These nonfiction pieces were largely inspired by Howard Jacobsen's book Whatever It Is, I Don't Like It. That title is the most inapt one I've ever encountered: Jacobsen is far from a pessimist; he's not even particularly cantankerous. In fact, this review line says it best: "...Jacobson writes with all the thunder and joy of a man possessed."
For a few years I tried to mimic his wit and insight. This is the result.