During New Jersey’s legislative debate on property tax reform, politicians have avoided mentioning certain subjects. I hope they aren’t afraid to inform voters and taxpayers. We aren’t delicate, we can handle the truth, and we shouldn’t be shielded. Involving the public openly and broadly will make reform more achievable. These "top ten" underreported issues are […]
Flying American
In “Leaving Las Vegas” a man succumbs to massive amounts of alcohol. It was a movie, a rather sad one at that. Recently, I was starring in my own version of “Leaving Buenos Aires”, it also had liquor, it had despair, it had tears and frustrations. Only … a movie it was not! It was […]
Accidental Motorist
Buenos Aires — Before arriving in Argentina over two years ago, I had been warned about driving here. Be careful, my wife had said, they’re crazy. Well, I replied, Baltimore drivers are crazy too. She shook her head and smiled. The first thing you notice about the roads of Buenos Aires is the size. […]
A New Toy, But at What Cost?
The announcement that South Africa’s government would spend in excess of R20 billion on its latest fancy – a designer train that will connect Johannesburg and Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) – has been received much like a bad joke at a stand-up show. The reason for such extravagance is clear. South Africa had secured the questionable […]
Heard by a Bird
"Americans spend too much time trying to impress their cats."– Wayne Gretzky A Letter Dear Sparrow: I’m for same-sex marriage. I think both partners in a marriage should have the same amount of sex. V. P. Anonymous Reminiscence A woman I will call Madame Z told me: "My husband has been a volunteer fireman for […]
Heard by a Bird
"Give me a nation with arrogant fruitsellers and meek politicians."– Paul Claudet Did you see the cloud shaped like Aladdin’s lamp over Allaben last Tuesday? A Letter Dear Sparrow: When I was a kid, I thought Popular Mechanics was a magazine profiling well-loved garage mechanics. J. T. Bumper sticker: I’M TOO LAZY TO LOOK UPTHE […]