Why Dress Matters
October 7, 2026
An articulate video from British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg. I don’t always agree with his politics, but I couldn’t agree more with his opinion here. BGT
Tag: old money
A Little Voltaire, S’il Vous Plait
October 3, 2026
Francois-Marie Arouet, more famously known as Voltaire, was a French playwright, novelist, and philosopher, etc. who lived from 1694 to 1778. His name is often mentioned when historians discuss the Age of Enlightenment, a period that saw many societies set aside superstition, dogma, and intolerance, and embrace reason, moderation, and acceptance. He may have been … More A Little Voltaire, S’il Vous Plait
Lunch at Le Procope Paris
September 20, 2026
This week, I met David, our longtime foreign correspondent, for lunch at the legendary Le Procope restaurant in Paris. It was a chance for us to catch up in person, as David travels frequently and too many of our conversations are conducted by email rather than face to face. The last time I patronized the … More Lunch at Le Procope Paris
The American Hospital of Paris
September 14, 2026
Like many if not all European countries, France has its own national healthcare system. My personal exposure to it during my years here has been minimal. I’ve been lucky in that my medical needs here in Paris have been limited to a single, fairly routine eye surgery, regular dental visits, and regular visits to the … More The American Hospital of Paris
Jane Austen: The Original Snark
September 9, 2026
As a young man, my formal education was cut short. As a result, I’ve spent my later years reading the works of great authors that I should have read years ago, exploring history I should have already been familiar with, devouring the biographies of others in order to gain a better understanding of my place … More Jane Austen: The Original Snark
The Annual Old Money Back To School Wardrobe List
August 23, 2026
Every year at this time, I offer up my best advice for a back-to-school wardrobe that is lean, economical, durable, versatile, and timeless. There are rarely any surprises: polo shirts, oxford cloth button downs, khakis, chinos, or corduroys, deck shoes and LL Bean boots, wool crew neck sweaters, and the inevitable blue blazer. Nothing with … More The Annual Old Money Back To School Wardrobe List
The Moat Around Your Mind
August 15, 2026
Years ago on this blog, I warned of the dangers of social media. Now, one by one, governments, school districts, and concerned parents are restricting the use of mobile phones and access to social media for children under the age of 16. Entire countries have banned the use of mobile phones in classrooms. Lovely. Wonderful. … More The Moat Around Your Mind
Update From Paris
August 1, 2026
It’s been eventful here recently, hence the extended absence from the blog. On the professional front, I’ve been digging into revisions on the novel (an Italian renaissance trilogy) for the past couple of months. The manuscript is finally in a presentable condition, even though involved parties (agents, editors, and publishers) will certainly have their comments … More Update From Paris
Where There’s A Will…
May 19, 2026
When it comes to inherited wealth, we all have dreams of being on the (fortunate) receiving end. We seldom have to face the (possible) nightmare of being on the bequeathing end. It’s often obvious who you’re going to give your money to when you die. Once you’ve made that decision, you then need to decide … More Where There’s A Will…
Legacy of the WASP: An Articulate Reminder
May 10, 2026
In today’s current political and social climate, it’s important to hear an articulate commentary on WASP values. After all, that’s pretty much what I advocate for here on this blog and in several of my books. Obviously, I don’t think that White Anglo Saxon Protestants have the monopoly on traditional Upper Class values. I see … More Legacy of the WASP: An Articulate Reminder