My writing surges up and down a sine wave. I have years when I clutter the calendar with posts and years when the lights are still on but the stage sits empty. It’s now April and my last post went up at the end of August, so you might think it’s been another dry year.…
Ancient Aliens
Who built the Colosseum? If you're hesitating, don't. It's not a trick question. The Romans built the Colosseum. It was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian around 70 C.E. as part of the reclamation of the land taken for Nero's "Golden House". It was one of several building projects that followed the suppression of the Jewish Revolt…
Alternative Histories
President Trump accomplished something this week that must elate him. Most days, his name will come up at some point. Now, for the first time since November 9th, every friend or stranger you meet brings him up before saying “Hello”. I’m housesitting in Brooklyn, and a neighbor chatted with me while I watered the garden…
Top Men
Lee stared at the checkerboard tiles of the coffee shop floor until they grew crisp and unnatural and he didn't really see them, every thought draining from his head. A long-forgotten cup sat cold beside him. A pair of legs appeared. He followed them up and found Mike looking down at him. He managed a…
Language PSA: Spanish and French
On our way to England last May, Al and I went on a typical cruise ship excursion to Rouen. Our guide played hide-and-seek on a rushed tour of the cathedral, then we had an hour to ourselves before we had to get back on the bus. It was a perfect chance to let Al experience…