St Paddy’s Day Top Ten Tunes

For St Patrick's Day, this is my top ten playlist of Irish tunes! Sláinte! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_klil_eOEY Clannad were a band of siblings and uncles from Donegal who mixed folk, tradition and spiritual (alright, new age) music. I always loved Máire Ní Bhraonáin's voice and it blends beautifully with a then young, up and coming singer … Continue reading St Paddy’s Day Top Ten Tunes →

Ring of Kerry and Serenaded by Locals

Many of my friends who had visited Ireland warned me that the Irish drove with what they described as a reckless abandon. They drove on the wrong side of the road, tailgated like crazy and speed limits were merely a suggestion. Honestly, it didn’t sound very different from my daily commute to Boston. What they … Continue reading Ring of Kerry and Serenaded by Locals →

Let the Trip Begin

I had hoped the first day on the tour bus would have been just as special as the night before but it really wasn’t quite as spectacular. Steve, our tour bus guide, seemed nice enough but quickly informed us he wasn’t a big fan of Dublin and was more of a country guy than a … Continue reading Let the Trip Begin →

Planes, Hotels and the Legendary Jimmy from Dublin

With St Patrick’s Day quickly approaching, I’ve been listening to more Irish music than usual this year. The music always reminds me of this trip my nephew Chris and I took to Ireland in September 2008. We talked about going for years and finally decided 2008 had to be the year. We debated how we’d … Continue reading Planes, Hotels and the Legendary Jimmy from Dublin →

Dead Ringer

“Oh my God! How are you?” asked a man I’d never seen before. “I’m well,” I responded, not sure what to say next. “How are you?” “What’s it been? A dozen years?” he asked. “You look great!” “Ah, thanks.” I smiled. I studied his face and nothing rang any bells. Admittedly, I’d always been terrible … Continue reading Dead Ringer →

Let the Games Begin!

(Not to be taken seriously. This is completely tongue-in-cheek!) Pitchers and catchers report in ZZZzzz. I’m sorry, I fell asleep just typing that. It pretty much happens every time I watch boreball and wait for the bloated pitcher to decide what pitch to throw to an even more bloated catcher. You figure every pitch takes … Continue reading Let the Games Begin! →

“Discovering” Salem

I love living in the city of Salem. It has this tremendous attitude and energy that appeals to me. I can only describe it as Creative Blue Collar. The people in this working class city embrace culture as well as people who walk to a different beat and I adore that. When I first started … Continue reading “Discovering” Salem →

Tortured by a Song

Has there ever been a song that everyone you know loves but you don’t get? I’m talking about the kind of song that you just cannot get away from; the entire world loves it but you? There is one song in particular that has plagued me since my teens. A few days before Christmas, I … Continue reading Tortured by a Song →

RIP Joe Strummer

Today marks the thirteenth anniversary of the passing of Joe Strummer. I can’t help but wonder what he would be thinking of today’s world. I’m guessing he’d have some strong words for Mr. Trump and a number of today’s politicians. Last May, I was asked to take part in the Gloucester Writer’s Series’ Rock & … Continue reading RIP Joe Strummer →

Introduction

Thank you for dropping by. Introductions on these things always feel like trying to get something going on some silly dating site. I shouldn’t knock dating sites, I met my girlfriend on one and she has been the best addition to my life. Wait. Did we meet on a dating site or at the pizza … Continue reading Introduction →