A COLLAGE OF CAMELS—INCLUDING SNOOPY’S
“CURSE YOU, RED BARON,” declares one of America’s most recognizable World War I pilots, at least in his imagination. However, Snoopy can be proud that in real life Sopwith Camels … Continue reading
LIBATIONS FOR THE SEASON—AND OTHERWISE
’TIS THE SEASON to be jolly. And, only in moderation, of course, alcoholic beverages comes to mind, especially their origins and etymology. Herewith, in no particular order, are several libations … Continue reading
AROUND THE WORLD IN COLORS—WITH PUZZLES
ELABORATE COLORING BOOKS are all the rage and, while Christmas shopping at Books Kinokuniya (part of our local Mitsuwa Marketplace), I bought myself a present. Originally published in an English … Continue reading
BERKS AND CLERKS
“BERK! BERK!” says the Old English Sheepdog, about which I am delighted to share an insight from Kristine B. Loland’s analysis of the breed: “If they think you are unclear, … Continue reading
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
“MERRY CHRISTMAS” hasn’t lost its meaning in a panoply of European languages and their various cities’ annual Christmas Markets. I’ve enjoyed these events in Copenhagen, Munich and Innsbruck. Researching one thing … Continue reading
CHARLES WEYMANN, PART 2—EVENTFUL 1928, PUZZLING 2010
PIONEER AVIATOR and coachbuilder for the finest classic cars, Charles Weymann had other adventures too. In 1928, a brandy-related adventure earned him $25,000 at Indy and later not a little … Continue reading
CHARLES WEYMANN, PART 1—AVIATOR, COACHBUILDER
IT’S AS THOUGH nature endowed the talents of Glenn Curtiss, Enzo Ferrari and Sergio Pininfarina in a single person. As a pioneer in aviation, Charles Terres Weymann set records for … Continue reading
OIL AND DIAMONDS FROM WATER?
IT SOUNDS like a geological magic trick: creating oil and diamonds from water. Aren’t diamonds pure carbon that has been squeezed by enormous pressures in deep Earth? Isn’t oil the result … Continue reading
MARIA AVANZO—SIGNORA QUATTRO PISTONI
“CAR GAL” may not readily translate into Italian, but Baronessa Maria Antonietta Avanzo née Bellan certainly qualifies as one. Known as the Signora quattro pistoni (Lady of four pistons), Avanzo … Continue reading
CHRISTMAS MEALS GALORE
CHRISTMAS DAY is less than two weeks away. In preparation thereof, I’m reading The Annotated Christmas Carol to get the inside story of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Wife Dottie and … Continue reading
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