It was during Presidents Week 1997 (actually it was 2/13/97, a date my somewhat critical Aunt Zoey refers to as "a day that will live in unfunny") when I wrote (not typed nor texted) my first column for the Nassau Herald. Since then the world (and many stomachs) have turned many, many times, as weekly (and on occasion, strongly) we've reflected on a wide range of topics, played with (and on) words, castigated pretense and affectation (including words like "castigate"), and introduced my readers (or, some might say, my perusers) to some characters and personalities with whom they can relate, but to whom they're happy not to be related. more

Last Friday, I saw the flashing lights of a police car shining into our living room window. I looked out and saw a police officer and two other men who had gotten out of their cars, all trying to entice a large and frightened dog. I suspect they were trying to read his collar, which told us that he belonged to someone and could be far away from home. more

Last week we all received an invitation to a party whose response card sought an answer of “regrets only.” My less than socially adept third cousin apparently took the request for “regrets only” to heart, and thereby proceeded to fill not only the card but several sheets of paper with lists and lists of all that which he ... regrets. more

We live in a world that respects the innovator: the one who takes the first step and the one who gets the job done. We venerate and idolize the trailblazer who gets the ball rolling, kicks the switch and shifts the project into high gear. more

This past week was filled with reminders, admonitions, warnings and announcements to “turn the clocks ... back.” more

I wish I could bring peace to the world. I wish I could provide my wife and each of my children with all they deserve. I wish I could bring to our community a state of the art library facility. more

My wife’s convinced that when I’m stuck with no ideas to show ‘em, I rely on rhyme and a little luck and send my editors...a poem. more

Irrespective of the particular religion, it is almost universally accepted that public singing of at least a portion of the service tends to enhance the entire experience. more

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been told to “watch my step” ... and so I have in many contexts. more

It was supposed to have been a retirement party for Janet's teaching colleague held at our home with me serving as emcee and "keynote speaker." more