Most of us have walked into a home that was so cozy, comfortable and inviting that we instantly felt at home. However, many of us struggle to recreate the same feeling in our own home. There are many things universally thought of as cozy additions to a home such as a crackling fire, homemade bread …

The now-notorious blind wine-tasting event titled The Judgment of Paris, planned to coincide with America’s 1976 Bicentennial by ex-pat Brit wine merchant/wine school owner Steven Spurrier, could possibly be the single trajectory, unbeknownst at the time to change the course of the California wine industry. Spurrier was head of a Paris Wine School and Cave …

Given how the economy has devastated us financially over the past few years, with tax day right around the corner and because those *%)@!& Pittsburg Steelers didn’t cover the point spread at the Super Bowl last month, who couldn’t use a little money right now? By little, I’m talking about a round number like $1,000,000.00? …

Crow Canyon Country Club Sea Lions swim team has emerged as one of the preeminent recreation swim clubs in the Bay Area, if not the state of California. Finishing up the club’s fifth consecutive undefeated Valley Swim Association league season and sixth consecutive Contra Costa County Championships, the team of youth swimmers has established a …

New clients are often amused when they enter my office and catch sight of the tan leather tool belt that is slung over the back of a chair. In each pocket of this leather tool belt is a card naming the different “Life Tools” that I offer in my private practice. Sometimes, a hammer can …

It’s Spring. New Year’s resolutions are a fading memory for some of us, but the budding trees bring out the instinct to start spring cleaning and putting things in order. It’s the time of year when we focus on the things we put off because they are difficult or unpleasant. Thinking about what would happen …

Rarely in the annals of American history does one encounter a man so well known, so admired, so respected and so loved by millions as John Philip Sousa, “The March King.” It is said that he was more thought of and more famous than even some presidents of the United States. Early Years Sousa was …

Beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s recent Oscars event lies the central point of it all—it is a recognition of creative excellence. And the point should never be missed that most, if not every award given has roots in some written work. I don’t know the statistics but I would venture that few “Best …

March delivers just enough springtime to whet our appetites. Along with chilly evenings and the occasional rainy day, we are also treated to flashes of sunshine, emerald-colored hills, and colorful, sprightly flowers. At the farmers’ market tender spring vegetables like asparagus, artichokes, and peas come on strong, pushing aside winter’s broccoli and Brussels sprouts. I …

When one typically thinks of a sports vehicle the mind takes you to a low riding car with a powerful V8 under the hood and limited room for a few passengers. That packaging works out great if you are either traveling without kids or have become an empty nester. But what about the rest of …