Author Archives: Jim

The rubber raft tactic

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Jim

Another story from my Navy days that is still mostly true. “We got a message from Saigon to use ship’s boats for boarding junks that have fish nets out,” the captain said. “We don’t have boats,” the executive officer pointed … Continue reading →

Posted in Sea Stories | 1 Comment

No tiny house for me

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Jim

I’m fascinated by the tiny-house trend. Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’re probably aware of the growing interest in downsizing one’s home to the size of a food truck. Lilliputian residences are showing up in magazine articles and … Continue reading →

Posted in Idle Ruminations | 2 Comments

Court did not go far enough

Posted on June 28, 2015 by Jim

As a long-time supporter of same-sex marriage, I was glad to see the Supreme Court rule in favor of nationwide marriage equality. But the decision missed an opportunity to resolve the issue once and for all. The court’s decision won’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | 1 Comment

Bring back the draft?

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Jim

The idea of reinstating the military draft keeps popping up. Sometimes it’s anti-war reverse psychology: Politicians won’t start wars if their kids have to fight them. Others think it’s unfair that fewer than one percent of us actually fight America’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Sea Stories | Comments Off on Bring back the draft?

Bruce Jenner for president and other politically incorrect solutions

Posted on April 26, 2015 by Jim

Bruce Jenner for president A lot of us voted for Barack Obama because he’s African-American and are ready to vote for Hillary Clinton because she’s a woman. If we are committed to identity as a major factor in electing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Idle Ruminations | 1 Comment

Tough love for unions

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Jim

Unions are commemorating the 104th anniversary of a tragic factory fire that triggered an historic campaign for workplace safety. It’s a reminder that organized labor deserves credit for much of the workplace progress of the 20th century – and how … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | Comments Off on Tough love for unions

Confessions of a weather snob

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Jim

Albuquerque got an unusual six inches of snow last night. The skiers are ecstatic, the city is paralyzed and I get to annoy my neighbors once again with tales of my hometown of Chicago. Yes, I’m a weather snob. While … Continue reading →

Posted in Idle Ruminations, Life in New Mexico | Comments Off on Confessions of a weather snob

From the ringing briefcase to the iPhone

Posted on February 7, 2015 by Jim

I finally broke down and got an iPhone a year ago. I carry it when I’m out and about, but most of the time it sits on the kitchen counter. Some days I don’t use it all because my retirement … Continue reading →

Posted in Idle Ruminations | Comments Off on From the ringing briefcase to the iPhone

Internet history: when the modem played polka music

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Jim

It’s easy to take the Internet for granted. I keep in touch with friends on Facebook and check random facts online the moment a question pops into my head. My generation may be among the last to remember what life … Continue reading →

Posted in Idle Ruminations | 2 Comments

Remembering computers in the Stone Age

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Jim

I don’t think about my computer, at least not consciously, because it’s integrated into my life almost seamlessly: my calendar, checkbook, photo album, newspaper. Best of all, it’s an extension of my mind that allows me to express myself almost … Continue reading →

Posted in Idle Ruminations | 6 Comments