Digital is Not Always the Answer
In my basement, I still have a box of vinyl records and another of cassette tapes. Nearby are some shoeboxes full of photos, and a stack of 35mm slide carousels. Next to these is a rack with some 3-ring binders stuffed with lecture notes which I used when I stood before a class of anxious […]
Technology is Probably a Good Thing
While most of us struggle to come up with a crisp definition of technology, we somehow agree that it is a good thing. After all, what would life be like without light bulbs, refrigerators or antibiotics? Surveys tell us that twice as many Americans think that technology will make our lives better than think it […]
Just Build Something
The mention of Thomas Edison may provoke thoughts of creative energy and invention, but his real contribution to America’s emergence as a world superpower stems from manufacturing. In 1892, he founded General Electric, which today is the last of the original industrial firms to remain listed on the Dow Jones Index. During its storied history, […]
Selfie Tech
Although “selfies” started generating buzz last year, the first recorded instance of a “selfie”, taken by Robert Cornelius, dates back to 1839. The daguerreotype photographic process of the day was so slow that Bob was able to open the lens, run into the shot for several minutes, and then head back to replace the lens […]
Merry Xmas
I sometimes wonder why you never see “Happy Xgiving” in November. The words “Thanks” and “Christ” have the same number of letters, so it probably doesn’t have anything to do with saving space or just being lazy. It is quite possible that the “Xgiving” advocates saw how much trouble “Xmas” caused, and decided to opt […]
The Coping Point
Once upon a time, as I waited my turn for some minor surgery (major for me, minor for everyone else), my doctor stopped by the gurney and asked how I was doing. “Fine”, I lied, and then added “More importantly, how are YOU doing?” His simple reply -“Balanced.” Hospitals have really good drugs, and the […]
No More Footbag, Sawtooth or Bushwalk*
If you’ve ever raised a child, you know there are certain major milestones that you will need to achieve. These are things like sleeping through the night, walking, talking and (my personal favorite) potty training. There are untold additional developmental steps that will provide bragging rights with your friends, and keep your pediatrician from asking […]
The Real Thanksgiving
In 1621, the immigrants fresh off the boat from Plymouth, England shared an autumn harvest with the Native Americans who had welcomed them and helped them get established in their new home. Almost 400 years later, we commemorate this occasion with a national celebration known as Thanksgiving. Everybody knows that. Well, did you know this […]
Life Really Is Rocket Science
If you are trying to explain something simple to someone who just isn’t getting it, you have two options. You could say “Maybe I’m not explaining this in the best possible way. Let’s try another approach.” Otherwise, like most of us, you might say, “Pay attention. This isn’t rocket science.” The real truth is that […]
Dreams, Up In Smoke
Sometimes I daydream about what it might be like when I “retire,” whatever that will mean. For me, it always involves some sort of part-time job with less stress. I’ve enjoyed the times in my life when I was a teacher, and a part-time, non-tenure-track university position sounds appealing. I’m afraid that by the time […]