The Merc website is currently running an opinion piece titled Bill, life will change in Hillaryland (free registration required).

The really interesting thing is the byline:

By Joe Blow
San Jose Mercury News

Because what this is, is Maureen Dowd’s syndicated column, dated the 4th on the NYT website, where it’s titled Fireworks for Former First Lady and Future First Lad. Behind firewall of course. That’s why syndicated columns that run in print rarely appear on the Merc website; it obviously would undercut the NYT’s ability to charge for the stuff.

My theory is it has something to do with this:

The newspaper plans to eliminate about 40 of the editorial department’s 240 full-time positions beginning July 2.

Looks to me like a prank by an ex-employee, and someone should have changed the passwords sooner. It’s still up right now but I’m sure it can’t last long. (yes I took screenshots). But I’m telling the blogosphere before I tell either the Merc or NYT. Enjoy!