2 Wise Guys Walk Into a Bar...
Say what you want about Los Angeles: the prices, the traffic, the spotty leadership. But this city is full of great storytellers.
Chris Erskine
Columns on life, laughter, and the occasional gin, from a 30-year Los Angeles Times writer.
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Beguiling Diversions
OK, what’s so wrong with beguiling diversions? They’re rare, but are they wrong? And is fussing over my kid’s meals a beguiling diversion?
Make Mine a Double
Random thoughts while waiting for an order of fries (extra crispy) and a chocolate malt (extra malt):
Get Up! Get up! Get Up!
For thousands of years, we've been domesticating the wolf. Obviously we aren’t done yet. White Fang is to house dogs what Muppets are to Prime Ministers.
The Summer Knows...
Have you ever met anyone so taken with the minuscule and mundane: lawn mowers, lashing rains, little churches on the edge of town?
Happy Dads
I’m pretty much a character out of a Bob Seger song: unemployed and in desperate need of a milkshake.
Babies, Boats and Puppies
Let me describe this pup. Her nose is like a Milk Dud, her coat is of the finest cashmere.
French-Fry Potato Salad
Not just a salad, a way of life. Wouldn’t my snarky Irish ancestors be super proud?
A Hard Day's Night
Good music helps set our broken bones. It’s the medicine we take when lovers quit loving us or kids grow up and move on…the dog dies…a best pal passes…the blood test comes back wrong.
Don't Ask About the Kids
If you run into old friends, ask about their recent hip replacement, not the kids. Because our aging joints are now our children. And they need us more.
Summer Treats
This Bavarian-cream churro confirms what I believe more and more: Life is whimsy; life is a whole lotta dumb sugary luck. I mean, did you hear about Whistler's mom?
Pass Me That Wrench
You know that giant sinkhole on Sunset? I started that. Just for kicks, I now do home repairs with my non-dominant hand.
Bluegills to Orcas
First a mountain lake, then SeaWorld. Honestly, I kind of dig San Diego. Like you, I admire towns that aren’t afraid to show a little leg.
God's Garden?
Mookie's first birthday bash is further evidence that the universe is a glowy and remarkable lump. Consider me enchanted.