A big premiere, that I’m sad to have missed, happened in my old hood last week: Matador Goods contributor Austin Chu’s movie, The Recess Ends, made its way onto the big screen at the Victoria Theater in the Mission district (I used to live 2 blocks away). The film chronicles how the recession/depression has affected people all over the US, as Austin and his brother road-tripped and interviewed people throughout the 50 states. Check out their website for further engagements. Although the season premiere of House has come and gone, check out this video from the first episode’s gala in LA. Bridget O’Neill hosts and questions the stars of the “most popular show in the world” about the importance of social media in their lives. Filmed on location and edited by my friend, Joshua Johnson.

I’m very excited to announce that Matador has started its very own travel-writing school, MatadorU. Already featured on Soma, Mashable, The Guardian, and Daily Candy, this 12-week program teaches the ins and outs of travel writing for the new generation, including how to write for the web and the most efficient ways to promote your work. And for a short time, the course is being offered for only $225, after which it will return to its normal price of $300. If you are tired of your desk job and want to break into writing, this course will teach you everything (and more) that I’ve learned as co-editor of Brave New Traveler, editor of this website, and even going beyond travel to publications such as Healthier Talk, Cream Soda, and Conscious Dancer.

Can I actually make it around the good ole’ US of A without encountering the wheat or the dairy?
My first full day out of the Bay and on the road (though only two hours North on I-5) chewing the fat (literally, this bacon is pretty darn greasy) and looking around the casino buffet I find myself in.

Yes, I’m currently eating lunch in one of the scariest places to try and remain healthy.
I debated whether or not to wait and eat lunch at the Whole Foods an hour and a half …