Here's another one: what's 50 times 0.5? If you were able to answer these questions without having to resort to using a calculator, then my guess is that you are most likely over 45 years old. If you are less than 30, my guess is that you opened up the calculator app on your smartphone … Continue reading What’s 19,000 – 10,000 ? →

My youngest son Pat and I like to go for car rides with no particular destination in mind. Tonight we drove along the banks of the Schuylkill River, and were looking at the houses that were right along the edge of the river and wondering what it must be like when there is a significant … Continue reading Sunday Drive →

It was a week that could define President Obama's legacy, and a week that made me proud to be an American. Here's a brief summary highlighting the events of the week: On Thursday, the Affordable Care Act was upheld by the Supreme Court, awarding a major victory to President Obama and validating his most prized … Continue reading An Extraordinary Week for President Obama, and America →

We just lost our power a couple of hours ago, and we're not expected to get it back until tomorrow afternoon. But I didn't want to skip my blog, so I am writing this on my iPhone. Fortunately the local pizzeria had power, and we were able to keep our Friday night tradition of having … Continue reading No Power, Blogging by Phone; Thoreau and his iPad →

I was going through my closet the other day, and I came across this memento from 1971, right around the time of my graduation from 8th grade. (I'm not sure why I would have written the wrong dates on my memory book, but the years listed are the four years I spent in high school.) … Continue reading Grade School Memories →

I'll admit it; I love The Ellen Show. I love Ellen's humor (especially her pranks), her kindness, her vegan lifestyle, and her generosity. One of my favorite parts is when she invites children with special talents on to the show as guests. While there have been many such guests, I think I have to pick … Continue reading Five-year old Presidential Expert from The Ellen Show →

I just read a great article in Philadelphia Magazine today about Chip Kelly, the enigmatic coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. The article noted that last year a sideline microphone at an Eagles game caught Kelly saying to his players: “Culture wins football. Culture will beat scheme every day.” That's the second time I've seen that … Continue reading Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast →

The following is the eulogy I gave at my Dad's funeral in 1993. It's been a while since I've read this, and it brings back both happy and sad memories. I would just like to say a few words about my Dad on behalf of his family and friends. First off, I would like to thank Monsignor Carroll … Continue reading To My Dad →

  I've always been intrigued by the notion of the luck of birth. It seems as if much of what happens to us in life is determined by who our parents are, where we are born, and when we are born. And something about that seems quite unfair. But my beliefs were just observational, so … Continue reading The Luck of Birth →

In inches, how tall was the shortest mature man in recorded medical history? What percent of U.S. presidents have served in a war? Of U.S. men age 65 or older, what percent are employed? In what year were the Voyager missions first launched to explore the planets beyond Mars? How many matches did Muhammad Ali … Continue reading Wits & Wagers →