Yesterday, I decided it was time to give my local casino another chance. Let me explain. Some time ago, I played a special promotion at Rivers Casino where if I earned a certain number of points, I could receive a cast iron cooking pan. Which at the time I really needed. But when I received…
Read MoreOne can never be “over-prepared”
I’m currently enjoying a nice run as trivia host at two local eateries each week – Tuesday nights at Beer Bones Bar & Grill in Loudonville, and Wednesday evenings at the Van Patten Golf Course in Clifton Park. Last week, however … had its moments. I arrived at Beer Bones nice and early and set…
Read MoreMore detail to A CO Railfan’s Dream
I never settle for “just good enough.” If I make something, I’ll try the next time to make it better. It’s evolution and creation as a co-existence. Such is the case with A CO Railfan’s Dream, one of my entries for Competition Season 2026. I truly love this image and its surreal mixture of film…
Read MoreChuck The Writer celebrates an 85th anniversary
Last June, I attended my 40th college reunion. It was an adventure. Spent the weekend reminiscing with classmates, rediscovering old memories … And getting a bit of an itch. Follow along. That weekend, while waiting for one of the scheduled events, I spent the morning at the Burke Library. Did a little bit of history-diving.…
Read MoreTwo years early??
In March 2022, I purchased my current car, a 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premier (“Lightning’s Girl”). I most likely overpaid for some services from the dealership, but the car has stayed loyal and true to me for the past four years. I entered into a six-year financing contract. But you know me. I can’t just pay…
Read MoreI made it to the 1600’s and gave up.
I do enjoy finding new rabbit holes to dive into on the Mastodon social media network. Such is the case with this one. This website chronicles the history of language, and this post here actually chronicles the evolution of what we know as English. And even if you go back 100 years … 200 years…
Read MoreThe Saturday Blogroll Recap, February 21 2026
Good morning, blog readers. As you know, I try to post new or original content every day, but on Saturday I step aside and post new and original content from the wonderful people that populate my personal blogroll. That way, you can enjoy their work as well. So let’s get started, shall we? Have a…
Read MoreAllen’s Day 2026
Today is a sad anniversary. It’s the moment when death touched me and nobody prepared me for it. On February 20, 1970, my baby brother Allen – just three years young – was critically injured in a single-car crash in Rensselaer County. My maternal grandfather hit a tree; Allen (who was not belted in) went…
Read MoreZen and the art of trivia hosting
One of the most influential books of my college years was Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, a book that works as both a repair manual and a tome on life. And in the concept of such motorcycle maintenance, I’ve now developed a routine for my two trivia hosting stints each week. Trust me,…
Read MoreKate Smith, Irving Berlin, and God Bless America
I wrote this article about 25 years ago for the music magazine Goldmine, and felt like dusting it off this morning for all of you. In recent weeks, the collectible value of “God Bless America” has risen. The original 78 (Victor 26198-A), which previously had a near-mint collectible value of $4, has risen to nearly…
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