In some nomadic cultures, packing up one’s livelihood is second-nature, simply a part of life. You wrap your items in a blanket, strap your baby in a papoose, put your yurt in your oxcart and off you go. I know … Continue reading
Conventions are held the world over for any number of reasons; trade conventions, hobbies, pastimes, fads, obsessions (haven’t you heard about Star trek conventions?) or pop cultural fads of the moment. But it is in America that these events are … Continue reading
As a devoted follower of NPR and the reading recommendations of Tina Brown, I was intrigued by this morning’s review of an essay by Geoff Dyer entitled “On Being an Only Child.” I wonder if the lack of siblings with … Continue reading
Where would we be without words? Aside from a real difficulty telling a bartender what you would like to drink, there would be no lit-tra-ture, no Shakespeare, Hemingway, Byron, Yeats or Kerouac. It is not the purpose of this post … Continue reading
As an expat I have been, for many years, a little like an overseas embassy, benefiting from both traditional Australian holidays and also those of my adopted country, the US. As both countries were settled by Europeans there are, to … Continue reading
I have heard that over the past two years the average size of houses has decreased. This is, at least for me, news of some importance. Until 2009 the average house size in the US and also Australia was steadily … Continue reading
When I spend a few moments thinking about our imminent American departure and the things I’ll miss, one thing often boils to the top, National Public Radio. This may seem like a strange choice to many, but for those that … Continue reading
I suppose, at first glance, my school’s teacher’s lounge is similar to the break room at any other workplace. People drift in and out, checking for free food, using (but not cleaning) the microwave, coffee pot, or fridge, and leaving … Continue reading
This is one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever.” – Sigmund Freud A good pub is a wonderful thing to behold. It might, for me, be one of the best things. Good pubs don’t occur … Continue reading
In Northeastern America there is a little slice of heaven that I shall sorely miss once we are living in Australia, and that is the diner. Diners came into prominence in the early 20th Century, but really took off after … Continue reading
Beat Like Kerouac - now with child! 