Probably the last place I thought I’d ever end up visiting was Portugal. Whoever hears anything about Portugal? Our visits to Spain had imparted a great respect for the Spanish people and their culture, giving me a kind of bias against Portugal as an Iberian also-ran. Then there was the language. “Everyone” says that PortugueseContinue reading “Ah, Porto”
Category Archives: Archive
This Ain’t Really Our Lives
The title of this piece is taken from the words of my oft-mentioned guru, Gil Scott-Heron, possibly at the top of the list of American poets, since he delivered the real, instead of the metaphorical. First performed in 1981, I hope you’ll take the time to listen to this masterpiece.It’s a mere 12 minutes. But,Continue reading “This Ain’t Really Our Lives”
On Kipling
A bit of wine and re-watching my late sister’s Brattleboro, Vermont memorial gathering video has inspired me to write about Rudyard Kipling. For Christmas past I asked for and received a collection of his poetry, all 831 pages of it. Not sure where that amount of love of Kipling came from. Perhaps it was aContinue reading “On Kipling”
Commonly Asked Questions
Recently, after an anomaly with our email “client” (I’m not sure that’s the right term, but “they” really like to use it on the internet), I went to Proton Mail’s help site and gave a detailed account in my plea for an explanation. As always, the first response was to refer me to an online list of “CommonlyContinue reading “Commonly Asked Questions”
The White Knight
In a recent motorcycle magazine article (Keystone MC Press, March 2025) I wrote of my infatuation with my current bike, a 2009 BMW F800ST. In that piece I mentioned that it was my second BMW, and that I had amazed myself that I’d ever buy another of that marque after that first Beemer experience. ThatContinue reading “The White Knight”
Open Letter
Following is a letter I posted today to our new US Senator, Dave McCormick:
In My Cups 2.28.25
Sorry. I’m a little drunk. And will get drunker while writing this. The parallels to Neville Chamberlain in today’s White House debacle are astounding. But there is currently no Churchill on the horizon. I have the same emotional sense that I’ve had when someone really close to me has died. But, in this case, it’sContinue reading “In My Cups 2.28.25”
A Paean to Dick
Originally published in Keystone Motorcycle Press, December 2024 Paean. Probably a word Dick would not have been familiar with. Truth be told, every time I use it, I first have to look it up, to see how to spell it and to reassure myself of its proper usage. In this case, it’s the perfect word.Continue reading “A Paean to Dick”
It’s All the Rage
Well, it looks like the Deplorables have won. And all of us non-deplorables are even more confused than we were before: How could anyone in his right mind vote for that Orange Turd? After the initial, day-long shock began to wear off, I had an epiphany: It’s all about the rage. Admit it, you feelContinue reading “It’s All the Rage”
Just the discount, please!
In a recent magazine article I wrote, about a visit to the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, I spoke about my embarrassment at being thanked for my service every time I ask for the veterans’ discount while shopping. My own 40-month Army experience was a net positive. But, having visited several military cemeteries, like this one,Continue reading “Just the discount, please!”
SoEast 