December 16, 2025 - Teenagers today don’t know much about pay telephones. They have telephones in their room at home, and cell phones to take with them everywhere they go. They are never without the means of communicating with their friends. It was not that way when I was in college in the mid 1950s. Dial phones were relatively new, and a cell phone was just something in the mind of the writer of Dick Tracy. The pay telephone was about the only means of communicating with friends, family, and significant others during my stint in a boarding house near the campus of Stephen F.

October 31, 2025 - Have you ever felt the need for good luck, courage, or protection when attempting to do something? Perhaps you have “crossed your fingers” as a silent request for divine help or protection, or maybe you have asked other people to “keep your fingers crossed.” Some people, mostly children, also use the gesture to excuse their telling a white lie, or to invalidate a promise made. Crossing the first two fingers on your hand is a good luck sign recognized around the world.

September 8, 2025 - Both my parents and paternal grandparents were avid 42 players, and I was introduced to this domino game at an early age. I began my 42 career around age eight or nine - they waited until I learned to count and cipher.

My grandmother, Mary Murphy, was a very serious player, you know the type who hates to lose, counts all the dominoes, and will know who has what domino in their hand. I never advanced to her level of proficiency.

August 8, 2025 - Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the “Dogs For Defense” program was established by the federal government. A few dogs were utilized in World War One and were amazingly efficient soldiers, including Sgt. Stubby who was the most decorated war dog in history. The government decided to put out the word to civilian dog owners that the military was looking for a few good dogs.

May 5, 2025 - While down town the other day I met a friend whom I had not seen for several years. We stopped to visit and I commented “My, you are a sight for sore eyes!” We both immediately knew what I meant by that comment – I was pleased to see my friend.