First it was covid, then measles, which has not been not-seen since vaccines were invented. Then came cyclospora (“the shitz”), one case of which can empty an entire stadium. And a skin-eating ‘vibro vulnificus’ recently struck the Gulf coast (No, ladies, it’s not what you... Continue
Snark Infested Waters
A constant topic hereabouts is Affordable Housing. Specifically: When will we ever get affordable housing? Congress recently passed the “21st Century Road To Housing Act,” but no one should give up their spot under the Ig Vella Bridge just yet. For starters, “affordable housing” is... Continue
Because few have time to ponder the imponderables one encounters daily, your correspondent ponders in the public’s interest. Recently pondered was the increasingly pervasive use of “bad words” in broadcast and print media, and why they are considered “bad.” Back in the day, saying “poop”... Continue
And What Are The Odds? OK, pay attention, kids: 2026 minus 1776 equals 250. Yes, the 250th anniversary of the United States – July 4, 2026 – is here, and it will never come again. For all those years it’s been a wild ride through... Continue
Are Supremes Mentis Sans Compos? There is a growing sense that the U.S. Supreme Court has become – to use a legal expression – non compos mentis. That sentiment results from its seemingly politically-inspired decisions, changing what lawyers refer to as “settled law.” That can... Continue
Celebrating 250 Years of Victories In 1814, Francis Scott Key (‘Scotty’ to his friends) penned a poem entitled, “The Defence of Fort McHenry.” In 1931, its first verse became our National Anthem. As the country’s 250th birthday approaches, it’s a tune we’re hearing more than... Continue
California‘s 2026 Election Season officially began with the arrival of the “Primary Election Offical Voter Information Guide” at every Valley household harboring a registered voter. For those not registered to vote, or just needing something to read while in detention, it’s also available on line... Continue
It happened in broad daylight on Good Friday afternoon. Two, maybe four hundred feet above First Street East in Sonoma. A drone. Yep. Hovering. Reconnoitering the Plaza?? Sure looked like it. Small. White. Silent. Ominous. Sun twinkled off its whirling propellers. It lingered, rocking to-and-fro,... Continue
Waiting For Iran War Memorial As we go to press, a sizable segment of the population is gathered around open bottles of refreshments to analyze and debate America’s latest chest-thumping, bombs-bursting-in-air excursion and/or war in (where else?) the Middle East, a place revered by the... Continue
Many hereabouts are looking forward to the “No Kings” demonstrations scheduled nationwide for March 28. Billed as a protest against our President, his policies, behaviors, attitude, appearance and/or very existence, the day is eagerly anticipated by millions of Americans outraged at our nation’s current state... Continue