By now, you would’ve had to been hiding under a rock not to have heard about the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas where a man, claiming to be homeless and needing shelter, gained entrance to the building.  Malik Faisal Karam, a British citizen, arrived in this country on December 29, and … Continue reading What The F%$#?

So here is what happens as I grow old. In addition to simple aging and because of my past medical history, along with progressive arthritis in ankles and knees, and two bum shoulders (one a torn rotator cuff, the other a surgical repair after multiple dislocations and separations) as well as potential neurological damage due … Continue reading Household Accident

I have noticed, and do not like, a disturbing trend – and that is the transfer of either the work or the risk (and often both) to the consumer.  As the world gets more complex and choices (and consequences of choices) multiply, the accompanying knowledge needed to make a good decision is becoming more arcane … Continue reading Now, You Are The Actuary

Everybody’s Fool by Richard Russo If you have not yet read Everybody’s Fool and have also not yet read Nobody’s Fool, then start with the latter and work your way up.  Having watched the movie is not sufficient (though, in my humble opinion, the movie does justice to the book).  And, also, if you have … Continue reading Recommended Summer Escape Reading

I never thought I was much of a pessimist, but the times, they are a changin’.  Not that I ever saw the world through rose-colored glasses, but I did not think I was THAT negative.  I am not so sure anymore.   I always thought that I was somewhere between Lincoln (you can’t fool all the … Continue reading Am I becoming a Pessimist?

You know that graphically enhanced picture of me that greets you when you link to my blog?  Well, I do not look like that anymore. You see, due to several constraints (we have an immune-compromised member of the family, I have a history of upper respiratory infections that are not mild, our children are thankfully … Continue reading Whip My Hair (A Pandemic Response)

I am not a Christian. I am well aware that I live in a Christian majority. I am not attempting to take the Christ our of Christmas or preventing Christians from celebrating their faith and holidays (or other religion's celebrations, for that matter). I understand that the majority religion's events and celebrations are going to … Continue reading Boycott Hobby Lobby

The worst thing about growing older is not the loss of physical capabilities, though that is a pain in the ass, and the knees, shoulders, and ankles.  Though bothersome, the increasing numbers of food items that cause raging indigestion are not the worst thing about growing older either.  Neither is diminishing eyesight, hearing, tolerance for … Continue reading The Worst Thing About Growing Older