Archive for the ‘Humor’ Category

Point of Order

07Nov13

In defense of Open Town Meeting Wakefield‘s Regular Town Meeting opens on Monday, Nov. 18, and it seems like a good time to reflect on the institution of Open Town Meeting. While some towns have gone to a watered-down “Representative Town Meeting,” with voting members elected from each precinct, Open Town Meeting remains a New […]


We are right in the middle of the graduation season, and I am again available for a small stipend to deliver the keynote address at any commencement ceremonies. Or you can save yourselves the money, save me some time, and spare your graduates a few minutes of agony and just read it here. Graduates, distinguished […]


Today, Saturday, Feb. 9, marks a significant anniversary for Baby Boomers. On that date in 1964, a British band known at The Beatles made its US debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. For the benefit of those under 50, the Ed Sullivan Show was a TV staple. It was a variety show that families could […]


A Word, Please?

03Jan13

Eliminating a few dozen words from the lexicon will make for a better 2013 It’s the New Year, time for all those obligatory and oh-so-hilarious “Best” and “Worst” lists for the previous year along with predictions for the coming year. I’m taking a different approach. Since nothing good happened in 2012, I’m off the hook […]


My coffee maker, a Cuisinart, died yesterday. It would have been 11 years old next month. The immediate cause of death was listed as complications from a massive water hemmorhage suffered Wednesday morning. Cuisinart was received as a gift in December of 2001. It performed yeoman’s work, missing few days in a decade-long long career […]


I admit that I am powerless over the Internet. There, I’ve said it. They say that admitting you have a problem is the first step toward recovery. I wish it were that easy. I thank my higher power that I don’t have a smartphone. I’d be one of those people at social events with my […]


When the Board of Selectmen last week moved to use zoning to nip in the bud any chance of a medical marijuana dispensary opening in Wakefield Massachusetts, they were not alone. Many Massachusetts cities and towns have put in motion measures to stem the possibility of a pot store opening in their communities. This widespread […]


As you read this, I’m hoppin’ a freight train box car and heading out to Britt, Iowa for the National Hobo Convention. It’s no joke. There really is a National Hobo Convention. It’s been held in Britt, Iowa on the second weekend in August since 1900. “The National Hobo Convention,” the description goes, “celebrates current […]


Sixty may be the new decrepit, but on April 20 Fenway Park will celebrate its 100th birthday, proving that not everything old has a date with the wrecking ball. Last Friday, I attended the Red Sox home opener at the undersized and antiquated ballpark. April 20 may be the official centennial celebration, but last Friday’s […]


It happened two weekends ago. Seemingly, if not literally, overnight, political yard signs sprung up like crocuses all over the town of Wakefield. Along main roads and side streets and especially on the coveted corner lots, each sign installation proclaimed a resident’s allegiance to a candidate or candidates in the April 24 Town Election. Some […]