Confessions of an unorthodox earthling hoping for cooperation and collaboration. "...we live on a cosmic speck of dust, orbiting a mediocre star in the far suburbs of a common sort of galaxy, among a hundred billion galaxies in the universe." Neil deGrasse Tyson The term “earthling” has become a favorite of mine. At a time … Continue reading Swimming Against the Current of Tribalism
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Water with a Personality
“I was still water, held by my surroundings. I am now a river, carving my own path.” Scott Stabile Kankakee River Dam, Wilmington From my earliest days I was aware of two bodies of water: the strip mine pits (lakes) in Braidwood and the Kankakee River in Wilmington. My whole world revolved around these two … Continue reading Water with a Personality
“If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.”
(Billy Idol) Grandson asks: “Why did you choose to move to Denver after living in Illinois your whole life?” Dear Evan: You, along with many of your cousins between the ages of 20 - 26, already know how difficult it is to decide on the right career and job after college. On the one hand, being … Continue reading “If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.”
Musings by an Earthling at 960 Months
“…Come, my friends. 'T is not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be we shall touch the Happy … Continue reading Musings by an Earthling at 960 Months
What have I learned from grandkids?
Lexi asks, “Grandpa, have you learned anything from the 14 grandkids?” Dear Lexicon: You ask a poignant question, one that I have pondered consciously and subconsciously for the past 25 years. The quick answer is “Yes, I have learned a ton about being a better human being.” My evolution continues as I witness your maturity … Continue reading What have I learned from grandkids?
How many presidents? Only 45. Seven not born in the U.S.
"As a student of American history, I have my perspectives on our general lack of truth, misinformation, and ignorance of the basic functions of government. This has been quite evident in recent years. In my experience, the average cab driver in Ireland is much more aware and knowledgeable of our system than the American general … Continue reading How many presidents? Only 45. Seven not born in the U.S.
Get Out of the Country! Broaden and Enrich Your Education!
Matilda asks, “Grandpa, what is your all-time favorite place to travel to?” Dear Matilda: You ask an interesting question, the same question that I had when I was your age. What places do I hope to see someday? The many books that I read growing up sparked images of western pioneers in the plains, forests, … Continue reading Get Out of the Country! Broaden and Enrich Your Education!
A Parent’s Nightmare: Better Not to Remember
The haunting memory of being tragedy's accomplice lies dormant in a parent's psyche until sleep is again tortured by that scene. A child is lying 'neath the car tire. Dead? Maimed? "My God! You ran over him." Selective memory is a human trait that exists in all of us. We sometimes hear or see what … Continue reading A Parent’s Nightmare: Better Not to Remember
Gordie Gillespie: Portrait of a Leader
“With a winning combination of substance and style, Gordie was leadership personified. He was a man endowed with qualities that brought out the best in others, to rise above higher than they envisioned possible, and to achieve a common goal.” In light of the current atmosphere locally, nationally, and internationally, it might be worthwhile to … Continue reading Gordie Gillespie: Portrait of a Leader
Why Go to Joliet?
“You live in Colorado, but you make frequent trips to Joliet? What is it that calls you back to Illinois?” My friends in Illinois would occasionally query why a seemingly normal guy who left Wilmington in 1986 would bother to return so regularly. Colorado has the Rocky Mountains, the sun that shines nearly every day, … Continue reading Why Go to Joliet?