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Regulation #30

Elysha, the kids, and I visited Alcatraz this summer as a part of our visit to San Fransisco. While pursuing the gift shop, I stumbled upon this item: A replica of an actual sign posted when Alcatraz was still a functioning prison, Also, oddly enough, not a bad policy for a classroom. Singing is lovely,…

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Was I always like this?

A student asked me if I was always annoying or if I had somehow become annoying in adulthood. A good, albeit slightly annoying, question. In answer to her question, I told the student that years ago, during a book talk in the town where I grew up, I was asked to explain to the audience…

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Fixed. Also ruined.

First, the good news: The folks in our town’s public works department have straightened out the manhole cover that caused Charlie to be so upset a few weeks ago. We made this discovery over the weekend, and Charlie was extremely happy. Now, the bad news: The folks in our town’s public works department have straightened…

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How long is your commute?

Recent data indicated that from 2006 to 2019, the average one-way commute for an American worker rose from 25 minutes to 27.6 minutes. The pandemic was a bit of a reprieve for many workers. The average commute time slipped back to 25.6 minutes, but as employees began returning to the office, the 2022 average commute…

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No socks. Except one sock.

Before leaving for “Winter Wonderland” at Southwick Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts, Elysha and I warned the kids that we could be outdoors for about two hours, so dress accordingly. As expected, the children gathered winter coats, hats, and mittens. Three hours later, we were wandering amongst the twinkling lights and holiday music when Charlie declared…

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Sir Snail makes me mad

I received a text message from Elysha that read: “In other news, Sir Snail is rivaling you as the most industrious member of this household. I cannot believe how the tank looks after less than two weeks of his arrival.” Sir Snail is the snail that Charlie recently added to his aquarium. In a matter…

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Old, simple, and falling apart, but it’s still a keeper

In the spring of 2002, I was living on my own for the first time in my life. I furnished my apartment with a few pieces of furniture, a rear projection television that would look like a dinosaur today, a small collection of pots and pans, two lamps, and eventually, a shower curtain. Also, this…

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Who Owns the Streets?

I have the honor of working with filmmakers from time to time, helping them find ways to tell their stories best. I often consult with documentary filmmakers, but I’ve also worked with screenwriters for television and film and producers and directors. It’s great fun. One of those “I can’t believe I told a story on…

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I have no one to thank for this great fortune

I was speaking to a client last week – the vice president of a company that you likely interact with every day. She had recently decided to accept a position at a new company, and that change was working out brilliantly for her. “I just thank God every day for my good fortune,” she said.…

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The moment when all is lost

Pepsico, the maker of Doritos, estimates that 85% percent of U.S. gamers have consumed Doritos in the past three months. But at the same time, nearly a third of gamers reported that other people’s crunching via microphone and headphones distracts them from playing well and impacts their performance. To “help gamers keep the crunch to…

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