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Posts published in “Essays”

Field Notes From The Northcoast Outback

Superbowl Invitation This is an outrage, this is a crime against nature: We have Carl here, a big sports fan who has humbly just listened…

The Devil In The Hole

The devil introduced himself to me one fine spring day in the American River canyon just below the town of Auburn.  Back in the early…

Your Health Is Overrated

You hear a lot of advice about health as you go through the years, some of it true.  You also hear a lot of guff.…

My Dirty Laundry

Well, that's a mistake I hope I never make again: I left a marking pen in a shirt pocket in the wash and now I…

Death, & How We’ll Profit From It

Went to a funeral in Ukiah and most attendees were leaning heavily toward 80 years old. Don’t know how many made it back home from…

Skid Row [1938]

“What're you doing down here on Skid Row, Willie! Did your old man finally kick you out?” “No, I'm still living at home. I've got…

Horse Soldiers [1937]

If you have the time, and the cavalry has all the time in the world, there's no better way to learn how to ride a…

Concourse Contours: Satchmo & the Max Roach Centenary

Louis Armstrong’s trumpet sighs and pleads in counterpoint with the airport announcements. The melody is barely audible but still unmistakable above the thunderous whisper of…

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