Author Archives: Steve
Deception, or Modern Business
Some time ago, by either an act of the Maryland State Legislature or a change in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) (or perhaps a combination of both), utility consumers in Maryland were provided with an opportunity to buy energy … Continue reading
The Monty Hall Problem
I’ve decided that, when I read something I like a lot, I’m going to link to it on this blog. This is a short story by Rebekah Bergman that I enjoyed reading. I like to think that there are people who … Continue reading
Good Friday — A Memory
The honeysuckle on my neighbor’s fence was blooming. I was standing in the alley behind my house, slightly up the bank to my neighbor’s fence, sampling and enjoying the honeysuckle blossoms. In my memory, I am alone — a rare … Continue reading
Republican Concern Trolling for Merrick Garland
Commentators of the GOP stripe are aghast that Obama would do this, STOOP to do this, to Merrick Garland, a well respected, moderate Circuit Court judge. After all, Mitch and his gang have sworn off having hearings, ’cause they’re standing … Continue reading
Fun On A Snowy Day in Baltimore
On Friday evening, the snow started falling. The forecast had coalesced around the word “blizzard” but lots of people were out and about enjoying the first snow of the season. Diane and I met friends at Grand Cru — the wine … Continue reading
What I Read in 2015
For the last several years, around the new year, I have written a little piece naming and describing each book I read over the year. In the past, I’ve just written this on Facebook but this year I’m starting a … Continue reading
Rosa Parks
Sixty years ago today, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give her seat on a bus to make room for a white passenger. Montgomery, Alabama had a law that basically gave white people premium seating on the buses. There … Continue reading
The Midas Touch – Late Capitalism
One day, some of King Midas’ men brought him a satyr they had captured in one of the king’s fields. Midas recognized Silenus, the god Dionysus’ favorite satyr and ordered him set free. Dionysus so appreciated Midas’ gesture that he … Continue reading
Charity and Capitalism
Back when I used to answer the telephone and occasionally had to suffer calls exhorting me to purchase something or donate money to some cause, there was one call that prompted a bit of thought. The caller was soliciting money … Continue reading
As Privilege Erodes, Bigotry Flourishes
Because I am often critical of President Obama when I write, whether here or elsewhere, I sometimes get friend requests from right wing people on Facebook. In general, I ignore those requests (although, now that I’m trying to write more … Continue reading