How does someone like Donald Trump become president of the United States? How does someone without political experience, establishment support, or detailed plans win an election? How does someone turn back the will of the majority with a minority of support?

I was thinking about this when Dave Pell asked a question on Twitter:

I wanted to find just that article to read later while taking out some frustrations on a treadmill, but I failed. I’m not a historian. Or an expert it geopolitics. …

Step one: Review your summons.

If you are especially busy at work, struggling with a parenting issue, or need to follow a specific exercise plan, your summons will be for two weeks, not one.

Step two: Alert your employer.

The person directly responsible for approving your paycheck will explain how she or he was able to avoid jury duty by simply repeating lines from Donald Trump’s stump speech. However, this may illegal. Do your civic duty and honor your summons.

Step three: Arrive early.

Metal detectors are tuned to pick up elevated levels of iron in your blood, so you may need extra time for pat down. Ask for a shiatsu.

Step four: Proof your questionnaire.

AP style is fine for most courts. Use active verbs. Avoid florid prose. And use proofreading marks to correct any unnecessary quotation marks or capitalization on the form itself. …

IN 1984, I was a freshman at Sam Barlow High School. It was a big year for me. I almost started making eye contact with girls for the first time. The Cold War was hot. “Nineteen Eighty-Four” was required reading. And there was a kiosk at the local Fred Meyer that, for a buck (if I recall), would play a music video. I bought two views: “Modern Love” by David Bowie and “Little Red Corvette” by Prince.

Looking back after Prince’s death this week, I believe 1984 was pop culture’s greatest year. Ever. …