Monthly Archives: October 2017

The Monsters

Storm clouds painted downtown Jackson’s usually tan brick buildings a gloomy shade of gray.  As I walked to the office, I noticed familiar faces standing outside of an office building. It was the unemployment office and the faces belonged to … Continue reading

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How to survive the 5%

Fairly long post warning: The alarm went off at 3:52 (don’t ask me why I set it at such a random time — I just did). I rolled over and with the precision of a Swiss Watch, I reset it … Continue reading

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The flight of the Avenger

The deck of the aircraft carrier pitches due to the rough South Pacific swells. You are a 19-year-old but have experienced enough hell to be 70. The hum of the starter gives way to the giant radial engine in front … Continue reading

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Lesson from this morning’s workout

Sometimes we get so caught up in our day-to-day struggles that we don’t notice the world is changing around us. We’re like the frog who boiled in the pot — we think we’re comfy in a nice, warm hot tub … Continue reading

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The smartest person in the room

Next Sunday, I’ll be addressing Phi Kappa Phi’s induction ceremony at Ole Miss. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective honor society. That means that I will be talking to a room of full of people … Continue reading

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Yes, Joyce Carol Oates, we read

Joyce Carol Oates is a much better writer than I am. She’s much smarter than I am, too. But dang, she sure wrote a stupid Tweet. Carl Rollyson (who I am sure is thrilled to be part of this poop … Continue reading

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When the world turns pink.

It doesn’t take pink fountains, ribbons, t-shirts or even a special month to make me aware of breast cancer. I have my own set of scars from the disease (even though I’ve never had it.) Forty years ago, I remember … Continue reading

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How Now Pretty Cow: The tale of a Pretty Cow Judge

  She was smartly dressed as she stared at me with her big brown eyes. I blushed a little, trying to stay out of her way. The kid who was with her was cute, too. I smiled at them as … Continue reading

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Friday the 13th: My “lucky” day

Today’s Friday the 13th. I had a black cat run out in front of me — and when he saw me, he ran back the other direction in fear. I’ve never been a “lucky” guy. But then again, I also … Continue reading

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The Siren Song

My phone dings, beckoning me with its electronic siren song. I, being properly trained like one of Pavlov’s mutts, immediately pick it up. There’s knowledge to be had after all. And my phone is ready to share. I quickly open … Continue reading

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