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March 16, 2026

Echoes of War: Shizugatake of Japan

A mountain peak with a weighty past stands on a ridge connecting two beautiful lakes of Japan: Shizugatake. From a distance it appears peaceful like any other green slope in rural Japan. But as you climb, you can feel the lingering silence of a decisive battle that took place here centuries ago.
March 12, 2026

The Night Library at Sternendach — A Vampire Opera Novel Review

The Night Library of Sternendach reads as a mixture of Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera — revolving around the library at Castle Sternendach, the Graf’s home. The dance of words played in my mind’s eye with each new verse. All I needed was Andrew Lloyd Webber to write the music. I’ve already cast the show for him, if he’ll but ask.
March 11, 2026

When You Need a Wakeup: Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast Tea Review

Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast tea is a solid, plain roast black tea with loads of caffeine to get the engines firing. No need for fruity tones or other flavor hints. This tea is meant to wake you up and give you a solid base for your day — and the tea does exactly that.
March 9, 2026

The Joy of Walking

On my last walk, I spotted a blue heron sitting quietly by the pond and even managed to snap a photo with my phone. I wonder if the bird will be there again. A deer drinking from the small stream flowing across the trail lifts its head and looks at me, but it does not flee.
March 4, 2026

Earth Lessons

Her garden is the second most special thing to her. The most special is Charlie. If she joins her garden, Charlie can continue to work with all their seeds and their rich soil and the silly little jokes no one else but they cared to hear. They could still work together.
February 26, 2026

In Praise of Late February

This planet, once a schlocky sketch Made by December’s hue — graphite — Becomes a splendid fresco where The paints are flowers and sunlight. The sky, a multiplex-like screen, Displays a movie where a few Small, plumy planes hide in the clouds Then once again appear in view.
February 25, 2026

Kipling Said to Stay Away — But Can I?

As I look forward to this trip, I caution myself that Kolkata may be in many ways similar to Delhi, with the same grime, dirt, and chaos of any large, old city. But, I also hope that it will be more relaxed…
February 24, 2026

Death of a Billionaire, a Satirical Sci-Fi Murder Mystery Review

Despite the predictability of the characters typical of murder mysteries, the plot was fresh and unexpected, engaging me through all the twists and setbacks. There was never a moment where I was actually able to predict the ending.
February 18, 2026

The Stranger in Our Bed, A Film Movie Review

This mystery-thriller kept me guessing. It is set in England and, in part, at an old family estate in the country, both of which lend to the movie's mystery. From the beginning, I could feel the tension that proved to weave throughout the story.