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May 15, 2013
“We’re Sorry and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.” So says the IRS. And, like they say on TV when some guy jumps his motorcycle over 6 busses and 5 trucks, don’t try this at home. These guys are paid professionals. Maybe this still above room temperature Tsarnaev brother should [...] May 14, 2013
Taking a cab home this evening from a doctor’s appointment I leaned back enjoying the ride until I noticed the car to my right. Stopped at a light the driver had the window down, her hand dangling out the window as it held on to a cigarette. I could not see her face, but at each light the hand with the cigarette would hang outside the window. It looked sensual, it looked sexy. It looked just the way we were taught it was supposed to look back in the 60s when we were all thinking smoking is cool. Continue reading Smoking
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May 13, 2013
Returning to work on Monday is not at the top of list of my favorite things. Even if Santa Claus was to shower me with gifts come Monday morning at the office I would still have to be at work on Monday. That was always one of the joys of being in theatre. It was dark (i.e. closed) on Mondays. Could we just start on Tuesdays? Continue reading After All, It is Monday
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May 10, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: African-American, Aging, America, Commentary, Daily Living
 13 comments It must have been very challenging for the old guy staring at me to reflect on what my t-shirt meant. He stared at me for a moment and walked away, I assumed, to find something he wanted to eat at the breakfast buffet at the hotel. I was looking at the limited spread, grabbed an apple and headed for the coffee. The old man shuffled closer to me, stared again and walked away, this time looking at me over his shoulder. I stirred my coffee and waited. It was written on his face that he wanted to say something to me but he wasn’t sure how. Finally he came near me, shoulders slumped and a look of displeasure now surfacing. He looked down at the writing on my chest. “I graduated from Guilford College in 1953,” he said. He didn’t even try to smile at me. “I was two years old then,” I replied. My own smile was pretty fragile at this point. “I graduated in 1973 from Guilford College.” He turned beet red. Continue reading Accepting the Challenge of Change
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May 10, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Aging, Commentary, Daily Living, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, Rhyme
Leave a comment Though eons ago I remember it well, was made to trade playing for sleeping a spell. I fought it like crazy – it was so unfair, hated that time in lonely despair. Fast forward some years – and not just a few, have changed my opinion to something quite new. Don’t need no excuses [...] May 10, 2013
Posted by Jose Antonio Ponce in: Aging, Alcohol, Cancer, Commentary, Entertainment, Free Speech, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, Sociology, The Writer's Corner, Writing Essentials
3 comments I will never be a great comedian. I just don’t have the will to go that extra mile, to stand out on the edge and risk the possibility of rejection. I want to be loved by everyone and if even only one person rejects me, it throws me off. I’ve done stand-up for a number of years. I’ve always worked clean, no vulgarity. I never do sex jokes and I don’t pick on anyone. But lately, I find myself in a world of young, edgy comics and I want to compete with them. I want to show them that I can be go the distance for the sake of a laugh. It’s not that I don’t have jokes like that. I have one that I threw out just yesterday that I think is funny. Goes like this. “I got popped for DUI recently because I made a rookie mistake. I tried driving the back roads to get home. When you are the only one on the road, you stand out. What I should have done is drive in traffic, that way, you blend in.” Funny, yes? Now this joke is sure to offend any number of people, foremost those who have lost loved ones to a drunk driver. Government and law enforcement officials would call this irresponsible, and it is, but on the surface, it is a ridiculous statement. It shows the folly and the sheer idiocy of the thought process of a drunk. I know. I am an alcoholic who stopped drinking over thirty years ago. I had a similar joke about an alcoholic who starts a group called Drunk Drivers Against Mothers (DDAM) years ago, but that NEVER went well onstage. Continue reading Going the Distance
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May 9, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: America, Commentary, Crime, Current Events, Daily Living, Uncategorized
3 comments When my oldest daughter was in grade school she made friends with a girl who lived five blocks away, across the street from a good friend of mine. The girl seemed happy and was quite respectful to me. She also didn’t have many friends and cherished her relationship with my daughter. They were so close that Dominique invited her to come to her first dance at the school. It took a while for her father to say yes but my husband convinced him we would look out for her. That was a June over 20 years ago. By August the girl had gone from out sight. Two years later we discovered that she had been removed from her father because of abuse allegations. She showed us the scars on her feet from where he would stick lit matches whenever he thought she had misbehaved. And it took very little to set him off. We thought it was a happy household. One can never tell, can one. Continue reading Do We Really Know What Goes On Next Door?
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May 6, 2013
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Business, Business Management, Commentary, Current Events, Economic Crisis, Economics, Energy, General Topics, Uncategorized
3 comments I snapped this photo in front of a florist shop which had been in business for quite a while. The economy caused the business to scratch their way to survival. However, they apparently didn’t pay their electricity bill. I saw the shop being emptied of dead flowers as I drove by on a [...] May 6, 2013
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Accountability, Adoption, America, Attitude, Children, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Crime, Current Events, Death, Freedom, Healthcare, Morality, Opinion, Social Issues, Uncategorized
12 comments When law enforcement officials entered a Philadelphia medical clinic to gather evidence and put a stop to the illegal prescription business, or “pill mill,” they noticed a strong smell of urine, dirty bedding, cat feces, blood spatter all around, and poorly-cared for moaning women on gurneys. While investigating the drug-selling activities of Dr. Kermit [...] May 5, 2013
Posted by Dennis AuBuchon in: America, Business, Commentary, Congress, Economics, Freedom of Speech, General Topics, Governance, Government, Internet, Leadership, Politics, The Economy, World Issues
One comment The letters represent Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act and if passed by Congress and signed by the President it would change how we interact on the Internet. Recently the House of Representatives passed this legislation and as of now it is dead in the Senate. The importance and impact of this legislation cannot [...] May 1, 2013
Posted by Don Frankel in: Advice, Commentary, Current Events, Life Questions, Satire, Self-Help, Sex, Social Classes
14 comments I open the New York Post yesterday morning and I discover on the front page that there is a real dilemma out there. Martha Stewart needs a man. She of the few billion dollars, who knows what sheets we should all buy, hers, what pillows we should all use, hers, can’t seem to find [...] April 29, 2013
Posted by mistermuse in: America, Commentary, Death, Geopolitical Events, History, Humor, Movies, Satire
10 comments The best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry. –Robert Burns What shall I write about today? I had intended to do a birthday tribute to music master Duke Ellington (born April 29, 1899), but found that I’d already posted one two years ago (or was it two one year ago?). I suppose I could have chosen another notable April [...] April 24, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Aging, Commentary, Life Experiences, Memories, Personal Experiences, Relationships, Rhyme
2 comments Polish my “Wheels” – even the rust, radio loud – ’twas really a must. “Chick” by my side – was ever so sweet, cuddling close on my bench seat. Summer’s were best to drive around town, in my old hardtop with all windows down. Wave to our friends and other cool guys, stop at [...] April 23, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Commentary, Daily Living, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, Weather
3 comments It is tornado season in our neck of the woods and already there are rivers overflowing their banks from the rain – this in the middle of a long drought. There are certainly problems in the U.S., and around the world, but today is just a Cozy Day for me. It is raining but [...] April 23, 2013
I get the point of gun control activists. They want a sensible entity to be in charge, so we can keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and other assorted crazies. Who could argue with that? But they tend to look towards the government to be that sensible entity. The cure [...] April 21, 2013
In the fall of 1969 as a college freshman I was introduced to guns. I had never been near one before when the young man put one in my hand. A revolution was coming he informed me and I needed to be prepared. He showed me how to hold the rifle and find my target. When the lesson was over I was sick to my stomach. Continue reading My (Sad) Association With Guns
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April 21, 2013
Posted by Muhammad Cohen in: America, Asia, Cap and Trade, Climate Change, Commentary, Current Events, Earth, Environment, Environmental Issues, Environmentalists, Foreign Relations, Global Warming, Politics, World Issues
One comment Environmental groups are no friends of the earth. Their hot air adds to global warming. [...] April 20, 2013
I have an investment theory. Notice I said “investment theory” — not ” how to invest theory,” which are a dime a dozen (or three for a dollar two eighty-five). My theory has nothing to do with high finance or what to do with your money — though you can give it to me [...] April 17, 2013
Growing up in New York in the 1950’s we knew all about Jackie Roosevelt Robinson. He was still playing and his story had just been played out in real life. That story reverberated through the streets and fields where we all played the game ourselves. The game we all loved. The game that my [...] April 12, 2013
Posted by Don Frankel in: Commentary, Governance, Government, Humor, Leadership, Politics, Social Issues
27 comments In spring a young man’s fancy may turn to thoughts of love but every four years in New York City it also turns to who wants to be Mayor. If you win you get to walk in the footsteps of Fiorello La Guardia, Robert Wagner, John Lindsay, Gentleman Jimmy Walker, and Rudy Giuliani among [...] April 11, 2013
My husband is engrossed in the Jodi Arias trial. This trial is has occupied all of the the CNN spin-off HLN’s air time. They have been televising the trial during the day and in the evening they bring on “experts” to analyze the events of the day. They even have a segment where they do [...] April 9, 2013
and Elmo too. I know I know you are worried about Kim Jung Un who threatens us with nuclear Armageddon. I know you are worried about the economy or even Lindsay Lohan. But the Cookie Monster must die along with Elmo and the other dozen or so silly, cartoon characters that have come to [...] April 6, 2013
Posted by K.J. Ulsh in: Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Creative Writing, Evolution, Fiction, Humor, Life Questions, Satire, Thought, Uncategorized
5 comments MAD WORLD Encounters: If Richard had a toupee…or was very, VERY hairy! Click Here at Your OWN RISK
Share this: April 2, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Advice, Aging, Commentary, Creation Process, Daily Living, Health & Fitness
4 comments At 2:15am I awoke with severe arthritic pain in my left leg and knee. It didn’t want to go away. I got up moved around as my husband snored loudly oblivious to the dance I was doing alone in the dark. Stretches and moaning had no rhythm and did no good so I applied ointment and went back to bed, the sound of the ever roaring train next to me the only comfort I would know for the next three hours. The last time I eyed the clock it was almost five am and I was quietly asking why, why, why when I have to get up soon? I don’t have time for pain, I informed my body. But it didn’t listen. It never does. So I try to pretend I don’t hear it. Continue reading No Time For Pain
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March 29, 2013
Posted by Jose Antonio Ponce in: Biography & Memoir, Commentary, Daily Living, Faith, Family, Morality, Non-Fiction, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Religion, Spirituality, Thought
2 comments On this Easter weekend, I am thinking of Good Friday past. With my strict Roman Catholic upbringing, I remember the restrictions put on us as Catholics. Being Catholic was tough for a kid and, I imagine, even tougher today. My family made the trek to church in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday to go to confession. The lines were always out the door and the penance was, for a kid, often severe. We not only had to confess our sins, which we did on a weekly basis anyway, but we also had to endure questions from father about what we were going to give up for Lent. If the answer was not satisfactory, we would be given a suggestion, one that could not be ignored because, sanctity of the confessional or no, father knew who you were. We went to church as a family to the earliest mass on Ash Wednesday. Before the Second Vatican Council ended in 1965, (it began in 1962 under Pope John XXIII and ended with Pope Paul XI) Catholics were strongly encouraged to attend mass and take communion each day throughout Lent. You could not eat anything from midnight the previous day and for at least an hour after communion, but for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, days of fast an abstinence, we could not eat the entire day and had to abstain from meat, under the pain of mortal sin which was a ticket straight to hell. I remember being teased by other kids in public school on Ash Wednesday because of the ashes on my forehead. “You forgot to wash your face,” they would say. We were taunted at lunch and tempted with offers of “just a bite” of a sandwich or a cookie or a sip of milk. And Ash Wednesday was just the beginning of our trials.
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March 29, 2013
Finally, a “best-of” restaurant that I’ve sampled, that follows my taste – and advice. [...] March 27, 2013
We hear it all the time, whether it is drunk drivers, crazed psychopathic killers, people who do drugs or people who drink Big Gulp sodas. The answer is yes, of course we can. There are four ways to curb human behavior and here they are. 1.You can reason with people. Present your case in [...] March 26, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: America, Attitude, Commentary, Community, Current Events, History, Religion, Uncategorized
10 comments Time to stir the caldron again. Blame it on television, blame it on my husband. Blame it on the fact that it is Passover and Easter is near. Or just blame it on the fact that my thoughts on religion are not church affiliated. A few weeks ago my husband walked in the room where I was watching “The Bible”, a miniseries on the History Channel. This very Christian of men who only goes to church for weddings and funerals these days, looked at the brawny black Samson (before he met Delilah), turned to me and said: “Samson didn’t have dreadlocks. How did they come up with that idea?” I giggled in response looking at the waist length locks my dear better half started the day he retired some years ago. “How do you know? How does anyone know?” “But in the bible. . .” he countered and I raised my hand. “We only have the written word. But we don’t know. King David could have had a Mohawk. Maybe Jesus had dreadlocks.” Wisely he left me alone. Continue reading Maybe Jesus Had Dreadlocks
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March 24, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Communications, Free Speech, Freedom of Speech, Freelance Author, Personal Preference, The Writer's Corner
26 comments I have seen this option – to protect a posting using a password – inside our Dashboard but this is the first time (since the inception of our site in December 2008) that anyone has used it. I also see that by selecting this option – the same password must be used to post [...] March 22, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Advice, African-American, America, Commentary, Community, Current Events, Daily Living
10 comments “Donkey say world no level.” I learned this from a West Indian and think about it every time I endure a disparity in my life because of the color of my skin. Believe me it still happens quite a bit. There are some who want to tell me it doesn’t, that I am seeing racial problems were there are none. But those people don’t have a clue. Lots of them are not hoping for racial equality to be here. They just want black people and their problems to go away. They won’t consider the fact that they might be the problem. And the problem usually is they are tired of hearing about race relations period. Tough. Continue reading Letter on Race Relations to Those Without a Clue
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March 21, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Aging, Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Commentary, Family, Uncategorized, Women's Perspective
3 comments On the day we buried my father almost five years ago I sat next to my mother whose tears were few. She was so strong because she had prepared for this homecoming for my dad with great dignity. I watched her, waiting for the break, waiting for a flood of tears and it never happened. I made the attempt to be as sturdy but my husband reminded me that I was shaking and my hands were cold the entire time. At the grave I sat next to her and felt that I was holding up well. Then I looked far off to the right of us and a soldier began to play Taps. My father taught me the lyrics to the first verse when I was quite small. I begin to sob, loud enough for my mom to hear. She touched me and firmly said: “Pull it together. It’s all right.” And I did because I had to be as strong as my mother. It has always been one of the goals in my life. Continue reading My Mother and The History of Women
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March 20, 2013
But there is no Easter bunny, Santa doesn’t deliver presents for every girl and boy (naughty or not) and if you work hard you probably will not achieve “Success”. In fact you are more likely to wake one morning at the age of 42, living in your car, recovering from your third bad marriage wondering where the alimony is going to come from this month. Much more likely. Is there a fairy story for that? [...] March 20, 2013
Because gay marriage has recently become a topic again we contacted Dr. Don to get his views not just on gay marriage but the larger question of homosexuality in society. Is it moral or immoral? We did this because Dr. Don is not just a world renowned Psychiatrist but also a sage. Dr. Don: [...] March 18, 2013
Posted by Muhammad Cohen in: Asia, China, Commentary, Communism, Faith, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Relations, Leadership, Religion, Socialism, World Issues
Leave a comment Despite waves of optimism greeting Pope Francis and Xi Jinping, don’t expect these new leaders to let loose winds of change in the Catholic Church or China. [...] March 17, 2013
Two years into motherhood, I am blessed to say the little guy and I have a lot of fun. We spend at least two hours a day after school doing any number of activities he loves. We go to a park, to a friend’s house for a play date, or home, for arts and [...] March 11, 2013
who carried a gun and a knife. The gun was all dusty and the knife was all rusty ‘cause he never caught a crook in his life.” So lamented, the beleaguered often made fun of Deputy Barney Fife, on T.V’s The Andy Griffith Show an old sitcom from the 1960’s. Now quick who does [...] March 10, 2013
Posted by mhbrownstein in: Commentary, Daily Living, Diet, Food, General Topics, Health & Fitness, Healthcare, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Personal Experiences, Wellness
4 comments I’m one for freebies—always have been and always will be (until now). Why the sudden change? At my local grocery store, I was given a free sample of Canada Dry TEN Ginger Ale, took it home, opened it and took a huge swallow (perhaps five ounces). Here’s what happened next: Incredible nausea. A slow [...] March 9, 2013
Posted by KJ Kron in: Biography & Memoir, Children, Commentary, Daily Living, Family, Humor, Life Experiences, Marriage, Personal Experiences, Relationships, Travel
5 comments Mónica wanted to be in Spain when our first son was born, but since that was impossible, we did the next best thing and brought her parents to the States. They came bearing gifts, mainly clothes for our son Xavier. I didn’t know how to react. Originally, I thought that since Mónica was the [...] March 8, 2013
The clock still works perfectly – it heats things up and cooks them properly – all the buttons work – still original equipment – no peeling skin – and it is almost 30 years old! I just finished heating up my lunch and felt I should give a shout out to our old Quasar [...] March 7, 2013
We’ve all heard it a thousand times. “The liberal media won’t ask the President any tough questions. WAAAAAAAA!” “If this were a Republican this would be a major scandal. WAAAAAAAA!” “CBS, NBC, ABC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, they are all… all… liberal! WAAAAAAA!” So Speaketh, the Republican or Conservative party members, [...] March 6, 2013
The wind is howling outside my office. A snowstorm is coming and I speak the better part of four hours canceling a Board meeting, catering, hotels and all that goes with it. It could have been a mess I could have complained a great deal more than I usually do but this morning I lucked out. This morning I was reminded what it means to be happy. Continue reading When A Little Child Leads The Way
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March 5, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Biography & Memoir, Climate Change, Commentary, Current Events, Daily Living, Health & Fitness, Uncategorized
4 comments This morning in the middle of my usual exercise routine I started hurting in places that hadn’t hurt in weeks. At least not since the last time it was about to snow. Somehow I lucked out and left town before the half foot of snow hit the city but not before I got physical signs it was coming. Glad to escape what was coming for the weekend I woke up in the middle of the night on the train headed to the south and to the sun and looked out the window to see snow. I was furious. Had they turned around and not told me they were going back to New York? Then I realized we were traveling through higher elevations and that by dawn traces of snow would disappear from the landscape. That was then. Now I am stuck in the Big Apple and they say a big storm is coming. I really don’t want to be here. Continue reading Feeling the Storm
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March 3, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Aging, Commentary, Life Experiences, Men's Issues, Personal Experiences, Rhyme
3 comments No giant TV hangs on my wall, No poor dead animal stands in the hall. No pool table with green felt on top, No leather couches on which to flop. No darts to throw while tipping back beer, No Harley props or athletic gear. No dazzling trophies to show off my might, No toys of [...] March 1, 2013
Or as I prefer to define it why are all the people bringing us the news on television “People or Persons With Out Sufficient Melanin” in their skin? That’s PWOSM for short or white people to most everyone else. I mean CBS, NBC and ABC have been on the air for over 60 years [...] February 26, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Aging, America, Attitude, Commentary, Community, Current Events, Daily Living, Uncategorized
4 comments Shortly before I turned 49 I got an invitation to join AARP. I was insulted. “I’m not a senior citizen,” I told my husband. Then he reminded me that he was a member of AARP and he was a year old than me. He said there were some benefits that he could use and that shut me up. But did 49 mean I was a senior citizen? Continue reading At What Age Do You Become a Senior Citizen?
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February 26, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Commentary, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, Weather
2 comments
Before the tree – growing through my deck – falls on my house. Before our power goes out. Before I have a heart attack shoveling this heavy snow. I must admit, that sometimes, Mother Nature can sure create a beautiful picture. This is our second snow storm [...] February 23, 2013
Someone called the Mark Simone show yesterday morning. He was an elderly gentleman. He was upset with Gay marriage. As he put it he was a straight man, single and lonely and the government should be concerned with finding him a spouse rather than taking care of Gays. Yes it was the best call [...] February 21, 2013
At my age, buying a new suit? What do I think I am, a man on the move? Where do I think I’m going? Still, without knowing why, exactly—a new suit I wanted. So I went to Macy’s and bought a suit, pretty much just like that. Usually I’m not so sure about a [...] February 21, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Accountability, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Communications, Internet
11 comments I have had some email’s, as I have in the past, about comments made and not showing up as they are posted. There are settings that I can use to filter out SPAM comments. Below are words, if they are in the text of a comment, the entire comment will be sent to SPAM. [...] February 19, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Children, Commentary, Communications, Daily Living, Family, Uncategorized
One comment One of the joys of being a grandparent, besides the fact that most of the time the grandkids go home, is talking to little ones. Back in the dark ages of television Art Linkletter had a show called “Kids Say the Darnedest Things”. As a kid I didn’t find much of what my peers said to be funny. However by the time Bill Cosby came along with the same idea I was a parent and some of the things that come out of children’s mouth made me laugh. Some made me nervous. And some? Well some of the things that come out of children’s mouths reflect on adults inability to explain everything to the fullest. Doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. It means you need to think before you answer a question for a child. Continue reading Talking to Kids
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February 19, 2013
Posted by Bobgrant444 in: America, Children, Commentary, Congress, Economics, Education, Family, Minorities, Opinion, Politics, Social Issues
3 comments The Case for Head Start By Robert C. Grant Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and the Head Start pre-school program has a proven record of success over more than 45 years. That success is now endangered because of a “meat axe” approach to federal and state spending. No doubt [...] February 18, 2013
Today’s article on Presidential quotes by mistermuse takes to task the concept of doing nothing. Everyone is always trying to do something, fix something or save the world. God save us from the people who want to save the world. Doing nothing on the other hand is an underrated concept and it has a [...] February 17, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Accountability, America, Commentary, Free Speech, Freedom, Freedom of Speech, Opinion, Personal Experiences
2 comments I would not call myself a world traveler. Other than visits to Canada and Mexico – for either business, or pleasure, I have been to Ireland, England, Holland, Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia. I had the pleasure of conducting business in China for ten years (between 1998 & 2008) – and during [...] February 15, 2013
Posted by Bobgrant444 in: Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Children, Commentary, Death, Faith, Family, Inspiration & Motivation, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Morality
2 comments Delivered at the First Presbyterian Church in the city of New York, February 15, 1984 at approximately 6 p.m. on a drizzly evening. To Robert Richard Grant By Robert Cary Grant Thank you for coming here this evening to honor the memory of my father, Robert Richard Grant. I have been advised by [...] February 15, 2013
What a week! Seems that Kim Kardashian went through our very own LaGuardia airport and security didn’t stop her. Hey I get it. I was a civil servant. There’s a lot people you can’t check them all, but if no one wants to frisk her, ah hell I’ll do it. The Pope retired. Seems [...] February 14, 2013
In our area, yesterday, there was a chase involving the police and some bad guys. I did not know about it until I turned on the TV to watch the local news – then I saw the chase over again, and again, and again, and again!! Other than the weather – it was all [...] February 13, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Commentary, Current Events, Daily Living, Life Experiences, Life Questions, Lifestyle, Loyalty, Uncategorized
2 comments Sitting at my desk at work I am surprised to get a call from my husband this late in the day. He is giving me information on something he read. He has a tendency to do that, to share. And yet it wasn’t the information that he gave that made me laugh and smile. It was something more important. How lucky I am to still be in love. Continue reading Being In Love
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February 9, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Accountability, Alcohol, Commentary, Daily Living, Health & Fitness, Lifestyle, Personal Experiences, Rhyme
2 comments It used to be beer – now it is cola, a change that I made now that I’m olda. Buy it in packs – just like the past, prefer it that way – the longer they last. Traded the buzz for something much more, can end standing up – not drunk on the floor. [...] February 8, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Commentary, Free Speech, Freedom of Speech, Freelance Author, Internet, The Writer's Corner
2 comments The visits to SWI – minus Spiders and Robots – has been increasing lately. I think part of the thanks must go to Google for the way they are now listing SWI with 6 sub-categories. And a whole lot of thanks must go to our Contributors – both past and present. I am amazed [...] February 7, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Attitude, Biography & Memoir, Commentary, Creation Process, Daily Living
5 comments In a few hours I will be on a train heading south going to a retreat at my Alma Mater. I will spend the time editing the over 500 pages I have so far on my next novel and looking at the country side. I am leaving the Big Apple before the big snowfall (predicted). But I realize that after all these years of coming and going I am adding a new road to those I travel. Continue reading The Roads We Travel
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February 7, 2013
At $10.99 we’ll give you a chance, to double our offer just give us a glance. We’re sure this is the thing for you, to light that space or cook that stew. Our TV ads portray the truth, and bring your life back to your youth. You’re better off with two we swear, just [...] February 4, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: America, Commentary, Daily Living, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, War
3 comments It was very dark and raining extremely hard. I could not hear them above the noise but I could feel them. My heart was racing a million miles an hour. Closer – closer – closer! What am I going to do? What the hell am I doing here anyway – I should be home, [...] February 2, 2013
Posted by David Citrus in: Advice, Commentary, Creative Writing, Humor, Life Questions, Mental Health, Opinion, Poetry, Speech, Thought
5 comments I have been reading and thinking about thinking Why some is so good, and some other stinking It is an art not simply the genetic gift of intelligence Rather it requires old fashioned honesty and diligence Personal experience, culture, faith and politics form a fog The trick is to appreciate them and avoid the [...] February 1, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Commentary, Communications, Free Speech, Freedom of Speech, Freelance Author, Internet, The Writer's Corner
One comment First, if anyone from Google reads this post I want to say “Thank You!” A few days ago Prentiss Gray e-mailed me and told me to Google “Speak Without Interruption.” I did what he said and had to ask what I was supposed to see? He said that we now had sub-categories under the [...] January 31, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Attitude, Commentary, Current Events, Daily Living, Humor, Uncategorized
2 comments Did you know there were at least three different St. Valentines? All of them are mentioned in Catholic martyrologies (yes it is a word) under February 14. One was a priest another a bishop and a third was in Africa. All of them lived sometime in the 3rd century and, as the church put it, ‘suffered.’ So how did we get the custom of giving and getting lingerie for Valentine’s Day? Continue reading What’s with Valentine’s Day Lingerie?
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January 29, 2013
Posted by David Citrus in: Commentary, Current Events, Government, Homeland Security, Military, Politics, Women's Rights
46 comments Obtaining rights for women from suffrage to the workplace has been a long and, at times, difficult struggle. Looking back, it is clear that things have changed and women have made great advancements in entrepreneurship, upper corporate echelons, politics, jurisprudence and the military. Opportunities were pretty limited in 1960: men made up 96 percent [...] January 29, 2013
Adele C. Hall (81) has died – she is the wife of Donald J. Hall, Chairman of Hallmark cards and son of its founder Joyce C. Hall. Mrs. Hall apparently collapsed and died, unexpectedly, on Saturday in her home in Hawaii. From what I read – she had just finished breakfast, with her husband, and felt [...] January 27, 2013
Good grief I am sick in bed with what might be the flu and the only thing on television are reality shows which don’t touch on my idea of reality and zombie movies. No way in hell am I going to watch reality television. But since the first season of “The Walking Dead” I have yet to want to even look at a zombie. When it comes to horror movies lately it seems that is all there is. Continue reading No More Zombies!!
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January 27, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Accountability, Attitude, Commentary, Communications, Freedom of Speech, Opinion, Personal Experiences
9 comments Something happened this morning that got me wondering if the “News” really matters to most people? It was such a small and insignificant moment that I probably should not make a big deal of it; however, combined with other things I have witnessed in the past I wanted to see if others had an opinion? [...] January 25, 2013
It was announced yesterday that there may not be enough chicken wings for Super Bowl Sunday. I can’t make these things up. This is considered akin to a national disaster. Not enough chicken wings for all the fans who delight in what seems to have become a staple of parties devoted to watching sports. There is beer, of course, chips and some kind of dip and wings. How is one supposed to celebrate a football game without chicken wings? Continue reading The Chicken Wing Problem
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January 21, 2013
Posted by David Citrus in: Commentary, Crime, Current Events, Mental Health, Non-Fiction, Uncategorized
23 comments The events at Sandy Hook are one more tragic example of unnecessary violence in our society. The response have been mostly predictable, depending on who has the stage. That we must renew our focus on violence in the public arena is not debatable. Young children robbed of their lives is both tragic and reprehensible, [...] January 21, 2013
The recent machinations of Manti Te’o and the idea that he was Catfished got me to thinking. Oh Catfished if you don’t know, means you had an online love that didn’t come as advertised. It seems a lot of guys have fallen in love online and the women forgot to mention the extra hundred, [...] January 20, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: Commentary, Current Events, Daily Living, Internet, Internet Advice, Life Experiences, Lifestyle, Religion
4 comments Until two weeks ago I had no idea what Catfishing was. Coming from the south I thought it had to do with get some of the delicious bottom feeding fish that I love. But now I realize that it is just another piece of social media that has gone to great lengths to replace socializing. This is just stupid! Continue reading When Social Media Does Not Mean Socialize
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January 18, 2013
Dear Abby, My girlfriend, the love of my life, Lennany Kekua died of leukemia this year. She was the most beautiful person not because of her physical beauty but because of the beauty of her soul. What can I do? Almost a Heisman Trophy winner, Manti Te’o Dear Manti Te’o, In case you hadn’t [...] January 17, 2013
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Commentary, Current Events, Entertainment, General Topics, Lifestyle, Music, Opinion, Social Issues, Television, Uncategorized
7 comments It is easy to question why people watch what they do. My Mom watches American Idol, and over the last couple of years I have joined her in watching closer to the end of the season. It gives us something to talk about, and it gives us precious time together. You can have many [...] January 15, 2013
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Accountability, America, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Congress, Crime, Current Events, Freedom, General Topics, Governance, Homeland Security, Journalism, Mental Health, Morality, Opinion, Question of the Day, Social Issues, Terrorism, The Media, The Pundit's Corner, Thought, Uncategorized
100 comments In viewing the events of the last few weeks, it is difficult not to think about the many issues facing our nation. Among them are violence, mental health and man’s inhumanity to man. Some of the suggestions made are striking to me. The Sandy Hook School, circa 1956, where a shooting took place should [...] January 14, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Commentary, Communications, Internet, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, Rhyme
2 comments Mail Delivery Subsystem <mailer-daemon@googlemail.com> Who’s “mailer-daemon” – I’d just like to know, returning my words from where they should go. Not nice in the least – just turns them around, no reason is given – just back and shut down. No “Might you try this” or “Might you try that”, but rather just rude – [...] January 14, 2013
In case you haven’t looked at the “Previous SWI Postings by Month/Year” on SWI’s home page lately, postings in each month of 2012 declined compared to the same month in 2011. Five months in 2011 exceeded 200 posts each, with another three months in 2011 in the 190s. In 2012, there wasn’t a single month with as many [...] January 9, 2013
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Accountability, America, Attitude, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Current Events, General Topics, Humor, Journalism, Morality, Native American, Opinion, Social Issues, The Pundit's Corner, Uncategorized
16 comments A technology company named Xactware Solutions, Inc. wanted to open on Morning Glory Road and asked the Lehi City Council to change the name of the road as a condition of moving there. It seems that they were concerned about the “sexual connotations” of Morning Glory; a flower if you look it up. They [...] January 9, 2013
We returned from a nice long holiday break to a leaky ceiling, clothes to be given away and half the staff contagious with three or more different viruses. As I struggle to keep my head, stomach and whatever else may be touched by illness above water I sink into my annual January slump. Continue reading The January Slump
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January 7, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Aging, Commentary, Daily Living, Entertainment, Life Experiences, Opinion, Rhyme
10 comments A rhyme came to me just after my nap, perhaps there’s a place for Old Fartin’ Rap? Could rap about things unknown to the young, like accepting age and holding ones tongue. Could rap about gas that clears out a room, plus dander and flakes you brush with a broom. Could rap about leaks [...] January 4, 2013
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Aging, Commentary, Daily Living, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences, Rhyme
2 comments I lived through a war - no hero am I. I served ‘stead of ran, don’t really know why? Not won a Lotto, but don’t like to bet. Yet made it this far, and don’t have no debt. My knuckles they lock, in sleep overnight. But still kind of work, in day and the [...] January 3, 2013
Posted by Minnette Coleman in: African-American, America, Art, Books, Business, Commentary, Current Events, Daily Living, Uncategorized
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January 3, 2013
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Accountability, America, Attitude, Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Communications, Creative Writing, Daily Living, Editorials, Freedom of Speech, General Topics, Humor, Language, Opinion, Uncategorized
15 comments Did you ever you know like listen like to how like some people like talk you know? I mean like there like seems to be like a repetitive nature like they don’t like say like much of like anything you know? I mean like, do you know like what I mean? LOL like WTF [...] December 31, 2012
Earlier this month, released an app called Poke. What some didn’t know about the app was that it was actually an attempt by Facebook to silence competition, in the form of the The ironic thing is, instead of drawing more attention to Facebook, it drew more attention to SnapChat instead. SnapChat, a little-known app [...] December 31, 2012
“You came into my dressing room. You told me this ain’t your night. We’re going for the price on Wilson. My night? I coulda’ taken Wilson apart. So what happens? He gets a Title shot outdoors at the ballpark and what do I get a one way ticket to Palookaville……” “We had some bets [...] December 30, 2012
Posted by Dennis AuBuchon in: America, Attitude, Commentary, Freedom, General Topics, History, Leadership, Life Experiences, Motivation, Opinion, Personal Experiences, Thought
2 comments Many individuals who have not thoroughly studied the history of our country may not know the details of generating our national anthem. There is a story behind the events which impacted the writing of our national anthem and understanding the circumstances will bring about a better appreciation of its words. We all have sung [...] December 30, 2012
A couple of Keynotes ago, Steve Jobs said that we were in the “Post PC world.”
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December 29, 2012
Posted by Michael Crumling in: Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Creation Process, Creative Writing, Current Events, Entertainment, General Topics, Music, Opinion, The Writer's Corner, Uncategorized
6 comments Music has Charms to soothe a savage Breast it is said, and having always been a fan of good music, I have enjoyed many artists along the way. I love music which largely predated my existence on this planet, such as Jazz, Blues and some Big Band. Motown, Soul and Rock & Roll were [...] December 28, 2012
I didn’t get any emails from my atheist friends early this week. Then I realized of course not. I mean they were sitting down with their family and friends having a big meal, exchanging gifts and celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus. Who had time to email? Some people are upset that the [...] December 23, 2012
Posted by Dennis AuBuchon in: Commentary, Comments & Discussion, Congress, Current Events, General Topics, Governance, Government, Homeland Security, Leadership, Opinion, Politics, Social Issues, Teachers
14 comments The subject of gun regulations is a hot topic as a result of the shootings in Connecticut and will likely be the tipping point in action being taken. The senseless killing of young children who did nothing wrong has resulted in increased interest in a call to action to make changes in current gun [...] December 19, 2012
I can see everyone sort of holding their breath right now. But it’s coming and I can just see people on various TV shows all red and purple in the face with the veins bulging out of their necks and heads, screaming at each other. I mean I even know what they are going [...] December 18, 2012
Posted by Muhammad Cohen in: Accountability, Commentary, Democracy, Freedom, Governance, India, Opinion, Politics, Social Classes, Social Issues, Sociology, The Media, The Pundit's Corner
8 comments A much loved nurse and mother killing herself over a perceived disservice to the British royal family is the most compelling reason yet to abolish the monarchy. [...] December 16, 2012
As horrible as the shootings this Friday were, the hate and prejudices it had brought out in people is just as bad as the crime itself. I understand hate toward the individual (especially from the families directly affected), but there is no reason to attack everyone with a mental illness or autism. People who [...] December 11, 2012
The media in New York have taken to the “homeless” once again. Perhaps it is the season or maybe because one of the “homeless” threw a guy onto the subway tracks. But they tend to lump all kinds of people who happen to be on the streets of New York and call them “homeless”. [...] December 7, 2012
Posted by mistermuse in: Commentary, Film, Foreign Affairs, Homosexuality, Humor, Movies, Thought
6 comments You will forgive me — or, more likely, thank me – if I refrain from my usual lengthy introduction to a post quoting someone else’s words. As Oscar Wilde said, “Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.” Consequently, this post features Oscar Wilde quotations. Suffice my intro to say that Wilde (1854-1900) was an author, playwright and wit who ridiculed Victorian social mores [...] December 5, 2012
I have decided that the worst thing about customer service is not the incredibly long holds or the attitudes of those you get on the phones who act as if you are the person who screamed at them five minutes ago. The most horrible thing about customer service to this writer is the lingo. It is some of the things the companies make their employees say. It’s when language goes wrong, all kinds of wrong. And there is no way to stop it. Continue reading When Language Goes ‘All Kinds of Wrong’
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December 4, 2012
Posted by Bob Grant - Editor in: Accountability, Commentary, Daily Living, Life Experiences, Personal Experiences
2 comments I am probably being a little sexist, but if there is a Toilet God, then I believe that God to be a male. Because what happened to me only could have been done by The Toilet Goddess for all of those times that I have left the toilet seat, and lid, up after using. [...] December 3, 2012
My daughters keep asking me what I want for Christmas and I tell them, constantly, “Nothing.” I don’t dare say I have everything. I could though. My answer could have been peace on Earth, winning the lottery. Or I could say that my life is full and having a wonderful family and decent health is all I need. I could say all of that and still create a list of wants. But not for Christmas. I have begun my inventory of what I really need. Continue reading Do I Really Need This?
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Toto’s Thunder…
There were tornados sighted today just a few miles from where I live. There was some minor damage, but as far as we know nothing extreme and with no one killed. Our area has been lucky. Over the past two days, there have been 48 tornados.
The folks to the north in Oklahoma really [...]