The Mason Minute

When it comes to celebrating marriage, people always talk about the big numbers like 25, 50, and, if you're lucky, 75. Those are the ones that have fancy names, such as silver, gold, and diamond. But today, the more I think about it, 65 is an amazing number, too. Today is my parents' anniversary. They're celebrating 65 years together. And well, that may not be as glamorous as 75 years, but it's genuinely a fantastic fete. I can't even fathom a number that large. And in a world where 50% of the marriages don't last, it should be celebrated in a significant way... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68dd15d63cd6a').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68dd15d63cd6a.modal.secondline-modal-68dd15d63cd6a").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

When we were kids, we were fascinated with insects. But by the time you're an adult, you come to hate them. It doesn't matter what kind, they're all a hassle. We have a problem with ants numerous times throughout the year. It could be because of where we live, the fact that we're near the river, or perhaps that they built our house on a slab. Like many places across America, wasps are a recurring issue for us, too. However, over the last couple of days, we've been inundated with tiny bugs, and I'm unsure what they are. They only come out around dusk, but there are a lot of them, and they're annoying... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68dd15d63f190').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68dd15d63f190.modal.secondline-modal-68dd15d63f190").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I've been hearing this most of my life, and I'm sure you have, too. One of the keys to good health is ingesting the proper amount of fiber in your diet. It's good for your digestion and will keep you regular. And, of course, it will aid in weight management. But did you know it can also help with your mental health? Most of us don't consume enough fiber in our diet. Experts say most of us need 30 to 40% more. And while we do worry about being regular and watching our weight, the added benefit of mental health will likely encourage you to ensure you eat enough fiber. With mental health concerns on the rise, it can't hurt... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68dd15d640f7a').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68dd15d640f7a.modal.secondline-modal-68dd15d640f7a").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I've never looked up this statistic, but I've got to think that by the end of our lives, at least 80% of us wear glasses for some portion of them. For some of us, it starts early. I got my first pair before I was six years old. I remember getting them midway through kindergarten. And it was one of those revelations where I could finally see the blackboard clearly. But like most kids, wearing them isn't fun. Losing them, breaking them, and just the annoyance of wearing them all the time make it difficult. Rumors have it that smart glasses are set to replace our smartphones. Many think that's a good thing. I doubt they started wearing them at a young age... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c9845738').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c9845738.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c9845738").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Right now, there's a lot of discussion about the economy. People are arguing about how we're doing. Is there a recession or just a lull? Several indicators suggest when people are starting to tighten their belts. One indicator that may surprise you is the sales of Hamburger Helper. If you're of a certain age, you remember the 1970s pantry staple that makes a great meal. It always sells well when times are tight and people are struggling. This year, sales are up by over 14%. Like many, I enjoyed it in my younger days when times were tight. And if you examine the sales data, it appears that sales are likely to continue rising... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c98476ce').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c98476ce.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c98476ce").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

If you've listened to the podcast for any length of time, you'll often find my media and journalistic background coming through. Due to my years of experience working in the newsroom, I strive to avoid showing bias on any subject. That's why I'll rarely take a stand on any issue. My politics, morals, and philosophies really don't matter. Because I doubt there's anything I could say that can sway your opinion on any subject. Some people think I should choose sides, but that's not my style. While I'm sure I could get more listeners by creating controversy, that's not who I am. I don't understand how people can pretend to be something they're not... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c98491db').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c98491db.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c98491db").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't have many regrets in life. A couple of small regrets are classes I should've taken, or more importantly, things they should've taught me in school. First, is accounting. I could've taken accounting classes in high school or college, but they weren't required. And at the time, I didn't think I'd ever need it. Little did I know, I'd own my own business for over two decades. My other regret is not learning anything about investing. I envy people who are comfortable playing the stock market. To me, investing in stocks, bonds, and futures is like gambling. And I'm more impressed that people even know what futures are... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c984aa65').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c984aa65.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c984aa65").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Sports are big business. And I'm not just talking professional sports. It's also college sports. And when teams lose, someone has to take the blame. Yesterday, the head coach of the New York Liberty was let go, just one season removed from winning the WNBA championship. Her crime was that she didn't win back-to-back titles. The head coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Mike Gundy, also lost his job yesterday. He was in his 21st season. They began the season 1-2. We live in a world where there's only one rule when it comes to sports: win now. I grew up in a world where there was always next year. Today in sports, there may not be a next week... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c984c5ad').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c984c5ad.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c984c5ad").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

In many ways, the workplace is getting very stressful for both management and workers. There's always been some level of stress for all of us, but since COVID-19, thoughts about how we conduct business have changed dramatically on both sides. In recent years, the trend of people quietly quitting has increased. A few months ago, we also discussed quiet cracking. But now we're told there's another process happening in many businesses while new and some. It's called quiet promotions. It's the process of people being given more responsibility without a raise or a title. I know personally, this has been around for a long time... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c984de6e').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c984de6e.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c984de6e").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

As the season starts to shift from summer to fall, many people turn to their favorite fall beverage, the pumpkin spice latte. I enjoy one every now and then. And I started thinking about pumpkins and the potential for prices to increase this year due to factors such as tariffs or a shortage of product. It didn't take long to find out, I know nothing about pumpkins.  The majority that we enjoy, whether in a latte or in a pie, is grown here in America. And the number one state for pumpkin production is the one where I was born. The good news for all of us is that we don't have to worry about a shortage anytime soon... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c984fc53').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c984fc53.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c984fc53").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't know one baseball, football, or basketball fan who doesn't have a favorite sports movie. It could be a classic like The Pride of the Yankees or Brian's Song. Or perhaps you love something more contemporary, like Rudy, or Field of Dreams. There are a couple of sports movies I stop and watch whenever I see them on television. And while they're not the most popular movies about sports, they've always had a significant impact on me. And of course, I also have another one that's kind of a guilty pleasure. It's a film that I probably watch 20 to 30 times a year. And I'm not even a rabid sports fan... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c98518b3').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c98518b3.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c98518b3").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

For the last month, stories of the changes that Cracker Barrel wanted to make have been circling the internet. I understand people being upset. Few people like change. But restaurants change their look and logo all the time. McDonald's changes its look inside and out every decade or two. And IHOP doesn't look anything like it used to. But there's one restaurant in particular that changed long ago, and few people made a big stink about it. That's Pizza Hut. I know many who agree with me that they need to go back to how they looked in the 1980s, back when they had red checkered table cloths and Tiffany lamps... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68d96c98530ed').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68d96c98530ed.modal.secondline-modal-68d96c98530ed").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

For years, I've been hearing that some of our larger coastal cities were sinking. This isn't something that's going to happen in my lifetime. But because of global warming and the sea level rising, cities like Miami, New Orleans, and San Francisco are in danger in the years ahead. But the other day, I read a story that shocked me. And from what I've read, it's shocking the experts too. Researchers found that even though it's on a lake and even though it's relatively inland, Chicago is slowly sinking. Even the waters of Lake Michigan are rising. And these researchers are trying to figure out how to reverse this trend... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68cdc0d3a3f37').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68cdc0d3a3f37.modal.secondline-modal-68cdc0d3a3f37").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Yesterday, I was discussing how cell phones are being banned in schools across America. And recently I thought of another potential ban. Then, less than two weeks later, it looks like a school in Akron, Ohio, is taking the lead. They are instituting a water bottle ban. And I have a feeling they won't be the last. Today, everyone carries around a water bottle, whether it's a Yeti, Stanley, Owala, or some off-brand. One potential problem with these big metal bottles is that they can be used as weapons. And while I carry a big 46-ounce jug, one of my nephews carries one that's even bigger than that...  Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68cdc0d3a5ef4').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68cdc0d3a5ef4.modal.secondline-modal-68cdc0d3a5ef4").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

While I don't have kids, I've often heard the plight of parents trying to figure out the right time to give their child a smartphone. For most, it's usually around the time they go to high school, as the parents want to keep tabs on their children. However, as I discovered while spending time with my nieces and nephews a couple of weekends ago, many districts are banning cellphones in schools. In fact, my nephew, Ty, told me that this year his high school stopped allowing students to carry them during the school day. I know this is a controversial subject for many families. And many people are questioning whether the concerns outweigh the benefits... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68cdc0d3a7f6f').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68cdc0d3a7f6f.modal.secondline-modal-68cdc0d3a7f6f").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Are you lonely? I don't mean this as a joke. It's a serious question. And it's a question that a mental health group recently asked people across America. Here in Tennessee, 14% said they identified that way. I thought that number was kind of low. Come to find out, Tennessee's one of the states where people feel the least isolated. The state with the highest percentage of lonely people is Mississippi. There, 71% of people claimed to feel that way. Sure, we can feel alone at times, but to actually say it in a survey, that's a lot. And it's a scary thought, and something that we seriously need to look into... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68cdc0d3a9afc').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68cdc0d3a9afc.modal.secondline-modal-68cdc0d3a9afc").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

We all have opinions. It doesn't matter what the subject is; when pressed, most people will share their feelings. But in the world of social media, you now have a soapbox to share your opinion anytime you want. We witnessed it this week with the death of political activist Charlie Kirk. But for some, sharing their opinion causes them problems, not only online, but with their employer, and the one thing that many forget is that while it's okay to have opinions, that doesn't mean you need to share them with others. Sometimes, it's best to say nothing at all... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68cdc0d3ab38d').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68cdc0d3ab38d.modal.secondline-modal-68cdc0d3ab38d").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I know I say it all the time, but times have changed. Sure, a lot of it has to do with society, our culture, and even technology. But sometimes it's the simple things. When I was growing up, you could find a few cents in your piggy bank, or grab some change from your parents, and go to the store and buy a candy bar. How simple things were. Of course, in my parents' era, a candy bar was a nickel. In my preteen years, it was a quarter. It's not the same for kids today. Chocolate prices are going up, and Hershey says they could jump anywhere from 50¢ to a dollar. And that would bring the price of a regular candy bar up to almost $2... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68cdc0d3ace5a').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68cdc0d3ace5a.modal.secondline-modal-68cdc0d3ace5a").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I often wonder what percentage of today's kids get braces. If you look closely at my picture, you can see I didn't get them as a kid. My two bottom teeth in the front are crooked, and there's a gap between my top two front teeth. I really don't think that much about it. I'm not that bothered. But something has changed throughout the years, and I noticed it the other night while watching some YouTube videos of some old rock bands. I saw how many of those musicians had bad teeth and needed dental work. Back in those days, most didn't worry about things like teeth. It's much different today... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68cdc0d3aea19').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68cdc0d3aea19.modal.secondline-modal-68cdc0d3aea19").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

If you work in the 9-to-5 world, you likely hear people tossing around buzzwords like office culture and return to office. Every company is still dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's been over three years since many people returned to what some called the new normal. But working from home, which was the norm for a few years, became the preferred way to work for many employees. And while many companies put up with it for a while, they now want business to get back to normal. But what does that mean today? It looks like the divide between management and staff is getting wider every day... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68cdc0d3b0294').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68cdc0d3b0294.modal.secondline-modal-68cdc0d3b0294").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Some are saying that we are experiencing more hatred right now than at any other time in the history of America. I haven't been here for nearly 250 years, but I sometimes wonder if it's true. It's challenging to compare how everyone truly felt during the civil rights era, World War II, or even the Civil War. With yesterday's killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, some say this proves the point. I just look at the calendar and think back 24 years. It was a time when Americans came together. One thing we all can agree on is that these are very depressing times... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68c31ac4e7a02').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68c31ac4e7a02.modal.secondline-modal-68c31ac4e7a02").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

For most of us, things like electricity, water, and gas are some of the most essential things in our lives. Over the last few decades, many of us have added high-speed Internet to that list. We've reached the point where the speed and stability of our connection are most important. With all the devices and all of the streaming we do, we need something dependable and very fast in our neighborhood. We've had a few options over the years. Some are good, some not so much. But for the last few years, there have been rumors that Google Fiber was coming to our neighborhood. And from what I saw yesterday, it looks like they're here... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68c31ac4ea82d').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68c31ac4ea82d.modal.secondline-modal-68c31ac4ea82d").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It's hard to believe that Nashville has been a part of my life for so long. I made my first trip to Nashville about this time, 46 years ago. And I never thought I'd end up here full-time. But soon I'll be looking at 20 years here in the Music City. And while I'm not a lifer, I've seen a lot of change here in the city as it's grown. I spent some of my formative years in Virginia Beach, so I know a little bit about tourist destinations. And that's what I've seen Nashville become. As I drive to work every day, I'm worried about the people visiting our city as they try to step off the curb. It's often hazardous... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68c31ac4ec339').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68c31ac4ec339.modal.secondline-modal-68c31ac4ec339").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't travel as much as I used to. And these days, when I do travel, it's usually for family functions. So, fortunately, there's not a lot of dressing up. But I'm still challenged figuring out what to pack on a regular basis. I've always been envious of my friends who travel for a living, and I have no problem sticking a week's worth of clothing into an overnight bag. That's never been an option for me because of my size. And when the weather starts to turn and the clothes get heavier, my suitcases get larger. We are on the road over the weekend, and it looks like summer weather is fading away because I had to pack for two seasons, and that's not easy to do... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde36ea9b4').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde36ea9b4.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde36ea9b4").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It's the first Sunday of the NFL season, and pretty much like I do every Sunday, I'll have one of my TVs on the NFL Red Zone. But it may be the last time I do it. ESPN has entered into a partnership with the NFL to claim a stake in the NFL Network and its associated properties. And while the ink on the paperwork isn't even dry, ESPN has already announced they're going to be running ads during the Red Zone. I understand advertising pays the bills, but when ESPN already has 35 different channels, can't they keep this one the way it is? The NFL doesn't think this is a big deal, but it will soon find out... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde36ed568').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde36ed568.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde36ed568").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

My wife and I've been together a long time; a little over 30 years at this point. We're coming up on our 28th anniversary. And at this point, there's not much she doesn't know about me or doesn't understand. I like to think it works both ways. Early on, she quickly learned that even though I'm fair-skinned, I often forget sunscreen when I'm in the sun for long periods of time. For years, she's been wanting me to get a floppy hat to wear when we're outdoors in the midday sun. It took a long time, but I'm finally breaking down and doing it. But I never realized how difficult it would be... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde36efc54').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde36efc54.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde36efc54").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

The college football season is just getting started. The NFL begins this weekend. Some say you can feel fall weather in the air. That's just wishful thinking, at least for now. I saw something online the other day that bothered me, and it had nothing to do with politics. It was ESPN predicting the matchups for this year‘s bowl games and 12-team playoff. It came out a day or two after the football season started. Are we this desperate to get people to pay attention to us? Did they write these things just to get us upset? I wish I knew the answer, but it's just silly. And sadly, people are already debating the subject... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde36f27f6').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde36f27f6.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde36f27f6").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

For many of us, times are tight. The cost of everything is going up, but our wages aren't going up at the same rate. Nobody knows how this all plays out, but it's not just affecting people. It's affecting businesses, too. Many of our favorite restaurants have been in the news lately. Naturally, Cracker Barrel comes to mind. But there's been a lot of talk about the success of Chili's over the last couple of years. Many restaurants are responding to our pleas and seeking ways to generate revenue while offering good value. Some restaurants are already making changes; expect many others to follow suit shortly... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3701188').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3701188.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3701188").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

As you know, I spend much of my life online. All of us do. It's hard to believe I've been living online for over 20 years. And the more time that we spend online, the more advanced bad actors become. Because of that, we have to have secure passwords, pass phrases, or passkeys. But wait, there's more. You also need to have two-factor authentication set up for all of your logins, too. Plus, some websites or apps also require verification codes. Now, it's not enough to have just two steps; there has to be a third step. And experts tell us that's still not enough. And you'd better keep your phone handy... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3702eed').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3702eed.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3702eed").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I sometimes think we're a country that's become obsessed with winning and losing. But more importantly, we sometimes get more joy when others lose. I notice this phenomenon frequently in sports and, of course, in politics. Over the weekend, it was the kickoff to the college football season. One team wins, one team loses. However, some fans are already calling for certain coaches to be fired after just one game. And it's all because their team lost. We take these things too personally when, in reality, we have no direct involvement. There have always been fanatics among sports fans, but recently, I feel that more people are becoming too obsessed... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde37058e3').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde37058e3.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde37058e3").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Every now and then, I love a good conspiracy theory. And the ones I love are usually marketing-related. I've long been fascinated with the story of New Coke. Was it all a marketing ploy? Will likely never know. With all the discussion of Cracker Barrel the last few weeks, some are saying this was all a marketing ploy. They had been researching the interior remodel for a long time and were aware of the controversy. However, the sudden change in their new logo raises questions about whether they ever truly intended to alter it in the first place. I'm not sure what to believe, but I am very interested... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde370838c').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde370838c.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde370838c").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'll be the first to admit, I probably watched too much television. I come from the generation that grew up on the boob tube, and of course, having a father who worked in the business for over 25 years, it was an essential part of our lives. Scrolling through the TV guide the other day, I thought of something. With all the cable channels we have, what if there were a rule that said you can only have one channel playing any specific show at a time? Now that we have streaming services, we can binge-watch anything we want, but how many times a day is Law and Order on multiple stations? Sadly, I know the answer... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde370b025').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde370b025.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde370b025").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I had to go out and get license plates for one of my cars yesterday. And every time I do it, it's a challenge. You can apply for your vehicle registration online or by mail. But it's often easier to do it in person. I went to one of the county clerk's satellite offices to obtain my license plate sticker for the upcoming year. And because it was the last weekday of the month, the parking lot was full and the lines were long. But once I parked, I was able to get in and out in just a matter of minutes. Most people don't understand the process. And I don't know why... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde370cfdb').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde370cfdb.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde370cfdb").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Growing up, I excelled in my science classes in school, but I never truly enjoyed them. I could handle the memorization, but I never understood why some people are so concerned with some parts of science. The fascination that some have with dinosaurs and prehistoric times is something I don't understand. Some scientists are suggesting that Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals began interbreeding tens of thousands of years earlier than previously thought. That's fascinating, but does it really matter? While we may learn about what happened in our past, it doesn't necessarily change what's happening in the present... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde370ed21').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde370ed21.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde370ed21").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I hear this all the time, and even say it myself, but we're living in extraordinary times. Now I don't know if this is something that happens as you age, or if things really have gotten weird. And this isn't a rant about politics. It's about clarification. I've noticed a trend on social media recently. Companies, both big and small, are making announcements about internal issues that most people wouldn't know about if they weren't being shared with us. When a problem employee leaves a business, the company goes online to announce that they're no longer associated with the person. Doesn't that breed more curiosity? Perhaps I'm overreacting... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3710384').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3710384.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3710384").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Let's be honest, most of us spend too much time on the Internet and on social media. I know I do. Additionally, my job requires me to spend time on social media. So I'm on a variety of social platforms from sunup to sundown, and often late into the night. And yesterday I witnessed something I've never seen before. I was on Facebook when all of a sudden, everything on the page reset. It was as if someone had hit a big refresh button, and I wasn't even scrolling. I was actually reading something, and then, in a flash, it disappeared, and everything reset. It didn't take long to realize what big news made this happen... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3711b53').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3711b53.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3711b53").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't do much grocery shopping these days. Years ago, I discovered that staying away from the supermarket helps me avoid buying unnecessary things. I don't know how much it's helped my waistline, but that's what I tell myself. My wife went to the store yesterday and let me know we were switching the cut of ground beef we buy. We always opt for the leanest ground beef, because it's just a bit healthier. But when she came home yesterday, she told me we need to make a change. That's because ground beef is now over $10 a pound. And while we can afford it, I'm thankful we don't have a lot of mouths to feed... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3713283').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3713283.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3713283").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

School has begun in many parts of America. Some high schools went back as early as the first of August. And many colleges have also returned. Last week, numerous schools across the country received bomb threats. All were deemed false alarms. These have happened for decades. And more times than not, it's just somebody trying to cause trouble. One of our local schools had a bomb threat on Thursday, and after investigation, it was deemed a false report. But the interesting part is that many of these events, including the one here in Nashville, were called coordinated threats... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3714890').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3714890.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3714890").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I've long been fascinated with new technology. While I understand the fear that some people feel when accepting something new, I wonder why we tend to embrace everything the way it's always been. Take reading, for example. For so long, we read things like newspapers and books. It didn't matter if those books were hard or soft-bound; they were familiar. It's the same thing with newspapers. But now, thanks to technology, we can do all those things with a tool like an e-reader or Kindle. I think I got my first Kindle over 15 years ago, and it still surprises me why some people still resist the convenience... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3715f61').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3715f61.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3715f61").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I know that I've said this before, but I love brunch. It's the best of two worlds: breakfast and lunch. I've never understood why brunch is better than breakfast, but it's a whole different feeling, and it's just due to the time you eat. Decades ago, there were always one or two big downtown hotels that served a brunch buffet on the weekend. And it didn't just happen in major cities. Cities of all sizes always had one or two swanky hotels that were known for this extravagance. I haven't experienced one in years, but for those towns that still offer the experience, they may not for much longer...

It's been all over the Internet for a few days and even made the national news. Cracker Barrel has decided to change its decor as well as its logo. Gone is the old man sitting next to the barrel, and they even changed the shape of the logo, too. People are upset. But these changes have been coming for a long time. Cracker Barrel is struggling. Their clientele is getting older, and the folksy restaurant with the big old gift shop doesn't appeal to young people. They've spent the last few years trying to figure out what they need to change. While decor and a logo are a place to start, there's something else they need to do... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde37175d5').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde37175d5.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde37175d5").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I didn't learn this until the other day, but bananas are the most popular fruit worldwide. In America, they're neck and neck with apples. I like them, but I don't enjoy eating them by hand. I prefer them sliced on top of cereal, baked into bread, or paired with ice cream, lots of sauce, and whipped cream. They're one of the most affordable fruits. But growers tell us we should be preparing for a banana shortage. Climate change is partly to blame. They're only grown in certain parts of the world, and 80% of them come from just two regions in Latin America. We don't need to panic yet, but many are concerned... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3718eb0').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3718eb0.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3718eb0").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I know I sometimes talk too much about my first-world problems. Yesterday, I was complaining about smelly dumpsters. Today, I'm talking about something that goes hand-in-hand with those dumpsters; that's cement mixers and dump trucks. I've complained about dump trucks before, about my frustration with their signs telling you to stay back 200 feet. Due to the constant construction, there are a lot of cement trucks in Nashville. And this isn't just a Nashville problem. It happens no matter where there's construction. Cement mixers don't move quickly and often have trouble staying in their lane... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde371a875').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde371a875.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde371a875").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Nashville is a town that's always under construction. Not only are we building more houses, condos, and apartments, we're also building more restaurants, hotels, and high-rises. And with all this construction comes a constant rumble of dump trucks and trucks carrying dumpsters. I drive to work using city streets, and I frequently find myself behind trucks carrying these dumpsters to the city dump. And while they usually have business materials in them, they still stink. The smell is awful.  I would think they wash them out, but it sure doesn't smell that way... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde371c49f').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde371c49f.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde371c49f").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'm not exaggerating, but it seems the whole world is obsessed with pickles right now. Walking through the grocery store, I see more pickle-flavored products than ever before. Fast food restaurants like Sonic currently have limited-time-only burgers, tots, and drinks that are pickle-flavored. For me, pickles are something I throw on a burger or eat alongside a sandwich. But I don't feel the need to have everything pickle-flavored. Like many trends, this could come and go. But I get the sense that this one could last for a while. At this point, it's hard to say. But one thing's for sure, everybody's thinking about pickles these days... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde371e4b6').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde371e4b6.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde371e4b6").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

If you're like me, you check your email multiple times per day. In a perfect world, we'd only get messages that we want. But a lot of our mailbox is now filled with junk mail and marketing messages. I'm pretty selective about who I share my email address with. So I'm usually interested when one of these stores sends me an email. But I've noticed a recent trend. One of my favorite clothing stores will email me to tell me that something I looked at previously is now on sale. But when I click on it to buy, they don't have it in my size. They know my size, so you would think they'd get it right... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde371fa86').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde371fa86.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde371fa86").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Through the years, I've had the good fortune to eat at some fantastic restaurants throughout America. And while they were great meals, some even memorable, most were just expensive. But there's one memory in life that stays with me, and that was eating dinner at one of those inexpensive steakhouses back in the day. And it wasn't because the steak was that good, it was that all you can eat salad bar, and those big fat yeast rolls. In my younger days, when I barely had enough money to get through the month, it was always exciting when I could go out for one of those big dinners. Looking back, they weren't that big, but the yeast rolls made it all worthwhile... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde372135d').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde372135d.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde372135d").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'm an emotional person. I have always been good or bad. I wear my heart on my sleeve. And while there are times, I wish I didn't show any reaction, it's just not who I am. People who know me and love me say it's one of my better qualities. I'm sure others disagree. We live in a world where people don't ever want you to see their emotions, at least the real ones. But when it comes to pure emotion, there's nothing truer, more real, and more honest than the Little League World Series. You don't have to be a sports fan to appreciate what happens in front of our eyes... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3722b58').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3722b58.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3722b58").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

We get a lot of severe weather in Nashville. Many experts say that it has to do with our climate and where we're situated amongst the states. And as climate change affects us all, these storms seem to be getting worse. We rarely get simple rain showers; we get severe ones filled with thunder and lightning. And many of them happen overnight. We had some severe weather the other night, and at about 2 o'clock in the morning, something, perhaps lightning, hit a nearby power pole. We lost power. And obviously, this wasn't a quick fix for the power company, because we were without electricity for eight hours... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde37240a7').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde37240a7.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde37240a7").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I truly marvel at all of the changes that have happened throughout my lifetime. I'm not just talking about a man going to the moon, I'm talking about technology. Advancements like our smartphones and the Internet have significantly impacted our lives. It's hard to imagine the time before the Internet. Kids today don't know what life was like before the Internet. A small part of the Internet is going away, specifically the one that once helped get us onto the Internet. AOL announced it's dropping dial-up modem service at the end of September. Most of us haven't used dial-up modems since the early 2000s. Getting on the World Wide Web in the 90s was a unique experience... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde372566e').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde372566e.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde372566e").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Two businesses that consistently thrive, regardless of the economy, are convenience stores and fast food restaurants. But recently, both of those types of businesses are struggling. Experts say one reason is that people aren't drinking as much soda anymore. Both make a lot of money from their soda fountains. That's why you could always get free refills and jumbo sizes for low prices. But some stores and restaurants in the Midwest are trying to combat that, but it's a secret. They're pouring what's called heavy soda. And while you think most people would promote the fact they're doing this, it's often a well-kept secret... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-68bfde3726cae').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68bfde3726cae.modal.secondline-modal-68bfde3726cae").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });