Author: Vic Socotra

Weather Report: Dog Day Summer

It is that time of the summer. The one that is a little stressed out with humidity and heat. That has been the challenge here at the Culpeper Rehab Facility. We have a break withan extended forecast staying in the 80s. The Lady in Red claimed there were onlu 30-odd days to Autoumn. To the […]

Arrias & His Muse: Mermaid

Author’s Note: I had a great dream – did not want to wake up… My Muse working at it, as sailors you perhaps might appreciate this. Arrias & His Muse: Mermaid Naked she sits upon a large, flat rock, Perched on a tropic shore, Off shore, waves pound the reef, Serenaded by the sea’s distant roar. […]

End of the Cold War

HAIFA, ISRAEL: INTIFADA FOLLIES œœ 11 © 17 MAR 90 11 MAR: Among the Believers. We dropped the hook at 0730 in the roadstead off Haifa. I was up, bright as a penny, for the Ops Meeting in CVIC. I was already resigned to the inevitable delays in getting off the ship; what with the […]

Arrias: It Isn’t Easy Becoming Green

Many moons ago, I recall being overseas – I think I was in the desert – and my mom and dad called me and told me about one of my nephews, I think he was probably 10 or 11 years old at the time. Mom and dad were so pleased I thought they might burst: […]

External Adventures

The Writer’s Section is shooting a bright flare over the rehab center in Culpeper. Home is now not much more distant than the lower slopes of Mount Pony. From the latest temporary accommodation of this adventure. We will keep this edition apart from the details and bright surgical lights as a minor flare. It signifies […]

Arrias and His Muse: We’re Ready!

The Bard of Culpeper, A’lyin’ in his bed, Leg up, nasty wounds must heal, He has crafted a benign tale, But the truth we must reveal! A treacherous attack, a cur with a blade, The Chairman fights back in the dark! A wound in the leg, another in his chest, Before the dogs could even […]

Arrias: Arsenal of Democracy

Author’s Note: A quarter of a million $$$ for a Javelin… The war in Ukraine, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, grinds on. Tragic scenes keep repeating themselves. Even as they have, apparently, solved the immediate problem of getting Ukraine’s grain out of Odessa. Meanwhile, the US keeps sending weapons to Ukraine, which, all things being […]

Letter on the Lunacy

Editor’s Note: We have a strict policy on commentary regarding policy. Our policy is to not have an official position on anything. – Vic Author’s Note: One reader responded to yesterday’s surly pithiness below with this one liner “I was thinking about it this morning…if not Kamilla, then good old Nancy. Yikes!” Here now are […]

The Food Thing

(Russians rocket Odesa the day after inking an agreement to re-open Ukrainian ports). The games of Summer are continuing as Fall looms. Issues are war, food and energy. In terms of what is happening in one of the problem areas: · Ukraine and Russia seal deal to open Odesa port 22 July · Intended to […]

Arrias and His Muse: 50 years and More

Author’s Note: 50+ years… We should already be to Saturn’s Moons… We should be mining methane off of Uranus and Neptune… – Arrias Arrias and His Muse: 50 years and More On a magnificent pillar of fire, With a mighty rumble and a roar, They raced into the heavens above, Carrying mans most basic desire. […]