SOMEWHERE IN GEORGIA – Driving to Florida on I-75 inching through a newly blue southern state, we spotted the 37-foot Thor Challenger towing a full-size pickup. This monstrous Class A motor coach named after the Norse god of thunder retails for $212,000. To give you an idea of its enormity, the gross vehicle weight is 22,000 pounds. It has a king bed, theater seats, an overhead bunk loft and an exterior TV. It sleeps eight people comfortably. Across the rear below the rooftop next to the 12-foot exterior RV ladder in a cutesy bold white font was this line: “I identify as a Prius.” So, it’s come to this: gender vehicle…
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We always knew
Who knew a boring White House briefing could be so exciting? We knew. We always knew. One NBC correspondent called it “radical normalcy,” as in hiring qualified officials with expertise. If that’s radical, I’m all over it. Take White House press secretaries, for instance. For 31 minutes Wednesday after the inauguration, newly appointed White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki (pronounced “SOCK-ee”) treated journalists with dignity, respect and professionalism. She was honest, free of insults, snark and, thankfully, pearls. “I have a deep respect for the role of a free and independent press in our democracy, and for the role all of you play,” she said answering her first question from…
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Inaugural visit
You can tell by the car models in the above photo that it’s not a recent shot of the U.S. Capitol. In fact, it’s from October 1985 – more than 35 years ago – when I traveled to Washington, D.C., for the first time. My inaugural visit, so to speak. Back then, I was 25, thin and working at my first real newsroom job in Miami, barely earning $300 a week. Life was good. Little did I know that in less than a year, the company I worked for would grow tired of losing millions, close up shop, and I’d be out of a job. Then every day would be…
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‘Magnificent ruin’
And to think I thought ending 2020 with a “Dear John” letter was over the top. Not a week into the new year, we’re seeing these front-page, all caps headlines all over the world: “INSURRECTION.” “CAPITOL SIEGE.” “MOB INVASION.” My God, what is happening to us? More than 200 years ago, the last time the U.S. Capitol was invaded, America was at war with the British. It was August 1814, as The War of 1812 against Great Britain neared its conclusion. British troops sailed into the Chesapeake Bay and up the Patuxent River, then fought their way toward Washington. On August 24, using torches and gunpowder paste, British forces burned…
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It’s over
“The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote: Stink, stank, stunk!” — From the song, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” in the Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! After 12 months, 52 weeks and 365 days, here’s my breakup letter to this stinkin’ year. You won’t need Kleenex for this one. *** Dear 2020, I hope this finds you well. Of course, I’m lying. Honestly, I hope I never see you again. And to think we started out so well back in January. Despite a typical Michigan winter, we ventured out often. Lunch with old friends. Dinners at crowded restaurants, movies at…
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Let’s play nice
Fair warning, dear readers: This post is about … politics. So, if you’re up for it, that’s great. If not, then have another sugar cookie. Maybe take a stab at this later. *** Last week, for more than half of American voters, there was a collective sigh of relief heard around the world when the Electoral College met and cemented Joe Biden’s presidential election win. Now, there’s just one more step before the 46th president can be sworn in January 20. Congress, which is ultimately responsible for counting and certifying the electoral votes cast, will do so January 6. Indeed, for me it will be a fitting end to the drama,…
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Spit and snot
I think there’s something wrong with me. Sadly, my post-retirement chillax attitude, which took a good bit of time to re-learn, has quickly devolved from hopeful optimism to growing skepticism. Sometimes, I swear, I am downright cynical. Old journalist habits die hard. For example, I’m starting to believe a good chunk of people from 2020 will be remembered as the “Un-greatest Generation.” A far cry from the “Greatest Generation,” coined by TV newsman Tom Brokaw for his 1998 book of the same name. Those upstanding American citizens born from 1900 to the 1920s lived through and experienced hardships of the Great Depression. They fought in World War II or worked…
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Thankful
For those partaking in a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner tomorrow, let’s hope you don’t have to witness this from the family comedian as they walk maskless through the door: “Hellooo, I brought yams. Or maybe the plague.” Better to stay home in your own bubble. As my friend Dinah said this morning during our writers group Zoom, think of the last Thursday in November 2020 this way: “It’s just a meal.” She knows of what she speaks, after losing her husband, the ever-sweet William, to COVID-19 in April. Gone too soon like so many others who have been ravaged by this deadly virus. And she was sick with it, too.…
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The clash
Should I stay or should I go now?Should I stay or should I go now?If I go, there will be troubleAnd if I stay it will be doubleSo come on and let me know – “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by English punk band The Clash, 1982 They say it’s not drinking alone if your dog is home. Always makes me chuckle, whether those words are embroidered on a tea towel, etched in a wine glass or printed on a fridge magnet. No doubt the familiar saying has been particularly apt for some during the COVID-19 pandemic. Myself included. I must admit, lately our crystal decanters on the…
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The last one
I’ve been trying to write something – anything – since Saturday. Not happening. I’m completely blank. It isn’t for lack of topics. Presidential election. Global pandemic. COVID-19 resurging. The sorry state of Michigan football. As in, the entire state. Maybe there’s just too much going on, and my brain is on overload unable to process everything. Doesn’t matter. None of that matters to me right now. We received some sad news Monday night. My Aunt Nores died at her home in Pittsburgh. She was 96. The last one. If you believe in that sort of thing, which I do, the three Guella sisters – Enea, Elia and Nores – are back together…
