[September 25, 2024] I’m fond of writing about our heroes, and one that I’ve been planning to write about is New York City firefighter Joe Torrillo. If you’re not from the Northeast, then you may not have heard of him. But I think Joe’s firefighter journey to hero status is worth telling and we are all morally obligated… Read More »
[September 19, 2024] Arriving at the Texas Tech University campus in early May of 1970, this would be the first time I’d ever been away from home for more than a few days since Boy Scout Camp. College was about to become a doozie of an adventure, beginning with my first day checking into Gordon Hall, one of… Read More »
[September 15, 2024] Okay, I never figured I’d be writing about Cat Memes during the run-up to the coming U.S. presidential election. Besides, how could anyone stoop this low? But there are plenty of crazy things going on in this election cycle that stand alone outside the established norms of normalcy. At a Democrat VP Tim Walz rally… Read More »
[September 12, 2024] A small group of ragtag civilians were riding in an Army passenger bus painted a dull OD green, all strangers to one another. When the bus comes to a stop, a huge Drill Sergeant jumps onboard – in perfectly starched fatigues and Smokey the Bear hat – and starts barking commands and cussing like a… Read More »
[September 11, 2024] We pledge to remember and honor those lost on September 11, 2001 – those killed in the unprovoked attacks on our soil by Islamic terrorists twenty-three years ago. The wave of patriotic sentiment that emerged was unprecedented, and never before has anyone born after WWII experienced such an outpouring of goodwill from all Americans. However,… Read More »
[September 8, 2024] It was 36 years ago when a small group of friends gathered in the living room of one of the town’s citizens to discuss how to create something positive. Since that time, each year, a one-day celebration occurs; they call it Schuylkill Haven Borough Day. In this small central Pennsylvania town, the annual event draws… Read More »
[September 7, 2024] Beauty is more valuable than anything humans can possess. And while that is true – I believe inherently true – disfigurement of the human form can give rise to other valuable traits: decency and grace. Dostoevsky wrote in his book The Idiot that “Beauty will save the world.” I will add that disfigurement can sustain… Read More »
[September 5, 2024] Arriving at the Texas Tech University campus in early May of 1970, this would be the first time I’d ever been away from home for more than a long week at Boy Scout Camp. College was about to become a humdinger of an adventure, beginning with my first day checking into Gordon Hall, one of… Read More »
[August 29, 2024] Among the many moves my family made during my teen years, one allowed me to join the Boy Scouts. Despite the brief time in scouting, it would remain a valuable part of my life. “Mom & dad, I hate scout camp. The scoutmaster told me to write this letter. I promise you I am OK… Read More »
[August 22, 2024] I’m from the poor Deep South, where I can still find my heart. I relate closely with those living in small towns and on farms, working blue-collar jobs, local volunteers, small church congregations, and truckers. When people ask where I’m from, I say, “I’m from Mer Rouge, Louisiana.” Despite not living there for six decades,… Read More »