Category: United States

A Beautiful Tribute to a Kinder, Gentler Man

George W. Bush gave a moving eulogy for his father today, George H.W. Bush. Here is the video, followed by the transcript (with my favorite parts italicized). Rest in Peace, George H.W Bush and thank you for your service to our country. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u_Ntu3uHZk Distinguished Guests, including our Presidents and First Ladies, government officials, foreign dignitaries, and … Continue reading A Beautiful Tribute to a Kinder, Gentler Man →

Thanksgiving 2018

It was another wonderful Thanksgiving, getting a chance to spend time with family. I am grateful for such moments, and I always look forward to them. In honor of the holiday, I thought I would share this crowdsourced Thanksgiving poem I came across on NPR. Earlier in November, NPR asked its readers and listeners to … Continue reading Thanksgiving 2018 →

Did Dan Ariely Just Suggest Breaking the Law?

Dan Ariely, who writes my favorite biweekly Wall Street Journal advice column (he doesn't have much competition in that narrowly defined niche), offered some advice that some of the commenters suggested may be illegal. Here's the question, followed by Dan's answer: _________________________________ Many of my friends and co-workers say they care about voting, but their spotty … Continue reading Did Dan Ariely Just Suggest Breaking the Law? →

Most Americans Can’t Pass the Civics Test Required of immigrants. Could You?

A survey released today by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation found that only one in three Americans (36 percent) can actually pass a multiple choice test consisting of items taken from the U.S. Citizenship Test, which has a passing score of 60. Here are some of the highlights (lowlights?) from the survey: Only 13 percent of … Continue reading Most Americans Can’t Pass the Civics Test Required of immigrants. Could You? →

Thank You to Those We Honor on Labor Day

Labor Day in the U.S. is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country. Canada's Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers' Day on May 1, and several countries have chosen … Continue reading Thank You to Those We Honor on Labor Day →

In Memory of John McCain

It is no wonder that so many tributes have poured in for Senator John McCain. He was a hero, a man of honor and decency, and a man committed to serving his country. While there are many instances of such exemplary behavior, I think one of the best is his reaction to a woman at … Continue reading In Memory of John McCain →

Team U.S.A. – You’re the Finest

This is the 72nd in a collection of newspaper ads written by Harry Gray, then CEO of United Technologies, that appeared in the Wall Street Journal from the late 1970s through the early 1980s. Here is the text from that ad. In just 200 years, your country, through freedom and hard work, has changed the … Continue reading Team U.S.A. – You’re the Finest →

A Day to Remember

This is the 71st in a collection of newspaper ads written by Harry Gray, then CEO of United Technologies, that appeared in the Wall Street Journal from the late 1970s through the early 1980s. Here is the text from that ad. If one day were singled out as the most important day of the 20th … Continue reading A Day to Remember →

Common Sense and the 2016 Election

This is the 70th in a collection of newspaper ads written by Harry Gray, then CEO of United Technologies, that appeared in the Wall Street Journal from the late 1970s through the early 1980s. Here is the text from that ad. A best seller in 1776 was Tom Paine's "Common Sense". Maybe someone should do … Continue reading Common Sense and the 2016 Election →

Do You Owe Something to An Eliza McCardle?

This is the 62nd in a collection of newspaper ads written by Harry Gray, then CEO of United Technologies, that appeared in the Wall Street Journal from the late 1970s through the early 1980s. Here is the text from that ad. She met a tailor when he was twenty. He had never been to school. … Continue reading Do You Owe Something to An Eliza McCardle? →