Journal of the Plague Year (#25)
Berkeley, CA September 7, 2020 – Labor Day! Tens of thousands of people, tired and stressed by pandemic protocols, are now doing…
Hallinan’s Overlooked Running Mate
Although our Hallinan saga was meant to follow rough chronological order, current events like the nomination of Kamala Harris keep triggering flashbacks.…
Essential Programs
If you’re into politics you’ve probably experienced a moment after reading something that really resonated with you and you thought to yourself…
Bird at 100
It is eerily fitting that last Saturday’s centennial of modern jazz genius Charlie Parker’s birth should have fallen in the midst of…
An App, To Buy a Candy Bar
The email to all employees seemed so darn happy: “Our newly-remodeled snack-room is now open! Stop by on your break!” So far…
Giving Back
“My grandmother is responsible for instilling in me the desire to give and to be of service,” says Sandy Mailliard. “I come…
The Billy Tainter Story
“I was called this afternoon about one o’clock to a Maiden Lady about 35 years of age...She was attacked with vomiting and…
RNC: None Shall Sleep
Across four nights, the televised program of the Republican National Convention had all the drama of an interminable student piano recital in…
Living with the Pandemic
Here in Mendocino County, by my non-empirical estimate anyway, barely a majority of folks comply with Pandemic Orders. It seems people living…
Babylon Berlin / Babylon Amerika
If you’re still wondering if you’ll vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in November—that is, if Trump doesn’t sabotage the party…
Journal of the Plague Year (#24)
Berkeley, CA August 31, 2020 – “Hatemonger. Stephen Miller, Donald Trump, and the White Nationalist Agenda” By Jean Guerrero. William Morrow, 2020,…
Implementing Prop 215
I didn't jump at District Attorney Terence Hallinan’s offer to be his press secretary. It would pay twice as much as my…