A World of Speculation

A curious thank-you

The TV was blaring something about a school shooting when I walked into the waiting room at the car repair shop this morning. The two men already sitting there weren’t watching — one was reading the newspaper, and the other was doing something that...

Just say No

Words of wisdom from Tracey: “If you’re ever at your prayers and you’re suddenly struck with an idea for a brand new icon, just wait for it to go away.”Here’s an illustration of what happens when someone ignores that advice.It’s an...

Political Shibboleths

The man who sat on the mall bench next to me was in his late 70s, maybe, or early 80s, no doubt taking a break, as I was, after having been outshopped by his companion. I had taken Jayden out of the stroller to stretch his legs, and he sat on my lap behaving like an...

We need a little (more) Christmas

“Happy Holidays!” the chirpy voice rang out the last weekend of November. “Welcome to McDonald’s.”Well, happy holidays to you, too. Any particular holiday? Arbor Day? Third Finding of the Head of John the Baptist? Of course, I...

Best-laid plans

So I get home from work Monday fully intending to be useful and productive the whole evening long. It’s the first day of our Christmas vacation from court-reporting school, and so it’s the first Monday evening I’ve been home in months.I thought...