Writing is hard work, or so they say. Yes, I'll agree with that. The seat of your pants get all shiny from excessive wear and tear and still you often have more work than hours in the day if you're like most writers. If you've done any amount of serious writing you'll probably agree that writing is a whole lot more than just sitting at a computer and pounding out words. It's all too easy to get off track and lose momentum. Frankly, I'm not sure that most writers can explain adequately what they do.,,,especially when they try to explain [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Dec 032011
This time of year here in Chicago, we take beauty wherever we can find it. Two days ago it was absolutely beautiful so I decided to treat myself to a rare visit to our local forest preserve. Admittedly this is a very rare treat with the cost of gas being prohibitive.It was a bright sunny day…one of the few gorgeous Midwestern late-autumn days of 2011.(That's right Winter doesn't actually arrive until December 22). I needed a reminder that Chicago-land is not all concrete and glass. In this part of the country, the weather can be somewhat fickle and you want [Click here to see the rest of the story]
I've had a most interesting Thanksgiving holiday – and I hope you have too. Of all my experiences I thought I'd share an insider's trip for troubleshooting your computer / network. Whether you are a computer geek or a computer user who knows nothing more than how to turn on your machine, you're going to have your share of problems with your PC. Technology isn't perfect, after all. And troubleshooting is not an exact science. invariably troubleshooting will test your patience. Before you throw your computer out the window in desperation, check out my most recent experience…. Lessons Learned: Not [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Nov 232011
November 24, we in America celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We forget that this is a holiday primarily celebrated in North America. (Canada celebrates in October, US in November.) The practice of coming together to celebrate the year's harvest based in European and Native American agricultural tradition. It certainly is appropriate for family and friends to come together to celebrate the end of a productive growing season. Through the years families in the US have developed traditions that make Thanksgiving a wondrous holiday including turkey, pumpkin pie and all sorts of other elegant trimmings. The larger the gathering and the more affluent [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Nov 112011
When I was 17-years old anyone who was 32 was old, old, old. My grandparents were incredibly ancient (although in those days that was considered a good thing). And I was convinced that I'd never get old – somehow by some magic I'd maintain a firm grasp of youth and innocence forever.. Well, now I've joined the ranks of what some call "ancient" – My grand parents are long gone, but I've responsibly been walking in their shoes – and, hopefully, living up to their incredible example of industriousness and honorable stewardship of this place we call home. Now, I've [Click here to see the rest of the story]
There's no denying it…winter is on its way. The blood is flowing a little bit slower and cuddling up with a good book is looking a whole lot more appealing than going outside. For many of us, the internet has opened many options for activities that require no physical activity other than sitting in a chair clicking a mouse or typing a few words…and, face it, it's really easy to get hooked into countless hours of looking a our computer screens. Times like this, it takes sheer determination to attend to exercise and much needed physical activities – especially if [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Denver, New York and other parts of the country have already had their first brush with winter snow. We, in Chicago, on the other hand have had a pretty easy time this fall. Gardeners are not disappointed. In Chicago we've been enjoying a delightful – though all too short - fall. Trees and other seasonal plants have been resplendent in their beauty. We're enjoying some spectacular displays this year – trees in our neighborhoods and flowers like of mums and other late blooming flowers are dazzling us with all their glory – a reminder that the bitter winter ahead is [Click here to see the rest of the story]
Oct 272011
Several months ago I wrote an opinion piece entitled "What Are We All Whining About?" Some people have expressed interest in more on that topic. So, I'll try to expand a bit here – and will probably need to write more posts in the future. This whole issue is like the tendrils of an octopus. Let's take, for example – politics. In 2008 we voted for Obama to be our President. It was a daunting task he had ahead of himself. But he promised to bring about change. We all remember those speeches. But, how many of us recall the [Click here to see the rest of the story]
