Do you have a special memory of a favorite toy when you were a kid? I had a Gumby in the 1960s, that bendable green man. He was my reliable friend and had a huge following, even his own Gumby Show. He became famous again in the 1980s on Saturday Night Live with Eddie Murphy’s hilarious
Read MoreThere is a great Seinfeld episode that includes a funny bit about a record Jerry is proud of: not throwing up in 13 years. Yes, a non-vomit streak. In episode 73, “The Masseuse,” Jerry claims he has not retched since June 29th, 1980, over 13 years prior. George and Elaine agree that it’s an impressive feat. (I should say before we go on
Read MoreThe popping of burning wood and the smokey plume that rises as a fire takes hold, transforming the solid logs into glowing embers, is hypnotizing. The fire pit on an autumn evening is the perfect spot for friends to gather, particularly with a bottle of wine…or two. Time lengthens into the quiet of darkness, and stories unfold.
Read MoreI saw Casablanca again this week, and I enjoyed it as much as ever. I’ve seen it in theatres, outside venues and at home at least 20 times over 45 years. The first time I saw it was at the Varsity Theatre when I was 11, back in 1972. It’s still the perfect movie with its stellar cast, world-stage story and impeccable script. That script includes the most
Read MoreWe take massive amounts of photos. In his post on Stastica, Felix Richter says that in 2017, the world will snap a whopping 1.2 trillion photos! Step back from that number, and compound it over the number of years that we've reveled in smartphones and other technology...and then add
Read MoreWe grew up poor for the most part – everything was second-hand and hand-me-downs, discounted to the final bin under the best of circumstances. Usually we “shopped” at the Salvation Army store. Raising nine kids on a professor’s salary in the 1960s was not a simple thing, and with so many mouths, dinners were certainly a simple fare. But there was one thing
Read MoreMaybe Thanksgiving is an easily navigated event for your family. You have traditions in place—eating, watching football, playing games and perhaps a midnight excursion for shopping. But how much conversation do you engage in, and what do you talk about?
Read MoreIt’s not a great memory. But I was there, it’s part of my history and I still think of it often. But why is sharing not always easy? This experience was folded into a traumatic period of my life already, and I tend to keep sad storytelling inside, but I know that others need to share. How do you share tragedy?
Read MoreAs the November weather takes its turn towards winter, I already miss autumn. I love the temps cooling off and all the colors fall brings; it’s the most popular season in the nation, with 29% preferring it (except those 18-34-year old’s, who prefer summer). I guess it’s largely nostalgia for me, because fall reminds me of good times
Read MoreThanksgiving has come and gone, and around here that means that it’s officially the Christmas season. Number one on the list: the Christmas tree is up, decorated, and shining brightly. I know what many of you are thinking –
Read MoreStop EVERYTHING for this very important topic. It’s related to photos, which is one thing you know we're big about. If you spend any time on Facebook, then perhaps you’ve run across black and white photos dotting your feed. And they're not just the "monochrome" filter from Instagram—these are
Read MoreStar Wars is back. “Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi” is out, and it seems that you are either a huge fan, or couldn’t care less.These films have endured for decades, from generation to generation and century to century.
Read MoreOur brains are incredible libraries housing a voluminous life experiences. More remarkably yet is that we then process those experiences and extrapolate meaning, and catalog significant information to draw on for our daily needs.
Read MoreChristmas means so many different things, whether you be a kid or adult, living in the frost belt or the sun belt, and even if you celebrate it or not. Christmas can be real gift or a real pain, and often both.
Read MoreAs we make our way through the last week of 2017, many of us are planning for New Year’s Eve. Going to a big party? Hosting one? Maybe nice little celebration at home with just family and a few friends?
Read MoreDid you make some resolutions for 2018? I was thinking about my own New Year’s Resolutions, as I’m committed to making myself a better man this year. Like, losing some weight (number-one NYE resolution, statistically), declutter the basement storeroom, make more time for writing that novel…and try more wines.
Read MoreYou’ve decided to dive in and turn the boxes of hard copy photos into an organized resource—a source of reconnecting and joy. That’s great, until you start sifting through pictures and realize it’s a bigger task than you realized.
Read MoreI have always been a Beatles fan. Just one of millions, I know. One of my first movie memories was Yellow Submarine, where I first learned that John, Paul, George and Ringo were even cooler than I’d ever known.
Read MoreThe biggest sporting event of the year is here with Super Bowl LII (#52 for Roman numeral-deficient types). But is the “excitement” for the clash of the Patriots and Eagles and the great game, or is it excitement for the big party you’re attending and the funny new ads with your favorite celebs?
Read MoreHave you been watching the Winter Olympics this year? I’ve caught just a few moments, but it hasn’t held my interest like in days past. It used to be such an event for me. Are you part of the millions—billions, I guess—of people entranced in the spectacle? Do you have any Olympic memories?
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