When I was a tween I had a lot of friends who were really into World War II. They really liked looking over the battles and tanks and weapons, but when I asked them about the war’s history they couldn’t tell me much. So, when I was thirteen years old, I forced myself to read …
Trump and the N-Word Tape: Why it Matters
Amid all of the Trump Twitter rants and various 45 scandals and controversies is the revitalized subject of the Trump N-word tape, a topic that came to light before the election. True enough, the mention of a tape of him using the N-word was at rumor stage before the election, but it keeps coming back …
Race Report: The Humboldt Bay Marathon
Last Sunday I ran the Humboldt Bay Marathon in Eureka, California. It was my 27th marathon overall since I ran my first marathon back in 2009. This marathon was also unique for me in several ways. It was the first time I ran a marathon in August, it was the first time I ran a …
Why I don’t Celebrate Father’s Day
My father died several years ago, but I did not bother telling very many people. Because they would always say “I’m so sorry.” And my response would be, “Don’t be. We weren’t very close.” Which is the very polite, watered-down answer. My father was a very selfish and angry man who never stopped taking out …
Loneliness of the Slow Long Distance Runner
I am a long distance runner. I run three to four marathons a year, along with half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, and the occasional Ragnar Relay. Since 2009, when I ran my first marathon in San Francisco, I’ve run a total of twenty five marathons. On my bucket list is a twelve month span in which …
Origami
“You don’t have to clean out your car you know.” “Yes I do.” He pulled into the do-it-yourself car washing lot and parked by the vacuum machine. “I just want to vacuum it.” “Fine. I’ll go smoke a cigarette,” said Donna. “Can you help me clear out the car first?” They were in North Oakland, …
Facebook: The Herald of Death, Driven by the well-meaning yet reckless.
What is it about the passing of a friend or family member that makes some people reach out on social media with abandon? Such is the world where individuals can exercise the power of mass media. Facebook is a very effective way of disseminating information, which can very much be a good thing. Old friends …
Race Report – The California International Marthon – 2017
Last Sunday I ran the California International Marathon. It was my fourth marathon this year, my 24th marathon overall, and my eighth CIM! I am more familiar with the CIM than any other marathon. And I can tell you that even though it is a pleasant course, it is sometimes plagued with bad weather. Not …
Hot Dog Diner in Los Angeles
An excerpt from my novel in progress, What the Hell ever Happened to Yuri Rozhenko? She had to stop by again. She couldn’t help herself. Feeling almost like a junky who should know better, she went home via Garcia street, knowing what was on the way. It was a small place, designed like one of …
Ode to a Guy I Met Once – Gabby of the Cadillac Tramps
The Cadillac Tramps documentary Life on the Edge is premiering next week in Los Angeles! My girlfriend Shannon asked me if I had ever seen the Cadillac Tramps. And I had to admit, my answer was rather embarrassing. “…I might have.” The thing is, back in my bacchanalian days I saw tons of shows. I …