Five Things - Sharpe Jazz, Cold Snap

It's THURSDAY, Feb. 24. What on earth does the trouble in Libya, Bahrain and Egypt have to do with Martinez? Well, quite a bit. We're all connected these days, like it or not. It's a global enterprise, and when one domino falls, the others tend not to be far behind. Case in point — gas prices are going up and will only continue in that direction for the foreseeable future, because America's primary oil supplies are being disrupted along with the apparently shaky governmental infrastructures in the Middle East. When gas prices go up, the price of everything else follows. Groceries, clothing, power, everything. Everywhere. Even here. We are watching history while living it. And it is apparently watching us. Meanwhile, here are five things you need to know today: 

1. Nero fiddled while Rome burned. is only playing his trombone, and doing it well, so please don't draw correlations. He is playing his 'bone with his very fine traditional jazz band tonight at Armando's, in a show that is usually sold out and is always tons of fun. It's at 8 p.m.
2. Just like cannabis dispensaries, shows are the subject of controversy on our site. Readers can't agree whether Monday's show was great or a letdown. You can find out for yourself tonight, when the Purple One plays his final show at the Oakland Coliseum. If you go, be sure to let us know what you thought. 
3. The sun is supposed to appear through clouds today, but you won't be mistaking the sunshine for a spring day — temperatures are supposed to dip into the upper 30s before taking a historic plunge into the lower 30s Friday and Saturday. So for goodness sake, dress warmly. Don't leave for work in short sleeves and skimpy skirts. Bundle up and remember, there is a chance of snow this weekend.
4. Once you're appropriately bundled, it's an excellent time to take an after-dinner walk around Waterfront Park, and see the various wonders our fair city has to offer this time of year —the for instance, are hanging around right now. And the sunsets are nothing short of spectacular these days, as the clouds combine with the fierce blue February skies. Stress from the day getting to you? Turn off the TV and head out for a walk. You will not be sorry. We live in a pastoral paradise. Take advantage of it.
5. Finally, this space looks longingly at the site inviting Alhambra High School students to study Spanish this summer by spending two to three weeks in Guatemala. Talk about a way to make learning fun. . . muy bueno. This space would definitely sign up to go, but we're many decades too late, alas. On that note, have a spectacular Thursday and stay warm.