Author Archives: Jim

SHOUTING BETWEEN SHIPS IN ALL CAPS

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Jim

The news that the Navy has abandoned its tradition of typing messages in all capital letters reminded me of the quirky communications I experienced in my seagoing days. The all-caps format had its origins in the limitations of teletype technology. … Continue reading →

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Adventures of a Pentagon warrior

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Jim

My career in the Navy probably included more time at the Pentagon than at sea. The Pentagon, legendary nerve center of the world’s largest military establishment, is known by such nicknames as the “puzzle palace.” As a reserve public affairs … Continue reading →

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Being an author

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Jim

I’ve been writing for money since I was 19 but officially became an author last year when my neighbor and I published a book. Always thought it would be cool to be an author… I smoke a pipe and everything. … Continue reading →

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Cinco de Mayo on the Old Town Plaza

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Jim

I spent a pleasant Cinco de Mayo afternoon pretending to sell books on Albuquerque’s Old Town Plaza. The plaza, traditional center of every Hispanic town, is one of my favorite places. For those of you in Anglo territory, picture a … Continue reading →

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Theocracy and marshmallow Peeps

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Jim

I spent Easter listening to Handel’s Messiah, eating marshmallow Peeps and watching the world celebrate the Resurrection (except for the folks at Google who resurrected Cesar Chavez instead). I wound up scratching my head about the way religion keeps popping … Continue reading →

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Best music I ever heard

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Jim

Another story from my Navy days… The hour before dawn usually is a quiet time aboard ship. On this morning all hands are on deck for underway replenishment, the regular delivery of fuel and supplies that sustains our tiny minesweeper … Continue reading →

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Budget cuts and bureaucrats

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Jim

Booo! Sequestration is coming! Our military will be hollowed out! Toddlers will be ejected from Head Start classrooms! Our food will immediately spoil in the absence of federal inspectors! All medical research will be scrapped! That’s what politicians and the … Continue reading →

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Background checks and American Express

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Jim

One of the more sensible ideas emerging from the political soap opera of gun control is requiring a background check for everyone who purchases a firearm. That’s a great idea, but can we trust the government to do this? Not … Continue reading →

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Clinging to gun control

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Jim

I can’t help getting cynical about the current political spasm of gun control. The horrific massacre of schoolchildren by a mentally unbalanced shooter unquestionably was a tragedy and demands action. So what’s the instinctive response? Make it harder for sane, … Continue reading →

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It doesn’t have to make sense (corporate edition)

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Jim

My experience in the Navy was good preparation for a career in a giant corporation. That’s because both government and corporate bureaucracies do well-intentioned things that turn out to be idiotic and comical. The Dilbert comic strip has a big … Continue reading →

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