Author Archives: Jim

Russian tanks and Elvis

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Jim

Instead of listening to music in the morning, I’ve been turning on the TV to see the latest news from Ukraine. The war is compelling: horrifying and inspiring at the same time. Everyone hopes and prays for the triumph of … Continue reading →

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Don’t know much about history

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Jim

I’ve been scratching my head over the controvery about teaching critical race theory in schools. Whatever the hell critical race theory is, it’s clear that politicians want to either mandate it or ban it. I see this as an opportunity … Continue reading →

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The American dream in four walls

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Jim

I’ve always been interested in houses: fixed up a couple of old ones and built a new one last year. Home ownership has been a major factor in middle-class wealth accumulation and upward mobility in the United States and certainly … Continue reading →

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Flashback

Posted on September 10, 2021 by Jim

One of my dark-humor quips in recent years has been: I hope our government learned the lessons of Vietnam. And built an embassy in Afghanistan with enough room for multiple helicopters. That stopped being funny when I saw the TV … Continue reading →

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Lou Grant is dead

Posted on September 7, 2021 by Jim

The death of Ed Asner last week at age 91 prompted TV stations to resurrect clips of the actor’s most memorable role: Lou Grant, the crusty news editor on the Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970 to 1977 and the Lou Grant show from … Continue reading →

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Risk in a time of pandemic

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Jim

Life is all about taking risks when you get right down to it: your first steps as a toddler, your first day of school and so on to starting a family, launching a business or contemplating cancer treatment. Calculating risk … Continue reading →

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Gunnery practice

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Jim

Another story from my Navy days that’s still mostly true. A big, empty box went over the side. “That’s a Viet Cong box,” the captain announced. “We’re going to attack it. Come to general quarters.” Our wooden-hulled coastal minesweeper could … Continue reading →

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Dr. Seuss and Porky Pig

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Jim

So several of the Dr. Seuss children’s books have been withdrawn because of perceived racial stereotypes in the illustrations. Cue the outrage and clutching of pearls. Dr. Seuss cancelled! Dr. Seuss! Is nothing sacred?  While this may fit the contemporary narrative of … Continue reading →

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Watching history repeat

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Jim

I enjoy history, but the disadvantage of being a history buff is getting flashbacks to centuries past whenever I read the news. History repeats itself, often at the hands of people who failed to learn its lessons. Some current issues … Continue reading →

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Shot in the arm

Posted on January 30, 2021 by Jim

I’m registered to receive the Covid-19 vaccine and hope to get my first shot in the next few weeks. The sooner the better. At my advanced age, I can’t imagine NOT getting vaccinated against a disease that is 220 times … Continue reading →

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