Somebody is Always Broken or Bleeding
Last night I cut my finger while slicing a loaf of bread. It’s not an unusual event. In fact, I fillet myself quite frequently. If Mr. Wright had his way, my kitchen tools would be pared down to rolling pins and spoons, though I frequently manage to find a way to injure myself with those, … Read more
Ugly American: The Gonzo Mama in Japan
A light dusting of snow covered us as we made the five-minute walk from Tokyo Station to our hotel. At the entrance, I stooped down to put something in the small trash bin near the door. The debris fell out of my hand and I crouched low, picking it up. I didn’t crouch alone. The … Read more
There is No Japanese Word for “Vegan”
Mr. Wright and I have been collecting every bit of information we can find about Japan, in preparation for our trip this month. We’ve Googled; we’ve Wikipediaed; we’ve talked to friends who lived in or traveled to Japan. A study guide we found advises we will be expected to remove our shoes and wear slippers … Read more
File This Under "Insanity Defense"
I make no excuses for being a stickler for good and proper use of the English language. I like to think I am pretty tolerant of strangers using words improperly or using “non-words” in what they think is an intelligent way, but hearing those close to me do the same is like driving four-inch nails … Read more
The Dumbing Down of America
For those lucky enough to know The Gonzo Mama in real life, it comes as no surprise when she refuses to vote for a candidate whose campaign literature appears to be crafted by someone who failed to pass middle school English. Routine, too, is the sight of her red-lining a direct mail piece and sending … Read more
