Archive for February, 2010
Snowfall Derby – Part III
A storm is coming. Our snow comes from the North and the West, but this storm is coming from the opposite directions. It is a ‘Nor’easter,’ like the one that sank George Clooney in ‘The Perfect Storm.’ Local weather persons are giddy. Rather than the ½” to 2” brushing, they are forecasting a foot or [...]
Cajun Potions
The old man knelt on the stage by his case and then carefully removed a banjo covered with decades of Mardi Gras scars. Placing the instrument close to his ear, he alternately strummed and adjusted its strings. Satisfied, he eyed the crowd. In the shadows by the juke box a familiar face waved her floppy [...]
Snowfall Derby – Part 2
Rochester finally surpassed Buffalo by almost an inch of snow. A Canadian storm missed them and nicked us. Unfortunately, it piled a half foot on Syracuse enabling our eastern neighbor to lead the snowfall derby by a foot. Current score: Syracuse 75.9”; Rochester 63.8”; and Buffalo 63.1”. The home team is improving with at least [...]
Grand Prix of Recalls
I once owned a sporty red Pontiac Grand Prix coupe. Enjoyed it, but too often Pontiac asked me to come in for a recall. One time it was the windshield wiper wiring. Another time it was a fuel pressure regulator. Finally, Pontiac needed to replace the steering pinion bearings. Between 1965 and 2007 the Pontiac [...]
Brass Dreams
I am cleaning my antique brass bed. The last time I attempted this, over thirty years ago, was embarrassing. After a weekend of scrubbing brass, some stains remained on my hands as I entered the office. A concerned colleague inquired. I explained it was tarnish from my brass bed. He grinned, “You may be holding [...]
The Sugar Drop Candy Shop
The J-Train rumbled below, vibrating the floors and rattling a chorus line of peanut clusters until they danced on the white-papered shelves. Hilda Schmidt’s bulky frame bulged through her apron as she spit a wad of chocolate into the sink. “You idiot! There’s too much liquor in these rum balls.” A balding candy maker with [...]
Early Oscar Predictions
The nominations are in for the 82nd Academy Awards Nominations. For those who can’t wait until the ceremonies on March 7th, here are my predictions for the major 2010 Oscars. The Sure Thing ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE – Jeff Bridges will prevail. Colin Firth was likely the best actor in ‘A Single Man’ and George [...]
