I don’t put gas in my car much any more. In fact, I average 41 days between refuels, which suits me and my wallet just fine. However, I drive past my local gas station on the way to the train station each morning, and I take mental note of the price of gas. I believe…
Smithsonian Institution, of which I am a national member, has a program called “Adopt-a-library” to which I have been contributing for several years now, and today I mailed in a check to “re-adopt” two libraries for the coming year. The program provides the libraries with subscriptions to NATURAL HISTORY magazine for a full year. It…
Exactly one month ago, I visited the doctor for a checkup and reported that I had “elevated” blood pressure. At the time, my blood pressure was 138/88 and I was told that for someone of my age/health, it should be around 115/75. I immediately cut my sodium intake somewhat and also have started to run…
It was the bottom of the 10th inning, 2 outs, and Jeter was at the plate. Yanks down 4-2 and two men on base. The clock struck 11 PM on the east coast–and the channel on which I was watching the game (one of the MLB Extra Inning channels I get on DirecTV) went black…
It occurred to me in a moment of contemplation earlier today that the phrase, “No news is good news” actually has a triple-meaning. I’m sure most people have figured this out and I am once again the last pig at the trough, but discovered it I have: First meaning: The absence of news which one…
For the last week or so, the railroad gates at the railroad crossing near my house have been acting as though they are possessed. The train stop is in the the Riverdale town center, which is as barren of business as Teli Savalis was of hair. It is also in a direct line home from…
I began reading, last night, my 352nd book since January 1, 1996 (In Joy Still Felt by Isaac Asimov). Some quick calculations this morning lead me to the following conclusion. At my present pace of reading, I will read my 1,000th book sometime in 2024. This is rather depressing, considering I will be 52 years…
So I had a dream last night that I had M.S. and was having difficulty walking. I know a few people with M.S. and one of them has been out here this week helping out at work while an office move takes place. Maybe that’s how the idea got into my head. In any event,…
The “green” apples looked better than the “red” apples that I usually buy at the store this week, so I bought the green ones. Man are these things sour! I’m switching back to red next week!
I have made the arbitrary decision that 34 years of age, is the age at which one is beyond reproach when it comes to what music one listens to. If you are in 8th grade and listen to, say, disco, your friends have every right to tease you since you are not listening to Kelly…