Americans frequently exhibit a dangerous bias toward experts. The more educated and informed one is, the less likely one is to be trusted in this country. We see evidence of this in schools, in business, and most particularly in politics. The newcomer, uncompromising and untainted by years of corruption or back room deal making, always … Continue reading Rise of the Know Nothings
Category: Essays
The First Lupos in America 1610-1670
The story of the Lupo family in North America began with the earliest settlers in Virginia and was led by two sons of royal musician Peter Lupo. His marriage to Katherine Wicker is recorded in the parish of St. Botolph's without Aldgate 27 October 1575. It was preceded within a month by the christening of … Continue reading The First Lupos in America 1610-1670
Emily Mae Lupo, 1929 – 2006
Remembering my mother, Emily Mae (Stribling) Lupo (16 September 1929 - 9 December 2006) on what would have been her 86th birthday. She was born in Sutton, West Virginia, an only child raised by a single mother, after her parents divorced when she was a small child. She graduated from Sutton High School in 1947 … Continue reading Emily Mae Lupo, 1929 – 2006
Strange Bedfellows: Politics in Post-Rational AmericaÂ
Part of the trouble with our current system of governance is that it takes so long and costs so much to gain and retain office, that only someone comfortably wealthy or in the pocket of wealthy business interests can afford to run. Factored into the equation is the tremendous amount of scrutiny most public figures, … Continue reading Strange Bedfellows: Politics in Post-Rational AmericaÂ
Real Bible Studies: Genesis, Abraham and AbimelekÂ
After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the bible is pretty much done with Lot and his nameless daughters, until their descendants, the Moabites and Ammonites start hassling the tribes of Israel many generations later. One wonders why Lot didn't just drop in on his uncle, given the special relationship Abraham seems to have with … Continue reading Real Bible Studies: Genesis, Abraham and AbimelekÂ
The Non-Intervening GodÂ
My god, my god, why have you forsaken me? --Psalms 22, quoted by Jesus on the cross. Many years ago, I turned away from organized religion. It was not an easy decision on my part, and learning to live with that decision has been an ongoing process in my life ever since. When people speak … Continue reading The Non-Intervening GodÂ
Not a Love Song: The Tragedy of Juliet
Shakespeare's best known tragedy is the story of two star-crossed lovers, who, in death, end their families' conflict. Despite being hailed as a great romance, Romeo and Juliet is, in no way, a love story, but very much about individual responsibility and the consequences of making decisions in the heat of passion. Romeo is very … Continue reading Not a Love Song: The Tragedy of Juliet
The Carvings on Stone Mountain, #5
This time, I'm highlighting a couple of individuals who came all the way from Indiana to carve their names on the mountain, Clida A. Reed, and Isaac Hawkins, who list their hometown as Bedford, Indiana. These carvings can be found near the top of the mountain. To find them, veer to the left at the … Continue reading The Carvings on Stone Mountain, #5
Failing, to SucceedÂ
I have a saying, "Hank Aaron didn't hit a home run every time." It's my way of reminding myself that for every success, there are a thousand less than perfect outcomes. In fact, failure is much more common than success. The term "trial and error" best sums up the practice of implementing a strategy, observing … Continue reading Failing, to SucceedÂ
A Streetcar Named DelusionÂ
This essay is available in an updated version in Words Words Words, available at online vendors. A Streetcar Named Desire is heralded as one of the greatest theatrical works of the twentieth century and is one of the best known and most performed works by Tennessee Williams. It sets up a classic confrontation, the flamboyant … Continue reading A Streetcar Named DelusionÂ