I asked my 18-year-old grandson Braidyn about college. He was visibly frustrated; “Grandpa, I don’t know what I want to do, or where I want to go.” He’s college material, National Honor Society, excellent people skills, and a great work ethic. He’s an accomplished welder, with an excellent-paying job waiting for him upon graduation – should he want it. Part […]
» Read moreGood friend Ronnie (fictitious name) has owned a popular bar near a prestigious university for decades. He has me convinced the colleges are doing a great job of preparing the executives of tomorrow. As I sipped on my iced tea, I noticed young folks in line at his cash machines waiting to withdraw cash. I asked, “why two machines?” He […]
» Read moreLast summer we went to Illinois to attend my 58th reunion of the Class of 1958. I’ve changed names to protect everyone’s privacy, but the story is real. Unlike the 50th reunion with it’s choreographed speaker list, we had an open microphone for anyone to speak. Stan, one of our standout student-athletes (he still holds a track record, and he […]
» Read moreI was at good friend David V’s house watching a ball game. Between innings we saw two commercials. The first told viewers why they should vote for the incumbent governor, touting his accomplishments and describing him as a “fiscal conservative”. Immediately following was his political opponent, touting his wasteful spending, squandering away a budget surplus and calling him “fiscally irresponsible”. […]
» Read moreToday is a real downer. We just finished a wonderful week with our youngest grandchildren. They’re now gone and the house is quiet. That’s not what is causing my mood however. On average I read 3 hours a day to keep up with things. When we have company, I move my daily reading to a “Hold for Reading” file. This […]
» Read moreAt 36 I was a vice president of a small consulting firm. I learned I’d been enrolled in a weeklong, “executive sensitivity training” class. I vehemently complained to my boss. He said it was mandatory and I could thank him when I returned. Damn! The last thing I needed was to waste a week in some touchy-feely training class. It […]
» Read more