Saturday movie review: The Letters

/

I can't imagine there's an adult out there who doesn't know Mother Teresa, the inimitable humanitarian and recipient of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize for her endless charitable work caring for, comforting, and loving the sick and poor. Regardless of one's faith (or absence of), Mother Teresa — full name Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, MC — is universally admired for her compassion and kindness, particularly for the underprivileged.

Many folks know Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic nun and missionary who founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that caters to the poor in more than 133 countries. Many may also know that after multiple illnesses, Mother Teresa died in 1997 and that soon after her death, the process of beatification and canonization began to have her named as a saint.

The Letters film

THE LETTERS, a compelling drama about Mother Teresa's life, is based on documents...

Read More

11 ideas for free (or super inexpensive) summer outings with grandkids

/
11 ideas for free (or super inexpensive) summer outings with grandkids

So you have the grandkids for the week. Or the weekend. Or every work day throughout the summer as you (generously) help cover childcare while school-age kids are on summer break.

What to do, what to do?

Here are 11 ideas that won't bust your budget. Some are free, some are low cost, all are great ways for grandkids and grandparents to make grand memories together this summer.

free summer fun with kids 

FREE FISHING
This one tops the list because fishing is fun. Mostly, though, it's because...

Read More

Saturday movie review: Ashby

/

Mickey Rourke is not a great actor. Though he's been in a few fine films, did fantastic jobs in them (THE WRESTLER, for instance), he's also had his share of stinkers (THEY CRAWL). Ever since seeing him for the very first time, though, in POPE OF GREENWICH VILLAGE, I've enjoyed watching him on big screens and small.

I used to chalk it up to his good looks and bad-boy swagger. His looks are long gone, it's clear. Too many punches in the face? Too much alcohol? Drugs? Plastic surgery? I know nothing of what happened there — I'm not a rabid fan or stalker, just an admirer — hence ignorant about his personal life.

And Rourke's acting? Well, it's still not great.

Yet, regardless of his looks, acting chops, or the quality of the film he's in, Mickey Rourke continues to mesmerize me — and my husband, too. Which is nice because the fact Jim enjoys seeing him as much as I do saved me explaining my excitement upon discovering a newish (2015) film featuring Rourke streaming on Netflix. My husband was just as game as I to settle in and stream ASHBY, a quirky dramedy starring Mickey Rourke, Nat Wolff, Emma Roberts, and Sarah Silverman.

Ashby movie on DVD

ASHBY is the story of 17-year-old Ed (Wolff), who's new at school, a little odd but outspoken, basically friendless. He's also smarter than the average football player...

Read More

Savor local flavor: 8 great eateries on California's central coast

/

The activities and events travelers list on their must-do, must-see lists vary widely depending on interests and intentions. Some folks want to relax and take it easy while away from home, others seek adventure and heart-pounding experiences, others lie somewhere in between balancing a bit of both. 

All travelers, though, like to eat. Must eat. Which puts dining at the top of the must-do list for all who travel. The true treat for tourists is discovering establishments rich in regional dishes complemented by dashes of local lore.

My daughter and I enjoyed eight such eateries on our recent visit to California's central coast, courtesy Morro Bay Tourism and California Highway 1 Discovery Route. Following are our recommendations for savoring local flavor when visiting the charming towns along Highway 1.

BLUE SKY BISTRO ON THE BAY
699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay CA 93442
www.bistroonthebay.com

blue sky bistro on the bay

Blue Sky Bistro offers bayside dining that's about as bayside as you can be, with a fabulous view of Morro Bay and Morro Rock. The superb service perfectly complements...

Read More