Greeks Fear the New Drachma Won’t Be Worth a Continental

Another working Saturday ended rather late today, at six, culminating in a consultation with Dr. Vilaremetaftia Kolodaktilo, Principal Secondary Assistant Mattachine Attaché for High Culture at the Greek Embassy here in Washington.  His usual concern over the years has been the return of Greek antiquities from places like the Getty Museum to their rightful situations… Continue reading Greeks Fear the New Drachma Won’t Be Worth a Continental

Bo Xilai and Bo Guagua – Beaux Yeux or Bo Zeux?

He began calling early Thursday, trying to get a telephone consultation appointment, but I was booked solid.  Since we were working this weekend, Gretchen finally managed to fit him in on Saturday afternoon. Bo: Hello?  Tom Collins? Tom: Yes. Bo: This is Bo Guagua.  How are you? Tom: Fine, thanks.  And you? Bo: I’ve been… Continue reading Bo Xilai and Bo Guagua – Beaux Yeux or Bo Zeux?

Kim Jong Un Endures North Korea’s Failure to Launch

The unusually warm winter and early spring here in Washington this year resulted in some strange and wonderful things – the flowering cherry trees, which respond to temperature, came out in advance of the forsythia, which responds to the light cycle.  Crocuses, daffodils and tulips, which ordinarily bloom in a predictable sequence, all decided to… Continue reading Kim Jong Un Endures North Korea’s Failure to Launch

Kony 2012 Makes Jason Russell Barely Famous

I was relaxing at my home in Great Falls, Virginia this afternoon, preparing to drive over to Fairfax for what my sister-in-law Shannon promises to be a genuine Chicago Irish St. Patrick’s day celebration, when my POTS land line rang.  The caller ID was partially blocked, showing only an 858 area code.  I must confess,… Continue reading Kony 2012 Makes Jason Russell Barely Famous

Don’t Cry for Oil, Argentina

I didn’t go in to the office this morning, and eagerly anticipated a quiet Saturday at home in Great Falls, Virginia with my girlfriend Cerise and my cat Twinkle.  We had, however, just finished a tasty late winter Tidewater lunch of shad roe with chard and roasted red fingerling potatoes when my POTS land line… Continue reading Don’t Cry for Oil, Argentina