Running Commentary on the Changing Shape of a Commentator
Journal entry: April 24, 2009 (age 39) – In Shape Most times when I write, I am self-deprecating. Not today. Today, I am going to make fun of … Read more
stories
Lost Journal: American Embarrassadors Face English Expulsion
Journal entry: March 24, 1990 (age 20) Note: This journal entry is the second in a two-part series. It’s been one week since the London police were called … Read more
Lost Journal: Water Bombs Over Britain
Journal entry: March 17, 1990 (age 20) – Water Bombs Note: This is the first in a two-part series. Before arriving in London for my semester abroad, I … Read more
Lost Journal: Reel Men Don’t Jig
Journal entry: March 17, 1983 (age 13) – Reel Men Don’t Jig As I watched the Irish jig being performed in the gymnasium of St. Patrick’s Middle School … Read more
Lost Journal: Humorist Makes Serious Decision Not to Kid
Journal entry: February 26, 2007 (age 37) – Humorist’s Decision Every time I go to a doctor’s appointment, I kick myself for not bringing something to read. The … Read more
Lost Journal: “Twit” Lacks Wit, as Far as Nicknames Go
Journal entry: September 13, 1982 (age 13) – Nicknames My buddy, Vinny Gallagher, tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Your brother Dan is out in the hall.” … Read more
Lost Journal: Brother, Can You Spare an Apartment?
Journal entry: September 5, 1993 (age 24) – Apartment Sharing Moving in with my older brother, Bob, seemed like such a good idea. A few years ago, I … Read more
Lost Journal: Opera is Elementary
Journal entry: October 23, 1980 (age 11) – Opera Opera can be nearly as melodramatic as fifth grade. This morning, I went with my classmates from St. Thomas … Read more
Lost Journal: No Class Photo is Complete Without a Complete Lack of Class
Journal entry: September 28, 1978 (age 9) – Class Photo It’s another humiliating school-picture day at St. Thomas Aquinas, my elementary school in Binghamton. Every year, the kids … Read more
Lost Journal: Plumbing the Depths of my Wallet
Journal entry: January 23, 2009 (age 39) – Plumbing Like everyone else, my wife, Amanda, and I are limiting our expenses these days. But withholding money for certain things … Read more
