Author Archives: pcostello

As a young boy growing up in war torn Gaza,  you learn pretty quickly that life is precious and fragile. I am 28 now, and a graduate of Gaza University, a soccer player who played for Palestine and a coach, … Continue reading →

Irish Aunties and Funerals My Dad was the proud son of Irish immigrants to Australia and so, growing up, we had our encounters with our maiden Irish Aunties, Great Aunties actually, Tessie and Lilly. I remember my sister Jenny and … Continue reading →

Dear Friends, “We made it through!” As 2020 comes to an end, we can at least tell ourselves that much. Hidden inside the sentiment are too many losses and so many challenges, but sometimes, “making it through”  signals the quiet triumph … Continue reading →

At the very least, we can tell ourselves, “We are still here, still breathing, still with a pulse.” That might sum up a minimalist’s Thanksgiving. “Mask and 6 feet distant” is better than “Last Gasp and 6 feet under.” Though … Continue reading →

“When we are lost, what we need is not a negotiator but a Navigator.”  

Reunion with long time friend Svend-Erik Enge “-the empty classrooms and play grounds-the story of what got you through……my fathers watch-the understanding that stories are about power and some have become so powerful that they have all but replaced reality and truth-that as … Continue reading →

WHEN TO CALL THE RACE Election Day is always Melbourne Cup Day in my homeland, Australia. And the thrill in the old days was listening to the radio and the race call. We love race horses- like Americans love Presidents. … Continue reading →

We are all saying- How come we are so divided? On the surface, that seems a fact. But then in other situations, when it comes to a fire, or a hurricane, the opposite question is a better fit-How come we … Continue reading →

This is what SCOTUS nominee, Judge Amy Barrett. said summing up “originalism” which is her legal approach. “In English that means that I interpret the Constitution as a law,” she said, “and that I interpret its text as text, and … Continue reading →