Tempest in a Tea Party
Last week President Obama talked to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to pursue talks about Iranian nuclear ambitions. The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a resolution to collect and destroy … Continue reading
Perpetually “39”
Have you ever noticed, people with gray hair have only two ages – 70 or 39. It’s natural people are sensitive about aging. When you are a teenager, you believe you … Continue reading
iCPooch, Overcoming Pet Owner Guilt
Sometimes technology hits the spot – or connects with Spot. NPR’s “Weekly Innovation” blog series this week features the handiwork of a 13-year-old girl who rigged a smartphone to a … Continue reading
Looking for My Funny Bone
What would you do if given a choice between your day job and being a stand-up comic? Vincent August Sicari chose stand-up comedy over being a New Jersey judge. I … Continue reading
My Hanger Hang-Up
Most people have mortal enemies. Mine are hangers. They poke you in the eye. They entangle with each other. They rip your new Merino wool sweater. They drop your neatly … Continue reading
Exit Sandman
Mariano Rivera is likely to pitch for the last time in Yankee Stadium today. It is a sad day for Yankee fans and a day or rejoicing for players and … Continue reading
Bye Bye Blackberry
Blackberry, once the trend-setter in cell phones, has been eclipsed by smartphones and tablets with more functionality and a lot more glitz. With losses approaching $1 billion, Blackberry is hoisting … Continue reading
Getting By on Bye Week
The Oregon Ducks have a bye week. The team can work on offensive efficiency and defensive dominance. Injured players can get healthy. But what I am supposed to do? I’m … Continue reading
For the Love of Work
I never was lucky, skilled or connected enough as a youth to land an internship. No problem. Now senior internships have become the new retirement plan. When you aren’t quite … Continue reading
The Pith and Wit of Alfred E. Neuman
Like Guy Noir seeking answers to the world’s perplexing problems from the 12th floor of the Acme Building, I often need help unraveling life’s puzzling mysteries. That’s when I turn … Continue reading
Inaction Is Response to Navy Yard Shooting
The latest mass shooting, this time perilously close to the U.S. Capitol, has produced the same thud of silence in Congress. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters he still … Continue reading
Kumquats to the Rescue
“We’ve run all the tests, Mr. Conkling, and we have a diagnosis,” intones my primary care internist. “We’re prescribing kumquats, lots of kumquats.” “Whoa,” I say. “Sounds serious. You sure … Continue reading
Gary Conkling Life Notes 