Sleeping around – France

In my 25+ years of traveling around Europe, I’ve slept in quite a variety of places. My very first trip back in 1988 provided me with both my most crude and my most refined accommodations; specifically the floor of a ferry crossing the North Sea and the lovely hotel in London where my friends and … Continue reading Sleeping around – France

Edith Piaf lives (in cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise

When I was 15, I went through my hardcore Doors' days. Didn't you? Although not their most commercial album,  An American Prayer became my definition of poetry. I eagerly awaited my turn to read the dog-eared copy of No One Here Gets Out Alive, a Morrison biography, which was circulating through my town and I … Continue reading Edith Piaf lives (in cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise

Feeling testy about NYS assessments

How much do you know the mandated state exams administered to elementary school students in New York State? What do you know about these tests and their significance? Have you heard about Assemblymember Jim Tedisco's bill proposal to allow parents to "opt out" of the required tests? If these three questions were on a test … Continue reading Feeling testy about NYS assessments

Shoulder season

If you're an outdoors exerciser, you'll probably agree that we've arrived at shoulder season - or, as I like to call it, ass season. As in, falling on your ass if you're not cautious because it's so damn icy. We're somewhere between skiing and running/cycling season and each day brings the question of which activity … Continue reading Shoulder season

18 thoughts from the weekend my son turned 18

When he was born, my oldest son scared me. That changed. Now, I'm in awe of him. According to my sons, the plural of penis is penis. (The "s" is silent when it's plural) Crazy > Creepy The Olde English was the perfect place to celebrate my Anglophile son's birthday. Molly, our server, deserves a … Continue reading 18 thoughts from the weekend my son turned 18