Paul Collins is an Associate Professor in Portland State University's MFA program, and his books include The Murder of the Century and Banvard's Folly. He also appears on NPR Weekend Edition as their resident “literary detective," and edits the Collins Library series for McSweeney's Books. Defunct in his life: a Western Electric model 302 phone, still functioning but useless in a touch tone world. Its bell still gives a ghostly ring whenever he thumps his desk to emphasize a point.