UP IN SMOKE

John Farr, 06/22/12

Editor, bestmoviesbyfarr.com

Today, our most celebrated actress, Meryl Streep, turns 63. Can it be possible? My own top-ten list below reflects what I believe are her best films. On her birthday, let's say: "Bravo, Meryl Streep."

John Zipperer, 06/22/12

Vice president of media & editorial, The Commonwealth Club of California

The world took a break from being obsessed with Greece this week and instead focused more on Syria. Syrian pilots, arming Syrian rebels, Syrian arms from Russia, and so on. What else was in the news this week? Take our quiz and find out.

Christopher Caen, 06/22/12

Writer

It's Pride Weekend here in the 49-acre woods, and everyone's dance card is filling up faster than a Marina District bar at happy hour, and yes that goes for me too.

Party Earth, 06/21/12

PartyEarth.com

For dog owners, a guilt-free night on the town without the dog can be hard to come by. Luckily, the dog-friendly bar solves this problem, and there may be more of these bars in San Francisco than anywhere else. Here are five of the best places.

Sean Martinfield, 06/21/12

San Francisco cultural critic

The Traina collection, on view through September 16th, is vibrant and dynamic. It embodies the depth and diversity of this multi-faceted field.The exhibition consists of a 160 works by more than 40 artists.

David Duran, 06/21/12

Bay Area Reporter

Facebook has never been shy to include everyone on their site, but in recent years it has taken an active stance to really make the LGBT community feel welcome on the social networking site.

Sally Fay, 06/21/12

Writer and filmmaker

What will be the fate of the island of Lana'i? Is Larry Ellison saving the day? All I know is that I am another Californian deeply moved by the spirit and soul of this island and by the 3,000 residents who are struggling to keep alive a quiet culture.

Jed Kolko, 06/19/12

Chief Economist, Trulia

In honor of Gay Pride month, we wanted to find the gayest neighborhoods across America. No surprise that San Francisco's Castro neighborhood is at the top of the list.

Carl Safina, 06/20/12

Author, 'The View From Lazy Point; A Natural Year in an Unnatural World'

The Australian government has formed the world's largest network of ocean reserves. The network is anchored by a massive reserve in the Coral Sea. As we say, "Go you, Aussies."

Michael Marx, 06/21/12

Director, Beyond Oil Campaign, Sierra Club

Public transportation ridership is surging nationwide -- whether it's bus, light-rail or train, Americans are using transit.

Peter Dreier, 06/20/12

E.P. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics, Occidental College

David Brower helped transform environmentalism from a polite cause dominated by don't-rock-the-boat upper-class conservationists to an activist movement that uses political action.

Sarah Anne Minkin, 06/22/12

Doctoral candidate, University of California, Berkeley

Our problems and our social movements are global. But are solutions are always local. They lie in connecting to each other, in committing to protecting a neighbor's safety and a sister's creativity, in affirming that life of a woman I haven't yet met is as precious as my own.

Marshall Fine, 06/21/12

Author and film critic, hollywoodandfine.com

Scafaria, who wrote the script for Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, says she was pushed to end life on Earth by her experience on that earlier film -- and by the growing media interest in the Mayan calendar's supposed prediction of the world ending in 2012.

George Heymont, 06/20/12

San Francisco-based arts critic

If there is one area of grave concern for any parent, it is the thought that their child is vulnerable to attack. But what happens when the child of your dreams -- the apple of your eye -- starts acting like a belligerent little bastard?

Donna Solomon, DVM, 06/21/12

Veterinarian, Animal Medical Center of Chicago

Pet ownership has numerous responsibilities. You need to feed, play and medically care for them, and finally know when it's the time to say goodbye -- which is the highest honor that we have bestowed on ourselves as their caretaker.

Billy Parish, 06/20/12

President, Solar Mosaic

It is a beautiful day to get outside and celebrate the power plant that has kept our planet humming with life for the last 3.7 billion odd years. It's also the perfect day to celebrate what we're learning to do with the sun's power.

Preeti Vissa, 06/20/12

Community Reinvestment Director, The Greenlining Institute

The message that government rules stifle economic activity is so pervasive that it's easy to forget that intelligent regulation can protect the economic well-being of ordinary Americans, preserving jobs and helping the whole economy.