Feeling Quite at Home

Posted inAmerica, Beer, College, Columns

I felt right at home inside the bar. Now that might sound like old news to people who know me well, but this situation had a different element.

The bar in question was in Cambridge, Mass., and I had never visited the place before. When I exited the subway station, I had to walk down the block a bit to make sure I was in the right place. But things felt familiar once I stepped inside.

This had nothing to do with the décor or the beer selection, although I found the latter quite impressive. I felt at home because I hadn’t seen the bartender in close to 20 years.

Walking Lessons

Posted inColumns

I like to make a big deal out of life’s minor inconveniences. That’s part of my schtick, and I usually have my tongue planted firmly in my cheek as I make my rants.

But I have found one thing that I truly think we need to overcome before we can further evolve as a nation, a global community, even a species.

We really need to learn how to properly walk in groups.

Bingo!

Posted inAmerica, Columns, Family

I had an idea several years ago. I wanted to go to every local carnival and make up a t-shirt with the information about each one like a rock tour shirt.

That plan fell apart for two reasons – my daughter and I saw our carnival attendance diminish, and I’m lazy.

We just had too much going on to get to many carnivals anymore. When she was little, those trips filled the gaps on Saturday nights when my wife worked.

With fewer free weekends (and fewer carnivals- another bummer), my genius t-shirt idea faded away.

I thought of all this recently as we headed to the Delone carnival. Bridget wanted to go with a friend, so Maria and I went along for the ride.

When we arrived, I realized we had entered a new era of carnival attendance. No longer would we walk around and watch from outside the kiddie rides. We needed to entertain ourselves while the girls walked around.

Getting something to eat only killed so much time. We had no intention of going on any rides, especially since it was drizzling. We had to come up with something.

Bingo.

Look at the Brightside

Posted inAmerica, Columns, Family

At some point, I will get used to the scene. I hope I don’t, however.

This thought ran through my head late on a Saturday night as I jumped up and down and sang “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers at the top of my lungs. I also attempted to catch the moment on video at the same time.

I haven’t turned over a new leaf and started to attend dance clubs. I merely went to a family wedding, an event where we celebrate the union of a wonderful couple by dancing and singing a song about jealousy and paranoia to close out the night.

Umbrella Wars

Posted inAmerica, Beach, Columns

Everyone should have the chance to enjoy their vacation how they please. However, the week I just spent at the beach with my family convinced me that more and more people should hire us as vacation planners.

For instance, we would strongly urge you to resist the temptation to buy one of those large umbrellas you see at the store. Sure, you might think that the purchase will save you money over renting an umbrella from those folks who sit at the top of the beach.

Saving money doesn’t always make the most sense sometimes. This is one of those important instances.

Street Kayaking

Posted inAmerica, Beach, Beer, Columns, Drinking, Family, Now That's Funny

When I woke up last Friday, I knew we had a problem on our hands. The morning of our last full day at the beach brought a whole lot of rain.

We had already weathered the storm – literally. The rain came the day before as well, but we filled the time with crafts, Bingo and a group viewing of “Sharknado.”

I didn’t know what another rainy day would bring, however. We got very lucky with some incredible weather to start the week, and, in reality, we have had great weather for a number of years straight.

But what’s a group of close to 50 family members to do when the weather turns sour – really sour – on vacation?

Kayak in the street, that’s what.

Missed Opportunity

Posted inAmerica, Columns
When I first saw the official-looking letter, I got worried for a second. After all, you don’t expect to get mail from federal court. But then I looked closer. The…

Lettuce Struggle

Posted inColumns, Food
Every once in a while, I get a hankering to make positive changes in my diet. I take stock of what I have been eating and vow to eat healthier.…

Beauty in the Ordinary Things

Posted inColumns, TV

This year has challenged my TV geek ways. I have watched shows I like get the axe. The fascination with dancing and singing competitions continue to succeed, something I just don’t get. And I have had to bid farewell to a few of my favorite shows.

One of them, “The Office,” bowed out this week. I have always felt a strong connection to the show because of its small-town roots and the fact that my wife and I met at work, just like Jim and Pam. I kind of identified with them in some ways.