Bluesman Tomcat Courtney has passed away at the age of 91. Born in 1929, Courtney grew up in Texas, where picking cotton was the family business. As he once told the Reader, “Well, I had …
January 11, 2021
Latest News & Stories
RIP 91 year-old bluesman Tomcat Courtney
A Mexicali Chinese New Year
Before washing up in San Diego, I lived as an expatriate “gweilo” (foreign devil) in Hong Kong for 20 years. In Hong Kong, I had cultivated a taste for exotic South China cuisine like blood …
January 11, 2021
Despite the times, Smokey and the Brisket
From a diner’s perspective, one of the more amazing aspects of the past year has been that a handful of entrepreneurs have gone through with new restaurant openings. Most don’t have much choice in the …
January 11, 2021
Campaign staffers get Todd Gloria patronage jobs
A raft of political professionals has found a haven at San Diego city hall from the storm of post-campaign unemployment, as documented by recent online disclosures posted by the city clerk's office. Reversing years of …
January 11, 2021
Crescent moon, Green Flash
The Crescent Moon returns to evening sky on Thursday, January 14. Look for its thin, smiling shape low in the southwestern sky about 30 minutes after the sun sets. On the following day (Friday) the …
January 11, 2021
Hilltop High reunion on plane from Bien Hoa, General Krulak in Vietnam with three sons, everybody still says Saigon
When It’s Over When I was there in Vietnam, toward the end, I wanted only to get home again alive. I prayed to God and promised him that I would believe in him and tell …
January 11, 2021
What chefs themselves eat, San Diego homeless remember their moms, roadside graves, will we be together forever?
Sweat Cuisine "Let's say you have a banquet. Chicken Kiev and vegetables and potatoes, 600 people. An hour before the banquet starts, you find out it's down to 500. You've got 100 leftover half-cooked chickens, …
January 10, 2021
Looking inside Padres lockers, Maureen Connolly, Ted Williams, spying on America's Cup rivals for the Kochs
Inside the Padres' lockers Caught looking. Tony Gwynn sat in a canvas-backed chair and peered into the wooden cubicle in front of him. “What’s in my locker?” he asked, repeating the question that had been …
January 9, 2021
How high are the hidden costs of restaurant delivery?
Restaurant delivery apps were already thriving before the pandemic hit, and without doubt they have benefited from our current all take-out, all-the-time dining culture. But, if you’ve used any over the years, you may have …
January 8, 2021
Tight border into Tijuana helps those with double citizenship
Since March of last year, travel restrictions for tourists have affected thousands of Mexicans who have visas and still can’t cross to the U.S. For many with double nationality, however, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought …
January 8, 2021
Ant venom
Since outdoor activities seem to pose little threat, why not throw a picnic? I’ll bring the ants. Them! (1954) The opening scene packs a horrifying wallop not generally associated with monster movies from the ‘50s. …
January 8, 2021
New Year's resolutions for your favorite opera persons
Since it’s a new year and many of us have resolutions, let’s consider some resolutions for some of opera’s most famous characters. Don Ottavio, from Mozart’s Don Giovanni, is the fiancé of Donna Anna whom …
January 8, 2021
Ippen: Ji-shu Buddhism founder who appealed to common folk of Japan
Ippen Devoutly adore the glory of God, Do not Ignore the original one’s virtue. Devoutly revere the Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood, Do not forget the power of communion. Devoutly practice the invocation, Do …
January 8, 2021
The poetry of American novelist John Updike
January The days are short, The sun a spark, Hung thin between The dark and dark. Fat snowy footsteps Track the floor. Milk bottles burst Outside the door. The river is A frozen place Held …
January 7, 2021
Breaking debuts as a sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Breakdancing was in the news on December 8 when the International Olympic Committee announced breaking would debut as a sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Breaking started as one of the four original elements of …
January 7, 2021