A Promising Start When I first picked up a pickleball paddle, I was looking for something simple: light exercise, a few laughs, and maybe a chance to meet some like-minded folks. The game seemed perfect—easy to learn, low-impact, and everywhere you turned, someone was singing its praises. My wife and I started at about the same time. We thought it might be a fun way to stay active together, enjoy the fresh air, and move around a little more than our regular routines allowed. And for a while, it delivered. There were friendly matches, good-natured banter, and a nice rhythm of play that didn’t require ice packs afterward. We began during the winter at an indoor facility that had a welcoming atmosphere and enough courts…

The Masters Edition Introduction: The Augusta Mystique… or Myth? Every April, millions of us plop down in front of our screens, mesmerized by Augusta National’s emerald fairways, blooming azaleas, and the soothing hum of Jim Nantz telling us it’s “a tradition unlike any other.” But let’s be honest—beneath all that beauty lies a hard truth that every golfer, from scratch to duffer, knows in their soul:Golf isn’t a game. It’s a cosmic joke. And Augusta? It’s the temple where golf’s greatest miracles and most painful meltdowns unfold. I’ve never played it—and never will since I have given up the game —but somehow, we all feel like we’ve walked its fairways. We know what Rae’s Creek looks like in spring sunlight. We’ve imagined standing over a…

When Sci-Fi Satire Meets Real-Life Asteroids So, here we are. Again. Humanity faces an existential threat from space, and—just like in the 2021 satirical film Don’t Look Up—we’re probably going to spend more time arguing about it on social media than actually doing something useful. NASA is currently tracking asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 1.5% chance of slamming into Earth in 2032.  (Now down to 0.002%) That’s not exactly zero, which means we should probably pay at least some attention. But let’s be honest: unless it’s trending on TikTok or becomes a political football, most of us will just keep doom-scrolling past it. Could this asteroid end life as we know it? Maybe. Could it just be a big celestial nothing burger? Also, maybe….

How to Fix History Education and Make Real Change Introduction: Why Fixing History Education Feels Impossible—And Why It’s Not If reforming history education feels like trying to move a mountain with a spoon, you’re not alone. The system is deeply entrenched, tangled in bureaucracy, politics, and competing ideologies. Schools answer to local, state, and federal authorities, curriculum decisions are influenced by teachers’ unions, activist groups, and political parties, and even parents and community groups have conflicting views on what should (or shouldn’t) be taught. It’s an exhausting, messy fight. But it’s not hopeless. The reality is that change is possible—it’s just slow, incremental, and requires strategic, sustained effort. The key to reforming history education isn’t just about making good recommendations (as we covered in Article…

Recommendations for History Education in a Diverse World Introduction So, how do we actually implement a history curriculum that strikes this balance? That’s the big question. We don’t need a complete overhaul—what we need is a smarter, more nuanced approach that respects foundational achievements while making space for diverse perspectives. The goal is to educate students on the complexities of history while maintaining a firm grounding in the ideas, innovations, and individuals that have truly shaped the modern world. This means pushing back against ideological agendas, ensuring that political influences do not distort historical accuracy, and prioritizing a curriculum that fosters genuine understanding rather than reactionary rewriting. It also requires recognizing that teaching history is not just about facts—it’s about cultivating critical thinking, encouraging debate,…

Balancing Tradition and Inclusivity Part 1 Introduction History education isn’t just about memorizing dates and events—it’s about understanding how we got here, what shaped our world, and what lessons we can learn from the past. And let’s face it, the way history is taught has always been a bit of a battlefield. Some argue that schools are watering down the core principles that built Western civilization, while others believe that broadening the curriculum to include diverse perspectives creates a fuller and more accurate picture of the past. The truth is, history is written by the winners. But that doesn’t mean that those who prevailed should be villainized, nor does it mean that their achievements should be erased. Being a winner isn’t a bad thing—it’s how…

Today I am republishing the core article from my newsletter of February 2010. The article would be accompanied with a promotion of featured cookware (in this instance clay bakers which if you have not heard of or used, you should seek them out, they produce memorable meals that are easy to prepare.) I hope you enjoy. It is interesting, the similar, ties of then to now. We hear more stories about how the economy is still struggling and unemployment while relatively low now is somewhat unsettled. And to make it all seem worse, some parts of the country are buried in snow and others are dealing with mudslides. So, it is no surprise that in times of worry, we often turn to comfort food to…

A Century Apart, Yet Strangely Similar Does history repeat itself? Sometimes it seems to attempt to achieve similar outcomes at different points in time. Often, it is the mistakes that repeat rather than the successes. Let’s take a look! History has a way of repeating itself—sometimes in ways we expect, and other times in ways that surprise us. The 1920s, famously known as the Roaring ’20s, were marked by economic prosperity, cultural revolutions, and rapid technological advancements. Fast forward 100 years, and our current 2020s have also been defined by attempts at cultural revolution, rapid technological advancements, and major upheavals—though not quite in the same way. The economic landscapes of these eras illustrate cycles of boom and bust. The 1920s, often remembered as a period…

We are now in that part of winter between Valentines Day and Easter when the days seem long and nights seem longer. As temperatures continue to drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting meal. French cuisine is known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes, making it a cozy choice for cold winter nights. This recipe for the decadent beef stew comes from Jacques Pépin and there is an equally famous version from Julia Child. In this version stock, demi-glace, or even water is not used, relying on robust red wine for the deep-flavored sauce. I have made this four or five times and have received rave comments each time. But it is enough effort that you might not want this to be…

NASA’s Artemis Program & Private Ventures to the Moon The Moon is no longer just a distant rock in the sky—it’s quickly becoming the next big frontier for science, technology, and even business. NASA’s Artemis program and private space companies are leading the charge, setting the stage for what could be humanity’s return to the Moon and beyond. But what does all this mean for us Earthlings, especially those of us who grew up watching the Apollo missions? Those of us old enough to remember can think of Apollo 11, the first moon landing, Apollo 13’s infamous “Houston, we have a problem,” and Apollo 17, the last moon landing in 1972. Of course, there was Challenger (1986), a stark reminder of the risks inherent in…

Valentine’s Day is coming up soon! Here are a few ideas to make the day a bit special along with some recipes for a stimulating breakfast and for an interesting dinner one that is a bit different but not too hard to make. Fruit Bouquet     In place of flowers, opt for a tasty bouquet of fruit cut into the shapes of flowers. Include oranges, cantaloupes, honeydew melons, grapes and strawberries. For a touch of sweetness, include some chocolate-dipped fruits in your bouquet. If you’d prefer a fruit bouquet with a handmade touch, cut up chunks of fruit yourself, spear them on toothpicks or skewers and arrange them in a bowl or vase. Candy melts are an easy way to make your own chocolate-dipped fruits…

How to Live Longer & Stay Healthier Why Longevity Matters More Than Ever Aging is inevitable, but the way we age? That’s something we have more control over than ever before. Researchers are diving deep into longevity science, uncovering ways to not just extend our lifespan but, more importantly, extend our healthspan—the years we stay active, sharp, and disease-free. For most of history, aging was just accepted as a downhill ride, but today, new discoveries in nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and cutting-edge therapies suggest that we might be able to slow down, or even reverse, some aspects of aging. So, can we really add 10, 20, or even 30 healthy years to our lives? Let’s explore what science has uncovered and what practical steps…

Why Solar Makes Perfect Sense Now During the last few months alternative energy has been discussed. While the last administration seemed to promote alternative energy efforts the new administration does not seem to be positioned to support alternative energy especially offshore wind turbines or electric automobiles. However, there will be continuing development in different solutions to providing for energy needs. A question is whether to consider an investment in solar energy now especially in urban settings where energy costs from the local utility seem to be competitive. So if you’ve been wondering whether solar energy makes sense for your home, let’s shine some light on the benefits. Solar energy isn’t just for sprawling suburban rooftops or remote farms; it’s a smart, practical, and forward-thinking solution…

Ah, the presidential inauguration—a day of pomp, circumstance, and solemn oaths. But while what we see on our televisions or mobile devices are perfectly orchestrated moments, the real magic (and chaos) happens behind the scenes. Let’s take a look at what you won’t find in the official broadcast—and have a little fun doing it. Let’s start with the White House—a hive of activity as history unfolds. The outgoing president’s belongings are whisked out like a political version of “Storage Wars,” and the incoming president’s family—furniture, heirlooms, and all—moves in, all within hours. Rumor has it, the White House staff trains for this day like they’re prepping for an Olympic relay race. Imagine someone yelling, “Where’s the new president’s cuff links?” while another worker is swapping…

Learning doesn’t end with retirement or even at any age. It continues as long as there’s something interesting to learn and do. Yet, many seniors may not know how to get started with new or long-forgotten skills. The good news? There are countless options to explore. Take a look at some inspiring examples. A friend of mine rekindled his passion for rebuilding old cars. While he had some experience from years ago, he now uses YouTube videos and online manuals to guide him. And it was not too many years ago he was not even sure what YouTube was. My wife discovered watercolor painting after enrolling in a course offered by our local watercolor society. She now participates with a painting group and our walls…

A Guide for Those Over 65 It happens every year: we set ambitious New Year’s resolutions, especially around fitness or diet, only to see them falter a few weeks later. On the fitness side, this is particularly common for older adults, who might face unique challenges like mobility limitations or simply feeling out of place in high-energy fitness clubs or gyms. Without some internal and possibly external incentives, those New Year’s ideas start to lose their appeal. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. By incorporating emerging fitness trends and focusing on sustainable, low-impact routines, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy the health benefits of staying active all year long. Why Resolutions Fail and How to…

A Practical Guide to Smart Integration There has been a lot of discussion over the last few years about smart appliances and how to make your kitchen more efficient. But for many of us, the transition seems to be more bother than benefit. However, the devices and appliances are getting smarter and easier to implement and use. So, maybe it is time to look at this a bit closer. Imagine a kitchen where your refrigerator communicates with your oven, your coffee maker knows your morning routine, and your dishwasher starts automatically during off-peak energy hours. Smart kitchen technology isn’t just a futuristic dream—it’s here, and it has the potential to transform how we cook, clean, and manage our homes. In this article, I will explore…