“… Love words, agonize over sentences. And pay attention to the world.” Susan Sontag A light rain falls. I stand in the narrow street taking pictures. It’s Karma Wednesday at The New Parkway Theater. Pay what you want, accept the consequences. The theater brightens a sketchy neighborhood in Oakland. Potholes mar the roadway. Roof gutters … More Oakland 2023
“It’s not all or nothing. But, it’s always something.” Wendy In the late winter of 2022, we rented a house in Oakland between Broadway and Lake Merritt. We arose before cafes opened. In silence, we read headlines on our devices. Covid; January 6th; Zelenskiy; War; Putin. Our Airbnb had old school ambience. It’s fifteen steps above … More Lake Merritt
“The American male doesn’t mature until he has exhausted all other possibilities.” Wilfred Sheed I had my share of angst about what to be when I grew up. I felt lost and uncertain about the future. I avoided expectations by dropping out. I moved to the mountains. It was the right thing to do, given … More When I Grow Up
I dislike flying: the herding, the depressing bag of pretzels, and the claustrophobic cabin. It’s a perfect environment for disease transmission and my immune system can’t protect me. Yet, the opportunity to spend the holidays with our oldest son, my brother, and nieces and nephews compelled my wife and I to fly to the San … More Stanyan Street
Three of the last five years, my wife and I have Christmased in the San Francisco Bay Area. We visit our son, my brother, and a niece. Our routine is similar: movies every night and dinners at an eclectic collection of restaurants. We choose to stay in Oakland near the Bay Area Rapid Transit, or … More Oakland Noir
“With the pride of the artist, you must blow against the walls of every power that exists the small trumpet of your defiance.” Norman Mailer Click on any photo to reveal a full sized gallery. Recently, I flew to Oakland, CA to visit my oldest son. He lives downtown near the 19th Street BART station. … More Oakland
Good Blood, Bad Blood 