If you live long enough, there’s a chance you get to see everything. If not everything, then a lot. Sometimes history seems to repeat itself, or, in the words of Mark Twain, if it doesn’t exactly repeat, it certainly does rhyme. So it goes with society’s idea of how to raise children. I was raised … More Zero Shades of Grey
Ho ho ho. It’s that time of year again. You’ve just now realized that you need to find a gift for that hard-to-buy-for, hard-to-surprise, hard-to-inspire friend, family member, or colleague. Clothing can be too personal. Wine or spirits, too cliche. Gift cards, too easy. And, let’s be honest, so many material things we give and … More The Ultimate Christmas Gift
I’ve reposted a couple of articles from Tatler, the iconic British magazine that chronicles all things royal, aristocratic, old money, as well as the newly minted and just plain famous. If you want to follow lords, ladies, dukes, and duchesses and keep current on who’s currently dating, marrying, giving birth, divorcing, or dying, Tatler is … More Fulfillment After Success
In response to a blog comment/question (which I cannot locate now, for some reason) I wanted to offer some insights into what makes a rewarding, relaxing, and enjoyable vacation. My apologies for misplacing the comment. And thank you, dear reader, for the inquiry. First, I would suggest that you really do some soul-searching first. This … More The Old Money Vacation
It will come as no surprise to frequent readers that I have a healthy distrust of technology: inventions and innovations are only as good as their creators. We are human and therefore imperfect. The tools we construct will reflect this reality. Furthermore, with every technological advance, we must often find our footing rather quickly with … More Not So Smart With The Phone
A fascinating piece recently found in The Telegraph… https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/tax/inheritance/inherit-100m-im-giving-it-all-away/ I’m sure we’re going to have quite a few opinions on it. Personally, I’m not sure if inheriting more than $10 million in cash or its equivalent is really beneficial to most people. (Full disclosure: I inherited. The benefits and drawbacks have pretty much cancelled each … More Heir Not So Apparent
In this digital age, it’s understandable that we feel overwhelmed by innovation and invention. We hardly become accustomed to one version of an iPhone when another version is released and relentlessly promoted. Software updates ding on our screens with annoying regularity. In a way, however, the constant infatuation with novelty is really nothing that new. … More The Role of Tradition
One of the bigger challenges for those of us not raised by wolves is interacting with people who were. Like many of you, I was raised to be polite. To have an awareness of others and to be courteous whenever possible. I habitually open doors for people, usually ladies, but sometimes elderly men or people … More Being Polite in a Rude World
I returned to Paris last week and was lucky enough to catch up briefly with another American expat. He and I are about the same age and our backgrounds are similar, so conversation flowed easily. One topic we discussed was inflation was inflation: how it impacts people in different ways, depending upon their age and … More Inflation…and What We Remember
We are often told about the importance of making a good first impression. It is wise advice because it is timeless and often accurate: make a good first impression, and odds are you have a good chance to experience a productive social, personal, or professional relationship with the other party. Make a bad first impression … More The Last Impression