that, whether we have romance in our lives or not. But if my m... Read More
It may not be kosher or even halal, but I do enjoy a regular diet of pigskin in the autumn and winter months from late August to February. For all of you who don’t jibe with the ... Read More
If you’ve ever been curious about the power of genetics in shaping offspring, survey the arts and professional sports. There are legacies on display wherever you look. And someti... Read More
Whether we gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving in November or get together at Christmas in December, the holidays are associated with homecoming. Assuming that there’... Read More
Over the past few years, the use of the acronym FOMO has become a little hackneyed in some circles, but I’m all too familiar with the concept it represents: fear of missing o... Read More
On my way back to my place in Los Angeles after a night that included watching the terrific young roots-rock group American Mile at the Farmers Market, a familiar song came on the ... Read More