Art & Culture various essays on, well, art and culture Bookbinding & Conservation lessons learned from this profession Humor ok, I'm not the guy from SNL, but I still have a sense of humor 'Jim Downey' Stories Introduction The Rocket's Red Glare The Haunted House The Amazing Hoopie, Part 1 The Amazing Hoopie, Part 2 The Amazing Hoopie, Part 3 Personal Essays more "it's all about me" Politics I’m at -7.13/-7.33 on The Political Compass.  Where are you? Society observations on the human condition Travel take a trip with me

Jim Downey Stories Introduction Some years back, my wife Martha, after hearing some of the stories of my colorful adolescence, started calling those stories "Jim Downey Stories" (to differentiate from "Shadan Stories" about things which happened in the SCA).  The name stuck.  So, when I recently decided to write up some of those stories, I figured I'd just use it.  Forgive me the egotism. These stories are based - sorta - on my adolescent adventures.  I think the statute of limitations has run out on anything I did, but still I've taken a few liberties with names and places so I don't get sued.  Minor creative license with actual events is also in effect, to make a better story. Oh, and please . . . don't try any of this at home.  In fact, if you're underage, you probably shouldn't even read these, they'll just give you ideas. The stories included here are: Jim Downey and the Rocket's Red Glare Jim Downey and the Haunted House Jim Downey and the Amazing Hoopie       Part One:  The Arrival       Part Two:  Hunting Saturday       Part Three:  A Very Strange Sunday