Archive for February 2016
Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, Starship and one unbelievably bizarre video.
See if you can follow this. There once was a band called Jefferson Airplane. The band played together with its original members from 1967-1971, appearing at (among other places) Woodstock and scoring a number of hit songs. Their 1967 record Surrealistic Pillow is regarded as one of the key recordings of the “Summer of Love.” …
Read MoreThe two birthday gifts you should be asking for above all others
My birthday is approaching. My wife often asks me for possible gift ideas, as I can be a difficult person when it comes to presents. I am much more interested in eliminating things from my life than adding to it. The accumulation of stuff does not interest me. In fact, if someone would just agree…
Read MoreI was bullied by a bunch of middle-aged pencil pushers. And it hurt.
About eight years ago, I was in search of a writer’s group. I had just sold my first novel and was hoping to find some colleagues of sorts to meet with and share my struggles and seek solutions. I was new to the writing business and had many questions. Also, writing can be a lonely…
Read MoreImpressive vocabulary and outstanding musical taste
Seven year-old Clara told three year-old Charlie, “I only have the capacity to listen to Brass Monkey once at a time, so stop singing it please.” Yes, she used the word “capacity.” And yes, Charlie was singing The Beastie Boys’ Brass Monkey. Credit my wife for my children’s outstanding taste in music. Charlie’s response: “You’re…
Read MoreTwo Divorces Too Many: Oldie but goodie pops up in an unexpected place
An online acquaintance of mine met with her divorce attorney last week to begin the sad proceedings that will bring her marriage to an end. Included in the informational packet that she received was an article entitled Two Divorces Too Many, which was written by me. About twelve years ago, I published an Op-Ed in the…
Read MoreTwo Divorces Too Many
This piece was originally published in the Hartford Courant’s Op-Ed section in September of 2004. It was my first byline. ___________________________________ I attended my sister’s wedding last year. Correction: I attended my stepsister’s wedding last year. Still not right. Let me start over. I attended a wedding last year. While waiting my turn in the receiving…
Read MoreLarge, lumbering, white men playing basketball. Probably poorly.
You can determine the age of this basketball arcade game that my son was playing by the race of all three players featured on the game (white) and the approximate body mass index of those players (something approximating my own BMI). This game must be at least 60 years old. It looks like a scene…
Read MoreEmbrace the snow day. The future is unknown. And possibly deadly.
Snow day! No school! Many of my fellow teachers surprising despise snow days, preferring to begin summer vacation as early as possible. But I’ve always felt it fairly presumptuous to assume you will still be alive in June. Perhaps not one but two near-death experiences and a gun to my head and the trigger pulled…
Read MoreA simple and perfect solution to the “10 items or less” offenders
I picked out a container of pink sprinkles for my daughter’s birthday cupcakes in the confectionary aisle of the supermarket. I took my place in the “10 items or less” line. Standing in front of me was a couple – husband and wife perhaps – with at least 25 items. Not 11. Not 12. More…
Read MoreBoy vs. Girl: Episode 13 – Disney Princesses, Modern Day Uniforms & Tighty Whities
In this week’s episode, Rachel and I discuss the state of Disney princesses, modern day uniforms, and the mystery behind the construction of men’s underwear. You can listen here or – better yet – subscribe to our podcast in the iTunes store or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you like the show, please consider…
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