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Posts published in “Essays”

The Floodgate, almost 50 years ago…Open Every Day [1975]

Floodgate, like history, is Open Every Day. From anywhere in the Valley, you go “down to Floodgate.” Whether you need something as prosaic as flypaper or sublime as white redwood, chances are good you'll leave…

A Christmas I’ve Already Forgotten

Well that was a Christmas not to remember.  First there weren’t any presents under the tree that I didn’t put up in the living room, and I remembered to not decorate it without any ornaments. …

Let’s Pretend the Truth Really Matters

Seen you in the supermarket you and Lily Tomlin got a big hit and leaning in for Hillary I ain't surprised not one little bit Jane like stalkin' my mind from time to time Can't…

Maestro Mania

The essential trait shared by creators of movies and symphonies is vanity. Neither form of expression would exist without the unshakeable belief of the director or composer that the entire concert hall or cinema audience,…

My Uncle’s War

In my childhood, I was surrounded by evidence that there was something very important going on. Down half a block and around the corner a series of flags began to appear in front windows. Eventually…

When Kosher Wine Started in NorCal

Peg Melnik wrote an excellent article on the Barron Herzog Wines several weeks ago in the Press Democrat. She included some of the history of the Herzog Family starting in 1840. I am going to…

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