Category Archives: Middle Class

How America Met Rob Reiner – The Legacy of All In The Family  

Rob Reiner was the first person I ever saw on television stand up to a bigot. And fifty years later, he still was. Though now the bigot from Queens was no longer his father-in-law, a foreman on a loading dock,

How America Met Rob Reiner – The Legacy of All In The Family  

Rob Reiner was the first person I ever saw on television stand up to a bigot. And fifty years later, he still was. Though now the bigot from Queens was no longer his father-in-law, a foreman on a loading dock,

Santa Held at The Border

A heads up to America’s kids. Ol’ Santa might have some problems making his deliveries to the U.S. next Christmas if the Department of Homeland Security has its way. North Pole resident Santa Claus and his undocumented elves better make

Santa Held at The Border

A heads up to America’s kids. Ol’ Santa might have some problems making his deliveries to the U.S. next Christmas if the Department of Homeland Security has its way. North Pole resident Santa Claus and his undocumented elves better make

I Am An American

On a bookshelf in my cluttered office is a small, hardcover book I was given in third grade. The well-worn book nestled in between my many Dick, Jane, and Sally tomes is titled “I Am An American.” The mission of

I Am An American

On a bookshelf in my cluttered office is a small, hardcover book I was given in third grade. The well-worn book nestled in between my many Dick, Jane, and Sally tomes is titled “I Am An American.” The mission of

Trumps Sick War Against Women Reporters

Donald Trump has often boasted, “No one respects women more than me.” Says the convicted sex felon who has been on a tear calling female journalists stupid, ugly, terrible, obnoxious, incompetent, and piggy. There has also been appalling dead silence

Trumps Sick War Against Women Reporters

Donald Trump has often boasted, “No one respects women more than me.” Says the convicted sex felon who has been on a tear calling female journalists stupid, ugly, terrible, obnoxious, incompetent, and piggy. There has also been appalling dead silence

Forgotten Fall Rituals – Burning Leaves and Fear of Fallout

Jumping in the pile of crunchy, dead leaves, hurling them into the air like confetti, was a fall ritual for mid-century kids. So was burning leaves. That earthy smell of burning autumn leaves is forever seared in my mind, transporting

Forgotten Fall Rituals – Burning Leaves and Fear of Fallout

Jumping in the pile of crunchy, dead leaves, hurling them into the air like confetti, was a fall ritual for mid-century kids. So was burning leaves. That earthy smell of burning autumn leaves is forever seared in my mind, transporting

Forgotten Fall Rituals – Burning Leaves and Fear of Fallout

Jumping in the pile of crunchy, dead leaves, hurling them into the air like confetti, was a fall ritual for mid-century kids. So was burning leaves. That earthy smell of burning autumn leaves is forever seared in my mind, transporting

Forgotten Fall Rituals – Burning Leaves and Fear of Fallout

Jumping in the pile of crunchy, dead leaves, hurling them into the air like confetti, was a fall ritual for mid-century kids. So was burning leaves. That earthy smell of burning autumn leaves is forever seared in my mind, transporting

There is No Perfect Thanksgiving

For some of us, the idea of a harmonious family Thanksgiving dinner can be as much of a fable as the original one with the Pilgrims and Indians. This time of year, we are historically inundated with Norman Rockwell-esque happy

There is No Perfect Thanksgiving

For some of us, the idea of a harmonious family Thanksgiving dinner can be as much of a fable as the original one with the Pilgrims and Indians. This time of year, we are historically inundated with Norman Rockwell-esque happy

This Thanksgiving Not Everyone is Thankful

Sometimes, vintage comic books resonate very clearly for the present. Often for inspiration, I rifle through cardboard boxes of old periodicals and comic books that line my basement shelves. This afternoon, I came across two disparate vintage comic books. One

This Thanksgiving Not Everyone is Thankful

Sometimes, vintage comic books resonate very clearly for the present. Often for inspiration, I rifle through cardboard boxes of old periodicals and comic books that line my basement shelves. This afternoon, I came across two disparate vintage comic books. One

When Flying on Thanksgiving Was Actually Fun

Travelers this Thanksgiving are on edge. Flying is anything but fun. As millions crowd our airports for the traditional Thanksgiving trek home over the river and through the woods, the tension mounts at the thought of long lines, insufferable crowds,

When Flying on Thanksgiving Was Actually Fun

Travelers this Thanksgiving are on edge. Flying is anything but fun. As millions crowd our airports for the traditional Thanksgiving trek home over the river and through the woods, the tension mounts at the thought of long lines, insufferable crowds,

Let’s Put on a Thanksgiving Show

Channeling the enthusiasm of Mickey –“Hey kids, let’s put on a show”-Rooney, for most of my childhood, Thanksgiving always included a play starring my cousin Amy and me at our Nana Sadie’s apartment. My safety backup career plan as a

Let’s Put on a Thanksgiving Show

Channeling the enthusiasm of Mickey –“Hey kids, let’s put on a show”-Rooney, for most of my childhood, Thanksgiving always included a play starring my cousin Amy and me at our Nana Sadie’s apartment. My safety backup career plan as a