Hold My Life

“Hello, DynoTech Solutions, can I help you?” “Yes, I’m calling about a problem I’m having with my external hard drive.” “Can I put you on hold for just a moment?” “Sure.” ” … ” “Uh…hello?” “Yes, sir?” “Are you there?” “Yes, sir, can I help you?” “Yeah, I was calling …

Ecce Homestyle

The Bongiorno Jimmy’s story begins all the way back in September of 1991. It was then that six men, their attorneys, a $4,600,000 startup investment, several bank loans, and an IPO scheme decided that there were a lot of institutional-grade convenience dining establishments, but there weren’t enough institutional-grade convenience dining …

Cordial Hatred

“I can’t take you anywhere.” “Oh, that’s original.” “That’s it! Make it worse! Honestly.” “He provoked me.” “You behaved like an ass.” “Not an asshole?” “Take your pick.” “I like ass better.” “Well, by all means, let’s go with that one.” “He provoked me. You can’t deny it.” “You provoked …

In the Eye

My idyll with the supermodel Veronica began as nothing more than a murky daydream, an absurd fantast’s scenario which replayed fitfully in my head like a picture-show for some weeks after first being introduced to her at a ‘mixer’ sponsored by the alumni club. I became bewitched in the way …

Evil Genius

2004: VIENNA, Austria – Even if weapons of mass destruction are never found in Iraq, the U.S.-led war was justified because it eliminated the threat that Saddam Hussein might again resort to “evil chemistry and evil biology,” Attorney General John Ashcroft said Monday. Saddam’s willingness to use such weapons was …

Mr. Genius Fists

It is only recently I’ve been able to talk about this. While I have nothing but good things to say about the people at the MacArthur Foundation — who were not only forward-looking enough to choose me for their prestigious Fellowship, but also possessed of enough integrity to stand by …

Go Gamecocks

“Coach Ryan, if you want to fight me on this, I’m absolutely prepared to go over your head.” “Jennifer, I can assure you, it’s…” “Remember, you’re just the athletic director. If you think I’m not willing to talk to the president of the university, you’re sadly mistaken.” “I just don’t …