Life is not easy. The luster of childhood can barely be remembered. The idealism of youth has been replaced by disillusionment of Realpolitik. Therefore to avoid the dark well of nihilism I seek beauty and meaning on a day-to-day basis. The meaning of life depends in part upon me. In part, a worthwhile life…
This morning according to the NPR newscast the President is to visit the border region between our country and Mexico. I visited that part of our country once, many years ago. Traveling from Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr the train stopped for about twenty minutes somewhere in New Mexico. I marveled…
The automobile is emblematic of America. The Model T Ford created by Henry Ford, a “modern” means of transportation affordable by the working man/woman, and the interstate highway system built by the Eisenhower Administration have defined America. As a baby-boomer I learned to love cars while in high school. The most vivid memories retained…
Friday, yesterday began with frost on the windshield. After all it is still early January. The weather forecast for the day held promise of temperature in the 40s, with 50s expected today. This was delivered on the late evening news with much fanfare of graphical display and expression of animated glee by the attractive…
Amazing Architecture versus A Perfect Beef and Mushroom Strudel I traveled to Milwaukee yesterday. The drive north to Wisconsin is enjoyable. Milwaukee is not as sprawling as Chicago, a more user-friendly city by the lake. The cost of parking is reasonable there too. We wanted to visit the Christkindl Market that was situated near…
As the year comes to a close we can look back upon lessons learned, or lessons we searched for –but really weren’t there. Best of all, time is time we spent with friends. Philosophy is not a solitary activity. Philosophy is a journey that is made in the company of others, much like the…
A few months ago I subscribed to the New York Times. I have no regrets. I receive the Sunday edition only. It suffices for a weeks worth of reading. A variety of subjects are treated in depth, with a purity and precision of language that rivals the best prose that I have read anywhere. …
Yesterday I attended a birthday party for our grandson. It was his forth birthday. He has a good grasp of language now and is able to express his opinions, his desires quite well. The excitement on his face was unmistakable. He had reason to anticipate this special occasion long before the guest arrived at…
Late in the afternoon a almost-winter sun glowed pink through hazy clouds, I walked across the parking lot at the Roadster Shop in Mundelein. Earlier in the day while at Starbucks Dan asked me if I had seen the Road Rage street rod which had been taken to the SEMA show? Dan is a…
The source of this list has been lost. I cannot give attribution. I know that I am not the one who compiled these words. I think it is an act of resistance to share them in this era of disharmony, of unrestrained ego, of the illusion that conflict has a worthwhile outcome. Leadership demands…
