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Posts published in “Essays”

A Day at the Sacto DMV

Regardless of the time spent, a day at the DMV can seem that way. More like day on the DMZ. For me, I readied myself for almost a month between getting my driver's license renewal…

On the 2024 British Election

Yeah, yeah, I know the Tories are out, Labour won big time and Keir Starmer is the new PM and at home at 10 Downing Street. Starmer called for “Change.” That’s what voters clearly wanted…

Old Mole Comes Back

Reds — the title of Warren Beatty’s Bohemian/Bolshevik love story that features John Reed and Louise Bryant — is also the title of Maurice Isserman’s new book subtitled, “The Tragedy of American Communism.” Issermam is…

‘Slow March’ To Division

There was a time in the good ol’ USA when manufacturing was booming, factories were humming and workers were making things on assembly lines. “Things” weren’t all that workers were making, because money was also…

The Fourth of July, 2024

Once upon a time, there was America, and it was great, or at least that's what my teachers taught. Then I grew up, and one by one over the decades of my life, the grand…

SF Restaurants (Mostly) Suck

I grew up with restaurants and in restaurants and luxuriated in the romance of restaurants in New York, London, Mexico City and elsewhere. My lawyer father had clients who owned restaurants and so we ate…

Sad Day By The Bay

Willie Mays. Was there ever a better name for a ball player? Willie Mays. Just the mention of his name brings a smile to all, even Dodger fans. Willie Mays. I grew-up in SoCal in…

The Non-Great Debate Debacle

“Are you going to watch the debate?” Yes, I replied, I feel I have to. It’s probably going to be a big deal. But I have such trepidation about it, even dread. I don’t think…

Chapter Two: Rainbow Finds A Home In The Valley

To begin, let me report that after submitting the previous Rainbow story to the Advertiser, it occurred to me that I had not asked the interviewee the origins of his pseudonymous moniker. One windless spring…

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