Dog-lovers in the City of Sonoma can be forgiven for being puzzled about recent news from Mars. Mars Petcare, that is; an earthbound dog-food company which also makes candy for humans, a/k/a Mars Bars. Per a press release by Pets Lifeline, our Valley's animal shelter,... Continue
Snark Infested Waters
Those reading over their copy of the Constitution this July 4th might think it needs some serious updating for the 21st century. After all, it was last changed 32 years ago -- in 1992 -- when the 27th Amendment (Google it) was approved by 3/4ths... Continue
While most of it is long gone, a proliferation of beautiful statuary was harbored once at Sonoma's Plaza. For decades, the only 'resident' was Whatshisname-With-Flag-On-A-Rock marking the site where, in 1846, rag-tag (i.e., drunk) white settlers raised the Bear Flag in revolt against Mexico, establishing... Continue
"Profound: 1. having or showing great knowledge and understanding; a profound thinker." In the wake of plagues, coups, wars and killer cops, readers may have noticed a sharp uptick in Profundity in newscasts & on social media. Apparently, that's because mass mediacasters (as well as... Continue
A proposal is rumored to be circulating in the Valley (well, at least around my desk) which, if adopted, could have profound implications for school districts & students nationwide. It goes something like this: To graduate from high school, all students must be able to... Continue
Grumblings were recently overheard in a local bar-not-to-be-named, to the effect that if voters return Mr. Trump to the presidency, the sovereign state of California should -- MUST! -- Secede From The Union. Readers will find it hard to believe but the grumbling went something... Continue
“Snark if needed.” Those words often accompanied my column of “Snark Infested Waters” when I submitted it to Val Robichaud so he could decide whether to include it in the next issue of the Sonoma Valley Sun. The implication — expectation? — was that he... Continue
These days The News is certainly bad if not downright terrible and terrifying. To cheer our spirits, it might help to apply the adage “Follow the Money,” but do so in reverse. For the clinically old, “follow the money” evokes visions of Dick Tracy, Sam... Continue
Scientists say that in order to keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C, as called for in the 2005 Paris Agreement, humanity's global carbon emissions must be reduced 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050; otherwise, global warming will be irreversible. Yet after... Continue
Big Pharma is required to test new potions and concoctions to assure their safety and effectiveness before releasing them on an unsuspecting public. If they don’t, they could be heavily fined, get sued, and/or their executives put at a small risk of being tossed in... Continue