Author Archives: Jim

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 Seuss children’s books have been withdrawn because of perceived racial stereotypes in the illustrations.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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Decking the halls

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Jim

Is it just my imagination, or are people embracing Christmas decorations a little more this year? My state of New Mexico recently closed the restaurants and most of the stores (again) and has pretty well given up on schools and … Continue reading →

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A pandemic Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Jim

I’m roasting a turkey breast for Thanksgiving even though I’m not expecting guests. Much as I will miss sharing the holiday with friends and family, I refuse to give up turkey leftovers. There’s a lot to be thankful for because … Continue reading →

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Pro-union or pro-worker?

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Jim

It’s been interesting to watch the presidential stump speeches to blue-collar audiences. President Trump is bragging about jobs. Former Vice President Biden is promising to create union jobs. It’s an important distinction because in 2016 about half of private-sector union … Continue reading →

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The Apocalypse may be coming but it’s politics as usual in New Mexico

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Jim

The coming election is the most important in our lifetime, we are told. Both parties are telling us that if the other party wins it will be the Apocalypse. Depending on which cable channel you watch, America will become either … Continue reading →

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The American Street

Posted on August 23, 2020 by Jim

When angry mobs of protesters stormed the Wisconsin state capitol in 2011, their rallying cry was: “This is what democracy looks like.” That’s ridiculous, I thought. Democracy is delivered at the ballot box, not in the streets. I was wrong. … Continue reading →

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