Articles written by Roger Kraemer

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Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Family memories: 4 of 80

My father didn't consider taking a saw to the dining room chair all that funny, but as with most of my misadventures, I provided the unintentional Easter morning humor in my family. In fact, I frequently provided the unintentional humor in my family. Unfortunately the humorous aspect often became apparent only upon reflectio...
Entertainment > Musicians & Bands Are aging rock superstars like Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones timeless or too old to perform on stage anymore?: 2 of 23

"Too old to rock and roll, too young to die." Jethro Tull said it best in a song title, and now it describes them as well as most of our former rock heroes. I am not wishing extinction on any of these rock gods (although many certainly are dinosaurs) but I have no interest in seeing them try to channel their younger selves i...
Politics, News & Issues > Economic News Why the US auto industry is dying: 2 of 22

The U.S. Auto Industry may not, in fact, be dying, but this is what made it ill: it simply builds inferior cars. Considering the poor build quality, sketchy reliability, embarrassing fit and finish, mundane styling, higher prices and lower resale, there has been no compelling reason to buy an American car. Honda, Toyota, Nis...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: My worst car: 2 of 14

Here are a few hints: it was French, it was small, it was ugly and if you are lucky, you have put the entire brand's existence out of your mind. I was apparently out of my mind for buying it, since it was my second, and my first wasn't much to talk about either. If you guessed a Renault Le Car, you are either a very strange ...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: First car memories: 20 of 56

My first car was almost a 6 cylinder, stick-shift, Jaguar E-type coupe - maroon with wire wheels and knock-off hubs. It was only $2,200. But my dad, being more practical than I was at 17 (I was 17, not my dad!) steered me away from that sexy, beautiful machine, with horror stories about Lucas electrics and expensive repairs....
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Top ten cars you would like to own: 14 of 33

Drumroll (or eggroll) please! 1995 Porsche 928 GTS five-speed - Beautiful after its final facelift, wickedly swift, elegantly luxurious and one of the finest handling road cars ever created. The least tiring, most involving, sub-$100,000 way to get from point A to point B. 1971 Pagoda Roof Mercedes 280 SL - A Grand Tourer in...
Entertainment > Musicians & Bands Favorite Beatles song: 10 of 23

First and foremost, I am a dyed-in-the-wool, die-hard Beatles fan. I had Beatles wallpaper when I was a child (and I am a guy), Beatles trading cards, every album, and more, so who better to comment on favorite Beatles songs than I? But first, a little about my favorite song by a Beatle, and that would be Imagine. Elegant in...
Autos > Car Reviews Car reviews: 2007 Saturn Aura XR sedan: 1 of 2

For the first two decades of its existence, foreign manufacturers ran rings around Saturn. Saturns weren't bad cars, they just weren't compelling. A little spartan inside, a little plain-Jane outside, a little buzzy in the engine compartment. You couldn't go terribly wrong with a Saturn, you just wouldn't be terribly excited...
Sports & Recreation > Baseball (Other) Tips for planning a sucessful trip to the ballgame: 1 of 1

It would be tempting to simply say, "Travel with someone who is organized, and let him, or her, handle the details. Alas, life is not always that easy. So in lieu of abdication, here are some ideas for planning and having an excellent baseball adventure: Tip 1: Go with people you like. There is nothing worse than being on a ...
Celebrations & Holidays > Mother's Day & Father's Day Bad Father's Day gift ideas: 22 of 38

With Father's Day rapidly approaching, dads are looking forward to their special day with an odd mixture of excitement and trepidation. While every gift is certainly appreciated, some are appreciated more than others. Here are a few of the less appreciated: Soap on a rope - Yes, it's become a cliche, but for good reason. Why...