I have been reading a collection of essays in the book “Consider The Lobster” written by David Foster Wallace. I remember reading an essay by him many years ago that struck a deep chord within me so I was thrilled to find this book at my library. The book itself however, has been less the…
Doing The Math
The pools where regularly I swim are managed by the city’s Parks & Recreation Department. I’m a big fan of these pools, the staff, the hours and the facilities. Unfortunately for me, as a daily swimmer, the pools close for many Federal and State Holidays. Adding in scheduled maintenance closures, kid’s swim meets and occasional…
Not My Problem
A friend I respect is trying to build a business that requires media promotion, building a community, creating a movement, publishing and PR. I’ve been wracking my brain on how I can help him. It gives me a stomach ache just thinking about it. I have strengths and expertise but they are not relevant to…
Dim Wit
My cartooning experiment over the past few months has been educational. I learned that I can draw recognizable comic style people, objects and scenes. I thought the comics would enhance my essays by adding a clever, witty punch to them. I was wrong. Not only am I not funny, I’m not clever nor witty. My…
I Want Justice
As my friend lamented his recent breakup, he concluded with something I wasn’t expecting to hear. He said, “I want her to recognize how much I tried, that I was a great partner unlike her previous boyfriends. I want her to acknowledge that. I want justice!” It made me laugh. My response was, “Good luck…
Turnover
I have lived in my Raleigh home for almost 4 years. This is only the 2nd time in my entire life that I lived in the same place for that long. And I like it. After far too many moves and new starts, it’s nice to have some stability. I like that I don’t have…
Hi Ho Silver
When I was in middle school I got hooked on reading Westerns. Max Brand’s Silvertip series of novels was my favorite. Every two weeks after I got my allowance, I’d walk several miles to the Waldenbook Store at the Allegheny Center Mall. I’d buy the latest Silvertip paperback then go to Wendy’s to feast on…
15 Minute Delay
Due to unforeseen logistical and technical complications, the Solo Podcast I participated in a few weeks ago won’t be released for several months. We will be recording a 2nd session to finish the podcast since one of the guests (me) was quite longwinded. After that session, the host will do his backend production magic and…
Sick Call
When I got out of bed on Tuesday the room was spinning. At first, I hoped it was simply vertigo from jumping up too quickly or sleepiness from being woken by my dog half a dozen times during the night. But it wasn’t. This happened to me last year and took me out for a…
Unhoused Persons
Does calling someone an unhoused person instead of homeless make a difference to that person? Given this latest naming sophistry that has been popularized by people online, the media, advocacy groups and government you might think calling people “unhoused” changes the reality for homeless people. It wouldn’t change a thing for me. When I lived…