Category Archives: Idle Ruminations

Bruce Jenner for president and other politically incorrect solutions

Posted on April 26, 2015 by Jim

Bruce Jenner for president A lot of us voted for Barack Obama because he’s African-American and are ready to vote for Hillary Clinton because she’s a woman. If we are committed to identity as a major factor in electing a … Continue reading →

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Confessions of a weather snob

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Jim

Albuquerque got an unusual six inches of snow last night. The skiers are ecstatic, the city is paralyzed and I get to annoy my neighbors once again with tales of my hometown of Chicago. Yes, I’m a weather snob. While … Continue reading →

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From the ringing briefcase to the iPhone

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Jim

I finally broke down and got an iPhone a year ago. I carry it when I’m out and about, but most of the time it sits on the kitchen counter. Some days I don’t use it all because my retirement … Continue reading →

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Internet history: when the modem played polka music

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Jim

It’s easy to take the Internet for granted. I keep in touch with friends on Facebook and check random facts online the moment a question pops into my head. My generation may be among the last to remember what life … Continue reading →

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Remembering computers in the Stone Age

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Jim

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 →

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Neither Catholic nor Jewish

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Jim

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 →

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Confessions of a home improvement addict

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Jim

I live in an ideal location: five minutes from Home Depot. Even though my house in Albuquerque is not a fixer-upper, I just refinished the faux-Spanish exterior woodwork, am preparing to paint the garage doors and have done lots of … Continue reading →

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Rio Grande opera

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Jim

I spent a pleasant afternoon at the opera last Sunday, enjoying Opera Southwest’s performance of Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers in Albuquerque. In June, the season begins at the Santa Fe Opera and I’ve already ordered tickets for two performances. I … Continue reading →

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Covering Billy Graham

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Jim

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 →

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A reluctant athlete

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Jim

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 →

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