MONTCLARION: Jan. 1, 2016
It’s New Year’s Day — time to shape plans for 2016. And speaking of shape, the number-one resolution, according to StatisticBrain.com, is to lose weight. Which leads me to my first column item …. Continue reading
Author Archives: Ginny Prior
Town Crier: Twelve ways to keep holiday spirits alive
MONTCLARION: Dec. 25, 2015
It’s Christmas morn. Here’s hoping Santa dropped by your house last night and didn’t sear his suit on the embers in your fireplace. There is one burning question as we reflect on the joy of the season: How do we keep spirits bright, long after the last chestnut is roasted?
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Town Crier: It’s a small world, after all — at holidays
MONTCLARION: Dec. 16, 2015
There’s a trick to making money as a Salvation Army bell ringer. And it’s not all in the wrist. Oakland native Arthur James was ringing — and singing — outside a market in Minnesota last week. The joy in his voice was contagious. Within minutes, James had a chorus of shoppers belting out carols in the brisk December air.
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Happy Wanderer: For a holiday treat, try Fairmont’s Tonga Room
CONTRACOSTATIMES.COM: Dec 2, 2015
Three tiki huts, two litchi nuts and a lava bowl, the “nectar of the gods.” “The 12 Days of Christmas” never sounded so seductive. And while you may be thinking Hawaii, this destination is much closer to home — in San Francisco. Continue reading
Town Crier: Deadhead author recalls 40 years of following band
‘Deadhead’ and author Blair Jackson
MONTCLARION: Dec 11, 2015
“What a long, strange trip it’s been.”– “Truckin’ ” by the Grateful Dead
These lyrics could be the epitaph for a lot of us who grew up in the 1960s. Oakland writers Blair Jackson and David Gans would certainly agree. Their new book, “This Is All a Dream We Dreamed: An Oral History of the Grateful Dead,” is just the latest way these two have made a living out of documenting the iconic band. Continue reading
Montana is for foodies
This show aired on Tom Wilmer’s NPR radio show ‘Journeys of Discovery’.
Town Crier: Farmers’ market attracts public — and traffic scofflaws
MONTCLARION: November 13, 2015
All I want for Christmas — is tires with a treadwear rating of 600. Finally, there’s something to cheer about on the weather front. Monday’s heavy showers have given us hope that we may, indeed, have a rainy season. Wet weather is forecast for next week as well, prompting the CHP to issue a reminder about driving in rain, fog and snow. Continue reading
Town Crier: Montclair Pharmacy owners find like-minded tenant for site
MONTCLARION: Nov 6, 2015
When Bill and Helen Sullivan closed Montclair Pharmacy to move to Montana in 2012, it was the end of a 50-year relationship with the community. But the couple never stopped looking for a tenant that would be a good fit. Ergo Goods, 6123 La Salle Ave., might just be the glass slipper to our Cinderella. Continue reading
Happy Wanderer: A Top 10 list for San Jose
INSIDEBAYAREA.COM: October 31, 2015
The elevator doors were closing. With my usual frenetic pace, I sprinted across the foyer and wedged my body into the gap between the gray metal doors. Serendipity happens. There I was, face to face with Snoop Dogg and his entourage. Playing a gig at the Shoreline that night, they were staying at my hotel — the San Jose Fairmont.
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Town Crier: Halloween dominates from apps to Fat Lady
MONTCLARION: October 29, 2015
Sunny and 70s. What is this — Halloween in the Caribbean?
It’s the end of October. It should be bone-chilling cold. Kids are supposed to be layering, not stripping down. The site of Dracula with a cape tied around his waste is just wrong. Yet we adapt. Look for pirates to sport sweatbands, not tricorns, this Halloween. Continue reading
