Holiday Present My mom told me she’s a lesbian and it rained for a week, not because she told me she’s a lesbian but because sometimes it just rains like that in December, when families get together around nine shining candles or one electrified tree or whatever they light

Do you think the world is going to end in 2012? I look over at the young Italian woman who asked the question, thinking she’s joking. But by the look in her eyes, I know she’s dead serious. And I can’t say I blame her, given our surroundings.

                                [This piece originally appeared in the December issue of The Progressive magazine] Whoever said sports and politics don’t mix should come spend a Sunday in the Bay Area. Meet me here near the Golden Gate…