Member since 2005. Provider of unfiltered and honest opinions.

Warning: This diary may be inappropriate for the thin-skinned, easily offended or those who feel victimized by life in general.

So who/what am I? Among other things:
Epicure
Traveler
Polymath
Critic
Dog Rescue Advocate
Physician

Latest Entry

Expert witness…

August 5, 2020
Several months ago I was retained as an expert witness on a fascinating, yet incredibly convoluted litigation.  My role is to be the expert witness for one of the defendants, yet to get the holistic view of what transpired I must look at evidence relating to all the parties involved.  It's fascin...
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Recent Entries

  • TOTW: There’s a silver lining, through the dark cloud shining…
    August 2, 2020
    Well, for all the death-toll related to COVID-19, finding a good parking space is still a pain in the ass.  Staying in automobile-free Venice remains a joy, especially with the majority of the tourist crowd absent! Lady Wife and I have broken a record, having stayed together in the same place for...
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  • Asset 5
    Fat-shaming needs to make a comeback…
    August 1, 2020
    Bill Maher is that super-rare breed, the Practical Liberal.  I find myself agreeing with him more often than not, and his comments yesterday regarding American healthcare were spot-on. Patients become offended when you tell them they are morbidly obese. My standard response is, "It's not 'body-sh...
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  • Wearing your mask properly…
    July 31, 2020
    Wearing a mask is wonderful when done properly. But donning and doffing it improperly, or touching/adjusting it once it's on can spread the virus. Two good resources for how to do this right: https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/how-to-wear-a-face-mask-dos-and-donts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z...
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  • Happy birthday, Il Duce!
    July 29, 2020
    Don't get me wrong, His Excellency Benito Mussolini made some bad decisions - especially in his choice of friends. But the modern Italy we have today is largely due to his efforts, and if nothing else he deserves credit where it is due.  In the early-1900's, most of Italy was still very much stuc...
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  • Asset 5
    COVID-19 Culinary Musings…
    July 26, 2020
    We have officially been "in residence" in the United States for over 5 months - a longer period than ever in the last 20 years.   And with all the closings, we have dined out exactly twice in the last 4 months.  As much as we enjoy cooking, what was once seen as a "nice change"…
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  • Focus, people…
    June 1, 2020
    As usual, mob mentality has destroyed an opportunity to effect change in favor of random violence and more crime. Actions have consequences, and sometimes the consequence is disproportionate to the action.  This is life.  George Floyd DID commit a crime.  A minor one, but a crime nonetheless.  It...
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  • Mother Nature is a harsh mistress…
    April 25, 2020
    Mother Nature is a harsh mistress: weakness and mistakes are immediately followed by severe crippling wounds.  I think the current COVID-19 situation proves this point perfectly.  The weakness and mistakes in this case were the actions taken to quarantine people needlessly, thus destroying the ec...
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  • Asset 5
    Still lurking about…
    January 20, 2020
    I have not dropped off the face of the Earth, just been busy enjoying life. LadyWife and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in Venice, Italy in November.  We spent some time looking at properties there, as it's looking to become our ultimate choice for permanent relocation.  The pace suits...
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  • Catching up…
    August 18, 2018
    The last several weeks have been terribly busy, between work, travel and having to divert to attend the funeral for Joël Robuchon.  Will try to get on more frequently, but just a quick note to say I am alive and well.  
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