Fireflies and Sugar Cream Pies

He was a little guy, five years old maybe, and I know his name was Carson because all around, people were calling out “Go Carson!” as he was shaking his butt on the concrete pad that doubled for a dance floor. Carson was wearing a safety orange t-shirt and yellow sound protecting headphones, but he …


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New Story in the SF Chronicle

To convert the cargo pod – the penthouse – into a bedroom, you push a button. The lid tilts open like a giant clamshell. In the San Leandro lot, I eyed the ladder and the tent suspiciously, then crab-legged my way up. It was surprisingly comfortable and well ventilated, but the entry and exit scared me. …


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Sleeping through the War

When I was 17, I boarded an airplane for Tel Aviv. I have a vague memory of a group leader, a better memory of my fellow teenaged travelers, and an even better memory still of the night I watched the sky light up along the horizon from the balcony of an Israeli family’s apartment in …


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Back on World Hum

I’ve always had a soft spot for World Hum, they published my first travel story, after all. I submitted it not knowing I would not get paid — a mistake I’ve only made one time. A year later, maybe two, they sent me a check for that first story — and they’ve run a few …


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No More Ramones

Chuck Ts are made in China Dee Dee is long gone Hippie’s kids have trust funds I’m drinking coffee at dawn When I learn that there are No more Ramones.   College friends with cancer Trying to survive They have a fighting chance now But it ate Johnny alive And then we learn that there …


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A Grand Canyon Story

I was so delighted to go to the Grand Canyon to work on this story, it was a dream assignment. And it felt like everyone I met was in on making the day be nothing short of perfect. America’s National Park’s… there’s nothing better. That’s my story, I’m sticking to it, thanks, Teddy. This grab-and-go …


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