“This whole thing evolved because of her beauty,” says Bill Garrison. “Louis B. Mayer called her ‘The most beautiful girl in the world.’” “She” was Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian immigrant who became a Hollywood star and …
February 19, 2025
Bill Manson writes cover stories and features for the San Diego Reader.
Some samples of his early writing:
July 25, 1996:Song for the Uprooted (mariachi music in TJ's Zona Norte)
March 19, 1998: Larry's Best Gal (interview with Larry Lawrence aide Norma Nicolls)
March 16, 1995: Coyote, Tarantula, Silence, Sea (the four corners of San Diego County)
Sept. 24, 1998: Cunanan's Last Laugh (computer game based on gay serial killer)
March 25, 1999: Kidnapped! (Georgina Crespo's abduction from Coronado Cays)
Articles by Bill Manson
Wi-Fi, submarines, Hedy Lamarr
Albuquerque adopts free bus policy
A lot of my friends know that I prefer to catch the bus instead of driving a car. Slower? A little. Cheaper? Way. Provides more time to work on your interview questions ahead of time? …
January 29, 2025
How to make a hit Christmas song
Video:GOLDEN DREAMS: How to make a hit Christmas song“You’re just in time, buddy,” says Erik, “for Christmas 2025.” Shucks. I’ve come to Erik desperate to find out how to get my Christmas song recorded and …
December 6, 2024
Will Trump’s Baja resort be built after all?
Video:GOLDEN DREAMS: A different sort of Trumpian comeback?Once, Donald Trump had a dream for Baja California — well, at least for a cut from the sales that came from attaching his name to a dream …
December 4, 2024
Last plane out of Seoul, 1950
You think you know people, and then you discover you don’t. Not by half.Diana and I are chatting over a glass of wine, reminiscing about childhood. “When I was seven,” I say, “I was chased …
November 22, 2024
Biophilic design connects people to nature
Video:GOLDEN DREAMS: Biophilic design connects people to nature“We’re tucking our kids into the fridge at night,” says Bob Burnett. “It’s not right.” Indeed, while San Diegans are enjoying (or cursing) the summer heat, many Kiwis, …
August 28, 2024
The promise of a fossil fuel-free motorboat
Who knew that power boats would be the news at this year’s America’s Cup? The world’s oldest sporting competition — for sailboats, mind you — starts up again later this month in Barcelona, Spain. No …
August 28, 2024
Igor the pelican is hungry
Video:GOLDEN DREAMS: Igor the pelican is hungryA funny old bird is the pelicanHis beak can hold more than his belican. Food for a week he can hold in his beak, But I don’t know how the helican.That’s …
August 16, 2024
Missed bus leads to Silver Strand sleepover
I’m at the bus stop. The one right outside the Bullpen bar in IB. Problem: last bus heading north to Coronado is gone. It’s after midnight. I’m broke. No way up the Silver Strand. And …
August 14, 2024