In "Little Children," Everyone Gets a Second Chance
Last night’s film stayed with me for a long time. Todd Field’s “Little Children” used a narrator, the sonorous Will Lyman, who set the stage from the opening scene, where a trio of gossiping, sniping suburban housewives in a park sat apart from a fourth young mother, who just didn’t […]
Wind Power, Giant Dreams and Cracked Turbines
It’s a beautiful warm spring day and as I sat in my favorite seat by the windows in front of the cafe, I read about an ambitious man in India whose stock is plummeting….despite the fact that his company is the fifth largest supplier of wind turbines in the world. […]
Buddy Rubbish Leaves a Legacy and a Laugh
Dave Lenson came into the cafe on Monday afternoon with sad news. He said that Buddy Rubbish was near death, having been rushed to the hospital on Friday night with severe chest pains. Yesterday’s Gazette had the story of the death of one of the funniest guys in the Valley. […]
Taking My Speech to the Lion’s Den
Today is public speaking day. I always enjoy that. Whether it’s a wedding day toast, a eulogy, or a talk to a class, give me a script and I’ll have fun up on a podium. My first stop is the Holyoke Lions Club, where I’ll be a featured speaker today […]
Wang and Wu’s Friendship Was the Secret
Like many Costco shoppers I have been eying large flat screen TVs every time I walk past them en route to the dry good section for cafe supplies. I’d just love to see an HDTV on my wall. One brand that has the most tantalizing price point is Vizio. I […]
Ten Things You Might Not Know About Australia
I’m just back from Oz and prepping for an appearance on Brad and Bo’s WHYN-AM Morning Show. Listen at 8:05 Tuesday morning, and I’ll share some of these tidbits. Here is the complete list, since the segments are usually pretty short. 1. There is no tipping in Australia. So a […]
The Godfather Makes My Day
It’s great to be back home, despite this morning’s 30 degree chill. I love walking into the cafe and saying hello to all of our customers and my friends who frequent the joint. I’d also like to say hello to someone I’ve never met, but who makes my day every […]
Rolling with Johnny Jet in Manhattan Beach
My trip to Melbourne was memorable. I only wish that it wasn’t so damn far away! The flight was not bad, no delays and no lost baggage, but when I reached Holyoke at 1 am, I was ready for a long sleep in a familiar bed. It’s great to be […]