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CHARLES H. AND LITTLE AUGUST
Over the years I have introduced you, my readers, to the various members of my family. In total, there were eight children. Martha and Ruth, born in 1920 and 1924, were probably stillbirths. That was a subject that the children were never encouraged to ask about. Also in 1924 there was the death of my…
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SATAN
At the moment, we are concerned – or at least the Republicans are concerned – with the outcome of the presidential nominating process. The early leaders in the Republican primary contest have largely dropped out, leaving only four people. There is the favorite, Mitt Romney. He is being challenged closely by Rick Santorum. Then we…
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GOD IS A REPUBLICAN
I have never been known for clear thinking on ecclesiastical matters. As a matter of fact, I am perhaps the last one to catch on to the fact that God is a Republican. I could have deduced that from my own reasoning, but a cloud of uncertainty hung over my identifying the Republican Party and…
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THE POPE’S BUTLER
Those of you who follow the news from abroad or, more specifically, from Vatican City may be aware that the Pope’s butler is in a heap of trouble. Apparently the Pope’s butler, who has access to the body of His Holiness, was alleged to be the person who has leaked salacious gossip to the Italian…
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VATICAN LULLABIES
The title of this essay suggests that it will be about the Catholic Church. At the outset, it should be stated that the author of this essay, who is also the editor of Ezra’s Essays, is not a Catholic and has no intention of becoming one in the near future. But in this essay, I…
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BOA CONSTRICTORS AND OTHER REPTILES
This is my first essay post partum my 90th birthday. I had meant to dictate it much earlier, but there was the painting of the outside of the house, which was being done by a fellow who was in imminent danger of being self deported. By this time, I assume that he is safely back…
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DID THE WELSH THROW IN THE TOWEL WITH THE BRITS?
The title of this essay may arouse some question. This essay is about the Welsh people who are my fellow Celts. It is also about a boxing term having to do with throwing in the towel. When there are two fighters involved in a boxing match, there are occasions when one fighter may have beaten…
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HOW DUMB, DUMB, DUMB CAN A MAN BE?
Sunday mornings around this household are a leisurely affair. They consist primarily of my having my weekly cup of decaffeinated coffee but mostly of listening to the talk shows which dominate Sunday morning television. Obviously I cannot see the images on the screen but I follow the dialogue with considerable interest. Last Sunday, which was…
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THE REVERSE LAYAWAY PLAN AND OTHER INDIGNITIES
As I was showering this afternoon, some bizarre thoughts entered my mind. It is fairly clear to me now that as we advance into old age, a role reversal becomes more apparent. Let us take the example of major league baseball players who are performing at a plateau of considerable excellence. When that excellence begins…
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SO ENDETH THE LONG NIGHT
As you know, baseball is played largely in the summertime. The greediness of the owners has extended the baseball season until November arrives. I deplore all of that. But to get to the point of this monumental essay, it has been the better part of four or five months since a Major League Baseball game…