Ray Magliozzi [Ray Magliozzi is the inheritor of Car Talk mantle on National Public Radio. This article was suggested by SB Jerry (Quaker SBs). And what does he drive? "For transportation I drive a 2014 Ford Explorer, only 80,000 miles so good for another 7 years maybe. That is our road trip car, lots of... Continue Reading →
[This is my attempt to explain my decidedly ambivalent feelings towards the Dollar Store. SB SM] by Stephen Morris My eye was caught by a massive, antique steamer chest at the yard sale. It had a sign $15, marked down to $10, marked down to $5. This was a masterpiece with a gracefully arched top... Continue Reading →
Before we stray too far from SB Al's custom, vintage eBike, let's see some of the others in his collection. His partner, Silverbelle Vance Smith, counts among her many design credits, the Defiant Woodstove made by Vermont Castings. While in Pandemic mode, Vance made some Christmas ornaments from Styrofoam balls and pushpins They look very... Continue Reading →
These ladies define "badass." From their website: Rebecca & Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe are singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist sisters creating their own brand of Roots Rock 'n' Roll: gritty, soulful, and flavored by their southern heritage. Originally from Atlanta and currently living in Nashville, they are descendants of tortured artist and creative genius Edgar Allan Poe.... Continue Reading →
This song was written for the traditional Christmas Eve service described in yesterday's Digest held at the community meetinghouse in West Brookfield, Vermont in 2012. The "service" is more of a kids' talent show than a religious event, but it's a lovely time to catch up with the neighbors and to feel good about where... Continue Reading →
[A few weeks ago in the Silverback Digest we set the record straight of Genghis Khan, one of the most mischaracterized figures in history. Today we are doing the same with The Crusades. With the kind of academic rigor that you've come to respect from this publication, I do not even cite the source for... Continue Reading →
[We were in lockdown, unable to do much of anything. Then, on a humid July Saturday, we busted out from the Gilead and hopping in Sandy's Mini for what can only be described a crazed romp through the hinterlands. Well-l-l-l ... I suppose it could also be described as a quiet drive on the back... Continue Reading →
[When I was growing up my local swimming hole was the Atlantic Ocean. Now, my local is Gilead Brook and you have to sit in it just get half your body wet.. SB SM] “Sacred” and “secret” are the only appropriate words for Vermont swimming holes. There aren’t that many days when you absolutely, positively... Continue Reading →
(Every few years I crank out a tune. Some of them have been inflicted on you, my loyal denizens of The Jungle. Within my canon of musical masterpieces is an unfinished country and western song, "Whatever Love Is, I Don't It You." The title and theme delights me. But that's as far as it's gone.... Continue Reading →
It's a Jungle out there, alright. From seriouseats.com: 7 Things To Do with Garlic Scapes Recipe | The Crisper Whisperer by Carolyn Cope There's no use in trying to hide it, so I'm just gonna go ahead and lay it on you from the start. I get a little unnaturally excited about garlic scapes—the way... Continue Reading →
