No, this post has nothing to do with Erica Jong?s risqu? novel of 1973.? Although I am a writer and am on my return trip from a trip from Vienna, unlike Erica?s protagonist I am accompanied by my wife and … Continue reading →...

In Shakespeare?s Richard III, the last Plantagenet king is an ambitious, heartless and scheming hunchback.? As Richard of York, he marries Anne Neville, saying he will get rid of her when she has served her purpose (provided him a wealthy … Continue reading →...

While Batman (another favorite of mine) has tried to usurp the title in modern times, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?s Sherlock Holmes was the first one termed ?The World?s Greatest Detective.? Why? He wasn?t the first fictional detective. Edgar Allan Poe?s … Continue reading →...

If you’re looking for a commentary on the Meryl Streep and Michael Gambon movie, sorry.? This is about the Gaelic fire festival, Lughnasa.? Notice it is Gaelic, not Celtic.? Although the Gaels are Celts, not all Celts are Gaels.? The … Continue reading →...

This July, the Isle of Man held it’s annual Flower Festival.? For an idea of what one is like, click here.? Although it is a nice event, I was never a part of the decorating of the churches for the … Continue reading →...

After doing my bit for God, country and the Celtic Society by marching in the Independence Day parade in Grass Valley this morning (thankfully finishing before the heat hit in force), I am enjoying the A/C as I write this.? … Continue reading →...

I grew up in Southern California suburbia.? As kids, my sisters and I had a box of “safe and sane” fireworks (not the big one, but what we could afford) that we would set off on Independence Day.? Piccolo Petes … Continue reading →...

When I moved to the Isle of Man in 1994, I bought a copy of The Official Isle of Man Year Book. ? This is not like my high school yearbooks with photos of everyone there, but more of an … Continue reading →...

Today, June 3, 2013, I killed a true and loyal companion. No, I did not shoot her or actually commit the act myself, but I commissioned it. I had my vet give a lethal injection to a kind and gentle … Continue reading →...

While Americans are preparing for Memorial Day remembrances and cook-outs, something else is happening on the Isle of Man this weekend.? Saturday, the 25th of May is the first practice day this year for the Tourist Trophy Races, more commonly … Continue reading →...