Author: Richard Plinke

Author Richard Plinke smiling on his front porch, holding a handful of Powerball lottery tickets in winter.

In The Chips

I'm not much of a gambler. I hate to lose, and the house always wins. On the rare occasions I buy a Powerball ticket, this time, I actually “won” and learned something anyway.
Rich Plinke reading at Camelot for Children Allentown

Join Me at the Bucks for Books Fundraiser on December 6

Meet Richard Plinke at the Bucks for Books Fundraiser on Dec 6. Enjoy readings, vendors, entertainment, and support Camelot for Children.
Autumn candles and stadium lights: Rich Plinke reflects on turning 78, Rutgers–Oregon 56–10, and gratitude.

So Many Candles, So Little Cake

Rich Plinke marks his 78th with humor, a Rutgers–Oregon 56–10 reality check, and a heartfelt thanks for the birthday wishes.
Carnival midway with a spinning ride (“Satan’s Wheel of Death”) as red-haired Hope approaches—humorous story of lost love, amnesia, and a twist ending.

Helplessly Hoping Her Harlequin Hovers Nearby

A cheeky jab at pay-to-play writing contests, followed by a 1,000-word midway caper: Hope, Hopo, amnesia, and a carnival twist. Yes—Hope springs eternal.
Popcorn against an emerald glow—laughing at the show’s spectacle while side-eyeing its missing context.

Wicked

Plinke riffs on Wicked, prequels, and pop culture: dazzled by spectacle, skeptical of the premise, and wickedly amused from start to “To Be Continued.”
Vintage youth football photo of the author at 13 without a facemask—first season, pregame stance—paired with an essay on PIAA fairness and Parkland vs St. Joe’s.

Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam

A rant on PIAA’s stacked deck: Parkland’s public roster vs St. Joe’s all-star pipeline, a 46–7 reminder, and a facemask-free life lesson from 1960.
Leaf-covered, rock-strewn trail on South Mountain at the Black River Conservatory with the author and dog Luna; a humorous essay about PA’s rocks and Allentown views.

Pennsylvania Rocks!

Leaf-covered rocks, steep switchbacks, Allentown views, and one very good dog. A funny ode to Pennsylvania’s rocky hills—and why “rock and roll” is here to stay.
Author with his dog Luna holding a “Survivor” lantern at LLS Light the Night—recovering after surgery, grateful for support, uneasy with the survivor label.

Muchas Gracias

Post-surgery update: hardware out, spirits up. At LLS Light the Night with Luna, I’m grateful—and not fond of the “survivor” label. Thanks for the love and prayers.
Author recovering at home with TV casting a pink glow from “Barbie”; humor essay on post-procedure brain fog, Allan’s baffling antics, and a lone great Helen Mirren line.

Like, Oh My God!

Convalescing after surgery, I tried “Barbie” and found only brain-twisting confusion—Allan’s whiplash moments, one great Mirren line, and a lot of pink noise.
To Serve Man

To Serve Man

We don’t seize the day—we film it. From safety theater to the Big Lie, Rich Plinke argues we’ve traded participation for performance and shows how to take life back.