Happy 20th, Dylan!

(Photos by Julia)

My youngest son left his teenage years behind as he turned 20 today...we took him out to a fancy restaurant in the neighborhood and I got him some more vinyl records for his new collection.

I love you, Dyl!

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Glacier

Aidan and Zaira are visiting this beautiful and endangered park on spring break.

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Pumpkin, 2000-2016 R.I.P.

Last night, my younger kids' beloved cat, Pumpkin, died. Dylan and Julia were with her as she passed away.

It is so hard for kids when these things happen, but of course it is also an opportunity to experience grief -- something we almost all have to experience on more profound levels than losing a pet.

Still, I am very sad for my kids tonight and I know what an important part of the family Pumpkin was for almost 16 years. I doubt either of the younger two can remember life before her. *Maybe* Aidan can.

She was a friendly cat, plump and always hungry. Just last Saturday, when the family was out of town, I went over to replenish the water supply for her and their younger cat, Ghoasty.

Pumpkin came running down the stairs to greet me and beg for food. Given her large belly and full food bowl, I gave her water instead.

Goodbye Pumpkin. I, too, loved you.

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Weird Things Happen

Last night, walking home, a pigeon almost hit me in the head as it was flying from York to Mariposa Street. I don't think that has ever happened before, and my pigeon expert, Dylan, said that it seemed weird.

Trump and Clinton lost Wisconsin yesterday. The races seem to be tightening up now, and Trump may have peaked.

Stay tuned.

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Political Update

As Trump's campaign appears to be possibly imploding, the Wisconsin primary looms this coming week. There are a couple of dynamics at play here. It appears, if you believe the polls, that Cruz may win and Kasich may do quite well, while Trump may lose a key state in the Midwest.

Meanwhile, Clinton seems to be feeling the heat from Sanders in Wisconsin, Here is what I think about that. Clinton is probably going to clinch the nomination, but the longer Sanders sticks around the better.

Why? Because he is raising the issues that progressives need to see discussed. So if Bernie wins Wisconsin, that would be a good thing for Democrats.

What strikes me about this election cycle is that there is no overwhelmingly attractive candidate in either party; at least not running for the nominations.

So what is preventing brilliant, creative people from seeking the highest office in the land -- and the world?

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Campaign Update

Well, Trump may have reached his ceiling. His comments on abortion this week have showed him to be uncertain how to answer questions on a core issue for Republicans. One way or another, his unfavorable ratings among women are so high, it is difficult to see how he can be elected President at this point.

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Green Room

Here is what the space looks like where we welcome guests to KQED for Forum, Newsroom and our other shows.

I spend a fair amount of time in here on Fridays talking with guests. We have a good TV show tonight airing at 8 p.m. and available online very soon.

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