I am wishful, though not hopeful, that we are about to see the demise of the Republican Party. Now, I know that my right-leaning friends will say to themselves and or their spouses in these days of ‘sheltering-in-place,’ “well, he’s just a Democrat.” Here’s the thing, though – I am not a Democrat. I don’t … Continue reading No Party For This Time
Eulogy for Dad
My father passed away three years ago - February 14, 2017 at age 87. I miss him as much today as I did on February 15, 2017. The following is the eulogy I gave at his memorial service. I am going to miss this man. I am going to miss my Dad. I am going … Continue reading Eulogy for Dad
Merry Christmas
I like Christmas. I do not celebrate Christmas, but I like it. I like the ambiance and attitude; people seem happier and nicer (as long as you stay away from the mall). I like the Christmas lights and I love those folks who put their heart, soul, and electric bill into decorating their houses. I … Continue reading Merry Christmas
Officially a Curmudgeon
Yup, it happened. While perhaps not the most self-aware individual I know, I nailed this one. I am officially a curmudgeon. You know what convinced me? Halloween. This year. A little history. My father was not a fan of Halloween. In fact, he called it “semi-legal begging” and for years I was not allowed to … Continue reading Officially a Curmudgeon
Flying Their Flag
Paraphrasing Rod Serling: Imagine, if you will, taking a walk down Fifth Avenue in New York and turning right onto Hermann Göering Way. Or, perhaps, shopping in Chicago on Emperor Hirohito Avenue? How would you feel going to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., if it were located on Adolf Hitler Boulevard? I, for one, … Continue reading Flying Their Flag
The Idiotic Politics of Philanthropy
I went to one of those “elite” private small liberal arts colleges that the cultural conservatives love to hate and love to ridicule. And, I must admit, there are a couple of knee-jerk liberal reactions that deserve some ridicule. One of the largest is the demand that any institution of higher learning (or any other … Continue reading The Idiotic Politics of Philanthropy
Summer Reading II
We are approaching the official end of summer. The leaves are beginning to change color and the night air is getting cooler. For some reason, I read some serious books this summer and that included the following. Kindred by Octavia E Butler Octavia Butler is known for her science fiction, having won both the Nebula … Continue reading Summer Reading II
Trump, Netanyahu, and the Progressives
My initial reaction to Trump’s not-so-subtle message to Netanyahu was one of disgust. While I passionately believe that both Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Democratic Rep. Rep. Ilhan Omar are virulently anti-Israel, and through their continued use of antisemitic tropes and support for Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS, whose founder, Omar Barghouti, has repeatedly denied … Continue reading Trump, Netanyahu, and the Progressives
Summer Reading I
Summer is sort of half over, so in addition to feeding my junk sci-fi habit, I have also been consuming some more serious stuff. Let me recommend for you interest and pleasure the following: The Farmer’s Son by John Connell What a marvelous, moving, and interesting short memoir. Having left the farm to pursue his … Continue reading Summer Reading I
Another Clockwork Orange
Do we need any further evidence that we are living in a world that could easily have been described by Jean Paul Sartre, George Orwell, and Anthony Burgess?? You don’t think so? Let me help you. Robert Mueller finally testified in front of Congress. Right after receiving a letter from the Department of Justice led … Continue reading Another Clockwork Orange
