Columns and Articles

 Over the years I've written a number of short pieces on topics as wide ranging as Boston history (natch), baseball, and technology. Over seventy have been published by the Boston Globe, Herald, Yankee Magazine, Boston Magazine, QST, and History Magazine, and others. I've posted PDFs of just a few. 

The first one is a personal favorite. It was published in the Boston Globe in January, 2009, just before the Obamas moved into the White House as part of what we used to call the peaceful transition of power. Seems quaint after the events of January 6th, 2021...

Having several friends working in public safety, I was honored to write this piece on the Hotel Vendome tragedy, which was published by History Magazine on the 50th anniversary of the collapse of the building, killing nine brave firefighters. 

Published by History Magazine is the story of how, between the election of FDR in November 1932 and his inauguration in March, 1933, a little remembered movement swept across a nervous nation...

Next... On the 100th anniversary of one of the most audacious, outrageous and ridiculously successful financial schemes ever perpetrated, this article tells the incredible but true story of Charles Ponzi. Published by History Magazine in the Fall, 2020 edition....

Why a writer should never throw anything away

Not everything makes it into print. As I tell young writers there are lots of opportunities for your work to be seen. The following piece, which displays my geeky tendencies, was posted on line to prove my point. It began when someone asked why I signed all my emails with - 30 -

The Slave who saved Boston 

His name was Onesimus. At least, that was the name by which he became known to the people of Boston. He was a slave who knew a secret, one which could save the very lives of his enslavers... 

In Praise of... Chester Arthur? 

Researching the presidents for the book my dad and I wrote about their homes and landmarks led me to discover a man who has become one of my favorite White House occupants. I was grateful the Globe chose to print it close to the 2000 election.