Wish I had something new for you, but I don’t. However, wanted to maintain the tradition of posting one of most popular writings about Christmas. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and Merry Christmas, and a promising new year! HOLIDAY TIME My father was the sixth child of seven, and as such, never went to the bathroom until his older sisters went to college. That of course has nothing to do with the fact that his father…..
Recently, I was out walking myself (the dog wouldn’t take me) and as usual I was wearing something Navy oriented. In this case, I was wearing an old tee shirt espousing that Navy tradition I was so proud to be a part of, the US Navy Seabees. For those that don’t know, Navy Seabees have a proud tradition extending back to World War II. That tradition includes professional construction, fierce defensive tenacity, and a complete irreverence for most other discipline…..
Turns out, my wife and the Supreme Court have some things in common. Of course, both look good in a long black robe. Both expect their word to be taken as absolute law of the land (or the house). Both will sometimes hear an appeal. But it goes beyond that. When my wife and I hash out a particular issue we look at both sides, we ask questions, and we look at precedents, which is what I’m hoping the Supreme…..
Sorry, folks, but I think we are getting stupider as a country. I’m not talking about what our foreign policies are, or how we do things overseas, or even about our own government policies. I’m talking about as a people, as a population. In other words, us. Here are a few things that make me think that. First, just anecdotally, from the high school where I work, is an example from the Math Department. Every year, a…..
Picture the following if you will. We, all of us, you, me, your annoying neighbor, everyone, live in one big apartment building. Some of us pay more rent and have more amenities, but everyone lives in the same building. There is a building security office and other services, some open to everyone, some open to those who have the means to pay extra for them. There are policies that pertain to every resident in the building, and we all have…..
Several people have been congratulating me on the recent upset victory by the Navy Midshipmen over the Black Knights of West Point. While I accept the praise graciously, I do recognize that much of the credit goes to the players. Anyway, in celebration of the victory I have been sporting my Navy wool jacket as a testament to the team and to my alma mater in general. While wearing said jacket at McDonald’s on a Sunday morning, a man slightly…..
Let’s talk about Mike.Mike has made some poor life choices.Don’t be like Mike. Recently, I traveled to Minnesota. Minnesota, by the way is flatter than an open soda after twelve days, and about as diverse as a white crayon. But it is a beautiful state filled with friendly people, including my shuttle driver, who we will call Mike. I’m not scared to use his real name, because I plan to write a thought provoking, intelligent piece and therefore Mike will…..
Is anyone else concerned with what is going on in American politics right now? I must admit I am. Once upon a time, we had a two party system and a three chambered government to ensure that there were checks and balances and that all people’s views were represented equally. We were seen as a beacon of democracy. Sad news, folks. That was then, this is now, and the now is our democracy is less like a…..
Lucky me; it seems I have been given the opportunity for a second dance with my old friend, testicular cancer. For those that aren’t familiar with my story, when I was 22 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer the first time. I permanently lost one testicle, temporarily lost my mind, and went on sort of a destructive binge until I figured out what I needed to do to pull out of the nosedive I was in. Fast forward…..
Disclaimer: This is NOT about being pro-Democrat or anti-Republican. To be honest, I am not a fan of either, but it’s pretty much all we have. Those of us in the military are used to being part of something bigger than ourselves. We sacrifice our individual rights (and our egos, if we are doing it right) for the greater good. We are taught from a relatively junior rank that leadership is about doing what is right for the group you…..