Our first significant snowfall of the season occurred this past Friday and, as is often the case, exceeded forecasters’ predictions of about 1”-3” in eastern Massachusetts. It was probably in the 6” to 8” range for most of this part of the state and of the heavy, wet variety coating tree limbs, cars and telephone wires. That, of course, led to power outages for some, although I believe, most regained their power in a relatively short period of time. At least I hope they did.

On the other...

I met Beethoven today. Really, I did.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t composing or playing the piano. He did not even have that angry look of his with the trademark wild and wiry Beethovian hair. A ruffled genius.

This Beethoven was dressed smartly with short hair and he was a friendly, affable sort. Just the kind of person you would expect at the front desk when checking into your hotel, which is what I was doing when I met the 21st century Beethoven. He said, Hope you enjoy your stay; I...

There may already be a show or list or annual event of some kind that features what I’m going to write about but, if so, I’m unaware of such, so here goes. And I just couldn’t resist one way or the other. You’ll understand. Read on.

In a book I just finished titled A Naturalist Goes Fishing, author James McClintock writes of his fishing experiences and global environmental issues that threaten our planet’s waterways. His travels take him from the Gulf of Mexico to New Zealand, from Lake...

There was a political columnist years ago who wrote wonderful, insightful articles for The Village Voice. If memory serves me correctly, I believe it was Phil Tracy, and I always looked forward to reading what he had to say, not only because I learned something new whenever I did, but also because more often than not he left me smiling, even when the topic was serious.

Oh, I miss Phil, and would greatly enjoy reading more of his columns today. I’m sure he would still be able to leave us...