Like the boy who cried wolf, U. S. Senator Bernie Sanders has long blamed oligarchs for weakening our democracy. Of late, his prognostications ring true.  Vast fortunes concentrated in the hands of large corporations and a few individuals have weakened the middle class, leading the

A gentleman at my retirement facility returned from a visit with friends in Australia recently.  One of his hosts took him to a remote part of the country where they were joined by others who were his host’s friends.  As might be expected, the conversation turned to American polit

As a writer, I read voraciously. Anyone who claims to be a writer but reads little is delusional. Each journey through another person’s mind is a data point that increases our knowledge. Failing to keep up with new ideas invites trouble. For example, a woman on Facebook referred to

  The month of May marks a new beginning for Just Read it and for me.  Just Read it is the 10 minute YouTube video program Susan Stoner and I have co-hosted over the last 4 years.  During each show, a Portland, Oregon author joined us to discuss a book from the New York Times B

On March 11, 1483, Charles VIII (the l’Affable) became king of France.  Only a handful of historians will remember the fact.  Far worse, to my thinking, is that a smaller number will note  I published my first blog, March 24, 2010.  Even so, I feel chuffed about the 9 year accom

I’m reading two books for an upcoming taping for Just Read It, a book review program fellow writer, Susan Stoner and I air on YouTube.  One book is a dystopian novel about life in a space ship after humans have destroyed planet earth, The Book Of Joan by Lidia Yuknavitch.  The sec

Susan Stoner and I have been producing, Just Read it, a 10 minute YouTube book review series for over two years.  When I first proposed it, I doubted Susan or her cameraman husband, George, would be keen.  But they agreed to give it a try, and we’ve been having fun ever since.  W

Let me tell you about my work day. I do so because I wish to make a point. My mornings begin at my computer, preferably before 10 am. I practice this ritual  7 days a week.  Monday through Friday,  I compose essays that will appear later as one of my blogs. Composing oc

I admit it, I’m an analog girl in a digital world.  Hiring a cab the other day, the company asked if I planned to pay with cash or plastic?  I have no idea why my method of payment matters.  Maybe the company sends old cars for people who still use cash.    The driver who picke

Since my brief hiatus in July, when I entertained a former student from South Africa, the last few weeks have been busy.  I taped 4 new episodes of Just Read It. (Click) That’s the ten minute book review program I co-host with Susan Stoner, author of the Sage Adair mystery series.