Remembering Fred Branfman (1942–2014)

My friend Zsuzsa Beres is holding a commemoration in Budapest on the weekend of May 16–17, to celebrate the life of her late husband — and my friend — Fred Branfman, who passed away in September last year.

Two friends and an island

Two acquaintances at a long-ago party had recognized an obscure literary reference in an out-of-print book by a long-dead author:

Dolce far niente: ‘Sweet doing nothing’

Three Italian words tattooed to the wrist of a pirate

It’s rewarding to know this little blog is building momentum. I’ve received several messages of encouragement, including this missive from PJ:

Good job! Nice writing too. Chuck in some characters and you’re made.

An early morning epiphany and a shameless plug for the pirates

Sitting down to write on the deck of this gently rolling boat, shortly after dawn, the mind settles into easy contemplation.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

By Steven Robert Carlson

7 crapulous reasons to unleash your inner crap artist

The unexpected pleasures of waiting for airplanes, busses and ferries

Travel only seems glamorous to those who don’t. The reality is most of modern travel consists of waiting. Waiting to board the airplane. Waiting to get off. Waiting for connecting flights. Waiting at the…