Music Monday: Some Traditional Irish Music

I guess the two books I've recently read, The Gates of Fire and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, put me in a bit of a rebellious mood. So my first thought tonight was to share some Irish Rebel Music, but while searching YouTube, I came across an Irish traditional song which is a bit … Continue reading Music Monday: Some Traditional Irish Music

It’s Not the Four-Hour Workweek, But It’s Getting Closer

Over 14 years ago, Tim Ferriss came out with a breakthrough book titled The 4-Hour Workweek. The book was on the bestseller list for four years. And why not? Who wouldn't find a four-hour workweek appealing? While I have not heard of anyone successfully living a four-hour workweek, including Ferris, trials of a four-day week … Continue reading It’s Not the Four-Hour Workweek, But It’s Getting Closer

If You Win Gold at the Olympics, but There Are No Fans There, Did It Really Happen?

Japan has announced that the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead under a state of emergency and without any spectators at events in the capital in an attempt to prevent another nationwide outbreak of COVID-19. Athletes, staff, media, and other participants will be kept in a "bubble." Other areas outside the capital that are hosting events … Continue reading If You Win Gold at the Olympics, but There Are No Fans There, Did It Really Happen?

This Might Be One of the Best Months for Sports, Ever

In no particular order: Wimbledon. (tennis) Tour de France. (cycling) The British Open (or more correctly, The Open). (golf) The European Championships. (football/soccer) The NBA Finals. (basketball) The NHL Finals. (ice hockey) The Olympics. (multiple sports) Copa América. (football/soccer) MLB All-Star Game (OK, this might be stretching it a bit...) (baseball) And thanks to my … Continue reading This Might Be One of the Best Months for Sports, Ever

Music Monday: The Sounds of Small-Town America on the 4th of July

Our town's annual 4th of July parade was back in action this past weekend, after being canceled last year. It's your classic parade, firetrucks, fancy cars (mainly Mustangs, which happen to be my favorite), kids on bikes, and music. A wide variety of music. Here are a few short clips of the various musical acts … Continue reading Music Monday: The Sounds of Small-Town America on the 4th of July

Thankfully, It’s Just the Sound of Fireworks

As my wife and I went for an after-dinner walk through our neighborhood tonight, we were surrounded by the sound of fireworks coming from every direction. It was a wonderful sound, the sound of people celebrating their freedom and independence. But then it struck me that those same sounds may strike terror in the hearts … Continue reading Thankfully, It’s Just the Sound of Fireworks

Only the Good Die Young

My wife and I went to a viewing tonight for the son of one of my colleagues. I didn’t know the young man but based on his obituary and the line of people at the viewing, he was loved by many and had a significant impact on many in his way too short 28 years. … Continue reading Only the Good Die Young

Let the Summer Reading Begin!

I just finished teaching my final class of the summer today, and grades have been turned in. That means it's time to start reading. For whatever reason, I don't get much personal reading done during a semester, so I really look forward to the summer when I can make up for lost time. I'm currently … Continue reading Let the Summer Reading Begin!

It’s Wimbledon Time!

It's one of my favorite sporting events and over the past decades, it's produced numerous memorable moments. I can remember watching all of the following win the gentlemen's singles at Wimbledon, in my mind the premier tennis championship each year. And I loved how NBC marketed the finals - Breakfast at Wimbledon; it was the … Continue reading It’s Wimbledon Time!

Thank You, Haverford College!

One of our favorite places to walk is a 2.2-mile nature trail at nearby Haverford College. Unfortunately, the campus had been closed to visitors this past year, which meant no nature trail. But then on June 1, the college announced that visitors would be permitted back on campus with some restrictions. However, there were no … Continue reading Thank You, Haverford College!