Why We Don’t Negotiate
As the impeachment trial for inciting the January 6 coup begins, I use my historical research to explain why we have the trial and punish the perpetrators rather than negotiating with them.
Monuments and Murals
Some thoughts on why Confederate monuments are falling now, in the midst of a pandemic and a far-right resurgence.
Portugal Reopens for Tourists
Advice for people considering a visit to a newly-reopened Portugal in the summer of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Life Imitates Art and a Broken Leg Foreshadowed
Like my character in the 2015 Lego soap opera Brickland, I now have a broken leg. Some thoughts on being laid up.
Lisbon Restaurants Face Challenges in 2019, and Other Reviews from Richard Lachmann
In his annual roundup of restaurants in Lisbon and elsewhere in Portugal, Richard Lachmann addresses the effects of stiff competition and chef shortages.
Lisbon’s Hipster Neighborhoods and the Digital Nomad
The 2019 follow-up to my popular article on Lisbon's hipster neighborhoods, with suggestions for those moving to the city as well.
A Day at the Ranch
A daylong visit to a ranch in Portugal's agricultural Alentejo region, where I saw a variety of free-range animals and their offspring.
Lisbon’s Book Fair Expands
A visit to the 89th Feira do Livro in Lisbon and observations on this ever-expanding book fair devoted to building literacy and community.
Porto, Transformed
A visit to Porto with my son's new family offers an opportunity to reflect on the changes in that city as a result of growing tourism in the past seven years.
A Message from Portugal to the World
Elections for the European Parliament take place this weekend, and in many of the EU countries, anti-democratic and neo-fascist parties are poised to increase their share of the vote. Among…