I really enjoy reading about that past, especially first person experiences about daily life. I’ve read plenty of history books but I want to know what life was like for the average person. These types of books are not easy to find because the average person was most likely a farmer, didn’t have time to…… Continue reading Cider with Rosie: A Memoir
Memories of Silk and Straw (田舎町の肖像)
I am fascinated with time and am acutely aware of how quickly it passes. I enjoy reading about the past and try to imagine myself in that time. History books are limiting in that most only tell you what happened. I want to know how people felt, and what their thoughts were from their first…… Continue reading Memories of Silk and Straw (田舎町の肖像)
Lapham’s Quarterly – Migration
In general I’m all for the free movement of people as a guiding principle. However, I understand the need for secure borders and that it should be done legally. As it has been for the past couple hundred years, migration is a political issue that is hotly debated today. Secure borders should be a given.…… Continue reading Lapham’s Quarterly – Migration
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorite novels. It had been a very long time since I’d read it and unlike Don Quixote, I’d only read it once and had forgotten much. With this in mind, I purchased a hard cover some years ago and it had been sitting on my bookshelf…… Continue reading The Count of Monte Cristo
Words and Phrases I Dislike
English has always been a mess of a language with a mix of Old Norse, French and Latin. As a language learner I pay special attention to how English changes over time. I tried reading the Canterbury Tales but the English was too old to understand. If we jump to the 1920s with the first…… Continue reading Words and Phrases I Dislike
Journal Entry – 12.30.23
It is 5:03 AM on December 30th, 2023. This is typically one of my favorite times of the year due to the long break from work for Christmas and New Years. I never take off the few days between those two holidays as it is very slow. Only a few customers will send e-mails and…… Continue reading Journal Entry – 12.30.23
Lapham’s Quarterly – Religion
I am not a religious person in the traditional sense. Here in the USA in 2023 it remains that most religious people are part of an institution filled with traditions, rituals and rules. The vast majority subscribe to their faith because their parents and ancestors did and because their community does. The Christian religion aptly…… Continue reading Lapham’s Quarterly – Religion
Journal Entry – A reflection on the passage of time.
I am now 46 years old. This continues to be shocking to me. I’m awed by how fast time goes and am served constant reminders. “Classic Rock,” is now Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Metallica and all the others from my youth. To me ‘Classic Rock’ is Led Zepplin, The Doors and The Blue Oyster Cult. In…… Continue reading Journal Entry – A reflection on the passage of time.