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By the very definition of the word, most of us are “average,” neither achieving the heights of greatness, fame and riches, nor falling into homelessness or a “crime-that-doesn’t- pay” lifestyle. Averageness can be quantified: average height, average weight, average earnings — but “ordinariness” is a state of mind.

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CalMatters is a Sacramento-based nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. It works with more than 130 media partners throughout the state that have long, deep relationships with their local audiences, including Embarcadero Media.