Author Archive

TO MY GRANDSON Dear Keirick; Your eighth birthday is fast approaching, and I wanted to put down some thoughts as you finish up Second Grade, and prepare for next year. I was very proud on your first day of school, when you were the only one in your class of five and six year olds who knew... »

BABY NOT YET When I lived in the Kansas City area, I had a friend from work with whom I car-pooled. He was originally from New Orleans. I, as a native Chicagoan, had a great time every day comparing language differences and local customs from our respective hometowns. One thing that struck me... »

I could not help but notice two posts on gun ownership, and the Second Amendment.  I thought I would share a few comments on the topic. 1. Don’t pick a fight with a retired military man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you. 2. If you find yourself in a fair fight,... »

There is no doubt that language, and its usage, can be a highly effective tool to affect both perception and attitudes among people. Inspiring language can impel the listener to do things that would normally be beyond their capability. Depressing speech can cause those who are easily influenced to develop negative feelings that can... »

So, what can I expect from an Obama Presidency, a Reid Senate, and a Pelosi House? The elimination of the Bush tax cuts will immediately raise my income taxes by 24 percent. This increase will impact our household income, based on my wife’s salary, and my retirement pension. The Obama tax plan will increase the number... »

INCONVENIENT TRUTHS ABOUT OIL Before my recent retirement after a career of almost 40 years, I had the unique opportunity to work in the technology areas for a major oil company, an international financial operation, and one of the world’s largest international banks. As a result, although not an expert in either exploration or production... »

To see him in a normal social setting, the casual observer would note only the college student, dressed in a plaid flannel shirt and blue jeans. Of average height, you might notice that he had an above average muscular build, but nothing to make him stand out in a crowd. The very... »

We are already celebrating Chanukah, and Christmas is fast approaching. I think it is appropriate that we be reminded of why we are free to celebrate this Holy Season, and who it is that stands between us and those who seek to destroy these freedoms. I have posted this poem before, after first hearing it... »

3 BLIND MICE AT ANNAPOLIS I have watched with interest the preparations for and beginning negotiations of the Mid-East ‘peace’ conference being held at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland. I have been fortunate to count among my friends several graduates of the Naval Academy, and know two young men who currently... »

THE GREAT IOWA PUMPKIN CAPER Now that the excitement and activities of Halloween are past, I would like to share some thoughts about the GREAT IOWA PUMPKIN CAPER, and its national implications. Over the past few days, Iowa has been the subject of many humorous comments from television and newspaper commentators and pundits, internet news sites,... »

Day of Atonement  I was thinking a bit yesterday about the coming Day of Atonement, and it’s applications for a Christian.  As a Catholic, I can see some relationship with the sacrament of Reconciliation, but there are significant differences.  It was then that I read an e-mail from Patrick, my youngest son, currently in Korea... »

GOODBYES – AND OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF I have put aside almost everything to do with politics, Congress, stocks and market issues, foreign policy, the environment and virtually anything else that seems to trip the collective triggers of Conservatives, Liberals, Libertarians, Socialists, Communists, Traditionalists, Progressives, Religious and Secularists; at least for the last week or so.... »

THE RISE OF CHRISTIAN ANTI-SEMITISM  Please allow me to begin with a disclaimer.  I am neither a priest nor a minister.  I have never attended a school of theology, and my specific religion is irrelevant, other than to say I am a Christian, albeit an imperfect one.  Indeed, I am the first to admit that... »

A PROUD FATHER SPEAKS   At 2:30 PM EST, Friday, February 23rd, my youngest son recited his reenlistment oath to serve his country for another four years.  He was on duty at the time, but was relieved by a fellow Airman so that he could have the oath administered, and a few pictures taken.  He then... »

It is 4:30 in the morning, and here I sit in front of a monitor, putting down my thoughts because I know that there will be no sleep for me until I do this. I awoke an hour ago, hot and sweaty, shaken by my dream. As with most of us, I do not... »

Thanksgiving was established as a National Day of Thanks by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Prior to that, Thanksgiving was a regional Holiday, celebrated at different times, and not in every state. Although the United States was in the midst of the bloodiest war in our history, President Lincoln felt that we still had... »

Thanksgiving was established as a National Day of Thanks by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.  Prior to that, Thanksgiving was a regional Holiday, celebrated at different times, and not in every state. Although the United States was in the midst of the bloodiest war in our history, President Lincoln felt that we still had many... »

I rarely lose my temper, but that does not mean I don’t have one. Generally, I am disappointed in certain actions or words I disapprove of by people or organizations, rather than angry. But this time, I am really angry at CNN, because I am taking it personally. When a CNN executive accused... »

MILLIONS OF AMERICANS TORTURED!!! Government Does Nothing The ACLU has again decided that they know best how to win the fight against Islamic terrorists. They have recently filed a lawsuit, claiming that Jihadist Abu Zubayduh was subjected to illegal interrogation techniques that amounted to torture. As near as I can tell, the torture... »

ACCIDENTAL COMEDIANS   An English philosopher, Horace Walpole, is best remembered for one quote.  He wrote “The world is a comedy to those who think, and a tragedy to those who feel.”  While I admit to being a “feel” type person much of the time, I did have reason to find some dark humor in several... »