Category: Ed’s Notes

It’s Not Complicated—Unless You Make It: My Thoughts on Male-Female Friendships

Can Men and Women Just Be Friends? What a great question, and perfect for a WordPress prompt. It’s the title of an article I haven’t read yet, but I’m going to answer it anyway. Later this week, I’ll read the article and see if my response aligns with its content. I took a quick peek, … Continue reading It’s Not Complicated—Unless You Make It: My Thoughts on Male-Female Friendships →

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 →