Life in California – Page 2

My Day at Monsanto R&D

If there is one thing we can all agree on it’s that food is a good thing. Food is what provides our bodies with the vitamins, nutrients, carbohydrates and proteins that fuel our daily lives. James Beard said,“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” Former cook, food writer and snarkicist, Anthony Bourdain says thatContinue reading “My Day at Monsanto R&D”

At least eat their food

If there is one thing we can all agree on it’s that food is a good thing. Food is what provides our bodies with the vitamins, nutrients, carbohydrates and proteins that fuel our daily lives. James Beard said, “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” Former cook, food writer and snarkicist, Anthony Bourdain saysContinue reading “At least eat their food”

Burned Policy

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves….” Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Act 1, scene 2. Still Playing With Fire It is summer so wildfires are in the news, and this year’s Yarnell Hill and Rim Fires are partially used to hype man-caused global warming. Our fire problem has been a longContinue reading “Burned Policy”

Weekend Postcard: Wildland Fire

This is the “San Joaquin Fire” that started around 2pm (PDT) on San Joaquin Avenue of Clearlake Park, CA. The photo was snapped at around 2:10pm. The fire was contained at seven acres (about what you can see in the photo).

Jury Selection. Again.

In 2011, I was part of a host of people considered to sit on a jury. Considering that the trial for the killing Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman has just ended in a Not Guilty verdict, I thought I would share how the process appears to work in Lake County, California. Jury duty in LakeContinue reading “Jury Selection. Again.”

Weekend Postcard: Napa Valley Afternoon Light

I took this picture from inside a moving car looking east near Calistoga. I thought the sunlight striking a vineyard to be beautiful, even with the smudges on the glass.

Weekend Postcard: Bear Creek

This is Bear Creek looking west near the junctions of California state routes 16 and 20. Every time I have crossed the bridge, the water has appeared tranquil.

Weekend Postcard: The Napa Valley Palisades

The light struck Mount St. Helena the other day as I drove north on California state route 29. The light and shadow played on the rock palisades at the north end of Napa Valley. The moments of beauty, where the light and shadow take your breath away last less than a minute it seems. YouContinue reading “Weekend Postcard: The Napa Valley Palisades”

Analysis by the Legislative Analyst of Proposition 37, the “California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act.”

This the text of the analysis done by the Legislative Analyst on the proposed Proposition 37, the “California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act.” (PDF file here) Genetically Engineered Foods. Mandatory Labeling. Initiative Statute. Background Genetically Engineered (GE) Foods. Genetic engineering is the process of changing the genetic material of a living organism toContinue reading “Analysis by the Legislative Analyst of Proposition 37, the “California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act.””

Weekend Postcard: A Green Car Grows in Berkeley

I saw this car-shaped hedge growing in a Berkeley neighbor hood and knew that it had to be a weekend postcard. Berkeley must have more Toyota Prius‘s per capita than anywhere else on earth. And, just down the street sits an all-electric car made by a company I have never heard of. But this carContinue reading “Weekend Postcard: A Green Car Grows in Berkeley”