Based on the Guardian series, here. When were you happiest? Any time when my wife and I were together, with nowhere specific to be, ideally with a hot drunk and the pug pack. Which living person do you most admire, and why? Elizabeth Warren. I believe she has a plan to really make a difference. … Continue reading The Q&A
Tag: driving
On Driving Teachers
My driving teacher was an older lady with no time for anyone’s shenanigans. She was a former prison guard and had very strong ideas feelings about racism and race relations that she was not shy in sharing. She told me, very early on, that if she shouted and ripped the wheel from my hands (I’m … Continue reading On Driving Teachers
On Things I Would Make Illegal
When I am God-King of the Universe, these are things that will be illegal. With punishments swift and severe: Serving a patron Pepsi when they specifically asked for Coke. Isn’t this supposed to be the home of freedom? Isn’t this the country that invented customer service? So what is this bullshit? Coke is not Pepsi. … Continue reading On Things I Would Make Illegal
On Meeting a Quiet Englishman
I have a car. I live in Austin, so it really helps, even if I took to driving like a teenage boy takes to soap and water. But, I do have a car. But, maybe about 9 months ago, the manufacturer of my car (who shall remain nameless) sent me a recall notice; my passenger airbag … Continue reading On Meeting a Quiet Englishman
On Not Driving
My wife recently bought a new car and it's an interesting experience...psychologically. As I was playing the role of emotional supporter, I had a lot of time to wander around and fall in love with the shiny things. I wanted a toy of my own, even though spending that kind of money on something that's … Continue reading On Not Driving
On Being a Driving Teacher
When I tell my friends that my son has no real interest in driving, the reaction is universally one of surprise. For Americans of my generation, driving happened as soon as it could. Driving represented freedom from parents, access to move theaters, more time with friends and potential partners. Of course, this was the time … Continue reading On Being a Driving Teacher
On Xmas Traditions
As an Englishman abroad, Xmas can be a time of mixed feelings. Life in Austin is mostly wonderful, but it's easy to feel maudlin about family and friends so far away. Although distance does mean there's definitely less pressure on the present-buying front... Starting new traditions is basically a self-serving way of forming a holiday … Continue reading On Xmas Traditions
#UK2015 – 1. Cars and Planes
It had only been a year since my last visit to the old country, but it had been much longer since I'd really had a chance to look around. In addition to the cold wasteland of the North East of England, I'd also be checking out my long-held prejudices of other parts of this great … Continue reading #UK2015 – 1. Cars and Planes
On Not Growing Up But Growing Old
Life lets you know you’re getting older. Not necessarily by robbing you of your hair. Maybe you’ve been receding follically since, say, your 15th birthday or so. You may, in fact, be on a journey that you like to think of as “Less shampoo, more soap”. And anyway, you’ve hit a certain age and the … Continue reading On Not Growing Up But Growing Old
On the Weirdest Thing That’s Happened to Me…So Far
You know what’s a good ice-breaker? In parties, sitting on a park bench, tied to a complete stranger in a hostage situation, you need a question to start up the conversation. Something like, “What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you?” Of course, like all conversational opening gambits, you’re really only asking so you … Continue reading On the Weirdest Thing That’s Happened to Me…So Far
Small Change on Strangers 