"Resistance and Dreams," the second installation in the three-part project "World Factory" at the San Francisco Art Institute, responds to tough issues raised by globalization, including uneven economic development, poverty, urbanization, population displacement, migration and pollution. The thesis is that the global free-market economy leads to social structures that bind peoples’ lives, create huge economic disparities and present opportunities for people to resist through visions of alternative ways of living. Read More

About the series: In a saloon town such as San Francisco, the bartender plays a crucial role. Confessor, friend, sounding board — the man or woman behind the plank sees to it that our needs are met with elegance, grace and often wit. They see humanity at its best and most convivial, but also offer a nod and a welcome to the lonely. But what do they see when they look at us? What are the tricks of their trade? And what lessons have they learned along the way? In this new Examiner weekly feature, we talk to some of our local bartenders to find out.The Buena Vista Cafe Read More

With its bistro conversations, views of the Champs-Elysees, and semi-Hollywood ending "Avenue Montaigne" is a Parisian souffle that should appeal to Francophiles and Francophobes alike, offering the latter nothing more bothersome than the mention of Sartre. You just wish that writer-director Daniele Thompson had included some depth along with the froth with which she superficially charms us. Read More

It’s official! Angelina Jolie has a new son: Vietnam native Pax Thien Jolie, almost 3½. His name combines the Latin word for "peace" and the Vietnamese word for "sky."According to the director of the Ho Chi Minh City orphanage where he had lived since 2003, the child, formerly known as Pham Quang Sang, was abandoned at a hospital at birth. Reportedly, the boy cried when he met his new mom at an adoption ceremony. Read More