Media & Journalism · On Writing · Pop Culture & Social Trends · Technology

Digitize Salinger and Other Literary Pursuits

I was going through a “Why Didn’t I Read This in High School?” phase, and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye was up next on my reading list. I was eager to download a copy of Salinger’s classic novel onto my Kindle. I’m a firm backer of the digital publishing revolution, since ebooks let… Continue reading Digitize Salinger and Other Literary Pursuits

Family matters · Non-fiction · Pop Culture & Social Trends · Religion & Spirituality

Facing 2014 with resolution, resolve

I‘m heading into the New Year with a new attitude, because, in all honesty, I need to get a grip on myself. In many ways 2013 was the best year of my life. Unemployment was a godsend. I love being home, spending time with my wife and kids. Grocery shopping? Laundry? Picking the kids up… Continue reading Facing 2014 with resolution, resolve

Pop Culture & Social Trends

How To Stop Adult Bullies? Man Up! Ladies, Too!

Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito is a meathead jock. He can’t distinguish between bullying and camaraderie— an unfortunate situation that has existed in team locker rooms for ages. But Incognito’s teammate/victim on the Miami Dolphins, Jonathan Martin, is acting like a ninny. Sure, being a professional football player is a high-pressure job, both on and… Continue reading How To Stop Adult Bullies? Man Up! Ladies, Too!

Pop Culture & Social Trends

True Tales of Road Rage: Here’s Egg On Your Windshield!

Road rage. It’s the hip, politically-correct buzzword of the 90s. The media trumpets it. Congress is studying it. President Clinton is soon to speak out on it. But what is it? Simply put, it’s getting ticked off at other drivers. When was the last time you blurted out the phrase; “Hey, you $#!@!. Why don’t… Continue reading True Tales of Road Rage: Here’s Egg On Your Windshield!

On Writing · Pop Culture & Social Trends

Publishing’s Future: Toss the Bookshelf, Keep the Books

 Books are beautiful. Their construction is so basic — paper, ink, glue, and cardboard. But each is a doorway into another time and space, alternate dimensions both real and imagined. It doesn’t matter if you’re reading true crime, historical fiction, or a cookbook; all are woven from the fabric of the human condition. Books are… Continue reading Publishing’s Future: Toss the Bookshelf, Keep the Books

Pop Culture & Social Trends

Uncourteous Interruptus, or Why Kayne West Is Still A Dick

The world used to be a more civilized, more respectful, more courteous place. Now, extreme displays of public rudeness are becoming commonplace and an icy aloofness toward your fellow man has become the norm. The Age of the Asshole Need examples? You don’t have to look far. Joe Wilson, a Republican Congressman from South Carolina… Continue reading Uncourteous Interruptus, or Why Kayne West Is Still A Dick

On Writing · Pop Culture & Social Trends

My Awkward Brush with Greatness: Meeting Kurt Vonnegut

There was an old guy wandering around the lobby of the office building where I work. He looked vaguely familiar, but I didn’t place him until the desk clerk called his name. “Hey…aren’t you Kurt Vonnegut?” It was Kurt Vonnegut. He looked the same as he did on the back cover of my copy of… Continue reading My Awkward Brush with Greatness: Meeting Kurt Vonnegut