Currently Reading: Shorebilly

This, like many other times, is one of those weeks where the column kind of writes itself. This one was the spawn of something silly and trivial that I did earlier this past week just for a reaction. If you’ve … Continue reading →

When we left off, I was the host, court jester, party favor, test dummy, and entertainment for a sleepover party of nine-year-old girls, with my little ones also in the mix. It was Friday night of MLK weekend and I … Continue reading →

Well it’s that time of year again. We’re all given a fresh start by simply having the year change over to a new one. We, myself included, have convinced ourselves, right or wrong, that it’s a new year, so a … Continue reading →

As 2013 comes to a close, I’d be remiss not to do a piece covering the year in review. Don’t worry; I’m not going to recap news stories and world events from this past year, that’s not really my thing. … Continue reading →

‘Twas the days before Christmas in the Syd Nichols house. He was stressed out and worried, thank God for his spouse. She’s consummately cool, on a nice even keel. So she keeps him from being a total s@#t heel. When … Continue reading →

I was originally going to write this week about that fun, almost oxymoronic ritual known as the ‘restaurant customer appreciation holiday party.’ I was going to tell you what it’s like to be at one of them, through the eyes … Continue reading →

As is often the case, I had other plans for this week’s piece. Then observations and circumstances changed that, and the column began once again writing itself. I don’t watch a whole lot of television at home. I stopped watching … Continue reading →

It all started on an afternoon in early November about six years ago. My son, who was about 16, and I – for whatever reason – found ourselves shopping in a department store. I won’t say the name or location … Continue reading →

This week I’m thinking about the arrival of my absolute favorite of all the holidays. I know you’ve grown to expect sarcasm and cynicism from me, but I mean with complete sincerity that Thanksgiving truly is my favorite holiday. I … Continue reading →

In my line of work, particularly in a seasonal resort town, the wonders never cease as far as the things I see and hear. Even after over 30 years of restaurant work, and over a quarter century’s worth of that … Continue reading →

I’ve seen and heard a lot of things from behind the bar. Some of them silly enough, or poignant enough to garner a couple of key words in that notebook I carry with me at all times. Some of these … Continue reading →

This week I’m going to take a break from my bar room diatribes, and assume the other half of my dual identity. If you’ve been following the column then you’re aware that I tend to vacillate between curmudgeonly aging, resort … Continue reading →