You’ve probably noticed that there are many new television products available in the market place. The marketing hype and tech jargon add many challenges when searching for a new TV. Without being overly technical, let’s try to clear up some of the confusion. We have enjoyed high definition content for several years now with more …

Music soothes the soul they say – but it also excites, infuriates, stimulates, or sedates, depending on the tempo. Music is cross-cultural – independent of nationality. One can appreciate the rhythmic view of a composer’s effort completely, without words. Lyrics add to the enjoyment, but the notes must stand on their own. Looking back to …

Growing up in the 1960’s and 1970’s I was surrounded by “muscle” cars, with the desire to own or at least drive one. I was fortunate enough to talk my Dad into buying me one for $500 and teaching me how to drive and repair my 1966 hot rod. In later years, my Uncle Tony …

Holiday entertaining kicks into high gear this month, as many of us gather for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Unlike other holidays that drag us into debt, Thanksgiving celebrates the simple basics in life: nourishment, sharing, and gratitude. Preparing a thoughtful meal shows how much you care….about your friends, your family, and California’s bountiful resources. I …

While doing this I am watching game two of the NLDS between the Giants and Braves, Giants are ahead one game to zero, but you will know how they did when you read this. So, let us delve into Giants postseason foibles as we know them. When Willie McCovey hit the line drive to end …

Q. When we bought our house, we inherited a dozen older rose bushes. They had been ignored for years and look stringy at best. We are considering pulling them up and starting over. Are the plants worth saving? A. Roses are very resilient plants. They can be ignored and or abused for years but with …

Q. Tom, I have decided to sell my home; should I place it on the market now during the holiday season (mid-November to mid-January)? I am getting differing opinions with the prevalent advice being to wait until the springtime 2011 market. Does this mean I should wait until March or April? You actually have a …

November is special. It just feels good—especially here in California. We get to enjoy a bit of the vibrant colors and crisp morning air that announce the change in seasons, but avoid the ice and frigid temperatures our eastern friends contend with. Where else but in California do you have clear blue skies and seventy …

Recently, I saw some interesting information about how our brain functions. The brain has 3 parts: The Hominid Brain which is responsible for higher thought and reasoning, the Mammalian Brain which is responsible for feelings like love, hate, lust, fear, anger, and hurt. This part is also in charge or our “fight or flight” response, …

Okay, shoot me—I love Country music. So, when I heard about Crazy Heart my interest was mildly piqued. I watched as Jeff Bridges won the Oscar but I still waited seven months to rent it. I even had the DVD for three days before I put it in the machine. Crazy Heart is about Bad …