Rock of Ages

“Rest in Peace” seems a particularly inapt wish for the father of such a frenetic beat. Better to say “Rock On, Bo!”

Cold, dead hands

Charlton Heston, whose memorable roles included Moses, Ben Hur, Michaelangelo, and NRA shill, has gone to the eternal chariot race in the sky. His gun is now ripe for the plucking.

Cheers, Alfred & Michael!

I was saddened to learn that the two men most responsible for promoting my two favorite beverages both died last week. I dedicate my morning mugs to Alfred Peet, and this evening I will hoist a glass (or two) in memory of Michael Jackson.

Holy cow!

I am too young to have seen Phil Rizutto play baseball. But, having grown up in New York, I have fond memories of him as an announcer (even if it was for my all-time most hated team, the Yankees) and as the spokesman for The Money Store (”Borrow up to $10,000 or more!”). If Steve [...]

A teacher’s death by a thousand cuts

As I approach the first day of teaching at my new institution, and begin to feel the usual anticipatory jitters, I take some small comfort in the probability that I will not experience such harsh treatment from my new students as poor St. Cassian did at the hands of his pupils:
He was exposed naked in [...]

Go to Hell

Go directly to Hell. Do not pass Purgatory. Do not collect $200.

Nettie Belle

Yountville, Napa County, California

Grigsby infants

Yountville, Napa County, California

Our adopted and redeemed Apache

Yountville, Napa County, California

Wooden grave marker

Yountville, Napa County, California