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Alan talks about BRUNO
1August 15, 2026 by beach-chair
Immigration is a hot topic these days — during President Obama’s term in office, he stated that he would sign an immigration reform bill into law as soon as it reached his desk…
In his message, the president also reaffirmed that “The basic bargain that built this country—the idea that if you work hard and meet your responsibilities, you can get ahead, no matter where you come from” is a basic tenet of our country…
Almost 70 years ago, I witnessed a shining example of how powerful that concept is, and how it played-out in the lives of a hardworking, over-achieving, immigrant couple — here is the story, as best as I can recall it.
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Miss Mary of South Russell Street
Leave a commentJune 18, 2026 by beach-chair
Hello from Luquillo, Sorry I’ve been so tardy with new stories – my aging life’s compendium of physical and mental …
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BACKSTAGE! with Ralph Gallagher
1April 10, 2026 by beach-chair
Hello again from Luquillo, I know, I know – months passed by without a new story but finally here’s another …
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MR. KISHIMOTO
1February 18, 2026 by beach-chair
I was six years old in 1940 – World War II was raging in Europe and the Japanese Empire was …
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A CHRISTMAS STORY retold in 2025
1December 23, 2025 by beach-chair
Hello again from Luquillo, Happy Christmas and prosperous and productive New Year wishes to you all! Here is an old …
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NORMA JEAN AND THE PIPER CUB
Leave a commentDecember 8, 2025 by beach-chair
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Happy Thanksgiving 2025
2November 28, 2025 by beach-chair
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REMEMBERING JFK: LESSONS FROM A NOODLE SHOP IN NAHA
Leave a commentNovember 22, 2025 by beach-chair
This Saturday, November twenty second, will mark 62 years since President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Those of us who are …
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Father Murphy, Beignets, and a Bordello
1November 13, 2025 by beach-chair
In 1952, I was eighteen and had just graduated from a technical training course at Keesler A.F.B. in Biloxi, Mississippi. Restless and underemployed, I anxiously awaited orders that would send me to the war in Korea. With a long weekend to burn and New Orleans temptingly close, I quickly checked the bus schedules. My parents upon hearing my plans urged me to visit an old friend of the family, Father Edward Murphy, whom they assured me, was a man who could introduce me to the city without letting it “corrupt” me.
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DOOBIE: Shoes in the sand
Leave a commentSeptember 17, 2025 by beach-chair
Hello again from Luquillo, I know it’s been a long time but I’m finally back in the harness again. Due …
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