Is It Too Hot For Red Wine?

In the summer, many of us turn to white or rosé wines for our vino enjoyment. But what about those who must have red? Have you ever thought about serving a chilled Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot? I didn’t think so. Suppose you read articles about drinking red wine in the summer heat. In that case,... Read More

The Wine Spot

August 15, 2025

Tennis

Spectators gather, amazed; Nadal was upset by his first-round challenger who defied his dominance, dispatched his long reign. His volleys didn’t threaten Zverev, who took Nadal’s reign with lightning fast serves, that dethroned the storied champ.

Poet's Corner

August 13, 2025

A Poor Man’s “Picture Phone”

When my daughter, Rachel needs a rest break from work, she sometimes schedules a few days at the Surfside Hotel, Nags Head, N.C., just a short walk from the truly iconic Jeanette’s Pier!(you don’t have to be an angler to enjoy the view). Rachel called me from there recently, telling me about the amenities, such... Read More

Essays

August 9, 2025

Movies You Missed from 20 Years Ago” Four Brothers

Four Brothers (5/10 Rating) Released August 12, 2005 Streaming on Paramount+, For rent/purchase on all major platforms. Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller R: strong violence, pervasive language, and some sexual content 1h 49m I remember seeing trailers for Four Brothers and thinking it could be entertaining, but it was likely just another action... Read More

Movies You Missed

August 7, 2025

A Propeller at Rest (A Mamie and Solly Story Continuation*)

Solly’s phone rang. “Hello, Smita,” he said. “Mamie and I are walking with the dogs along the river. What’s up?” “Mamie’s there, too? I’ve got a story.” “Sammy and Cooper are trying to jump into the river. A story is a welcome distraction,” said Mamie. “You remember the propeller?” asked Smita. “The one your in-law... Read More

Fiction

August 5, 2025

Finding Light in Different Places: Russell Hart’s Journey Through Loss and Landscape

The 1885 Valley Line train station in Lexington, Virginia, seems an unlikely home for a photographer who spent decades navigating the frenetic pace of New York’s publishing world. But for Russell Hart, the converted depot represents something more profound than a simple change of address—it’s a return to roots, a quieter rhythm, and a creative... Read More

Cover Features

July 22, 2025

Under a Tuscan Spell

A good friend recently gave me some bottles of wine. He is a fan of red Italian wines, and among those he gave me were bottles of Brunello di Montalcino (Brunello di Mont-al-cino). Just saying the name is a joy. Brunello di Montalcino is made from a local strain of Sangiovese (Sahn-joh-veh-she) grape grown in the... Read More

The Wine Spot

July 17, 2025

Moonless too?

Dew glistens, gathers like wet dust until it leaves, vanishes, loses its hold like sunshine, its horizon. Our march through time stops only if life shudders then halts for nature to pause, consider new paths, when to unload morning dew.

Poet's Corner

July 15, 2025

Lost in Conversation (A Mamie and Solly Story)

(Scene: Having lunch out for Mamie’s birthday, Mamie and Solly are enjoying soup, salad, and conversation.) Mamie (spearing a tomato chunk): You look particularly handsome, Solly. Solly (raising his glass in a toast): To you, Mamie. Birthdays are worth dressing up for. M (sipping delicately): This salad is great. All the usual suspects plus avocado,... Read More

Fiction

July 12, 2025

Just a ‘Closer’ Walk

This title is about walking down the road at about 3 mph, instead of driving 35-55-plus mph, the result being that your foot on the road versus your foot on the pedal puts you intimately closer to your ever-passing surroundings. Walking, you are “at one with the ground” (Fred Flintstone’s feet were only on the... Read More