Category Archives: Idle Ruminations

I don’t think about my computer, at least not consciously, because it’s integrated into my life almost seamlessly: my calendar, checkbook, photo album, newspaper. Best of all, it’s an extension of my mind that allows me to express myself almost … Continue reading →

I grew up as a member of a religious minority: a Protestant in a Catholic neighborhood. In those days the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side was mostly Irish. Although my family claims Scottish ancestry on my father’s side, our … Continue reading →

The Rev. Billy Graham is back in the news: celebrating his 95th birthday and releasing a video billed as his final sermon. I met Rev. Graham in 1962, when I was a journalism student and part-time reporter for a community … Continue reading →

I joined a new gym this week, and worked out there for the first time today. It passed my test: fairly clean, uncrowded and five minutes from home. There’s no juice bar, personal trainers or pulsating music and that’s fine … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →