Day #17: Manifesto

With a scratch, the ink was laid into the paper. “A Manifesto.” The author leaned back, reflecting on the possibilities. He would write a manifesto, a screed, a call to arms. First, he had to begin by stating the problem: “We are an ancient people. Our traditions and cultures have survived for thousands of years.… Continue reading Day #17: Manifesto

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ADMIN: Comment Moderation

Due to an offensive comment on the Dr. Rajiv Chaudry story (which I discovered I could not delete), I have added comment moderation. I was hoping not to have to do this. When commenting, keep in mind that this is meant to be a fun blog. Yes, there is a political tint to parts of it… Continue reading ADMIN: Comment Moderation

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Day #16: The Cult

Zachary Yarba sat at his desk, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. A small desk lamp illuminated his workspace. The darkness outside was just beginning to lift. As his brown eyes scanned the pages of the book in front of him, his hands scribbled away at a small notebook to his side. Occasionally, he would run his fingers through… Continue reading Day #16: The Cult

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Day #15: The Perfect Weapon

The modest house at 1953 Pine St. in Elk Grove was like any other house on the block. A ranch built in the post-war period, it had the same off-white aluminum siding as all of its neighbors. A tidy and perfectly squared-off lawn led to a small staircase, a tiny porch, and a plain white… Continue reading Day #15: The Perfect Weapon

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Day #14: Specialists

It’s funny how things connect. Looking back and seeing the progressions is easy, it is what I do. But looking forward is impossible. Take me as an example: I was born a poor African in the old Portuguese colony of Sao Tome & Principe – a dot of a state off the coast of Africa.… Continue reading Day #14: Specialists

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Day #13: Family

“What the hell are we doing back here?” My wife’s jet black air surrounded a soft face, that at this moment was burning with anger. Her question wasn’t unexpected. “What were we supposed to do?” I demanded. We were unwrapping our stuff from the trip. “Were we just supposed to wave goodbye as everybody headed… Continue reading Day #13: Family

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ADMIN: Updated Story

I just cleaned up Howitt (I was up a little late) and I made a number of small but important changes to Waking Up.

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Day #12: Howitt

It is December 31st, 2009, and, of course, I’m travelling. I’ve got a long connection in Denver Airport. It is New Year’s Eve and I don’t have my family, and so I decide to take a seat in the closest Airport bar. I drudge into the bar, with its modular sports-themed decorations. I sit at… Continue reading Day #12: Howitt

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Day #11: Waking Up

I hate waking up. You’re there, sleeping peacefully, enjoying wonderful dreams. Your wife is tucked up next to you and your infant daughter is snoring away in the room next door. The morning light comes through the windows and the alarm clock goes off – and all you want to do is enjoy a little… Continue reading Day #11: Waking Up

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Day #10: Siren's Call

I set up my tripod carefully. I get behind the video camera and turn it on. The couple is perfectly in frame. I give a thumbs up and the woman smiles in that grandmotherly way that says she’s enjoying helping a youngster like me out a bit. She is helping me out. This is an interview… Continue reading Day #10: Siren's Call

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