by Michael Shapiro | Mar 11, 2016 | Blog, Books, Interviews, Literature, Stories, Travel
Ever since I read The House of the Spirits in the 1980s I’ve adored Isabel Allende. She’s a natural-born storyteller, warm-hearted and insightful with a wicked sense of fun. I had the opportunity to interview her for my 2004 book of interviews with...
by Michael Shapiro | Jan 8, 2016 | Blog, Gambling, Interviews, Stories, Travel
In 2012, the World Series of Poker held its most expensive tournament ever: it cost $1 million to buy into it and the top prize was more than $18 million. Antonio Esfandiari, who emigrated from Iran to the U.S. when he was a boy, finished on top and instantly became...
by Michael Shapiro | Jan 6, 2016 | Blog, Interviews, Stories, Travel
After failing to get through the gates to paradise years ago, I finally made it to Esalen. To see the story on The Press Democrat’s site with some pictures, click here. By MICHAEL SHAPIRO I couldn’t wait to get to Esalen on the Big Sur coast. I love hot...
by Michael Shapiro | Nov 29, 2015 | Blog
Tips for Science Writing, Nov. 29, 2016 California Academy of Sciences workshop Omit needless words: And make every word count – ask what it adds. Do flight attendants need to say “at this time”? Does anyone need to say “obviously”? Accuracy is essential: If you make...
by Michael Shapiro | Nov 11, 2015 | Blog, Sports, Stories, Travel
There are a number of places in Alaska where you can see bears, but when I heard that Admiralty Island near Juneau has a protected bear reserve and that the best way to get there is by paddling a kayak for a couple of days, I couldn’t resist. The irony: it took...
