I have many items on my parenting agenda. I take the mission seriously. But I’m always careful to make those agenda points seem as if they arose from circumstance rather than carefully-planned Powerpoint slides.
Category: extended status update
Dec 16
I Salivate (Like A Pavlov Dog)
Every writer can get into bad habits, but just remember what your best English teachers (mine were Mrs. McGovern, Mr. Molleur, Miss Hallissy, Mr. Kealy, Ms. Hylen, and Professor Goldstein) told you: Think about what you write so that you’re not writing anything unnecessary.
Oct 01
A Visit to L.A. County Men’s Central Jail
As you are well aware, I stay away from seedy things. But today Seedy took a bus to me.
Aug 29
You Are Personally Responsible for Being Poor
In the wake of a fast food workers’ strike demanding a $15-an-hour wage, one of the best weapons in the fight against such an increase is successful people who feel they’ve made it on their own.
Aug 24
Hair Cutting in America
“This secondary skull coating displeases me,” I tell my barber. “I’d like you to remove it.” “Have a seat,” he says. Earlier I’d looked in the rear-view mirror and saw a combination of Richard Brautigan and The Dude looking back at me. I thought, “I would not hire me. I look like I’m a writer-in-residence …
Aug 17
Socialized Medicine: Friendbloat No Longer Curable with Facebook Decimation
When Langston Hughes wrote “I loved my friend/He went away from me/There’s nothing more to say/The poem ends/Soft as it began/I loved my friend,” he had it easy.