For many young boys, comic books are a rite of passage that typically focuses on the mighty males who do battle against the forces of evil. For author Mike Madrid, they have been a lifelong fascination.  

Maybe it's Elvis' fault.

The King may be long gone, but that hasn't stopped him from appearing everywhere, thanks to the legions of impersonators and their fans.

But it's not just Elvis. Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, the Stones, AC/DC - all have performed in the North Bay in recent months. Not the real bands, but tribute bands.

 

Michelle Obama is first lady. What did she give up to have this honor? Ms. Obama seems to have a great life.  

Golden Gate Transit

People, behave.

That's the message being sent to Golden Gate Transit bus and ferry riders as part of a new program aimed at passenger conduct.

 

Frankie Frost

It became legal this week to bring loaded, concealed weapons into Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

 

Roots of Peace

San Rafael-based Roots of Peace has received a $30.4 million grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development to aid farmers in some of Afghanistan's most dangerous provinces.

 

Puppet cleavage has been ruled out for advertising posters in Colorado Springs, Colo., bus shelters.

 

Why we lust for it: Sip for the cause - just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Order the tea, and Mighty Leaf will donate $1 to the Art for Recovery program at UCSF's Cancer Center.

 

Why we lust for it: Full Circle's cleaning products are designed to minimize waste (the sponge head is replaceable and biodegradable) and use sustainable materials such as bamboo, cellulose and Bonterraare, a biodegradable plant-based plastic the company created.  

Leslie Lindell

I HAVE HEARD it said that there is no music scene in Marin anymore. However, every time I take a look around, something new and cool is happening. Sure, things have changed, but in the musical universe (much like the real one) the only real constant is change.

 

AS WE finish up the short month of February, we start the weekend with two bands known for their long improvised jams.

On Feb. 26, Sebastopol's Hopmonk Tavern features the double bill of New Monsoon and Hillside Fire (Petaluma's own). It's a chance to see two bands that seem to be spearheading the new wave of improvisational jam bands.  

Jeff Vendsel

With a couple of years under its belt, the Miracle Mile outpost of Cafe Gratitude appears to be thriving. No longer strictly raw and vegan, the restaurant has broadened its menu to include a hot soup of the day along with cooked burritos and tacos. A veggie burger with caramelized onions is also in the works.

 

Jeff Vendsel

Last month, the Holiday Inn Express on Shoreline in Mill Valley was replaced by a more-upscale Larkspur Hotel. The neighbors are happy about this change - especially longtime Italian restaurant Frantoio, whose management anticipates more guests stopping in next door for dinner and drinks.