Monthly Archives: November 2016

The Marine Mammal Center

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving I went with a friend to the Marin Headlands. If it had been rain-free we planned to go to Hawk Hill, because the migration is in full swing and Hawk Hill is part of the … Continue reading

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Field Trip!

I’ve never read an urban fantasy set in Vallejo, California, so I’m trying to write one. To me, if you’re going to write urban fantasy the urban center you choose must be vividly depicted, so I had to get to … Continue reading

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Arrival: It Will Leave You With Lots to Talk About

Arrival is an engrossing, smart science fiction movie. Like most science fiction movies that are interested in science rather than chase scenes and explosions, Arrival is not about doing science, although the science is respected. It tells a story about … Continue reading

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Tourist Tip: Florence Avenue, Sebastopol

It’s getting to the time of year when family and friends visit, and we’re often blessed with beautiful weather. You can stay inside and watch football, but if you’re in or near Sebastopol you owe it to your guests and … Continue reading

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Doctor Strange; Opt for a Matinee

I liked Doctor Strange. I saw it in 3D, which means in my case putting those glasses on over my own glasses and (always) courting an eyestrain headache. I consider Doctor Strange worth the ache for its entertainment value, even … Continue reading

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Falling Water; I’m All In

(This will be a long one.) With four episodes under my belt, USA’s Falling Water is my favorite new show this season. I will not be alone in this, but I will be in a fairly select group, because Falling … Continue reading

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The Curse of the Plot Monkeys

The term “archetype” has been adopted by agents, editors and reviewers to describe an underdeveloped character who acts solely according to the needs of the plot and not out of their own needs, fears and conflicts. In other words, they’re … Continue reading

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