About James Chandler

Since childhood in Minnesota, I've always been a keen observer of life. I like to capture natural beauty of granite mountains or a coastal shoreline with a camera. For the beauty of interpersonal exchanges, I use crafted words to capture the sweetness, nuance, irony, and humor of our existence. Yet I have procrastinated in creating stories behind the observations I see. First it was the need of a typewriter, or a computer, or a means of publishing, or just the race of providing for family through a corporate job. Now it is time to take what I capture, give it form and purpose, and publish it here for many to share and hopefully enjoy.

Girlfriends & Generalizations

He was taking a break, smoking a cigarette outside the tattoo parlor. I guessed he was one of the practicing artists, given his position and the number of tattoos on his head – and face! They came up his neck and onto his cheek: not just designs, but full facial … … more …

Guns & Roses

  “Can we go to Target today?” asked Louie. “I have money. I want to buy a Nerf Demolisher! Or maybe a Zombie Strike semi-automatic!” With talk of the gun culture in America, I’m thinking we should start with young boys Louie’s age: 11. He has opinions on semi- vs. … … more …

House Speaker Affirms Inaction

JCwire Washington, D.C. Newly elected House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-WI, reaffirmed his commitment to legislative inaction on Sunday. “We will not bring legislation to a President we don’t like. We will wait it out for one we do like, be it 2016, 2020, or 2024.” Confirming promises he made in … … more …

A Time for Plowshares

Every time we experience another gun-related tragedy, our national debate fails to find a simple answer. For the problem itself is anything but simple, layered in the complex psychology of the American mindset and history. The answer lies not in regulation or treatment of the mentally ill. The truth is, … … more …

Berkeley To Remove Political Science From Curricula

Jcwire, Berkeley, CA Citing an irreconcilable lack of actual science in use by current politicians, UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks announced the removal of Political Science from the academic curricula. “American politics has abandoned all semblance of scientific study and logic. Until we can decide whether to place it elsewhere, … … more …

Pistachio Lemon Glazeé

This culinary adventure started the way of many such calamities: my wife had an idea. “I’m going to make a lemon desert with the Meyer Lemons from our tree.” “Sounds good, honey,” I replied, careful not to be too enthusiastic lest I get enlisted to help. With company due to … … more …

House Bill to Accelerate Depreciation of Labor

  JCwire Washington, D.C. Today the House passed a bill allowing accelerated depreciation of corporate labor assets. Citing the increased deterioration of the labor pool, Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-TX and head of the Financial Services Committee said, “American workers have performed well in our economic recovery. But higher productivity has … … more …

Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Claus

Santa as she

I don’t know why it never occurred to me. I mean, I studied Spanish in High School. I married a Cuban. I conversed with “mi suegra” – my mother-in-law – who spoke no English. Lived in San Francisco, and San Mateo; worked in Santa Clara. “San” … “Santa” … it … … more …

Chocklee! Your Smile Awaits You!

Feeling drab? Somber? As if life is overwhelming? It’s time for Chocklee! – a mild mood enhancer approved by the FDA. Numerous studies over decades have shown that occasional use of Chocklee (also known by the brand name Hershey’s Chocolate) elevates one’s mood, calms nerves, decreases anxiety, and enhances one’s … … more …

A Husband’s Response

I came for two things so I skipped the shopping cart route; now I had an armful of produce and staples. How does that always happen? I couldn’t hold anything more. But wait: my wife had asked for something else. What was it? Oh yea, shredded mozzarella cheese for her … … more …