In prison, 22 months is no easy walk in the park
GREG BEAN Coda
      So, our old friend John Merla, the corrupt former mayor of Keyport, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison last week. And just in time for Halloween, too. If you're a Keyportian, you couldn't ask for a better addition to your Fright Night goodie bag. Much better than a toothbrush, or even a nice, big Butterfinger.
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He's home in body, but not in spirit
LORI CLINCH Are We There Yet?
      Vernon, our eldest son, came home from college this past weekend. Sadly enough, Vernon is not much for phone calls or any other form of familial communications. Simply put, the kid doesn't call his mother.
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Who gets a $1.5 million party for their birthday?
DAVE SIMPSON & GREG BEAN Red State/Blue State
      This week we are starting a new occasional feature, a political discussion between Red State conservative Dave Simpson - a former reporter, editor, publisher and columnist - and Greg Bean,
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