A Burn Ban for Words

I’ve always believed in the power of words. Sticks and stones may break bones, but words can devastate like a wildfire.It is easy to focus on the big offenses of the tongue: lying, slander, and bearing false witness. Yet, I am aware that there is danger in even the smallest spark.

A Little More Magic

I recently attended an Andy Grammar concert. The lyrics to his songs deeply resonate with me. That evening, one particular song spoke to me.“Little signs are everywhere Catch the whispers in the air Thank 'em for the gifts they bring… I want more, more than the average (Ooh) I want the magic.

The Gift of Being Asked

'Hey, do you need any help?” she asked.'No, I think I’m okay,” I have replied a million times over the years.Sometimes, it's because I don’t want to impose or be a burden. Other times, I want to make sure the job is done the way I want it done.

The Fascinating Rings of Saturn

Okay, I’m old. I know it, and people who see me know it. The 40s may be the new 30s, but the 70s are still the 70s! That’s young compared to Harriet, a captive Galapagos tortoise who is 175 years old, or a female Greenland shark believed to be 392 years old, give or take a few years.

When Two Things Are True

Math is hard. I often say this as a joke, but recently I found out the truth in the statement.While working on a promotional deal, my colleague and I set up a pricing structure that we thought made sense. The more someone purchased, the more they received for free.

It's Butterfly Season, And They Are Everywhere

When you sit on a mower for a number of hours each week you have a lot of time to think, but, what to think about? Last week Mother Nature helped me out. She sent an eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly to keep me company. It was a male.

The World is Bigger than My Buckets

In the city, I see a little bit of everything. On the subway, very few people look like me, and even when they do, I’m sometimes surprised to overhear them speaking another language. I love the diversity, but I’m also bothered by the fact that I notice it.

Every Life is Worth Remembering

*Trigger warning: death, funerals, loss My uncle passed away this week. He was my dad’s oldest brother. They were just 15 months apart and two peas in a pod. My grandma used to tell stories about all the ways they managed to get into trouble together.

Badgers and Rattlesnakes – One of Nature's Rivalries

After Cindy and I had been married a year, I went to work during the summer for her father. He had a farm here in the valley and a ranch in Custer County. He took me north and showed me around; where all the windmills were, the roads, gates, and buildings, etc.

How We Determine Intelligence – Human and Non-Human

What do we mean by “intelligence?” I’ve known any number of people in my life who struggled in school, couldn’t read, and were worse spellers than I am.