Offer Your Seat

Would you offer your seat to someone on a public bus or subway? To whom would you offer it? I have my own criteria, which may not be as chivalrous as people like. First, though, some context. New York City Public Transit Unbelievably, I have been living in New York City for nine years. There was a time when I Read More

Pachyderm Playlists

Please enjoy these two pachyderm playlists, trunk-selected by DJ Desi Derm to demonstrate elephants’ broad range (musical and geographical), as well as his own commitment to live performance (elephants never preset).  DJ Desi Derm’s Local Rumbles These songs, from a range of styles and cultures, represent elephants’ peak geographical range. Tsotsi (Gangster) by Amabutho Featuring three marimba players plus other Read More

Martial Arts Movies

I blame Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. With The Karate Kid, they made me believe that a scrawny white boy could become a combat master. And, for children in my generation, they provided a family-friendly gateway into the world of martial arts movies. Having dashed exuberantly through that door, I have never looked back. Dojo Dreams “I lied, I don’t Read More

Lion Dance

Until March 2nd, more than a billion people worldwide will celebrate the Chinese New Year. Fireworks, festivals, and the biggest human migration will usher in the Year of the Dog. And with luck, you may get to witness a traditional Chinese lion dance. Intro to Lion Dance In college, my roommates included me in an invitation to join the re-forming Read More

5 Foods Elephants Never Forgo

Let’s face it, the average pachyderm weighs between 3-7 tons, and may spend up to 16 hours a day eating. They should and do reach for third helpings of everything. For the sake of fun and human-pachyderm bonding, though, let’s run through a list of 5 foods elephants never forgo. Amarula on the branch – While pachyderms eat marula fruit Read More

Faithful Fan

Tonight, the New England Patriots football team will square off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis, Minnesota to contest Super Bowl LII. I have rooted for New England since 1987, and I have seen beautiful and horrid Super Bowls. I believe myself a faithful fan, but I don’t know how much of the game I’ll watch. After all, the Patriots Read More

Credit Without Controversy

Elephants never admit when people surprise them. But even critics of Colin Kaepernick should take a moment to applaud the results of his Million Dollar Pledge. Now, I know the Kaepernick brand has generated a mix of strong opinions recently. For some good deeds, however, we ought to give credit without controversy. And giving a million dollars to charity? That’s do-gooding we Read More