Monthly Archives: November 2014

Why snow shoveling is good for the soul

   Friends and family know I never lose a chance to poke fun at myself over an obsession for shoveling snow, specifically the messes which accumulate in my driveway following storms. But in taking self-effacement to the nth degree I let some other thoughts slip by. This is a chance to make up that ground. More than […]

Is the art of restaurant tipping lost?

H., a waitress at a local eatery (to remain unnamed), approached my table. She checked to see if I needed more water, engaged in our usual chatter, then flashed me the check she had picked up from a party of 12. The food charge was well into three figures; the amount written in the tip […]

Will Mike Bloomberg run for President in 2016?

A few weeks back, around Election Day, I mused on the vilification of third party candidates in national elections as so-called “spoilers.” One prominent example I used was independent Eliot Cutler’s presence in Maine’s gubernatorial race, mostly to highlight the scapegoat quality these candidates inherit regardless of a ballot’s final results. But wait – it gets better. In all the […]

Veterans Day: A salute for Sgt. Potter

On Veterans Day, I’m taking a moment to honor Ricky Potter. Many years ago, when we were both in uniform, I was his boss, and he was my teacher. Sergeant Ricky Potter grew up in the South, born into a black family with no privilege. His muscular frame and impeccable bearing exuded pride. An athlete […]

Is Eliot Cutler really a spoiler?

  Even more important than the title of this piece: in free democratic elections, is there really such a thing as a spoiler? Or should every candidate fight for each vote to the bitter end? Easily this year’s most entertaining gubernatorial race is in Maine, where the contest between Gov. Paul LePage, (R), U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud,(D), and […]