Shaenon: At long last, we found Emperor Norton’s grave!  Previous visitors had left flowers and tribute, including…a hat.  And some coins.  And a can of tuna?

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We left fifty cents, the traditional tax levied by the Emperor whenever he needed lunch money.

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I’m glad I visited, because otherwise I wouldn’t have learned that buried directly in front of Emperor Norton is Empress Norton.

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Jose Sarria, a.k.a. Empress Norton, was a longtime San Francisco activist and founder of the Imperial Council of San Francisco, a charity organization founded in honor of Joseph Norton and composed largely of drag queens.  Many other members of the Imperial Court are buried near Emperor Norton, or have spaces reserved.

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If this doesn’t make you love the Bay Area, I have no hope for you.  Sorry you missed the excitement, Jeff.

Channing: As am I.  This sounds like it was a rocktacular research visit.  Can you believe I didn’t even know about this guy before writing “Skin Horse”?  Truly, one of the great Americans.