Filling in the gaps left by the mainstream media . . . so they don’t have to.
California, Explained for Newcomers
California is often described as a model of compassion, innovation, and progressive governance. It is celebrated as a place where good intentions are not just declared, but are system policy. Here, the…
Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall…A modern riddle of ambition, image, and the illusions of power
The riddle unveils Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. Known to the world largely through her marriage to Prince Harry, she appears to savor the royal spotlight and the distinction that accompanies it.…
The Twelve Months of Democrats 2025 (Parody Song)
Note: In 2025, the Democrats gave us . . . a lot to talk about! This political parody song is set to the final stanza of the classic carol “The Twelve Days…
A Disclaimer You’ll Never Receive From XYZ University (But Probably Should)
Dear Prospective Student, We’re thrilled you’re considering joining our ranks in animation, gaming, or visual effects (VFX). Truly, there’s nothing quite like spending countless hours rendering cloth sims, tweaking hair, or savoring…
When Inclusion Erases Women: Sex‑Based Spaces, Youth Gender Medicine, and the New Politics of “Care”
There was a time when gyms were about barbells, treadmills, and the quiet pretense of stretching while scrolling on your phone. But in contemporary California, the state that never tires of reinventing…
Tea, Wit, and Murder: Escaping American Television Through British Mysteries
When I first started working in neurosurgery research in the early 1990s, I was young, slightly clever, and very naive. The residents and fellows were kind enough, but they never let me…
No Kings in Academia: Restoring Integrity and Pluralism in Higher Education
Universities are supposed to be marketplaces of ideas, but today too many behave more like ideological monarchies. Conservative voices are sidelined, controversial speakers are blocked, and funding can hinge on ideological loyalty.…
The California Flock Is Taking Flight. Should America Worry?
Former staffers have described Katie Porter as a demanding boss, with some alleging that she berated employees to tears. In one instance, she reportedly demoted a Navy veteran after blaming the staffer…
Inside Out Odyssey 