Conscription is over! What began as early as the Civil War ended in 1973—or did it? Uncle Sam may not be tapping anyone on the shoulder, but God has a way of "drafting us” when he wants our help.

My nephew is famous. I don’t put that fact on parade, but he is. Anthony Kiedis is the lead singer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a group that has sold millions of albums.

Power takes many forms.

I feel like Flat Stanley! Stanley Lambchop was an ordinary boy until he was flattened one night when a bulletin board hanging over his bed fell on him. This unusual turn of events enabled the fictitious Stanley to slide under doors and travel cross country through the mail.

It is Wednesday night in Cali. We drive down crowded streets. Two lanes accommodate three vehicles. Automobiles, bicycles, and a swarm of motorcycles all vie for space.