Last week my neighbor had a break in, and someone stole their son's laptop. I live behind them, by the alley. I just came home and found a man standing in the alley by my apt., drinking a beer. He had a back pack, was wearing shades, a grey sweatshirt, and long dark pants. He has a moustache, a suntanned complexion, and his hair is a dark sandy brown. And he was talking on a cell phone. As soon as I drove up, he and his beer walked to Coal, heading westbound. After a few blocks, he cut into…

I just got back from the post office, where I had a notice in my PO Box that I have a package for pickup. I took the notice and got into the looooonnnnggggg line winding through the lobby. At a time when the institution we call the U.S. mail is sinking faster than one can say "Titanic," I can't help but see the obvious reasons why, especially during the busiest time of their year. First, there was the usual "one" employee working behind the counter, helping us each one by one. I don't blame…