“It’s just a virus.” That’s what our family doctor calmly said twice in the past two weeks. Each one of my kids fell prey to the yuckies that have been making their rounds. We thought for sure that one had flu and the other had strep. Nope. “Just a virus.” Now, that’s...

The “internet of things” is starting to gather steam. Controlling lighting, alarms, temps and an array of other household tech will continue to grow in 2016. This new technology, known as home automation, is growing fast. Don’t think boring and limited. This ain’t...

  We’re living in an age where we’re rethinking almost everything about media consumption. The aging approach of paying massive cable bills to access the few shows we like is giving way to a la carte options. Increasingly, we want to view specific content, slice...

Typically, I don’t cry over my Christmas presents. I did twice (that I’m willing to share about). The first was the year that I got Lincoln Logs and didn’t want them. That was back when parents still thought spankings were best practice. The second was the year I...

Those who know me well know that I’m saving for a Tesla. Well, “saving” is a bit of a strong word. I guess a better word would be something more related to wishing with a snowball’s chance in the Sahara or a much hotter locale. Zero to 60 in about 3 seconds, with the...

I love libraries. Sadly, I rarely go in one these days because of the ubiquity and ease of the internet, but some of my best memories of books, research and a love for language are rooted in the ineffable experience of the sights, sounds (shhh!) and smells of large...

They say that the path to healing begins by admitting you have a problem. I’m Richard, and I have a sickness. Nope, it’s—how should I put this—an unredeemed strength. That’s it: I’m not a hoarder; I’m an archeologist’s best friend. Whew, glad I got that sorted. Now my...

I’m prone to start this little ditty with a lilting sob story about how I used to walk to school three miles, both ways…in the snow…up hill. But I rode the bus. I did walk several hundred feet on a slight incline of sand and pea gravel, though. Hard times. I guess it...

Sheer, unadulterated fear. White knuckles. Phantom stomping of non-existent passenger-side brakes. Quaking knees, muttering missives and muted prayers. My daughter is learning to drive and I find myself quizzically wondering how my parents ever let me drive anything...

SUVs bursting at the seams with camping gear, roadways bumper to bumper with daredevil drivers and cramped airplanes filled with bodies and baggage—all aimed in the direction of their idyllic summer getaways. For some, it’s a tranquil beach house with crashing waves...

It’s the classic, generic elementary school Mother’s Day card blessing: “Dear Mom, I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you. I love you.” Indeed! We get it. We know that our little jelly-smeared, doll-faced kiddoes aren’t trying to give us a medical school lecture on...

The morning mad dash. The daily grind. It all seems to blur, but there’s a thread that ties most of it together—a stressed, frayed, about-to-break thread. The house is buzzing with frenetic activity. Mom is bouncing from room to room, prepping for the day, making...