Some years in the past, I ran a blog for the Los Angeles Times' community news in Orange County. I titled it Modern Times, after the Charlie Chaplin movie (my regular column in the paper, likewise, was called City Lights), and it ran during a heady series of news events: Barack Obama's election, the passage of Proposition 8, the death of Michael Jackson, and more.

The blog no longer exists, and I haven't run one since then. So I am looking forward to launching a new one on this site. In terms of subject matter, I will keep it loose and varied. On this scroll in the years to come, you may find commentaries on poems, informal book reviews, possibly even detailed analyses of the art and influence of Charlie Chaplin. However, I know the pitfalls of some blogs and social media pages, so I promise not to use this space for the following:

1) Incessant griping. As much as I understand the value of blowing off steam, I grow exasperated by people who insist on broadcasting their latest flat tire, migraine headache, spousal argument or the like to the entire world. For that matter, I will not take up this space ranting about which political candidate or party I can't stand.

2) Personal reality programming. You have those Facebook friends, no doubt, who bombard your screen six times a day with photos of their latest restaurant meal, walk on the beach, binge-watching marathon, and so on. I promise to better respect your time and patience.

That said, I do plan to post my latest entries on social media -- and I will welcome any comments you have. Writing, after all, is about communication, and one of the perks of the modern era is the ease with which we can make our voices heard. Some of my own favorite pieces in recent years have simply been articles posted (or books self-published) by beloved friends. I hope you enjoy reading my musings as well. See you in cyberspace!