The current NFL champions are the New Orleans Saints. But thirty years ago, they were horrible. The team’s play was so embarrassing that when a local sportscaster recommended fans wear bags over their heads at home games, thousands responded. The bag-head protesters became known as the “Aints.”

The practice of fans wearing bags to express discontent with especially poor performing sports teams has now become a custom throughout the United States.  Read more >>

In Sacramento, what’s old is new again. It’s like Jackie Goldberg, the bombastic Assembly member who termed out in 2006, never left.

In July of 2003 eleven of the most radical members of the Assembly, known as the “progressive caucus,” met to discuss the budget stalemate.

In private conversation these lawmakers strategized on how a delay in passing the budget could help a government employee union sponsored initiative that would lower the two-thirds vote to pass both the budget and tax increases.  Read more >>

While many Californians are taking a summer vacation, few would do so if it meant leaving a mission critical task undone or, worse, violated the law. But that is what California legislators are doing right now. The Legislature is on its summer break -- although in an effort to improve their image, Senate leader Darrell Steinberg tells his flock to be available within 24 hours notice, if needed.  Read more >>

Imagine walking through a California public school and hearing the voices of students singing “I am special” to the tune of “Frere Jacques.” One might look through the classroom window expecting to see kindergartners about to enjoy Graham crackers and milk -- or perhaps a more politically correct snack.

Now back to real life, where singing choruses of self-affirming music, such as “I Am Special” is part of the curriculum in a college course called “Self Esteem” taught at CSU Fresno.  Read more >>

It’s an American tradition to gather with family and friends on the 4th of July. A barbecue, a picnic, a trip to a beach or park, or just a modest
family get-together, are all appropriate ways to celebrate our nation’s independence.  Read more >>