Category: K. C. Aud

Memorial Day: We’re Human Like Everyone Else

Commentary I haven’t put much thought into Veterans’ or Memorial Day, even as a military member, until this past Monday. I remember being on watch last Sunday and having to work until mid-afternoon on Monday. I was griping quietly to myself and my wife about burning most of a four-day weekend, preparing for a security…


The Doric Idiom: Hesma Phobou; ‘Purging’ or ‘Fear Shedding’

Commentary I am not a combat veteran. The closest I’ve come to facing the enemy is holding a rifle or sidearm at high ready when approaching a panga full of uncut cocaine and a handful of exhausted smugglers. They were never armed with anything more dangerous than a fishing knife. If they had guns, they…


Tobacco Musings in Puerto Vallarta

Commentary I stand on the fantail and stare out at the buildings across the bay from the cutter. We’re moored in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, one of the more popular spring break destinations in this part of the world. Having spent the previous day driving back and forth between the resort and the boat, I can…