Baby Stepping into the Present

Posted inColumns, Family

I have a complicated relationship with technology. Whenever something new comes out, I really, really want it. I inherited that trait from my late father.

But over the years a few factors – namely reality and my wife’s love of thrift – have taught me the difference between wanting something and needing something.

I have appreciated this newfound part of my personality. Sure, I miss the thrill of the impulse buy, but I feel much more secure when I do break down and buy something fun.

This is why I couldn’t understand her angst recently over the new cell phone she had her eyes on.

Comcast Hates Logic

Posted inCable, Soccer
I sat down last night to do something I really didn't want to do, but felt I had to: order the pay-per-view broadcast of the U.S. soccer team's World Cup…

An R.E.M. Memory

Posted inMusic, REM
Four years ago today, I faced one of the most important professional days in my life. I had to prepare for an event on June 12 which had to go…

They Don’t Miss Me

Posted inRadio
A little more than a month ago, I made a big change in my routine. I cancelled my subscription to Sirius XM and switched to pretty much podcasts only for…

Solo Survival

Posted inColumns

Over a 48-hour period last week, I discovered something very important. I can get along just fine without my wife.

That does not mean that I want to get rid of her or think taking care of our daughter alone is easy. All I’m saying is that I can do it.

Maria went away for work for a couple of days last week. Actually, she went to Las Vegas without me, but my complaints about that are another topic for another time.

Because of her trip, I took a little time off of work so I could play Mr. Mom. I know two days cannot compare to taking over the job full time. I just know I would rock the socks off the whole single Dad thing.

Not that I want to find out or anything.

Worst Week

Posted inColumns, TV

I hate this week. I should really love it because you can sense the beginning of summer, and Memorial Day gives us a four-day work week. But an awful stench lingers in the air for me.

The television season has come to a close.

I will get over this feeling soon when I start to embrace the freedom to read on the porch past 8 p.m. without running inside to catch one of my favorite shows or, at the very least, popping in to make sure it has started to record.

Pushing the Fashion Envelope

Posted inClothing, Columns, Fashion

When I first saw the shoes, I knew I needed to have them, even for a joke. You never know what you will find when the Clark’s store has its warehouse sale. I hit the jackpot this time.

Not the exact shoe, but you get the point

Since I have small feet, the semiannual event can really help me out. I can find a good selection at a really good price. I went in this spring with a few things in mind, but never expected to see this pair of shoes, much less walk out with a pair all of my own.

You see, I don’t have the greatest fashion sense. I have probably covered this in the past, but I’m pretty basic when it comes to clothes. I don’t do “outfits” and stick with a few basic color combinations so that I don’t embarrass myself.

If I don’t go out on a limb, I won’t look like a fool. I can still pull off a pair of madras shorts (or at least I think I can), but I have enough sense now to make sure I own a plain shirt in a coordinating color. When in doubt, I just let my wife decide.

That’s why I worried she would put the kibosh on these shoes. Never in a million years did I think that Maria would encourage me to buy a pair of white suede bucks. But she did, so I decided to get them.

Dan Harmon Will Be Fine

Posted inTV
A lot of angst and worry has filled Twitter and other online communities because of Sony's decision to cut "Community" creator Dan Harmon loose from the show last week. With last…