From the Baroque period, J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel seem to get the lion’s share of attention from music lovers and critics. But before and during the reign of these musical giants, there was Antonio Vivaldi. There, of course, were others – Telemann, Rameau, Couperin and more – but the very prolific Vivaldi stands out. [...]

One of my father’s most valued and cherished possessions was a worn leatherette folder which contained his certificate of naturalization, making him a proud citizen of a great nation. He, like millions before and after him, left the land of his birth, seeking a new life in a nation which offered him freedom from oppression, [...]

Mother Nature has had a lot of cruel fun with me over the years. I was kind of hoping she was done, but I’m afraid she’s just getting warmed up. Please allow me to tell you about a couple of jokes she has played recently and, while I am at it, my own foolishness that [...]

Driving along County Road 773 deep in rural Carter County, KY southeast of Hitchins, you will be treated to a bit of American history. The Mt. Savage Iron Furnace doesn’t reveal much as it has not been taken over and nurtured by any organization concerned with the preservation of historic landmarks. But, this structure was [...]

Sandy Hook Elementary School, which will long be a flashpoint for senseless gun violence in our allegedly civilized society, is a step closer to the wrecker’s ball. No doubt a lot of parents and children harbor some fond memories of what happened in that building since its 1956 opening, BUT there’s no question that the [...]

In the half-decade since Hillary Clinton became an also-ran in her quest for the Democratic presidential nomination, she has been no shrinking violet. Politically, she has kept her name in the limelight by biting the bullet and serving as Secretary of State for the man who outmaneuvered her for the nomination, and ultimately, the presidency. [...]

We humans are a smart lot! Yes we are and you should stop snickering about your dopey neighbor or some politician whom you’re convinced could not find his or her way out of a paper bag! But, while there’s a lot we know, there’s additionally quite a bit we don’t. Perhaps we’re not supposed to [...]

Two recent international events have further exposed the foreign policy weakness of President Obama. Last year’s Benghazi tragedy (9-11-12) resulted in four Americans being murdered by an anti-American mob of terrorists with no response to date by the President. While all the facts have still not been disclosed, it has become increasingly clear that not [...]