A Callous Re-examination of One’s Existence Unlocks a Sense of Hope

Nevertheless, it was a hard, bumpy ride down the winding, uncertain road of life for former Professional Musician Ben Singer, played by a maturing Mathew Broderick. The former Ferris Bueller has certainly grown some 23 years hence into a surly pessimist, a self-promoted outcast, who would rather live in a downcast world that one of imagination and beauty.

Ben Singer works as a proofreader for the writers of a network television program, but hates his job. He finds it mundane and yet he continues for the payment to procure sustenance. The only two people that he allows in his life, for various reason, is his daughter, Sandra played by Jodelle Ferland, and Leon... Read More

Republican Greg Dority, a man who well understands the organized madness of a full frontal campaign, takes the battle on the road to North Carolina's 4th Congressional District to vie for the seat currently held by Reprsentative David Price. Greg Dority has run well, while running consistently hard, for the 1st District Congressional Seat in 2002 against Incumbent Frank Balance, and later against the disgraced Democrat's replacement G.K. Butterfield in 2004. Dority has long taken this Quixotic ambition to its immutable end, losing in the the heavily Democrat, and predominately African - American district, but running a good, hard race - far outdistancing poll numbers that the demographics would suggest as a competent challenge.

Greg Do... Read More

P.S. Jones Middle School Principal Dale Cole believes he can help Hispanic children have a more rewarding learning experience while in his care during school hours. I met with Mr. Cole in the cafeteria in the middle school where a group of about 60 Hispanic parents, and some children, met with school personal and volunteers to discuss ways to better serve their educational process. I had learned of these gatherings to effect a better success in the education of Hispanic children from my hairdresser, Nidia Martinez. She is a great proponent of these gatherings, believing that Hispanic community can become closer knit thereby keeping a keen eye on their children’s progress, and, just as important, staying out of trouble.

Pr... Read More

As events unfold in the world of politics and sports, I have developed a habit of calling my father before I reach my final and conclusive opinion. Dad will be 85 years old this week. He is a D-Day veteran, lifelong Boston sports fan, and a diehard Massachusetts Democrat who proudly declares that he has never voted for a Republican presidential candidate. Needless to say, his wisdom is based on living through 20th century history, not just reading about it. So, I asked him on Thursday the following question: “Are you more shocked at the Red Sox winning a World Series title in your lifetime, or a Republican replacing Ted Kennedy only 6 months after his passing“? He didn’t hesitate in his response. “Never in a millio... Read More

What is Normal? And Where Do I Run To It?

Yes, it is a Syndrome, and it influences what passes for art in our world growing smaller. You might ask: What is the "Rachel Getting Married" Syndrome? Well it is complicated, and it will need more time than I have at this sitting to develop what will be an ongoing thesis. I will, however, find the time to expound on the subject, but I honestly believe it may be deeper than the “Rabbit Hole” from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” so please be patient.

First, let us begin with the picture, "Rachel Getting Married." It was abysmal as entertainment and really taught us very little about real, normal lives. If the movie spoke to your inner s... Read More

Walt Disney Adventures: Part I, Animal Kingdom

Whether one loads up the family into the minivan and heads down Interstate 95, or they pile into the SUV and head down Interstate 75 to the sunshine state of Florida, what they have in common is that they're heading south ... deep south: where the air is hot, the men well fed and the women are better looking. Where the hordes often congregate is Central Florida, and there are advantages. Advantages such as: Interstate 75 and Interstate 95 converge at Orlando, the accommodations are plentiful, and there is much to do for energetic folks.

In and around the Orlando area, there is a plethora of theme parks; most notable among them are Sea World, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and D... Read More

I had just made my way topside onto the weather deck of a sixty-five foot harbor tug. It was a blustery, chilly, late-March day. My shipmates and I rigged the ship for sea as my Commanding Officer stormed fore to aft, barking orders and cursing at us. I could feel the deck vibrating beneath my boots as the ship’s diesel engine began to rumble. I grabbed hold of the vessel’s forward mooring line, called out to the pier to disconnect all lines and heaved around as ordered. The ship’s whistle let out a booming, prolonged blast, reverberating throughout the harbor as it steamed away from its berth. I was underway on my maiden voyage aboard my first assigned unit, United States Coast Guard Cutter Chock. Our mission: Trav... Read More