Storytellersunplugged

By Richard Steinberg This month's essay is dedicated with love and gratitude to Sgt. Bryan J. Tutten, 33, of St. Augustine, Fla., who died Dec. 25 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position.  He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and also, to: Pfc. Brian L. Gorham, 21, of Woodburn, Ky., who died Dec. 31  of wounds suffered in Afghanistan when his vehicle encountered an improvised ... Read More

Frank Wydra December 13, 2007 The imagined thump of Santa’s hobnailed boot on the oak planks of the Gonquin, reminds us that the season of giving is here. Al, dispensing mugs of nog, says to no one in particular, “Y’know, finding the right present is always a problem.” Edgar, cream tinging his mustache, says, “That, my man, is because you have it backwards. ’Tis better to receive than to give.” Mary, hand flying to her mouth, says, “Edgar!” He shrugs. “It’s true. I like getting things more ... Read More

Frank Wydra November 13, 2007 Though it is five o’clock somewhere in the world, it has not yet reached Martini time at the Gonquin. Yet, here I sit, alone, sipping a latte, waiting for the others to arrive, despondent over a disquieting thought that has forced itself upon me of late. Al sensing my melancholy keeps his distance. He is wise. Edgar and Bram are the first to arrive, arms linked, chattering to each other, as if the world had not changed. ... Read More

Frank T. WydraIt’s one of those spongy July days where you get as much water as air in every breath. The bar of the Gonquin is at least out of the sun, and overhead blades mix the breathable soup. We are relatively cool and the iced drinks ease the pain of breathing. Though Mary usually acts the doyenne, directing ideas, today the talk meanders like a mountain stream, moving in a different direction each time it hits a hard ... Read More