Reading Orwell’s 1984 In 2024
Thursday, March 07 2024
The question is: how prophetic was Orwell? What does he say to us in the age of “fake news” and “alternative facts”?
- Published in Books
Fort Dilts, North Dakota — Video Dispatch
Friday, February 09 2024
Clay takes us to Fort Dilts, North Dakota, a hastily-made sod fort built in 1864 by a party of would-be gold miners to fend off attacks by the Lakota. However more perspectives to the story should be considered.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
On Oppenheimer — Video Dispatch
Monday, February 05 2024
Clay reads from an essay about Robert Oppenheimer by the author Richard Rhodes.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Sports as American Metaphor
Tuesday, January 30 2024
The Super Bowl has become an unofficial American holiday. Though it may not be as important as Christmas or the Fourth of July it fixes everyone in the country on a single monumental event.
- Published in Features
Henry Kissinger
Monday, December 11 2023
Adviser to half a dozen presidents, especially Nixon, Kissinger was the only individual ever to serve as secretary of state (1973-77) and national security adviser (1969-75) at the same time.
- Published in Features
Rosalynn Carter
Sunday, December 03 2023
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter didn’t possess the glamour of the Kennedys, or the charisma and ambition of the Clintons, yet Rosalynn Carter stood out as one of the strongest first ladies in American history. Assertive and impactful, she rightfully takes her place alongside Eleanor Roosevelt.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
My Father: A Reminiscence at 30 Years
Sunday, November 05 2023
My father’s birthday was November 1st. He died at 67, 30 years ago. But he has not faded in my heart and soul.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Exclusive! Inside John Steinbeck’s famous Travels with Charley Truck Camper, Rocinante
Tuesday, October 10 2023
Clay, was the featured speaker at The National Steinbeck Center’s 25th anniversary and wrangled a rare visit inside the writer’s famous rig.
- Published in Features
Sancho Panza and Rocinante Ride Again! Video Dispatch
Wednesday, September 27 2023
Next spring Clay will begin a two-year journey following John Steinbeck’s Travels With Charley trek across America.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Slings and Arrows of Teaching Shakespeare
Thursday, September 07 2023
One Florida school system will only allow classroom study of excerpts from some Shakespeare plays in its high school curriculum because it is afraid they will violate the new state laws forbidding the inclusion of taboo issues in the curriculum.
- Published in Features