While watching the local TV news, I was amazed by the vast range of human behavior exhibited in 2 stories, broadcast back to back, and that lasted for a total of about 3 1/2 minutes. But, in that short period of time, I was moved to tears by the compassion…

Originally published in “Talk Frank”, January, 2017 FEAR and LOATHING It’s a term that I use quite frequently, especially lately. Under the current conditions, it certainly seems to apply. Or, does it? When I question the root of a word or slogan, I often go to the dictionary to research…

3/9/23 Well, here I am again, alone in a magical spot, not by design but by circumstance. I’m drinking delicious red wine while sitting outside in a tiny, relatively quiet café, deep in the heart of an otherwise buzzing Trastevere. In an odd coincidence, great American Blues is playing in…

They are usually fleeting; normally lasting only a few minutes. They also come at the oddest times and usually under the simplest of circumstance. They may be ephemeral but those brief Moments of Grace are always spiritual — at least to me. It’s a warm feeling of well-being, when all…

You may be hearing the year 1619 quite a bit lately. It’s a seminal date in African American history as it was the year when 20 black African slaves were introduced into what would eventually become The United States of America at the nascent Jamestown settlement in Virginia. …

First, let it be said that I ALWAYS felt that George Santos was a phony — from the very first time that I saw him. I had no idea who he was as he was not a candidate in my voting district. But, of course, as an unexpected winner for…

Growing up in the 60’s in Fort Lee, NJ wasn’t exactly like “Leave It To Beaver”. But it sure wasn’t quite “The Jeffersons” either. Neighborhoods were not flashy but, rather, solidly working-class with a fair amount of ethnic diversity featuring a healthy mix of Irish, Italians, Christians, and Jews. However…

As I get more involved with my podcast, BEING FRANK, and teaching at Fordham University, I’ve been left with less time for my first love, writing. But, I will always return to her because I am compelled to. So, here I am. I must, however, state that there IS another…

When you feel like you need to use cruelty to make your point, even a powerful, important one, you’ve lost any claim to the moral high ground. However, perhaps even more disturbing, is the fact that people who perpetrate such inhumanity simply don’t care. …