I fell in love the first time to the music of the jukebox. I remember the day well; a wintry Sunday at the Pam-Pam Cafe and the song that stirred me was Sinatra’s All the Way. A dark-haired guy had put a coin into the Wurlitzer, and when the song played he glanced over at …

“Different, not less,” are the words Eustacia Cutler used to describe her daughter to others, because it accurately defined Temple as a person and not as an autistic person, or what others might disparagingly describe as geek or nerd. Born in 1947, Temple was diagnosed with autism in 1950. She began speaking at age four …

California artist John Balloue will be featured at the Alamo Native American Art Show and Sale coming May 19th and 20th to theAlamo Women’s Club (1401 Danville Blvd. Alamo).  John’s works have been shown in galleries and museums across the country and have been included in many published illustrations. Inspired by a photograph by John …

Words with Friends (“Words”, “WwF” or “Palabras con Amigos”) the mobile device app, has become insanely popular—so addictively popular that people of every race, religion and species are playing “words” everywhere; at home, while driving, in the gym, at their kids’ sporting events, even at church (I picked up 18 points for the word “heathen” …

Okay, am I the only one, or do you too sometimes struggle with letting go of old possessions? Oi vey…I’ve lived in my home for 27 years and have managed to acquire a whole lot of “stuff.” Although I regularly donate and recycle items, it is an ongoing process to downsize possessions and clear old …

Investor optimism has risen a bit lately and it is easy to see why. The world’s equity markets have rallied quite dramatically since October of last year. While such positive sentiment is by no means unanimous, optimism clearly is climbing. This is hardly a surprise given such strong gains over the last few months. Of …

It’s an ‘80s flashback! I can almost hear my favorite Wham song, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” while eating frozen yogurt with my college BF (boyfriend) who is now my H (husband) of 25 years. The spring trends of 2012 have taken me back to my “bang-wall” days—a serious fashion déjà vu.  So, what …

The Dirty Dui/P.I. Moms/Contra Costa Narcotics Scandal just won’t quit. In the latest bomb a former New York state deputy turned actor, who moonlighted as a private eye (or was it the other way around?), went on the record with the San Francisco Chronicle talking about how he is the informant in the case against …

Burberry fashions have always been a favorite of mine. It is a luxury brand with a distinctive British sensibility, all while being effortless, trendy, and classic. I love their structured designs and beautifully tailored trenchcoats. Their stylish look is well known and has been seen on A list models and celebrities worldwide. Inspiration is everywhere, …

Have you ever felt guilty doing something you enjoy? You know the feeling — I’m doing “X” but I should be doing “Y.” I’m working on my quilt but I really should be working on next month’s budget forecast. I’m reading (or writing) another chapter when I really should be studying for next week’s test. …