(A version of this story appeared on September 6, 2023 on The Heart Of The Matter. ) When I was a young kid, I was small for my age. We'd line up at the start of the year, smallest to the tallest, and I would always be one of the shortest boys in my class.... Continue Reading →
How a curious little monkey changed the world
(A version of this story appeared on September 7, 2023 on The Heart of The Matter. ) When I was very young, I would crawl into my mother's lap wearing my onesie pajamas and beg for a glass of milk and for her to read to me. I had a series of favorite books, everything... Continue Reading →
Becoming My Parents (And Other Simple Pleasures)
I pulled up to the gas station the other day and the sign read $4.19 a gallon. I have to admit, I wasn't sure whether to laugh, cry, or celebrate. The price of gas has been up, it’s been down, and frankly, I never really know what to expect anymore. It seems to fluctuate based... Continue Reading →
The underbelly of history!
Get a load of these facts: --Exhibit A: Alexander Graham Bell secured the first U.S. patent for the telephone 150 years ago on March 7, 1876. He narrowly beat one of his biggest rivals. Three days later, Bell famously made the first successful telephone call to his assistant, Thomas Watson. Hello smartphone! --Exhibit B: Theodore Roosevelt drank... Continue Reading →
Politics and Power
The movie The American President was released on this date thirty years ago. For my money, it’s the best movie made about the presidency. There have been others that have touched on politics and power including Dave (1993), Dr. Strangelove (1964), All the President's Men (1976), and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). But I... Continue Reading →
Stand up and be counted
I forget why I was in trouble. I was about 10 or 11 and had been arguing with my mom. I just remember running to my room to get away. My bedroom was small. I shared it with my brother. There wasn't a lot of extra space. I had a desk and a chair and... Continue Reading →
Upset and not gonna take it anymore!
When you're not looking, the world has a way of knocking you on your butt. I think that's a big reason why I try to keep my blog light and positive. I like to give readers something to hold onto in the dark and inspire them to fight for another day. I’ve written a few... Continue Reading →
What would Ben think?
On this day, so many years ago, 56 members of the Continental Congress took a stand. On July 4, 1776, they adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from Great Britain. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator... Continue Reading →
‘Haters gonna hate!’
Everyone in my class had left. The prof had packed up too. I sat staring at my notebook for the longest time. When I was 18 or 19 and in college, I needed an elective, so I took an Introductory Religious Studies Class. I walked into the class thinking it would be a piece of... Continue Reading →

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