Category: Effective Writing

Stand-Up, and Be Counted

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4 COMMENTS

As I write this, I am enrolled in a four-session stand-up comedy class at the esteemed (I guess) American Comedy Institute. I did this once before, pre-Covid, and found it so valuable and enjoyable, that I decided to jump in again. Unlike my first experience, my fellow students are (mostly) either professionals or wannabees, which makes the whole thing way more intimidating and scary. But, since these days, straying out of my comfort zone happens rarely – and when it does, it’s usually something like buying an item at the grocery […] Click to read more…

Insight Beats Information

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9 COMMENTS

Alert readers may recall that last fall, I had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder. All went well and while it’s been quite some time, you will be pleased to learn that the window for sending get well gifts is still open (mailing address below). Unfortunately, my left shoulder has now been acting up. And so yesterday, as a follow-up to an MRI earlier in the month, I went to see my orthopedic surgeon. He didn’t waste any time. He walked in, shook my hand, and said, “Well, your left shoulder is in […] Click to read more…

What a Difference a Difference Makes

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12 COMMENTS

Yesterday, I stumbled across an AI-powered service called Portrait Studio. The concept is simple… Upload a bunch of selfies of your head from the neck up and Portrait Studio will create professional style, high-definition photos of you in a variety of outfits, in a variety of settings. The perfect alternative to an expensive, time-consuming, in-person photo shoot. It was just $24 to try it out, so in the name of science (I never stop working for you), I gave it a spin. The results were … interesting. I was amazed, frankly, at […] Click to read more…

Counting Crows

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23 COMMENTS

My birdfeeder is back in action. I had to take last year off because our next-door neighbors were enjoying unwanted mouse visits in their basement. Apparently, birdseed is attractive to rodents as well as to birds (who knew?). The less of it nearby, the fewer mice to contend with. This summer, after doing some research, I discovered Wild Delight Sizzle N’ Heat Bird Food, and am back in business. This seed is loved by birds but, thanks to its spiciness, of no interest to rodents (again, who knew?). All good! Except… the crows have arrived. While […] Click to read more…

The Curse of Knowledge

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I was in Croatia and Slovenia last week, celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary. I have no idea where my wife decided to go. I’m kidding; we were there together. Both are beautiful countries with nice people, quality beer, and lots of silent consonants. We had a terrific time. When we arrived in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana (pronounced: “Las Vegas”), we had to check into our Airbnb. This was more difficult than anticipated. The problem was that while the apartment owner had emailed step-by-step instructions regarding how to find the lockbox, get the key, […] Click to read more…