Based in Toronto, Canada, Nancy Matsumoto is a writer and editor who covers sustainable agriculture, food, sake, arts and culture.

Why I wished I lived in Santa Monica, or at least spent, say, every February here


In a word, the Santa Monica farmer's market. I've been here less than a week, but have already been to this market twice. It's hard to get over strawberries, blueberries and rhubarb in December, a time when growers are deserting New York City's green markets, and all you can find is some squash and apples. And if you miss that frozen feeling underfoot, the city has just opened it's own little outdoor skating rink at 5th Street and Santa Monical Boulevard.

Engineering's loss is Star Wars geekdom's gain

Christmas Lights