I usually flunk out when I try to build a meaningful relationship with kids and young folks (say, seven to 18). They are polite, but a special connection fails to materialize. Maybe I’m trying too hard. Maybe I need to try harder. Then I think back to when I was a youngster. …
Bob Roberts is a new friend I have lunch with twice a month. Last Thursday, over cheeseburgers and fries, Bob said he hops out of bed with gusto each morning. I stared at him. “You’re kidding, right? No man our age hops out of bed. We roll out and struggle to the bathroom.” …
Mike McEvoy died last week, far too soon. He was a salesman for Hudson Printing in Salt Lake City and a good friend of mine for 20 years. Often, Mike would show up in Carson City on a Tuesday. We’d meet at the Dairy Queen. I’d have a chocolate milkshake. Mike favored …
It takes one dynamic person who wishes to make a major contribution to his or her community. Two years ago, I started a venture called CONNECTIONS. It has blossomed and helped several hundred Northern Nevada residents make fun and meaningful connections with others in their …
A few mornings ago, I was taking my early morning walk after smashing Sherry in our two hands of gin rummy we play at 5:30 each morning. After our competition, I routinely walk down our long driveway to our mailbox and back. Sherry needed subtle revenge, so she reminded me I …
Yes, I once again have done an evidence-based study, and I am searching for a scientific journal to publish my findings for the world to devour. It’s about reassessing one’s true age. I just need a little help from anyone who passed a ninth-grade math class. Based on …
I like to ask that question of my friends. It gives me a refreshing perspective of what counts for them on the inside. A few of my intellectual buddies (you know, the Ivy school crowd) came up with books I didn’t know and couldn’t pronounce. I wrote down the titles as …
Boy is waiting for me each morning, just where I left him the night before. He is the leader of a band of animals who hang out on my bed during the day. Some of my macho friends make fun of me, but I love the stuffed animals who keep me company when I …
As a young, ambitious chap, I managed the Four Winds Motel on West Colfax in Denver while also starting a statewide sports magazine. The motel owner was an 80-year-old man named Jacob. He was a tough businessman and taught me important lessons I never learned at the Ramada …
When I’d mess up in my private or business life, I learned to find someone who was doing it right and copy his or her successful approach. It helped me out of jams over and over again. In Reno, on South Virginia Street, there are two fast food restaurants across the street …
