I still remember the mnemonic as if it were 1972 and I was sitting in fourth grade science class. My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. The first letter from each word aided countless primary school kids like me in memorizing the nine planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and…
I applaud the 7 million plus Americans who acquired insurance under the Affordable Healthcare Act before the March 31 deadline. As a longtime Blue Cross member, I know having that little card in my wallet brings piece of mind even if it is useless in tackling a new disease entering our society. Neglected by the mainstream media and…
My preparation is nearly complete: I have been building up strength in my index finger by moving it back and forth in a horizontal motion countless times daily. I utter “hashtag” aloud whenever possible. When my children ask who I’m talking to, I put the aforementioned finger to my lips, silencing them while I continue…
The wake was beautiful. Fresh flowers littered the temporary dais; a steady stream of mourners came and went, shivering in the garage while filing past the remains. I stood next to my recently departed companion, holding back tears as well-wishers hugged me and offered words of encouragement. “How wonderful that it waited until spring to…
Clad in a tuxedo, the young man dotingly eyed my daughter as she walked slowly toward him. When they met, he took her hand while I looked into his eyes and firmly said, “Take care of my little girl.” And then, following a flurry of photos, they were off to prom. Welcome to high school…
My Facebook pal Jeannie received the email several weeks ago. A close friend passed away and the service was taking place the following day. Jeannie thought about sending a sympathy card, paying her respects in person, or otherwise reaching out to the deceased’s family. There was just one small problem. “I wish I knew who…
It’s nearly four months overdue but I wish to apologize to all my friends, associates, business acquaintances and President Obama for what can only be considered a total lack of oversight on my part. I was not aware that November was National Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month. How could I have been so stupid?…
A chronology of Jay Leno’s first day as retired Tonight Show host: 3 a.m. Wake up and write down funny President Obama health care joke from dream. Pause. Crumble up paper and go back to bed. 6:30 a.m. Begin preparing list of interview topics for cable repair guy, when he visits home later today. 8 a.m. Drive the long,…
I don’t consider myself an equal to Oprah Winfrey. I don’t possess her charisma, her cell phone contact list or her billions. And I’m okay with that. We can’t all grow up to be talk show hosts, media moguls and worldwide celebrities. But I do think I’m on level ground with her when it comes…
Imagine you’re at a party. Someone approaches and engages you in a one-sided conversation. It goes something like this: “Hi (YOUR NAME), haven’t seen you in awhile. Of course, I haven’t seen anybody, considering I just returned from my oceanfront timeshare on Maui. Hey, you won’t believe what happened. I was on the deck, grilling a…