Nora and Grey shared the same spring break this year, so they made a trip to Maine to visit Fiona, Nora’s college roommate. That left Pippa and me at home. She had school and I had work, but we were determined to have fun in the off hours, so we wouldn’t get jealous of the […]
Is It Possible to Be a Republican And a Never Trumper?
If you follow the Mainstream Media, you’d think that all Republicans march in lockstep (no Nazi reference intended, heheh). But no. It’s an endangered breed, but Never Trump Republicans exist. I am willing to forego all future opportunities in the Trump administration and go on record: I am a proud member of the Never Trump […]
I’ve Never Participated in a Demonstration – Until March for Our Lives
I’m not an activist. Before this past Saturday, I’ve never participated in a political demonstration of any kind. No marching or sit-in or boycott. I have moderate views on most issues, and I’ve always felt the payback on political demonstrations is somewhere between a waste of time and a big waste of time. I wasn’t […]
I Get Dinged Doubly By Baltimore’s Automated Traffic Cameras
Living in Baltimore is like living in a police state when it comes to traffic laws. There are high-volume citation-mailing signal and speed cameras everywhere around the city. Fines are $40 a pop for speeding, $75 for signal violations. Checkered History Started in 1999 and at one time the largest program in North America, it […]
What Happened When I Accepted a $25 Dare to Wear Superman PJs in Public
I like to bike. My wife Nora likes to thrift shop. Our son Grey likes to embarrass his parents. Put all that together and you have the perfect formula for me to make a little pocket money. Got it? Stick with me. Thrill of the Thrift A couple months ago, Nora came home from Value […]
What Baltimore’s Removal of Confederate Statues Reveals
When the Baltimore City Council voted in August to remove 4 Confederate statues (actually 3 + Roger Taney), it was accomplished under cover of darkness in one night. I had a friend ask: How can a city that takes 6 months to fill a pothole remove 4 multi-ton statues in a single night? Background Located […]
Debating $15 an Hour Minimum Wage with a Baltimore Councilman
A couple months ago, our neighborhood hosted its annual Wine and Cheese Party. It’s a fun opportunity to catch up with neighbors and check out the house of the neighbor who volunteered to host it. At the event, I ran into not one but two Baltimore city council members who were making the rounds. Oddly, […]
Trump’s Effect on U.S. Personal Finances Likely to Be Mixed
Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, I’ve been asked by lots of people (OK, 2) what I think about his administration’s potential effect on U.S. household and government finances. So here goes. I consider myself pretty moderate, so hopefully this is a balanced look at things. ECONOMY & JOBS I anticipate Trump’s tax cuts, increased spending, […]
How I Learned that Deficit Owls Rule the Roost
Last weekend, my niece had her Sweet Sixteen family birthday party. I was looking forward to celebrating with her, of course, but secretly equally excited to talk with Cole and Sienna before the election. I had a theory. The national annual deficit and growing accumulated debt aren’t much of an issue this election, despite their […]
Can a Christian Vote for Trump or Clinton?
I’m not a political person, but I seem to attract them. Maybe like how a porch light attracts moths. Nahh, moths are too gentle. More like how honey attracts bears. Grumpy bears that haven’t eaten for weeks. My cousin Cole is a super Trumpkin. He likes that Donald Trump is a non-traditional candidate that isn’t […]