Author Archives: mike

    This morning I filled up my car’s gas tank and received the accompanying ticket; $1.99 for a gallon of gas! A fill-up for $26.11! Where will it end?

“Who can explain it, who can tell you why? Fools give you reasons, wise men never try.” Some of you may recognize the above as a linking piece, a type of mini-recitative, in the song “Some Enchanted Evening” from the … Continue reading →

Here on the beautiful Tuscan coast as November approaches the year is noticeably drawing to a close. When I arrived in mid-September, the tourist season was still in full swing; the restaurants, bars and tourist traps around the town were … Continue reading →

In one week’s time the vote is to be taken as to whether Scotland should depart from the United Kingdom, a political and economic union that has lasted for many centuries. According to the polls, the decision is too close … Continue reading →

A couple of nights ago I was sitting in my porch enjoying the dying embers of the day; it was a particularly beautiful night, temperature in the mid-70s and a pleasant breeze blowing from the south. Added to this, a … Continue reading →

My early morning exercise walk takes me along the lungomare (promenade) here in CDP at a time when many fellow Castiglionese are also about, walking their dogs or, like me, just walking. Over the years several of these gentle folk … Continue reading →

Something useful for the US Air Force’s Drone program?

No, this is not at all a story about any seafaring activities wherein I have been participating. In the beautiful English language the word “jib” has two meanings (there may be more, but I know only of two). In one … Continue reading →

This is a big day in the Catholic Church. Rome today is overflowing with the faithful who have traveled from the Ends of the Earth (purely a metaphor) to cheer and weep when the current Pope canonizes two of his … Continue reading →

Look at the image below and decide whether it was taken a) in Alaska b) in Antarctica c) in Siberia d) none of the above You could be forgiven for answering a,b, or c, but answer d is the correct … Continue reading →