The Taming of the Bean... Before my recent trip to New England, I frequented Starbucks more often than any other coffee shop: the damn things are everywhere. I admit to the lure of Starbucks’ ambiance, convenience, and the enticing available wi-fi at most locations. And since they’ve become a ubiquitous part of...

Coffee, Tea, and Me... There is something definitely soothing, calming, and healthy about a cup of good tea served at the right temperature in the right moment. For years, tea has been my drug of choice and with my tea habit evolving to a level only other serious tea drinkers would understand. It’s not that I...

The Sounds of Writing... Connecting sound with writing is probably not immediately obvious. Intense mental struggles over finding the right words, getting in the right mood, feigning determination to free oneself from writer’s block…all those connections come forth easily, but the sounds of writing? Except for...

Greeting the Morning Dimly... I confess to being a night owl, or at least I used to prefer staying up late and sleeping in. As father time’s influence deepens, I still stay up late and inexplicably rise at hours I would have formerly considered cause for questioning my sanity, i.e., 5 a.m. This week my son’s usual...