If the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had its way, Congress would order every citizen to shop the day after Thanksgiving. It has not done so, however, because (a) Congress is never in session long enough to order lunch, and (b) Americans, so desperately short of... Continue
Columnist
A Californian for nearly 50 years I've infrequently traveled by train but I grew up in the suburbs of New York and took the train to Manhattan from time-to-time. My earliest memory of a long train trip was when I was eight years old and... Continue
Last week I had the great opportunity to once again play Daddy Warbucks in the Broadway Bound Kids production of Annie. This was my third time playing Warbucks and each time I am reminded of how great theatre is for both adults and children. Theatre... Continue
It would be nice, I suppose, to believe that everything is just fine: the motivations of people are well-intentioned, science and technology always solve every problem, freedom and democracy are humanity's natural state, the world can accommodate an unlimited number of people, and infectious disease... Continue
Setting aside the purely commercial aspects of harvest decorations and TV commercials featuring cute turkeys and cartoon characters in Puritan outfits, Thanksgiving's acknowledgment of earth's bounty and the value of kindness towards others is a welcome departure from our customary year-long celebration of acquiring more... Continue
I am finally totally fed up with the last lame remnants of the Democratic Leadership Council corporate cheerleaders who still occupy the center of gravity in the national party. How do they remain the agenda-setters for the path of the Democratic Party? How many elections do... Continue
There are few sights more beautiful than traveling along the Highway 12 corridor during the fall when the hills and vineyards burst into flames of color and the quality of light sharpens. We are truly blessed to witness the changing of the seasons in Sonoma... Continue
Hope and sadness are strange bedfellows. I struggle with depression this time of year. The dark weather drags down my inner enthusiast. Autumn stirs memory and loneliness. What’s that about? Some neurotransmitter loss? Not enough fun? Too much fun? Longing for the sun to shine?... Continue
A common question that arises in communities with many nonprofit organizations serving similar populations is, “Why don’t these organizations collaborate?” In response to that key question, organizations serving Sonoma Valley teens have recently started exploring collaboration possibilities. Spearheaded by the leadership of Sonoma Valley Teen Services... Continue
The average life span for American white males born in 2006 increased from 77 to 78 years. Sounds great for those American white males born in 2006, but much of the hoopla, when compared to the low-life expectancy rates of the past, has to do... Continue