Simanaitis Says

On cars, old, new and future; science & technology; vintage airplanes, computer flight simulation of them; Sherlockiana; our English language; travel; and other stuff

Monthly Archives: December, 2018

A YEAR IN REVIEW

I THANK YOU ALL for your readership. Here’s an overview of this year’s SimanaitisSays categories and frequencies of their appearance: And Furthermore (120 items); Science & Technology (59); I Usta … Continue reading

December 31, 2018 · 9 Comments

IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES, IT WAS THE ODDEST OF TIMES

MY NEW T-SHIRT reads “These are difficult times.” But before we yell “Right On!” or get all Trumpery about it, the T-shirt is referring to musical signatures. Though I love … Continue reading

December 30, 2018 · 3 Comments

PROGRAMMIC ADVERTISING—BENEFICIAL OR A BANE?

HOW DO YOU feel about programmic advertising? At this point I am of two minds, though I’m occasionally creeped-out when my computer or cellphone seems to know what I really, … Continue reading

December 28, 2018 · 8 Comments

A SENTIMENTAL (AND TASTY) JOURNEY

RAIL TRIPS HAVE been known to offer culinary adventures. There’s the elegance of the Orient Express, the glamor of the Santa Fe Super Chief, the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway, … Continue reading

December 27, 2018 · 2 Comments

BEGONE, YE AULD SOD

ELIMINATING PEAT from the Irish energy picture sounds more than a little heretical. But even Ireland’s Bord na Móna, its state-owned peat harvesting and energy company, is in favor of … Continue reading

December 26, 2018 · 1 Comment

PIÑATA TIDBITS—CELEBRATING LAS POSADAS

LAS POSADAS, Spanish: “the inns,” celebrates the Nativity and humble birthplace of Christ. These nine days, from December 16 through 24, traditionally involve the breaking of piñatas, papier-mâché objects containing … Continue reading

December 24, 2018 · Leave a comment

CHRISTMAS OPERAS PART 2

THE OPERA AIN’T OVER… until we wish each other a Merry Christmas! And here’s Part 2, following yesterday’s Part 1. Today’s Christmas operas include one of Russian folklore, one that’s … Continue reading

December 23, 2018 · Leave a comment

CHRISTMAS OPERAS PART 1

ONE OF MY OPERA T-shirts reads “Murder, Treachery, Adultery, and Incest—All Sung to your Favorite Tunes.” In marked contrast, and what with the approaching holiday, I went looking for operas … Continue reading

December 22, 2018 · Leave a comment

“THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON” TO HOLMES PART 2

YESTERDAY IN PART 1, we shared eminent Sherlockian Christopher Morley’s observations about two classic tales having Christmas settings: Holmes’ “Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Today … Continue reading

December 21, 2018 · 2 Comments

“THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON” TO HOLMES PART 1

IT WAS ON Friday, December 27, 1889, that Sherlockian chronicler Dr. John H. Watson visited Holmes at 221 B Baker Street and wished him “the compliments of the season.” Today … Continue reading

December 20, 2018 · Leave a comment