I spend a lot of time on computers and I’ve developed many pet peeves about them. One concerns a phenomenon that’s grown more and more frequent over time: the stupendously annoying coercive forced-choice. It is presented by the pop-up window … Continue reading →
For the last decade or more, when I fly cross-country I’ve flown Jet Blue almost exclusively. I’ve nearly always had an excellent experience with it: comfortable seats, efficient service, and a tremendous on-time record. But on a recent trip to … Continue reading →
[NOTE: The following is a re-edited and updated version of a post that has appeared previously on this blog.] Unbelievable that it’s been eight years since commenter FredHJr died suddenly and tragically. As time passes, the number of readers here … Continue reading →
I recently was on a trip to Fort Bragg, California, as part of a visit to friends and family in that state. “Fort Bragg” doesn’t sound like a lovely spot, unless you’re fond of ammunition. But the town long ago … Continue reading →
An update is supposed to make things better, right? But it seems to me that a great many of them (you can’t predict which ones—or at least I can’t) will throw a monkey wrench into the works instead. After several … Continue reading →
As I get older, I have lost more and more people I love and care about to cancer—one of them very very recently. Others I’m very close to have had the disease and are (knock wood) okay so far. Anyone … Continue reading →
Seven percent of American adults believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows, according to an online survey commissioned by the Innovation Center of U.S. Dairy. I’m not sure whether I’m more surprised that the number is so low, that it … Continue reading →
No, the new theme for the blog is nowhere near ready. But in response to all your comments on the previous thread on this topic, I wanted to announce that: (1) I can’t stand nested comments either. They make a … Continue reading →
Tiger Woods is facing a new scandal: a DUI charge based on the fact that he was found passed out on the side of the road with his lights on, and was somewhat disoriented. He has claimed that the problem … Continue reading →
The first thing that occurs to me is that, even though people distrust the press much more than in years past, the press is still remarkably powerful. When a newspaper such as the WaPo decides to print a story about … Continue reading →
Last night, someone told me to have a sip of Caol Ila single-malt Scotch whisky. A tiny sip, because that person knew I’m not a drinker. It was the single worst-tasting thing I’ve ever ingested into my wee body. At … Continue reading →
[NOTE: This is a repeat of a previous post.] I write some poetry from time to time, And gravitate to forms, I must confess. I crave some meter and a bit of rhyme. Free verse can be illusory progress. The … Continue reading →