Even if you didn’t go to high school in the United States, you are familiar with the concept of cheerleaders. Pleated skirts, pom-poms, and all the stereotypes. I know some of our high school’s cheerleaders, and I can tell you those stereotypes aren’t true. Several cheerleaders were honor students. One…

More than enough has been said about the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel in the live-action The Little Mermaid. …

Much has already been said about the life and death of Queen Elizabeth II. But I want to talk about what it means to live a life of consequence. It is exceedingly rare to live as long and have as much global influence as Queen Elizabeth. Yet, this is the…

It has been two and a half years since I’ve worked in the office. I’m returning as part of a hybrid program where I work part of the week there and the rest at home. My feelings about this are mixed. I miss interacting face-to-face with my colleagues. Some of…

A while ago, I answered the question, “Why don’t they just get a Tesla?” And I showed why that question is problematic. But now, EVs are part of a nationwide push. Here in California, they want to ban the sale of gas-powered motor vehicles by 2035. Automotive makers are already…

Like most Angel fans, I was excited to hear the team might be sold. We hope a new owner can restore our beloved Halos to their winning ways and stop wasting generational talents like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. There is no way I could ever buy a baseball team…

In Christina’s Portrait, I developed a minor character who is someone I fundamentally disagree with, but someone who is sympathetic. This character, Ray Davis, is the brother of one of my main characters, Noreen. He proves to be important because he brings my other main character, Benicia, closer to Noreen…

In these crazy times, even good news can make us nervous. When we gain victories, we worry they might be taken away. Seeing the schoolyard bullies who never grew up facing consequences can make us fearful of more dangers ahead. As always, I turn to music for comfort and inspiration…

I was excited to hear about the new reality show for writers, America’s Next Great Author. (I wished the reality competition for public speakers, The Messengers, went somewhere.) Judging from what I’ve seen so far, it sounds like America’s Next Great Author will take writing seriously. At least, I hope…