“…born in a mansion and died in a shack…” – from A Fierce Green Fire by Marybeth Lorbiecki Buenos Aires – I’ve been to the barrio of Barracas (literally “shacks”) before, but always with a particular destination in mind. A friend suggested we take a real wander through the neighborhood – perhaps over time more… Read More Barrio of Change
In November 1889, the young army officer Felicíssimo do Espírito Santo Cardoso handed a dismissal letter to Dom Pedro II and conducted the Emperor to the ship that would carry him into exile. That act was more symbolic of the change from monarchy to republic than Field Marshal Deodoro’s cry of “Long live the Republic!”… Read More Paint by Numbers 5
Native Americans inhabited the area that is now Dallas before it was claimed as part of the Province of New Spain by the Spanish in the 1500’s. In 1821, Mexico declared independence from Spain and New Spain became part of Mexico. Texas became the independent country, The Republic of Texas, in 1836 after the Texas… Read More The Big D
“The popularity of conspiracy theories is explained by people’s desire to believe that there is – some group of folks who know what they’re doing.” – Damon Knight, Author The book depository and a corner of the famed grassy knoll. Dallas – I was here once, about twenty years ago, for a weekend event that… Read More The Grassy Knoll
He who interrupts the course of his spiritual exercises and prayer is like a man who allows a bird to escape from his hand; he can hardly catch it again.” – St. John of the Cross, Christian mystic Buenos Aires – I’m a day or two behind Robert at Line of Sight in writing up… Read More Spiritual Exercise
“Well they have loved to wander, Their feet they have not restrained.” – Jeremiah 14:10, Old Testament Bible Buenos Aires – The reason for the trip out to the west was simple. Pizza pilgrimage. Recommended by several locals as “the” place for a “true porteño pizza experience”. Touted by numerous commenters on places like Guia… Read More The (Not So) Wild West
“I never read a book before reviewing it – it prejudices a man so.” Sydney Smith, Essayist, Clergyman Buenos Aires – In the last couple of weeks a trio, or is it a quartet, or quintet, of books has come across my desk. They didn’t get there by themselves, I went to book launching parties… Read More Libro Trio
A little dirt on our carrots doesn’t mean they’re organic.” – Kelly Barron, “10 Things Your Farmer’s Market Won’t Tell You”, Smart Money Buenos Aires – I’ve been thinking about going out to and writing up the Mercado Central for a long time. It’s an interesting trip to make for those who are into farmers’… Read More Under the Big Top