As John Fleck reports, it's been an unusually good year for California so far, given that we're in a strong La Niña condition: The precip map is showing a classic La Niña pattern – dry south, wetter north, though California seems to be doing better than they might have hoped: In fact, for left coasters, this doesn'tContinue reading “Good water news for California this La Niña (to date)”
Author Archives: Kit Stolz
Why a farmer’s market is better for you than a Trader’s Joe
A couple of years back I did a story on a new local farmer's market, and, in interviewing the founder, learned something. To his way of thinking, a Trader Joe's – despite its cool reputation among the hipster clan — was as much of a rival as a Safeway. Turns out that for a local community, hisContinue reading “Why a farmer’s market is better for you than a Trader’s Joe”
Congress won’t extend unemployment benefits: LA Times
Veteran reporter Don Lee of the LA Times already knows that Congress won't extend unemployment benefits for the long-term out of work, even before the debate is joined: Economists also worry that consumer spending may weaken. Confidence remains low, and unemployment benefits, which have helped prop up spending, probably won't be extended by lawmakers, givenContinue reading “Congress won’t extend unemployment benefits: LA Times”
In the woods (this Thanksgiving Day)
In the woods, too, a man casts off his years, as a snake his slough, and at what period in life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth. Emerson [Pic taken this month in Chivery, in the UK, by Algo, via Treeporn]
The darker Thanksgiving prayer: Thanks, William S. Burroughs
Well, somebody had to say it. (About gratitude and the USA, I mean.) Why not William S. Burroughs? For hardcore bitter truth addicts only.
How to prevent the Sixth Extinction
39% of species alive today, according to an assessment by an international group of conservation scientists, face annihilation in the Sixth Extinction. That's total destruction of these species this century. In effect, we are our own [killer] asteroid. To prevent this planetary disaster, Ted Rall has an idea: Incidentally, his description of the Nagoya ProtocolContinue reading “How to prevent the Sixth Extinction”
Most beautiful “to the reader” ever
Last time Patti Smith came through town, she was in her rock star mode, and put on an un-freaking-believable show at the Ventura Theater, chatting with fans in line, going on to play all her hits, her clarinet, a Blue Oyster Song, and just generally being a totally giving person and sweetheart. At one pointContinue reading “Most beautiful “to the reader” ever”
GOP and FOX News attack NPR, to no avail
Unlike most media, on-line or traditional, National Public Radio is thriving. It may be the most popular and trusted news source in the country. As Bill McKibben reports: Public radio claims at least 5 percent of the radio market. National Public Radio’s flagship news programs, Morning Edition and All Things Considered, featuring news and commentaryContinue reading “GOP and FOX News attack NPR, to no avail”
Sarah Palin: She’s no Julie Andrews
The critics don't like Sarah's new reality show. Alexandra Stanley complains: In a way it’s like “The Sound of Music” but without the romance, the Nazis or the music. Steve Brodner, for The New Yorker, artfully makes the same point: Don't think Sarah will care what some New York smarties think. But when some ofContinue reading “Sarah Palin: She’s no Julie Andrews”
Entertainment conquers reality: objective proof found
For decades the witty H.L. Mencken had a good time bemoaning the tase of Americans, decrying the booboisie. the philistines, the "swinish multitudes," but also insisting that "The United States…is incomparably the greatest show on earth." In his book Life the Movie, a decade ago, the critic/writer Neal Gabler took this idea a step further, arguingContinue reading “Entertainment conquers reality: objective proof found”
Kit Stolz 