Data give reasons for holiday blues

Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 27 December 2011 15:26

Post-Christmas blues come and go, much like one’s constitutional regularity. There’s much to blame for its effects to last much longer than usual, however.

Christmas Eve, my beloved and I settled down for a “walk down memory lane.” With our children visiting the in-laws this time around and conflicting schedules that could not be overcome, we made plans for a quiet celebration alone. Brief meetings with family over the Internet, thanks to the wonders of two-way video conferencing, minimized our sense of isolation.

During previous holidays, our list of usual family related activities included watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” on television. This time, as the movie progressed, I couldn’t help but think that the story of...

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Another side to Thanksgiving cliches

Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 22 November 2011 15:51

The leaves have finally fallen from the trees. Soon, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends.

As part of the usual Thanks­giving ritual, it’s time to “dust off” the usual holiday cliches that gives this day its unique distinction among holidays. Along with each statement written in italics, I offer another perspective, even if it is only tongue-in-cheek.

• I’m thankful for all of my family. Does this include extended family members and siblings you never see except at funerals and weddings? Isn’t it great when you can say nice things about people you never intend to actually meet and do things together?

Only kidding, Mom!

• I’m thankful that we have been blessed with an abundance of food and the...

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Cut budget with common sense

Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 25 October 2011 17:46

The Joint Select Commit­tee on Deficit Reduction, or the Super Committee, as it is widely known, has until Nov. 23 to make its final decisions as to what items will face budget cuts.

This committee exists because of Congress’s inability to set aside partisan politics, lacking the courage to face each other to actually do the work they were elected to do.

Though few legislators would argue for an increase in deficit spending in a time when our nation’s credit rating has been lowered from its stellar position, thanks to the multi-trillion dollar debt load, opinions on how we should return to fiscal integrity varies widely.

On one hand, some politicians argue for an increase in government spending as a way to grow our way out of the...

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Hard journey has led to blessings

Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 27 September 2011 15:56

Twins and twin towers. An unlikely combination, yet they are interconnected in the fabric of time.

No matter what I do or where I go, I am thinking about my twin granddaughters. Fifteen months ago, they came into our lives and we are forever smitten with their intoxicating smiles and warm, inviting personalities.

Can you imagine what life would be like if they did not exist? I don’t suppose you can. They are not your children or grandchildren. However, I believe you can understand what it’s like if you have children or grandchildren, when they capture your heart and will not let go.

Grace and Lucia owe their existence to someone else. If their mother and father had not been introduced to one another, we would not have had the...

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