Author Archives: attractivenuisance1977

An Open Question to My Friends

I’m having trouble understanding you all. Back in December, as I cautiously lurked, considering a return to Facebook, I found a flurry of posts about the UK general election. These posts closely mirrored the ones that I remember after both Brexit and the election of Donald Trump; lamentations about the country losing its mind, apologiesContinue reading “An Open Question to My Friends”

Thoughts on Episode 9: Part Two

My favorite moment from the sequel trilogy is still from VII, when Rey faces off against Kylo Ren in the icy woods on Ilum. When Ren tries to get Luke’s saber from the snow, then watches it fly past into his face to be ignited in Rey’s hands as Luke’s theme comes up; now that’sContinue reading “Thoughts on Episode 9: Part Two”

Thoughts on Episode 9: Part One

Massive Spoilers Ahead…                 So, it took me more than a week, but I finally went to see Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker a second time. I considered writing a piece on what I thought of the movie right away, but I thought it would be smarter to wait a bit; to let the movieContinue reading “Thoughts on Episode 9: Part One”

Pub Quiz Review: City Works, McLean, VA

                In the shadow of the mighty cathedral of cut rate credit known as the Capital One building, there is a new venue for trivia night on Wednesdays: City Works. This Wednesday, a bitterly cold December evening, I went with three friends to check out the competition in Tysons Corner. Walking past the windows ofContinue reading “Pub Quiz Review: City Works, McLean, VA”

Triple Crowns vs. Perfect Games

                I find the best way to protect my sanity in the era of the hot take is just to tune things out, especially the things said on podcasts, in Facebook posts, or anywhere that thoughts are restricted to short, unaccountable bursts. But sometimes it’s just impossible. Sometimes someone blurts a line that lets themContinue reading “Triple Crowns vs. Perfect Games”

Episode 9: Here we go again

                I’ve got plans to see Episode Nine. Of course, I do. There is a ticket in my name, and I’m going. I know people who have turned away, but I’m not there yet. I mean, I’m the guy who copied the opening crawl from Empire Strikes Back into big yellow block lettering and slidContinue reading “Episode 9: Here we go again”

Organ Peaks Trail: first attempt

                Morning efficiency is not what I would call a strong suit for me. I had set an alarm, but as usual it was at best a precatory and easily ignored suggestion. My son had the whole week off for Thanksgiving, so we had plans to adventure in the mountains. Holding us back was theContinue reading “Organ Peaks Trail: first attempt”

The Last Shrine: first chapter.

            The sun bore down; bright and hot, glaring as it had every day of Skander’s life. He shielded his eyes and squinted as a red-tailed hawk traced a lazy circle through the desert sky. It dove, and Skander imagined himself as its prey, heart beating fast in terror, or possibly, unaware, calmly nibbling aContinue reading “The Last Shrine: first chapter.”

Be Honest, did you think there was poison ivy in New Mexico?

                Three years living in the land of enchantment and there has been one constant for me, an abiding fascination with the mountain wilderness that surrounds Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The mountains in this part of the state were designated as the first national wilderness area and we have the Chiricahua Apache to thankContinue reading “Be Honest, did you think there was poison ivy in New Mexico?”