Monthly Archives: September 2023

My 30th great grandfather was not a barbarian, he was Conan I ‘le Tort’ de Rennes, duc de Bretagne. ‘Le Tort’, meaning ‘the crooked’. I’m assumed he had some sort of physical deformity. Like most nobles with castles, he had … Continue reading →

The Curious Case of the Speed Bumps Allow me to regale you with a tale of “special knowledge” that revolves around the design and implementation of the now-famous barriers that grace the streets of Berkeley. I know the person who … Continue reading →

In the realm of knowledge, there exists a type often referred to as “special knowledge” or “insider knowledge.” It’s the kind of information that can prove invaluable in various situations, from navigating the intricacies of business deals to safely navigating … Continue reading →

I stumbled upon two new musicians this last week. I’m a little shocked that I hadn’t heard about them, because they have been around awhile. I encourage you to find a good YouTube video of their work!

Nature Boys emerged in the early 1900s, embracing long hair and sun-kissed skin as symbols of their deep connection to nature. Jack Kerouac mentioned them in “On The Road,” recalling encounters with these “Nature Boy saints” during his 1947 travels … Continue reading →

A good friend recently gave three boxes of art books. I couldn’t refuse them. There were images that I haven’t seen. There were sketches that demanded to be re-drawn and colorized. More tribute art!

A Multifaceted 19th-Century Explorer, Linguist, and Renaissance Man Sir Richard Burton was a remarkable figure of the 19th century, known for his incredible talents, achievements, and daring exploits. His life story is one of adventure, intellectual curiosity, and cultural exploration … Continue reading →