I’m glad to be back, my friends. I had a great time in Texas at my niece and nephew’s high school graduation, and spending time with family. Family reunions are always a bit taxing for this introverted soul, but I’ll be fully recovered by the end of the week, or at least that’s the hope. … Continue reading Juice Shots vs. Real Fruit: Are We Losing Something?
Category: Ed’s Notes
Neighbors in Need: A Simple Way to Make a Big Difference
My plan for today was to review the final draft of a book review I’m working on and then publish it, but my heart is pulling me toward writing about something more important: hunger relief. As you all know, politicians in Washington, D.C. are fighting each other, cutting budgets, and working on legislation that is … Continue reading Neighbors in Need: A Simple Way to Make a Big Difference
This Isn’t About Standards. It’s About Suppressing Women in the Military
Today, I want to share some thoughts about what we keep hearing in the media—that we need to raise the standards in the military and revive lethality and the Warrior Ethos. By the way, for those who may not know, here is the U.S. Army Warrior Ethos:1 I will always place the mission first. I … Continue reading This Isn’t About Standards. It’s About Suppressing Women in the Military
On Learning and The Information Environment
While reading Letters from a Stoic by Seneca, specifically the chapter on learning wisdom in old age, I came across the following passage: “You should keep learning as long as you are ignorant—even to the end of your life, if there is anything in the proverb. And the proverb suits the present case as well … Continue reading On Learning and The Information Environment
Bird Migration through the Quad Cities
“Even migrating birds know that nature doesn't demand a choice between nesting and flight."― Gloria Steinem Nature is just amazing, and last Thursday, it was on full display. According to the BirdCast dashboard, 170,900 birds crossed our area (Quad Cities Illinois/Iowa) that day out of an estimated 1,207,900 birds in flight.1 To our surprise, while we … Continue reading Bird Migration through the Quad Cities
In Memory of the Lives Lost Over the Potomac River
Today, I’m taking a moment to mourn those who perished yesterday in a terrible air accident over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, just outside Washington, D.C. Reports indicate that 60 passengers and a crew of four on an American Airlines flight are feared dead, in addition to three soldiers who were flying on … Continue reading In Memory of the Lives Lost Over the Potomac River
A Warm Holiday Hug to My Wonderful WordPress Community
I know that many of you in this wonderful WordPress community will be celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply taking a little break from the daily routine to enjoy time with family and friends. Let’s take time to celebrate the little things—the laughter, the shared moments, and the kindness we show one another. No matter how … Continue reading A Warm Holiday Hug to My Wonderful WordPress Community
Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society
About two weeks ago, I read a Medium article about the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS). The organization ensures that writers receive money when someone copies or uses their work. The article explained that the organization collects funds owed to writers from around the world and distributes these funds to them twice a year. … Continue reading Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the United States—a day we spend with family and friends, giving thanks for the blessings received during the year. In lieu of Rockin’ Thursday, today I want to share a quote and a fun, nerdy joke I read on LinkedIn from the National Park Service. Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! “The … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving!
Veterans Day Reflections
Today is Veterans Day, an annual observance honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of three commemorations observed in the U.S., the other two being Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who have died in military service, and Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. … Continue reading Veterans Day Reflections