035: Image is everything — even for moms and dads

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What is the image you project to the outside world? How we choose to see ourselves is pretty much how we act and how the world views us, so choose wisely!

033: Social media and the death of civility

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Every time a national election rolls around, I'm reminded of the kindness and consideration of social media and how I never, EVER, long for the days prior to Facebook and Twitter. Because life was so much worse then and we're all so enlightened now. No, really.

026: My Top 10 Areas Where American Common Sense has Gone AWOL

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The Meriam-Webster dictionary defines common sense as, quote, “sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts” unquote. OK. That’s pretty good but let me amend that with an even simpler definition: Common sense means not being a dumbass. Not being a dumbass is in short supply these days. Here's what your Great-Grandpa and I think about things.

Why 'Jaws' is the greatest dad movie of my generation

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One of the appealing aspects of living in the modern age of Western entertainment is when a particular film, TV show, or song becomes woven into your life. I don’t mean it’s simply something you recall from your past. I mean, it actively…

Our V-C Day will come soon

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On March 2, just a few innocent weeks ago, I traveled to New Orleans with my son, Sam, a freshman at the University of Tennessee at Martin. It was his Spring Break, so we decided to take advantage of low airline prices (possibly due to some…

Blog Version: Doofus Dad’s Top 9 Handy & Useful Tricks for Dealing with the Coronavirus

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Disclaimer: The following is me poking fun of something that is clearly serious and bad. I am aware that it is serious and bad, but choose to poke fun at it anyway because, well, I need to. You have now been legally disclaimed. As I write…

Talking is hard

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Human existence is nothing if not bizarre. To illustrate this, I have recently completed recording my second audiobook, “Blow the Man Down,” due for release in a few weeks. Just typing those words is exceptionally odd. Two audiobooks! Only…

Readers of the lost art

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The 12-year-old who is grounded from his iPad: I'm bored. There’s literally nothing to do. Me: There’s a hundred great books in this house. Pick one. The 12-year-old: But, Dad, reading isn’t any fun. I have to read in school; why…

You're gonna screw up. It's OK.

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I originally wrote this for a professional association I'm a member of, but I think you'll like it, too. Modified slightly.   You dread it. You do everything possible to avoid it, take every precaution and all the right steps. But…

Surviving the 'House on the Rock'

What is the single weirdest location you’ve ever visited? I mean, flat out bizarre? For me, that question is easily answered. “The House on the Rock” in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Nothing else even comes close. In June 2003, I was…