David Antin, a native New Yorker, was already a well-known figure in the avant-garde poetry and art circles of Manhattan when he flew west in 1968 to take a look around for a potential appointment …

Oh, man. That smell. That barbecue smell, reaching out and pulling you in by the nose. It’s coming from Phil’s BBQ, right past the sports arena. Even now — it’s early evening — streams of …

Know that guidance in belief in God and His prophets is not like guidance in what is legislated as to acts. And how does this disturb you? You call a man a true believer for …

San Diego Reader: How long do you spend writing your sermon? PL: I think, on average, more than 20 hours. I usually follow a book of the Bible, choose a passage and study the words …

The missus had decided on the destination for our yearly vacation: it was to be Greece. From a little kernel of an idea in my wife’s head comes a locale, in this case Athens, along …

Well, Blair Cannon, 40, finished his 21-mile Catalina to mainland swim. He shoved off from Catalina Friday midnight, 8 hours and 17 minutes later washed ashore at Palos Verdes, finishing with the third-fastest time ever …

“George Bernard Shaw” may have been his best fictional creation. The cantankerous genius loved to rant, like a spoiled brat, and turn conventions upside down. He renounced capitalism, organized religion, and social injustice, along with …

I once read that Ray Bradbury surrounded his work area — a basement, I think — with toys, mementos, bric-a-brac, movie posters, and odds and ends of curiosities so he did not have to look …

The City of San Diego Engineering website describes the North Ocean Beach Gateway Project as "a park incorporating a decorative plaza that provides pedestrian access into the adjacent Robb Field Community Park. The improvement will …

“I played piano for a porn star, Olivia O’Lovely, at the former Bing Crosby’s Piano Lounge in Linda Vista,” says frequent Red Fox Lounge performer David Owen. “I spotted her as soon as I walked …

The first thing you’ll notice about Air Conditioned Lounge is the distinct absence of air conditioning. In fact, the iconic “Air Conditioned” sign outside the lounge (their website calls it the “most unassuming building on …

Dave Alvin, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and younger brother of Phil Alvin, was at one time a Pleasure Baron. The Barons were a San Diego band formed in 1989 by Country Dick Montana, who …

“Oh, no,” I protested as Patrick unrolled the small, ornate rug he had purchased at an estate sale. “Look at that thing. It’s dingy, and there’s a stain right there in the middle.” “C’mon, it’s …

“In the hands of a properly prepared therapist, sandplay is a powerful, invaluable modality. The operative word is ‘powerful.’ To the extent that any method can heal, so can it do harm.” — Dora M. …

Heymatt: This summer I’ve done a lot of just sitting around not doing much. I don’t want to go back to school with a fat butt, so I was wondering how much energy I burn …

“I’ve managed to generate a very sustainable income in less than a year as a full-time musician,” says singer/songwriter Lenny Morris, “playing three to four shows a week for private events, upscale restaurants, and wine …

“Barry McGuire, best known for his antiwar hit ‘Eve of Destruction,’ has put together a musical show called Trippin’ the Sixties,” says promoter Carey Driscoll, who’ll bring the production to AMSD in Normal Heights on …

Last December in federal court, Dan Bamberg was trying to figure out how homeless men and women could store their belongings safely and out of sight rather than carry them around everywhere. Transport containers of …

Bright Eyes’ fourth album starts and ends with the voice of Randy Brewer, an old country singer who frontman Connor Oberst met while on his travels. Brewer's commanding tone opens the album discussing physics, Hitler, …

People using overseas pay phones are shelling out $54 and $55 for one-minute calls when using their credit cards, and they say that phone instructions give them no warning of such staggering charges. Understandably, the …

Weezer brought load of people (and traffic woes) to the Del Mar Summer Concert Series in 2010 and this year, the band kept it's streak alive. With an estimated 40,000 people attending, Rivers Cuomo and …

“Within a seated arrangement, the audience witnessed these works in pitch dark.” Larry Caveney is describing audio events he’s produced in his Alabama Street garage in North Park. Caveney launched “the Garage” events in 2009. …

Thirty-Five Years Ago<br>I had two phone calls. The first caller, a woman, began plaintively, “I find your reviews depressing. You’re always writing about how to save money, share meals, find bargains. My husband and I...don’t …

Not Offbeat, Just Tasteless I have been a faithful fan and reader of yours for decades. I especially have appreciated your inclusion of the offbeat and unusual in your choice of topics and humor. The …

A week after Evander dies I sweep the last of his fur from the plank floors. Dark, difficult floors that are a challenge to keep clean, with or without a cat. Death keeps company with …