For some people, music has an odd effect. You hear something, maybe even a few bars, and all of a sudden, you’re in another world. Usually, that world has a few miles on it, as do you. But for a few seconds, or a few minutes, you’re there. Sights, sounds, nous, cultural milieu, things otherwiseContinue reading “Lou, Zenith and WJBR”
Category Archives: Modern Life
A King Fit for A Mall and Other Travel Stuff
So, for the first time since Covid, I got out of Dodge, otherwise known as San Antonio. Yup. I took the plunge to go see my daughter, Rosie, in Germany, where she is a free-lance bass player and all-around interesting person. It took more nerve than I thought I could summon up. See, I amContinue reading “A King Fit for A Mall and Other Travel Stuff”
Philly is the New Ciudad Juárez
Warning: This won’t display well on a smart phone. Sorry Anyone lucky enough to know me will already know what I did for a living. By training– some colleagues in other disciplines might dispute this–I was (and) am an economic historian. My principal field was Colonial Latin America, but I have stuck to Mexico. WhyContinue reading “Philly is the New Ciudad Juárez”
Special Edition: Inflation…It’s Baaaaack
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”
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 