Ed and Charles Bumgarter were already looking forward to the next 2-for-1 sale at Kohl’s.
Shall we call it “Fine Arts Friday?”
"Who Am I? Why Am I Here?"
This is how Vice Admiral James Stockdale introduced himself to America 34 years ago at the start of the 1992 vice presidential debate. He was on the ticket with third-party candidate H. Ross Perot, sharing the stage with Dan Quayle and Al Gore.
Stockdale had all the presence of a confused grandpa who’d wandered out of his assisted living facility. Late night comedians savaged him, and he became the subject of one of SNL’s most famous cold opens.
The thing is, Stockdale wasn’t a demented grandpa. He was an American hero.
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Sometimes a carrot is just a carrot.
Ruby at her post, enjoying the early morning winter sun.
Ned felt the awesome responsibility of standing watch during the busiest time of the year.
It may be January 5, but it feels to me like this is the actual start of the year. When Christmas and New Year’s fall mid-week, it largely shuts things down for two weeks. On this, the first Monday of the year, the 2026 engine is finally starting up.
When horses are put out to pasture.
Still in New Year’s mode, offering this thought for the year -
The Buddha said: ”“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
There is a lot wrong with college sports in the NIL era, but the move to a 12-team College Football Playoff has been an exciting improvement. It’s been fun to see top-ranked teams get toppled and watch long(ish) shots compete for the national championship.
Starting the year focused on the light at the end of the tunnel.
