An emphatic ‘No’ to tech for the sake of tech

In this photo the author (right) explains to visitors how the newspaper is assembled during an open house. Photo courtesy of the Daily News.

Very soon, the Daily News will abandon its old, proprietary computer system for a brand new, PC-based computer system. With this change, we will move up a notch in the high-technology race that seemingly shifted into high gear during the… READ MORE

Let’s not spank the kids; let’s spank the parents

Image courtesy of Flickr user Frank by way of a Creative Commons license. https://www.flickr.com/photos/frankonyc/

The other day, as I paid for a tank of gas, the lady behind the cash register offered to give me her son. “Take him. He’s yours,” she said exasperatedly. I felt my eyes darting, minnow-like. Where was this son?… READ MORE

Abdominal cramping and loose stools? Sign me up!

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Phoebe. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Phoebe

“Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients.” So says the label on a package of Ruffles WOW! ripple-cut potato chips. Perhaps you remember the story behind this label, which… READ MORE

You can’t have rights and growth at the same time

Once upon a time the beautiful beaches of Northwest Florida were freely accessible by the public. They're still beautiful - if you can get to them. Image courtesy of Del Stone Jr.

In the shadow of Pride Week and Earth Day, you too could have spent your Saturday creeping bumper-to-bumper through Destin on your way to an oil-stained beach lined with murky brown water. Ah, the rewards of growth. Praise the Lord… READ MORE

The old girl was good for one more ride

Despite the name "Golden Girl" appearing near the nose of this B-24, it's real name is "All American" and was operated by the Collings Foundation of Massachusetts. The author flew aboard the "All American" on a hop from Panama City to Crestview in March 1998. Image courtesy of Del Stone Jr.

On March 4 it was my honor to fly aboard the “All American,” the world’s only operational B-24 Liberator. This World War II-era bomber, restored and operated by the Collings Foundation of Stowe, Mass., flew from Panama City Airport to… READ MORE

Julie Coble brought years of laughter to Lucky Strike Lanes

Julie Coble (in purple shirt) is serenaded by a gorilla during a birthday celebration at Lucky Strike Lanes in 1996. Image by Del Stone Jr.

In September 1991, I joined the Friday Nite Early Mixers, a bowling league headquartered at Lucky Strike Lanes in Fort Walton Beach. That first night was a lesson in humility for me. My brand-new ball wouldn’t hit the big side… READ MORE

Welcome to this year’s edition of my Christmas newsletter!

Image courtesy of Picryl under a Creative Commons license.

Greetings from Stockholm, where I am receiving the Nobel Prize for chemistry. I thought invite you, but only people with IQs above 185 are allowed. I have been very busy the past year. I not only conquered my fear of… READ MORE