Confessions and Musings of Former Smoker Friday, 13 August 2010 15:58 August 13, 2010 — I used to smoke cigarettes, back when 4 out of 5 of us indulged. Deep in our hearts we knew it was a nasty habit, but since most everyone else did it, and examples of its presence were everywhere 24/7, we all became used to the lingering smell and the ubiquitous smoke. Read more...

Your Children Friday, 16 July 2010 16:21 July 16, 2010— This month’s commentary is for those of you who are parents of one or more children. Read more...   Obesity More Than Just An Issue Thursday, 19 November 2009 19:07 Thursday, November 18, 2009 – A few months ago I offered a comment about the obesity problem (I used the word epidemic, which it is) in this country – and the world. My response centered on a recent article that said we’ve been programmed genetically to over-eat. As our species grew, we needed as much food as we could get out hands on to survive – literally. Read more...   Give our President a Break Thursday, 10 September 2009 19:34 First, a statement: I am pro-Obama. Always have been, and feel this man is the one best prepared to lead us out of this mess. Read more...   Newspapers are not Dead Sunday, 14 June 2009 20:27 When someone is reported to have died only to have it found a mistake, the line the survivor comes forward with goes something like this: “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Read more...   If It’s June, It Must Be Vacation Time Friday, 18 June 2010 14:45 June 16, 2010 – It’s June, and thoughts turn toward taking a vacation. Read more...   My Memoir Tuesday, 13 October 2009 19:59 When we were kids growing up in a mid-sized but very special college town, about a fifth of the grade and high-school aged population attended a school that had been founded in the mid-19th century by the University of Missouri, and was going full force by the time we came along over a hundred years later. Read more...   The Case for Bottled Water Wednesday, 19 August 2009 20:27 My wife and I have been big-time bottled water drinkers for years. My reason for switching from tap was motivated by pain: I was running 50-60 miles a week and wasn’t replenishing my system with the water I was losing. As a result I suffered the pain of three kidney stones – for three Octobers in a row (after a summer of running in our Missouri heat and humidity.) I had no adverse effects, but will never forget the hurt. Read more...   Overkill Wednesday, 20 May 2009 19:49 It must have something to do with the way news is delivered to us these days, and how the entire delivery mechanism has been evolving. Read more...