Robert Wright’s book is a “must read” for anyone interested in and/or practicing mindfulness meditation. This is not a “how to” book, but rather a brilliant analysis (unique, in my opinion) of how mindfulness meditation works to help us overcome useless rumination, destructive thoughts, impulses, and desires that are deeply rooted in our evolutionary biology. […]
I highly recommend “Written in Stone” by Christopher Stevens to anyone interested in language, well Indo-European languages. Each of the 17 chapters gives us on average 5 Indo-European words (verbs); for each word, the author tells stories or weaves narratives to illustrate the English words that come from those ancient words. Sometimes the narratives are […]
This essay appeared in Chaleur Magazine, May 1, 2018 (chaleurmagazine.com) I recently underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. While the surgery is routine—repairing damaged tendons—the recovery time is not. I’m told I must be prepared to suspend life as I know it for at least six months! During this time, I […]
The history of the world can be found in an etymological dictionary. Take, for example, the entry for the word “cipher” (zero, code) from etymonline.com, given below. The word traces back to Europe, the Middle East, and all the way to India, where it existed as Sanskrit “shunyata,” meaning “zero” (as well as the Buddhist word […]
This story appeared in Rumblefish Press, Winter 2017 Issue (Vol I, Issue II) (rumblefishpress.com) The doorbell rang twice. Tony took a final drag of his cigarette, blew a cloud of smoke, and lifted himself from the easy chair. He started toward the front door, but stopped suddenly. Jill? “Just a sec,” he yelled as he hurried back […]
This story was published in the Taj Mahal Review, June 2017 (tajmahalreview.com) Kesh marched into the living room, a glass of bourbon in hand. In the other, a pack of Gauloises, half crushed by his tight grip. He plopped down on the couch, set the drink on the coffee table, and ran a hand through […]
This essay appeared in The Satirist, February 11, 2017 (www.thesatirist.com) WASHINGTON, D.C. Following massive protests in the United States and around the world, President Trump has rescinded his ban on immigrants from seven Muslim countries. In its place, he has issued a new Executive Order (EO) banning non Indo-European words. “From this day on,” […]