Entertainment · Non-fiction · Parenting · Pop Culture & Social Trends · Social trends · Technology

Modern Concerts Are Big On Spectacle, Short On Feel

Once upon a time, I loved going to rock concerts. It didn’t matter what the act was. Tickets were cheap in the 1980s: $15-$20; maybe $27.50 for fancy seats. One week in the mid-80s I saw REO Speedwagon on a Monday night, and KISS that Thursday. I was at an Ozzy Osbourne/Metallica show where the… Continue reading Modern Concerts Are Big On Spectacle, Short On Feel

Media & Journalism · Non-fiction · Pop Culture & Social Trends · Social trends · Technology

The Mystery of Superstar Forgiveness in the Age of Apology

We live in the Age of Apology, where knee jerk reactions are the norm, and thin-skinned political correctness reigns. Politicians, pop stars, athletes, actors, comedians, talk show hosts, and church leaders are pressured into insincere public apologies if they “offend” some special interest group or another. But the Age of Apology has little to do… Continue reading The Mystery of Superstar Forgiveness in the Age of Apology

Pop Culture & Social Trends · Social trends · Technology

Modern Junk: Buy the Best, Keep Getting Less

You’ve heard the old adage – “It pays to buy the best.” Well, it’s a lie. Maybe it used to be true but it’s not anymore. Here’s another ancient un-truth: “You get what you pay for.” That’s true sometimes, but not always. I’m a cut-rate guy. I know this about myself and I accept it.… Continue reading Modern Junk: Buy the Best, Keep Getting Less

Education · Family matters · On Writing · Social trends · Technology

Curtain closing on cursive writing

The written word is dying. Like dodo birds and dinosaurs, handwriting is facing extinction. Approximately 46 states have adopted the new Common Core Standards, a set of educational guidelines that do not require cursive writing as part of the school curriculum. Many school districts around the country are already starting to phase out handwriting courses.… Continue reading Curtain closing on cursive writing

Education · Social trends

College Daze: Is Higher Education Worth The Cost?

Is it worth going to college? The answer used to be an unequivocal “yes” — college grads got better jobs and better pay than non-graduates. But the job market is different today. The cost of getting an education has risen dramatically, while the job market has shrunk. Many young graduates find themselves with thousands —… Continue reading College Daze: Is Higher Education Worth The Cost?

Pop Culture & Social Trends · Religion & Spirituality · Social trends

Zen and the Art of the Adult Coloring Book

Remember “The Secret Garden?” No, not that stodgy old children’s tale. The adult coloring book! I’m not talking about funnyman Colin Quinn’s latest literary effort, “The Coloring Book: A Comedian Solves Race Relations in America,” either. That’s a funny book, but not the kind of coloring book I’m talking about. I’m talking about a grab-your-crayons-and-find-a-sunny-place-to-work… Continue reading Zen and the Art of the Adult Coloring Book

Pop Culture & Social Trends · Social trends

Mythology offers insight into modern transgender issue

The transgender issue is confusing, both politically and socially, but maybe we can find comfort and guidance in Greek mythology. Tiresias was a blind prophet from Thebes. He had a lifespan of seven generations, so he appears in a lot of ancient Greek stories and plays, usually showing up at an inopportune moment to give… Continue reading Mythology offers insight into modern transgender issue

Entertainment · Media & Journalism · Pop Culture & Social Trends · Social trends

Brian Williams saga shows false face of journalism

FEBRUARY 26, 2015    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015, 12:31 AM WAYNE TODAY I learned journalism basics at college in the late 80s. 1) Ask the five “W” questions. Who, what, when, where, and why. Sometimes “how.” 2) Report the facts. Stories have many sides, and the people involved all have a personal agenda. Cut… Continue reading Brian Williams saga shows false face of journalism