I own books. I also own a Kindle electronic reader. Each has its particular strengths, and each has obvious weaknesses. I believe they can coexist in the modern world. Obviously, books were here first. Once Johannes Gutenberg developed movable type, the printed word took off. From the Bible to “Fifty Shades of Grey,” books have affected human lives in profound […]

The recent arrival of our twin grandchildren has started my thinking about what sage advice I can give them as they grow. I remember hearing plenty of interesting, though often inaccurate, maxims. Here are some of my favorites. Wait an hour after eating to go swimming. I was told I might get cramps as blood moves from my extremities to […]

I have been announcing sporting events for, well, more years than I care to admit. I started while I was still in my 20s. And, I like to think I have learned a thing or two because, as the TV ad goes, I have seen a thing or two. So, as another basketball season has come to a close, by […]

Winter is a time to muse about the mysteries of life. Here are some unanswered questions I have been thinking about lately. Why does the lip balm I keep in my pocket always seem to be screwed to the top of the lid whenever I open it? Does the action of walking turn the knob at the bottom? If so, […]

If I’m not mistaken, I have put my disdain for Donald Trump in words only a couple of times since the 2016 election. The last time I attacked the POTUS was in June. I admit I have made a few disparaging comments about his style of governing and perhaps even his hair from time to time, but I have tried […]

Rosaline Evelia and Dylan Jordan, brand-new twin grandbabies, born Dec. 6. As we study William Shake­speare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet,” I often ask my English I students if they believe in love at first sight. The responses are mixed. Some point out it takes a while for people to get to know each other before they can fall head over […]

Ah, Thanksgiving is upon us once again. The anticipation and joy that comes with the fall season is motivation enough to get into the mood. The aroma of pumpkin pies baking in the oven, of turkey and stuffing, along with sweet potatoes and all the fixings—it is a delightful adventure for the senses. The autumn air, the crisp crunching of […]

The fact that I am no fan of the conservative political agenda could be the worst kept secret in Marion County. But, I want to come to the defense of our Republican state Rep. Don Schroeder. I received a piece of propaganda in the mail the other day from Americans for Prosperity. Apparently, there is a branch of the super […]

So, I should be presenting some hard-hitting analysis of the events that have taken place in the past 30 days. We had a mass shooting for the history books. Hurricanes have been lining up and pummeling our ocean-front properties in rapid succession. That North Korean guy has been shooting off his mouth and his missiles. Our president is firing back […]

Some random thoughts as summer turns to fall: Suddenly, women have broken into the field of meteorology. Have you noticed that every local channel now has a “weatherwoman”? Though the males still appear to be clearly in charge of the staff, the women have stormed the set, so to speak. Though hurricanes are definitely nothing to smile about, you have […]