The Mason Minute

Sometimes you make plans and then don't follow through. Yesterday, I had the best of intentions. We've been out of town Friday and Saturday, and I knew I had some errands to run. But when I woke up Sunday morning, my body said, "Don't even bother." I knew I could put the errands off for a day or two, and I'm glad I did. We've been on the road a lot the last few months, watching a couple of our nephews play football. It keeps us busy on the weekends, and we're always trying to catch up on rest. As I've learned through the years, you can only burn the candle at both ends for so long. Yesterday, my body told me one thing: rest... 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-68fffd0175976').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd0175976.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd0175976").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

One of the joys of being a kid is when a carnival shows up in the parking lot of a nearby shopping center. The rides, the games, the noise, for youngsters. It's a lot of fun, and you usually never know when it's coming. But often, in the spring or the summer, a small carnival will appear in a shopping center nearby. But I saw something the other day that surprised me. Driving down the road a few miles from our house, I saw the lights of a Ferris wheel, and as we got closer, I could hear the music blaring. I've never seen one in October, and while it's not cold during the daytime, after school hours, it can be chilly... 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-68fffd017c1b9').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd017c1b9.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd017c1b9").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

We're less than a week away from Halloween, and that's a big night for both children and adults. The kids go for the candy, and the adults go for the party with the wild costumes. I've never been a big fan of Halloween, and that goes back to my younger days when we all wore those costumes you bought at Kmart or even the grocery store. You know the ones with the mask that had the elastic string that went around the back of your head. I didn't like the masks because I wore glasses, and that didn't make things fun. Today, it's big business with those Spirit Halloween stores popping up nearly every block... 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-68fffd0182693').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd0182693.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd0182693").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Can we ever make enough money? This is a rhetorical question. I'm trying to follow this gambling scandal currently unfolding in the NBA. And what confuses me is why millionaires need to make more money by breaking the law. Rich athletes, musicians, tech titans, and politicians do stupid things all the time. Yet they have money to avoid getting in trouble. And I'm talking about avoiding the problem in the first place. We all want to live comfortably. But by the time you become a billionaire, how much more comfortable can you get? Again, another rhetorical question... 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-68fffd01883cc').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01883cc.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01883cc").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't know if you have the same problem, but whenever somebody tells you to relax, you automatically tense up. I'm not the most chill person. And just asking me to do it makes things even worse. I automatically tense up. Some people can do it better than others, but it's never been one of my strong suits. Back in my younger days, when they were getting ready to drill on my teeth, my dentist would tell me to relax. It wouldn't hurt. It did. The other day, my wife and I went to get our flu shots. The first thing the nurse did was tell me to relax. It didn't work. I wish you knew how to do it, but relaxing is one thing I've never been good at... 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-68fffd018eb9d').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd018eb9d.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd018eb9d").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Are you familiar with the concept of dynamic pricing? It's how airlines, hotels, and even gas stations operate. They determine the price based on market conditions. Availability, or lack thereof, plays a significant factor. And while I understand the concept, it doesn't make the experience of booking a plane ticket or a hotel room any easier. Hotel pricing is exceptionally frustrating because it can change on the hour, or even within a single mouse click. Sure, there are lots of apps that say they can help you find the best price, but you could spend hours trying to save a dollar or two... 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-68fffd0192f5e').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd0192f5e.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd0192f5e").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

If you spent any time online yesterday, you likely found some of your favorite websites down. There was a major outage with AWS, that's Amazon Web Services. And they host much of the content like video, images, and sound files for sites like Amazon, Snapchat, and Reddit. Plus, they host content for places like CNN Business and Venmo. AWS even hosts the mp3 files for the Mason Minute, even though I don't deal with them directly. For me, it made work tough as I couldn't access many of the websites I need daily. They don't go down often, but when AWS goes down, it's not fun for any of us... 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-68fffd0196a43').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd0196a43.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd0196a43").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

October is always a special month for my family. It starts on the first with my parents' anniversary and then on the 20th, which of course is today, my father's birthday. This year, it's even bigger than most years because my parents celebrated their 65th anniversary, and today, my father celebrates his 90th birthday. I joke that I've known him since he was 25. And that's hard for me to fathom. I can't imagine what it's like for him to think about all those years. It's a fantastic accomplishment for anyone. And this one's hitting me a little bit hard. Because it reminds me how long I've been around on this earth as well... 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-68fffd019cec8').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd019cec8.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd019cec8").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

One of my favorite parts of the weekend is enjoying a good meal. Not that we don't eat well at home during the week, but I do love dining out. When we grab a meal, it can be something simple or fancy. These days, it's usually something simple. I'm looking for something tasty, quick, and inexpensive. And things like that are harder to find today. It's especially tough when you're on the road. During football season, we spent a lot of time traveling to watch our nephews play football. And your options are often minimal when traveling. I miss the days of the family-style restaurant. They're few and far between... 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-68fffd01a12ac').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01a12ac.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01a12ac").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I have a decent pain threshold, or I think I do. But there's one pain in general that, while not debilitating, is one of the nastiest and annoying pains. That pain is from paper cuts. I've had recurring back pain for decades, and you can't compare the two. Back pain is a nagging pain that comes and goes. But paper cuts are a stinging pain that may only last for a few hours or a few days. But when you have one, you often lose focus, or at least I do. You can treat it with an ointment and cover it with a bandage, but it's still there and still stings. And I honestly don't understand why something so minor hurts so much... 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-68fffd01a56e3').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01a56e3.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01a56e3").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Have you ever heard of the lipstick index? It's a term economists use to gauge whether we're on the way to a recession. They base it on the idea that people buy certain items in advance, in bulk, when the economy starts to go south. For women, things like lipstick, eye shadow, and most makeup in general. There are other indicators, too. We talked about one a few weeks ago. It's when certain food items like Hamburger Helper see a sales increase. Numerous factors fall into this lipstick index. I always knew that there were items that the experts watched. But I never knew lipstick was one of them... 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-68fffd01ab2b3').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01ab2b3.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01ab2b3").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I talked about this a few months back. Researchers in North Carolina are looking at changing the traffic lights we encounter every day. For as long as I've been driving, the overwhelming majority of traffic signals have had red, yellow, and green lights. But these researchers are working on adding a fourth light to the mix, a white light. No reason for this extra light is to trigger autonomous vehicles. They're preparing for the day when there are more driverless vehicles on the road than there are drivers. Testing of this fourth signal is about to begin, and many people are skeptical that it will work the way they want... 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-68fffd01ae0b6').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01ae0b6.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01ae0b6").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I know that Gen Z and younger people prefer text messages. Older folks like me, who don't like them, still prefer email. I stopped counting the number of emails I get per day, but it's usually in the hundreds. If you do any online shopping or ever give a business your email address, you're bound to get lots of email from them. And often you'll see the headline say, "You just visited us —could you please take the time to fill out the survey?" Everybody wants your input. And while there is some value, most people stop filling them out after a while. While I don't mind answering surveys sometimes, I often don't see the point... 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-68fffd01b0f39').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01b0f39.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01b0f39").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

It was only yesterday that the kids were heading back to school. But many are on fall break right now. Some school systems had a break last week, others this week, and the week after. My nephew Ray is on fall break from college this week. And while the rest of his classmates enjoy the entire week at home, he's already back on campus because he's a member of the football team and the football team is getting ready for a big game this weekend. And keep the players occupied. They have practice scheduled all week for eight hours a day. I don't think the pros practice that much during the season... 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-68fffd01b38a1').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01b38a1.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01b38a1").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

When people find out you live in Nashville, the first thing they ask about is our Lower Broadway tourist District, where all the celebrity bars are located. I'm sure this happens to people who live in Las Vegas, New Orleans, or any tourist-driven city. They expect you to know everything that's happening in the tourist hot spots, even though you never spend any time in that part of town. I even found out there's a term for all of the celebrity nightspots we have in Nashville: star bars. Every year, more and more of them open up, and a few even close. At times, it's tough to keep up with all of the celebrity connections... 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-68fffd01b64d1').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01b64d1.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01b64d1").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Sometimes, it's the small things that get under your skin. And while this shouldn't affect my life, it bothers me. I was watching some college football last week and noticed that, with two minutes left in the first half, the referees called the two-minute timeout. And this has been a part of football for decades upon decades. But they never just called it a timeout; they called it the two minute warning. And then later that day, another game, same thing. The next day, watching the NFL, the same thing. Now I understand. It's always been a timeout, but it's always been called the two minute warning. Did I miss the memo? Something has changed... 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-68fffd01b91f1').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01b91f1.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01b91f1").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

At one point in my life, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen. But obviously, I spent too much of it sampling what I was making. But every now and then, I do try to get creative. For a recent office luncheon, I decided to whip up a batch of skillet queso, or, in this case, crockpot queso. I've eaten skillet queso at numerous restaurants throughout the years, and they all have slight variations. But who knew that one restaurant's menu change would get so many people upset? That's right, some people on the internet are currently expressing outrage about warm cheese... 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-68fffd01bbf27').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01bbf27.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01bbf27").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Here in the south, for many, the beverage of choice is sweet tea. But if you're an unsweetened iced tea drinker like me, you're faced with a myriad of options to sweeten your beverage. You can use sugar or products like Sweet'N Low, Equal, Splenda, or Truvia. It's a newer choice made from the stevia plant. But one of those sweeteners may do something more than replace sugar. It can help those suffering from hair loss grow hair. Researchers have found that combining stevia with minoxidil, the hair-loss agent in Rogaine, can improve the hair growth process. Let me try to explain... 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-68fffd01be7bf').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01be7bf.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01be7bf").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Like many people, I enjoy traveling. However, as I have found in recent years, I don't travel as frequently as the young people in our office. Many of them think nothing of traveling to Europe for vacation, or to somewhere warm like Jamaica, Bermuda, or Antigua over our Christmas break. While I've been to most states and traveled across our borders a few times, I still want to see the USA on a greater scale before my time is up. I saw a meme on Facebook the other day that claimed the average American has only visited seven states. I find that hard to believe. Naturally, I decided to do some research... 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-68fffd01c16f9').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01c16f9.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01c16f9").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I've always been a news junkie. I guess I have my father to blame for that. Well, I didn't mind poring through a few newspapers over the weekend, or the daily edition of USA Today, but the Internet changed everything for me. Now I can explore and delve into a vast array of subjects. Some are serious, and some are frivolous. But I've always justified it as a way to talk to anybody about anything. I'm a sucker for health news, so whenever I can read about healthy eating options, I'm all in. Yesterday, a story about cheese caught my eye. And it told me something I've known 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-68fffd01c52fb').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01c52fb.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01c52fb").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't know many people who enjoy shopping at a big box store. Yes, it's convenient, and the prices are great, but the experience can cause significant stress for people. I don't get stressed when visiting a big box store, but at times, I do get a little frustrated. Many busy families are finding one way to go around going to the store. And that's by placing orders online. Then, stores like Walmart have personal shoppers who walk through the stores and fill those online orders. The other night at Walmart, I had my first encounter with multiple personal shoppers. And I have a feeling it's only going to get worse... 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-68fffd01c9e3f').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01c9e3f.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01c9e3f").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

If you've ever spent a great deal of time with teenagers, it's often difficult to get them to talk to you. You'll get the basics, but it's rarely an actual back-and-forth. And when you do have conversations with teenagers, it's often basic stuff: social media, sports, and maybe, where to find the best chicken nuggets. But it's not often that you can sit down with a young person and talk business. Over the weekend, I was chatting with my nephew, Ty, and we were discussing marketing. We discussed his entrepreneurship class and some of the products they're currently selling or hoping to sell... 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-68fffd01cc5fb').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01cc5fb.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01cc5fb").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

When you're a digital pack rat like I am, you never know what kind of old files you're going to find. The other day, I was in my home office looking for something, but I don't even remember what it was, and I came across some old files that included digital videos. I shot them back in 2004/2005 and am amazed at how technology has advanced. I was shooting a new country music singer in my radio station conference room, named Taylor Swift. And all I have are 30-second snippets of her songs. The technology didn't allow us to record anything longer than that. And the internet still couldn't handle anything bigger. We've come a long way in roughly 20 years... 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-68fffd01d0542').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01d0542.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01d0542").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Today we're exploring technology, again. But this time, I'm walking down memory lane. When I looked at the calendar this morning, I realized it was 10-4. You know, like the old CB radio catchphrase, 10-4, good buddy. It's hard to believe the CB radio craze occurred just over 50 years ago. Although it was short-lived, it was remarkable how it took the country by storm. Everybody marveled at the technology. And of course, fast-forward to today, and it seems relatively simple, very outdated, and to some downright silly. Today, we take for granted the ability to communicate with others while driving in a car or a big 18-wheeler... 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-68fffd01d35c7').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01d35c7.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01d35c7").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Many people won't admit it, but they fear technology. Everything's changing at such a rapid clip that many people don't know what to do. And some people can even be considered technophobic. No, technophobia isn't a clinical medical illness, but experts say many suffer from this fear. Two of them are my parents. For as long as I can remember, they've shied away from technology. They don't use the Internet. They don't even have an old-school answering machine. And the only cell phone they have isn't even a smartphone. They only use it for emergency purposes... 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-68fffd01d8325').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01d8325.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01d8325").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Many times, as I'm heading to and from work, I think about how long I've been driving. I recall the things I've seen and the predicaments I've gotten myself into and out of. And I owe it all to my driver's education course in high school. It has been a long time since most schools discontinued driver's ed due to funding issues. While there are private companies that can train you for the road, I'm not sure if the experience is quite the same. The state of Ohio has just announced that anyone under 21 who applies for a license must complete a training course. And while it's the first state to do so, it likely won't be the last... 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-68fffd01dbfca').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-68fffd01dbfca.modal.secondline-modal-68fffd01dbfca").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

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; }); });