Trask Avenue

lost

Posted: June 28, 2017 in Observations and Commentary, Traskland
Tags: adventure, America, car, Deliverance, drive, lost, Oklahoma, technology, Texas, Traskland

Many years ago, I was traveling from Dallas, Texas to Norman, Oklahoma. It was the familiar interstate route, a straight shot north. It was also dull and repetitive, so I decided to hop onto the local roads and find my way across the state border at a new unknown spot, a pioneer in a Plymouth Fury. The Texas blacktop led me through small cow towns where experience told me my New Jersey accent would not be an asset. I double-checked my fuel gauge to ensure I could make it into Oklahoma without Read the rest of this entry »

shorts: 15

Posted: November 20, 2016 in Arts
Tags: art, film, movie, movie reviews, shorts

Movies are an escape. Now is a good time for a little film diversion, dontcha think? And there are plenty more where these come from.

Words, The (2012) – This mildly interesting tale of plagiarism gone horribly wrong is unnecessarily multi-layered. (2) – 11/20/16

Stranger Than Fiction (2006) – Will Ferrell shines in this quiet gem exploring the weird cosmic connection between an everyman and neurotic novelist. (4) – 11/20/16

Age of Adaline, The (2015) – Harmless fluff about Read the rest of this entry »

the keg is tapped

Posted: November 16, 2016 in Observations and Commentary
Tags: America, election, life, politics, presidency, Trump

Holy shit, nobody saw that coming. Forget about the blindsided pundits and the humiliated pollsters. You know the president-elect, his advisors, family, and many ardent supporters were also shocked. Let’s face it, you don’t froth at the mouth about a rigged election before the actual election if you expect to win. It is interesting to wonder what thoughts lumbered through Donald Trump’s head last Tuesday night as the results poured in. On a purely instinctive level he must have been elated; he had to be. Seriously, what better way to Read the rest of this entry »

tightrope

Posted: November 6, 2016 in Observations and Commentary
Tags: America, democracy, election, harmony, life, politics, vote

Thankfully, Election Day is almost here. The mood is such that by now Tuesday could arrive accompanied by bushels of chocolate covered strawberries, truckloads of bouquets, puppies and kittens for all, the Rockettes, and cures for every known communicable disease – and it still wouldn’t be more welcome than it already is.

During this exhausting year we have all suffered through relentlessness, excessive levels of hate, dismissiveness, abuse, moral and intellectual superiority, highhanded behavior, lies, and degradation. Our anxiety is Read the rest of this entry »

bordentown

Posted: October 30, 2016 in New Jersey, Photography
Tags: Bordentown, film, Fuji Instax, Instant NJ, New Jersey, NJ, Photography

Bordentown was settled on a small bluff above the banks of the Delaware River well over 300 years ago. History, charm, and brick are the obvious reference points. From its colonial row houses to many churches to repurposed buildings to uneven walkways to random alleys, this old city has obviously long been a thriving center of American life. In the mid-19th century, along with surrounding farmlands and fields, it was Read the rest of this entry »

life in the big city: markets

markets

Image — Posted: October 24, 2016 in Photography
Tags: Life in the Big City, market, New York, New York City, NY, NYC, produce

beautiful

Posted: October 8, 2016 in Observations and Commentary
Tags: election, politics, Trump, women

So The Washington Post got their hands on an 11 year old recording of Donald Trump where he casually talks about women as if they were his personal playthings. Is anyone surprised? If you have paid the least bit of attention to this man since he slithered into the public eye this can only be completely expected. Say what you want about his “evolving” political positions. This is the one area in his life where he has been remarkably consistent, perhaps only matched by his desire for wealth and status. If this tape shocked you…well, I’m sorry for your shock, but glad you have finally seen the truth. Read the rest of this entry »

wading through the muck

Posted: September 29, 2016 in Observations and Commentary
Tags: election, information, life, modern life, overload, society

Are you familiar with the concept of “analysis paralysis?” It essentially means decisions and actions are delayed (or never made) because the situation is too complicated or over-analyzed and the choices seem infinite. The search for perfection is often a factor. We all know perfection, aside from ice cream on a warm summer night, never happens. Yet we still strive for it. But when we are bombarded with too much data, when it is relentless and unyielding, it is nearly impossible to Read the rest of this entry »

no matter how hard you try

Posted: September 11, 2016 in Observations and Commentary
Tags: 9/11, life, memory, New York, NYC

Fall 1979

No matter how hard you try, you will never forget that day. You will never forget how the news emerged one piece at a time, slowly at first, and then with a rapidity which was impossible to digest. You will never forget the faces and reactions of the people you were with, disbelief which turned to gasps then to tears then to sobs. You will never forget that the world you occupied, the one a few miles north of the horror, stood absolutely still. You will never forget how Read the rest of this entry »

life in the big city: chess in the park

chess-in-the-park

Image — Posted: September 10, 2016 in Life in the Big City, Photography
Tags: chess, life, Life in the Big City, New York, New York City, NYC, park