For much of my life, when I found myself in financial trouble, I would get a night job bartending. Tips were great, and I learned some wisdom for the rest of my life. Take this exchange for example: College professor on barstool: “You seem like a bright young man. It’s …
While working for The University of Wisconsin, my boss Dan Van Eyck was one of the brightest men I’ve ever known. Dan led the academic affairs office for 14 of the university’s campuses. For some reason, Dan trusted me and sent me out to all 14 campuses on a regular basis. …
I’m in a great battle. My adversary is the foxtail. These weeds that look so green and engaging in the spring become a bitter enemy as they turn hay yellow and grow sharp barbs by early summer. The only way to successfully defeat the foxtail is to grab it firmly at the …
These are scary times, no matter how old you happen to be. Last weekend, I saw one of my favorite cities out of control. I saw enraged clusters of protesters attempting to bring attention to legitimate national injustices. I saw people breaking windows and stealing bottles …
Young kids and old men have something in common. If they have an ingenious trick to pull off, they don’t get too concerned about the consequences. One of my best stunts in grade school was with my buddy, Super Steve. We were playing football on the playground, and Super …
Surprise, surprise! I’m dead. I sure didn’t see that coming. I should have, but I was too busy searching for my missing blue sock. I’m only kidding. How could I be keystroking this in a prone position? I have been giving it some thought. So I made a list. I will die a happy …
Darwin Slocum put up a hell of a battle. It was the early 1980s, and the tiny University of Wisconsin campus in Medford was attempting to stay open. It was the smallest campus of 27 that made up the University of Wisconsin system. I was dispatched from the central office …
“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Just a minute, Ralph Waldo. The universe has not been so supportive of me recently. Several months ago, I made the decision to be more social with my neighbors. After living on …
About 50% of total health care costs in the United States are spent on 5% of the population. As I’m aging, I fear I’m taking more than my share. Older adults eat up more health care costs than younger members of the population. Scott, my pal, says we’ve earned it. I’m …
Do you have an evening ritual that takes you from your daily duties to your nighttime bliss? I do. I take off my socks, and I’m a different guy. I wiggle my toes. My naked feet embrace the cool hardwood floor of my bedroom. I’m a free man, ready to do nothing …