The Bookless Club

The phone rings. I recognize the name. I pick it up and announce: “I’m having chocolates for breakfast.” “And so you should!” is the ecstatic response. I’m on the phone with James McCormack. James knows… Read More »FOOD FIGHT

If you had to look for some sign that someone was conscientious, some indicator that they were dependable, what would you look for? Well maintained shoes, you say? Good choice, good choice. Clean fingernails, perhaps?… Read More »WATCH ME NOW

I love sweeping statements. Statements that take no prisoners. Black. White. Absolutes. Here’s one for you: The guest becomes the host. That’s the law of reciprocation. Tit for tat without the negative connotations. Reciprocation is… Read More »RECIPROCATION

If you like words, you like to have a big collection of them. You need that big collection because a lot of words – most of ‘em – have a very specific purpose. Some words… Read More »POST PANDEMIC VOCABULARY

Gary Reitmayer is a good guy. People tell him that all the time. And when they do, he gives them what he calls his “spiel”, telling them it’s easy; they, too,   could be a good… Read More »LITTER, THE UNFORTUNATE RENEWABLE

FLINGINGMINGOES! Every family has a secret language, most of it devised by the little lexicographers known as toddlers. In my house, the tall pink bird that stands on one foot was called a flingingmingo. The… Read More »CHILDHOOD WORDS

This revelation came to me in a blinding flash one day when I was desperately turning coat pockets inside out, upending handbags onto countertops, and pointing accusatory fingers at anyone within earshot. You know what… Read More »KEYLESS ENTRY

The neighbours called to say there was something odd going on. The old house, a dilapidated bungalow, was slated for demolition. Hoardings were up and there was no question that the place was unoccupied. Nevertheless… Read More »NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

When was the last time you saw a snake? When I was a kid there were two types of wildlife. The type you hoped for on a Saturday night, and the type you routinely encountered… Read More »WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE … AND AREN’T

It would appear that we’re heading back to the office. It won’t happen all at once, but slowly, very slowly, our office wardrobes are going to switch over from Crocs and sweatpants to heels and… Read More »OFFICE ROMANCES