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Posts published in “Essays”

The Dry Year

Back about 1925 or so we had a dry year, the last I remember. It quit raining in February and it didn't rain again until the following December, after nearly a full year. It was…

Going Postal

“I claim there ain’t Another Saint As great as Valentine.” — Ogden Nash The notices currently taped to both sides of the glass doors of the Mendocino Post Office proclaim that starting February 14, 2012, our…

‘America’s Last Newspaper’

I decided to enroll in the journalism program at my alma mater, the University of California Santa Cruz, during the run-up to the invasion and occupation of Iraq, circa late 2002 and early 2003. UCSC…

Looking For James Dean

If you go, take a full day trip to go round trip. September is the best time to go. That's a qualified best time because it's the James Dean Memorial Junction — where State 46…

Something’s In The Air

Prison is a hustler's paradise where only the strong survive. It's full of buyers and sellers and everyone is a con-artist.

Election Industry In Crisis As Romney Romps Home

He stuck his foot in his mouth a couple of times in the final days, but on Tuesday millionaire Mormon Mitt Romney cantered past the winning post in the New Hamp­shire primary with 39% of…

Four Days On The Campaign Trail In 2012

When I picked up my press credential at St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, New Hampshire for the ABC News Republican Primary Debate on a clear Saturday night in January, I expected to be steered to…

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