The increasing number of self-inflicted decisions by public officials are causing the local scientists down at Steiners to suspect that a debilitating neurotoxin has infiltrated our water supply. Known by its chemical signature, ST2P1d, the compound was thought to be largely confined to ecosystems around... Continue
Snark Infested Waters
Around this time in 2015, Dr. Walter Palmer, DDS, of Bloomington MN, killed Cecil the Lion with the intention of adding Cecil’s magnificent head to his extensive collection of dead wild animal heads. Those not familiar with Dr. Palmer and his exploits can simply Google... Continue
Talk about an embarrassment of riches. We read in the paper that many employers hereabouts have more jobs than they can fill. Businesses from car washes and tasting rooms to wineries and bordellos seem to have “Now Hiring” signs in the window. Thus the question... Continue
Hospitals in Mogadishu aren’t great and in Syria they are routinely bombed, but in America even low-education voters understand that hospitals are a public service as vital as police, fire, water and Twitter. Fortunately, Sonoma Valley Hospital is a good one, and Measure E will... Continue
We note that City Council is entertaining whether to declare Sonoma a Sanctuary City, or some such thing. The idea is to demonstrate support for and unity with our Latino friends and neighbors who feel very threatened by the Gestapo-like ICE round-ups of undocumented residents... Continue
Those reading this survived 2016, ready for the challenges of another New Year. After the last one, however, billions worldwide who’ve been dysfunctional since January 20 may be pouring over encrypted files labeled “How to Make A New President Go Away, Without Getting Caught.” But... Continue
One can’t live in or around the town of Sonoma for long without encountering one or two memorable if not always endearing characters from our local basket of irascibles. In one fashion or another, they can seem to be channeling the spirit of Gabby Hayes,... Continue
Suddenly it seems everything is artisanal these days. Artisanal beer, biscuits, T-shirts, restaurants . . . the list of products and services touted as “hand crafted” or “artisanal” is almost endless. Rumors still unconfirmed (and which will certainly remain that way) have it that a... Continue
A glance at the school district’s report of its 2016 performance on statewide testing reveals the sad shape of our schools. But if leaky roofs and broken air conditioners are bad, the less-than-standard educational output – what manufacturers might call their “scrap rate” -- is... Continue
It’s OK to say it out loud. They are the darlings of the local economy and of every politician driving under the influence of wine industry campaign contributions, but they can be a pain in the butt. We’re talking about Tourists. Yes, though you might... Continue