Recently, a dear friend of mine, an economist in Mexico, made an unpleasant prediction. “It’s back to the 1970s, baby. Stagflation and all that.” Oh goody. I am unfortunately old enough to remember just what that means. “Highest inflation in forty years,” another friend, and not a partisan of President Biden, announced gleefullyContinue reading “Special Edition: Inflation…It’s Baaaaack”
Category Archives: Modern Life
1950: Welcome to Postwar America
Sorry. I didn’t make it until 1951. I got there as fast as I could, but my parents were married in 1949. So, my arrival was, so to speak, out of my hands. I do hope I am around to view my 11-year old self in the Census of 1960, but, my departure will, forContinue reading “1950: Welcome to Postwar America”
The House That Mickey Built
On the morning of June 7, 1968, I got a haircut. I walked from my home down to a “stylist” in the City Line Ave shopping center. I was wearing a corduroy jacket, so I guess it wasn’t that warm. I took my usual route. Ronnie, the styling dude, had a black and white tvContinue reading “The House That Mickey Built”
Merry Christmas, you bastards
I had previously said I was off for the holidays. And I was. But since we are facing what Michael Osterholm calls a “viral blizzard,” I think the holidays are on hold. And besides, what teacher-writer with a book to finish ever stops working. As Perry Como (channeling Armando Manzanero) wailed, “Tell a baby notContinue reading “Merry Christmas, you bastards”
Prisontation BVM
Man, some stuff you never forget. In my mind’s eye, I can still see it. There was this kid, a ratty little dude with short black hair. He was wearing our regs, maroon jacket and gray slacks. He was sort of bent over with his hands raised over his head as if to fend offContinue reading “Prisontation BVM”
Bring Back the Reserve Clause. Save MLB
C’mon man, are you serious? Bring back the reserve clause to major league baseball? Are you nuts? Well, not exactly. Next you’re gonna want to see the airlines reregulated. Well, from time to time, especially when confined to a miserable modern airport, the thought has crossed my mind. But I digress. When I started collegeContinue reading “Bring Back the Reserve Clause. Save MLB”
This Game Is Over, Salvucci Sez 