Author Archives: Jim

Do we need a Secretary of Information Technology?

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Jim

So the new health insurances exchanges for Obamacare have been plagued by computer problems. Is anybody surprised? Government agencies are not good at running consumer-oriented computer systems. When the feds take on a project as big as Obamacare we tend … Continue reading →

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A bite of the Big Apple

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Jim

I renewed my love/hate relationship with New York City last weekend when I flew in for a two-day nonprofit board meeting. Even though I spent about as much time on American Airlines’ flying cattle cars as in the meeting, I … Continue reading →

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Cutting the cord

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Jim

I finally cancelled my landline telephone service. My local phone service has been deteriorating and the cable company made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. This is a big step for me because I was a phone company guy for … Continue reading →

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It’s time for civil rights 2.0

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Jim

My heart goes out to the parents of Trayvon Martin. But I’m getting tired of being called a racist. I came of age during the civil rights movement in the 1960s and raised my kids in a racially mixed suburb. … Continue reading →

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SHOUTING BETWEEN SHIPS IN ALL CAPS

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Jim

The news that the Navy has abandoned its tradition of typing messages in all capital letters reminded me of the quirky communications I experienced in my seagoing days. The all-caps format had its origins in the limitations of teletype technology. … Continue reading →

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Adventures of a Pentagon warrior

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Jim

My career in the Navy probably included more time at the Pentagon than at sea. The Pentagon, legendary nerve center of the world’s largest military establishment, is known by such nicknames as the “puzzle palace.” As a reserve public affairs … Continue reading →

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Being an author

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Jim

I’ve been writing for money since I was 19 but officially became an author last year when my neighbor and I published a book. Always thought it would be cool to be an author… I smoke a pipe and everything. … Continue reading →

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Cinco de Mayo on the Old Town Plaza

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Jim

I spent a pleasant Cinco de Mayo afternoon pretending to sell books on Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza. The plaza, traditional center of every Hispanic town, is one of my favorite places. For those of you in Anglo territory, picture a … Continue reading →

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Theocracy and marshmallow Peeps

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Jim

I spent Easter listening to Handel’s Messiah, eating marshmallow Peeps and watching the world celebrate the Resurrection (except for the folks at Google who resurrected Cesar Chavez instead). I wound up scratching my head about the way religion keeps popping … Continue reading →

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Best music I ever heard

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Jim

Another story from my Navy days… The hour before dawn usually is a quiet time aboard ship. On this morning all hands are on deck for underway replenishment, the regular delivery of fuel and supplies that sustains our tiny minesweeper … Continue reading →

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