“A kid raised his hand in the back and said, ‘How long does it take to become a black belt?’”
December 31, 2014
News & Stories
Sensei Dan Thoene’s got a black bracelet in arithmetic
There’s gonna be a resolution
New year, new resolutions. Whereas “normal humans” resolve to accomplish goals such as losing weight, swearing less, and cutting back on alcohol, musicians come from a different mindset. They’re “cut from a different cloth,” as …
December 31, 2014
The restaurant at the end of the universe
His dream was always to make this the #1 jazz spot in the country. Or at least the county.
December 31, 2014
Turning tale of the tuna
Trying to predict what’s next for San Diego–based Bumble Bee Tuna in the turbulent waters of international commerce is tough, as evidenced by a company history presented by Andrew F. Smith in his 2012 history …
December 31, 2014
Uber for bands
When Andy Altman came home from Coachella this year, he had a revelation. “I’d been relying on Uber a lot,” he said. “At the same time, my dad mentioned, ‘If I wanted to hire a …
December 31, 2014
95-point beans
Capping a year of tremendous growth, 2014 finished strong for purveyors of specialty coffee in San Diego. Among the best-of lists making the rounds this month is the Top 30 Coffees of 2014, compiled by …
The purpose of the drag
I spent about three hours at Legg Lake near Whittier, about 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. I caught a bluegill at the South Lake. Then moved to the North Lake at another spot. …
December 31, 2014
Chain and the Gang at the Hideout
Crime rock from the nation’s capital! No, it’s not a new genre, but more of a joke thing from a rock and roll front man with an excess of dynamism. You get the feeling that …
December 31, 2014
The Interview leaves no “Suk,” “Poon,” or “Dong” unturned
Seth Rogen and James Franco leave no “Suk,” “Poon,” or “Dong” unturned in their quest to whack North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un in The Interview. Worth seeing, if just for the schizo opening logo and …
December 31, 2014
Phaser finger
In December, Timothy Joseph took over as host of the Local 94/9, a radio show on FM94/9 that features local bands. This, following long-time show host Tim Pyles’s move to the Loudspeaker, also a locals-only …
December 31, 2014
A North County hike into San Diego history
The San Pasqual Valley has continuous, completed segments of the planned, 55-mile-long, Coast to Crest Trail of the San Dieguito River Park. When finally realized, the Coast to Crest Trail will extend from Volcan Mountain …
December 31, 2014
Don't open that door!
Dear Hipster: I remember reading about how you recommended that people should take an interest in their own security, rather than trusting firewalls or whatever. Now, the Sony hacking scandal is all in the news, …
December 31, 2014
Two new stages
A new venture called Quartyard will take over two-thirds of a downtown city block and present live concerts May through October. Attendees will be served by a full-bar, beer gardens, and food trucks. Quartyard is …
December 31, 2014
Tickets fixed
Admission prices for next year’s Del Mar fair are going up. “We anticipate a $1 increase in adult admission prices in this proposed budget,” says a staff report to the board of the 22nd Agricultural …
December 31, 2014
Year of the Lamb
San Diego is finally catching up with the rest of the world, which has been “wall-less” for decades.
December 31, 2014
A bad year for good movies
By way of indicating just how terrible a year it’s been for movies, for the first time in I don’t know how long English language films outnumber foreign entries. Sequels, comic books, and young adult …
December 31, 2014
No automotive white zin
Dear Hipster: Everyone associates hipsters with fixed-gear bicycles, albeit sometimes unfairly, but why isn’t there a strong association between hipsters and any particular kind of car? — Donny Urban hipsters admire the boxy lines of …
December 31, 2014
Scones for Frodo
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” Even wannabe geeks like me can raise a glass of the Elven-made miruvor to that.
December 31, 2014
How to avoid the literary elephant in the room
Post Title: Find the hook Post Date: December 4, 2014 How do writers discover the hook that snags readers? Rather than hammer with the obvious, a nudge will do. Probe the intensity of sunset avoiding …
December 31, 2014
Always one loud-mouthed jerk
While Southern California is full of great surf spots, there still are not enough, considering the size of the surfing population. This can cause a lot of stress in the lineup. Most (if not all) …
December 31, 2014
Sluggish: Arena Pharmaceuticals, Therapeutics, Apricus, Innovus
This was to be the year for fat pills. It wasn't. Sex enhancement biotechs didn't set the world on fire, either.
December 31, 2014
Last mail call of the year
Overreach of Power My letter is response to “Taxi Driver” in the December 25 issue. “I felt threatened” — as if that justifies assaulting someone. If the guy was a Navy SEAL he had the …
December 31, 2014
And the best audit goes to…
Enforcers who brought down a famous San Diego–based Navy scandal recently received a “CIGIE” award, handed out in Washington by the federal Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. “You have taken risks, persevered, …
December 31, 2014
Movies to make you think
In the sci-fi movie Contact, Matthew McConaughey’s character (the religious leader) and Jodie Foster’s character (the scientist) debate the search for universal truth using religion and science. After watching this movie, I realized the extent …
December 31, 2014
Brought up from the sea
December 30 dock totals H&M Landing 41 Anglers, 2 Boats, 4 Sheephead, 2 Sand Bass, 3 Calico Bass, 94 Rockfish, 1 Spider Crab, 2 Red Rock Crab, 9 California Spiny Lobster Helgren's Oceanside Sportfishing 34 …
December 31, 2014
Must-binge television
— Kristin Naomi Garcia, Actor/movie and TV fan From the man who voiced the most famous animated robot of the 21st century (Bender in Futurama), John DiMaggio brings us the little known world of voice …
December 31, 2014