Nothing is really little, not even a mermaid

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Wednesday, August 2, 2023

My daughter has always leaned more toward outdoorsy pursuits, getting her hair muddy as she studies tadpoles for example. But Theatre Camp has provided a new and surprising sort of challenge. Words, and song. The fact that it’s the Little Mermaid helps, but memorization is a different sort of pursuit than, say, fishing or hiking. Putting on a half-hour theatrical show with a dozen second- and third-graders, and doing it in one week, seems to me, to be far more challenging.

I’ve got the horse right here

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Tuesday, August 1, 2023

I entered the highfalutin world of thoroughbred racehorse ownership about two years ago. How big is my stable? It’s a one-horse stable. To be more precise it’s a 1/5,000th of a horse stable.

Letters: Who should fund NH flood recovery?

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Monday, July 31, 2023

It’s not yet clear who will fund recovery efforts–whether residents alone will foot the bill through increases on their property taxes, or if Gov. Sununu’s request for a federal emergency declaration will come through–which would distribute the financial burden more widely but still place the burden on taxpayers.

From misconceptions to protection: Closing the gap in New Hampshire’s flood insurance coverage

Monday, September 23, 2024Saturday, July 29, 2023

Most people assume that their home insurance covers any flood damage they might have, but it does not – It is critical to appreciate that homeowners insurance almost never covers flood damage. Without a separate flood policy, any damage resulting from flooding or flood-related erosion caused by waves or currents accompanied by a severe storm, a flash flood, an abnormal tide surge, or something similar, will not be covered.

How to be ‘happy’ like a middle-aged man with high cholesterol

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Saturday, July 29, 2023

Don’t think about all of the things you’re supposed to be doing that day. Don’t think about the new novel you’ve been half-heartedly trying to write, or the book of poems being released next month, or the freelance work you’ve already agreed to cover. Don’t think about mowing the lawn, or going to the gym, or answering emails, or writing lesson plans for the next school year.

Retirement Barbie: Imagine that

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Wednesday, July 26, 2023

I was at the gym Monday talking with my fellow exercisers at the Y in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, following the opening of the Barbie movie (which none of us had seen), noting that Barbie, in people years, would be facing retirement soon, as she was “born” in 1959. Born in 1959, she can retire at 66 years, 10 months.

I’m on Team Barbie, and not for the reason you think

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Saturday, July 22, 2023

In the 1950s, her creator, Ruth Handler, noticed that her son, Kenneth (Get it: Ken) played with toy guns, trucks, and soldiers, while daughter Barbara (“Barbie”) played with baby dolls, enforcing the idea that little girls would grow up to be mothers and housewives. A prescient Handler wanted to develop a doll that would allow little girls to believe they could do and be anything. Hander and her husband Elliott with friend Harold “Matt” Matson created Mattel and there was no looking back. Daughter Barbara took part in the ceremony immortalizing Barbie’s (full name: Barbara Millicent Roberts) hand and footprints in cement on Hollywood Boulevard in 2002.

Chews Life: So much depends on it!

Sunday, August 25, 2024Saturday, July 22, 2023

It feels great to be back in my element! Writing about food for Manchester Ink Link. It’s been a while and my foodie proclivities aren’t what they used to be. They’re far better. And that is what my new column is all about. The transformative – if not lifesaving, always healthier – nutritional opportunities for well-being and longevity.

RIP Bill Reynolds (1945-2023)

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Friday, July 21, 2023

On July 13, Bill Reynolds, a Providence Journal columnist for almost 40 years, passed away at age 78. For the journalism community at-large, this is a monumental loss, and for me, personally, one of my literary idols is now gone.

Letters: Trisciani, the leader Manchester needs

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Thursday, July 20, 2023

With the Manchester municipal races officially starting, I am thrilled to extend my personal endorsement to June Trisciani for Mayor of Manchester. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with June during her tenure as Chair of the Planning Board, and I’ve seen firsthand her leadership and dedication to our city as our representative for Alderman At-Large.

+ More