retirement-new journey-

No More Rat Race, but Less Cheese

I’m not a financial advisor, and I have no line of products to sell. What I am is an aspiring writer of articles, short stories, and website copy- who is also on a retirement journey.

Retirement came upon me much sooner than expected, thanks to the pandemic shutdowns. Writing about my new experiences then helped to center me, and it still does. My musings are varied- topics that interest me, travels that I take, responses to the world’s happenings. But everything is written in the hope that readers find something that resonates, gives insight, or even provides a laugh.

Please feel free to send comments, suggestions, or tips about your own retirement discoveries to the above email contact. Or use the comment box at the end of each blog. Retirement time can be a large portion of a person’s life. It is much too important to waste, and is much better when shared.

From Counterculture to Commerce: How 4/20 Was Monetized
If you don’t believe that US companies can monetize anything, take pot smokers’ unofficial holiday of 4/20. Marijuana’s high holiday reportedly began in the 1970’s with some high school buddies from San Rafael High School in CA’s Marin County. “The Waldos”- as they called themselves- would meet after classes at 4:20pm by the school statue … Continue reading “From Counterculture to Commerce: How 4/20 Was Monetized”
First Europe. Then What’s Next?
Europe May Be Closer to Fuel Disruption Than Many Realize. According to the International Energy Agency, Europe has as little as 6 weeks of jet fuel left if supplies remain restricted. The IEA- responsible for energy policy, security, and sustainability for its 32 member countries of North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific- has sounded … Continue reading “First Europe. Then What’s Next?”
Consumers Don’t Trust AI- So Why Are They Letting It Shop For Them?
Many people will tell you they trust people more than AI. In fact, a third of consumers polled said they are less likely to choose a brand if they know their online ads were AI-generated. They prefer AI in behind-the-scenes uses such as fraud detection, speedier processing, tailored emails or improved results. But watching consumers … Continue reading “Consumers Don’t Trust AI- So Why Are They Letting It Shop For Them?”
“Be Kind- Rewind”
If you remember this phrase from the era of VHS movies- you were definitely a Blockbuster Video customer. During its heyday in the 90’s and early 2000’s, this retailer operated over 9,000 stores, and had about 60 million registered customers worldwide. Blockbuster customers did not passively and instantly stream their viewing like today. Members signed … Continue reading ““Be Kind- Rewind””
Protecting Federal Elections by Restricting Eligible Voters?
Your senior neighbor goes to the local polling place to vote in the federal election, as she has proudly done for many years. She shows her driver’s license, and is shocked to find that it is no longer an acceptable form of ID for her to vote. If the current version of the Save America … Continue reading “Protecting Federal Elections by Restricting Eligible Voters?”
Is ICE Coming to Your Neighborhood?
With ICE (U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement) offices opening in multiple places across the U.S., it’s worth paying attention to what’s already happened in places like Minneapolis–St. Paul. There, increased ICE presence didn’t appear overnight — it started gradually with expanded presence, broader enforcement, and normalizing fear. What began there locally is now repeating nationally. … Continue reading “Is ICE Coming to Your Neighborhood?”
The Aloha Spirit of Duke Kahanamoku
Kuhio Beach Jan 2026 The aloha spirit of kindness and connection was in evidence in a tragic event on June 15, 1925. That day, the beach at Newport Beach CA was the scene of a tragic boating accident. A fishing vessel capsized while trying to enter the city’s harbor in heavy surf. According to the … Continue reading “The Aloha Spirit of Duke Kahanamoku”
Who Counts as a Real American?
Senator Bernie Moreno of OH has proposed an “Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025”– a bill that would require all current dual citizens to choose within one year which citizenship they want to hold. Those who fail to pick will be deemed to have voluntarily relinquished US citizenship. Millions of Americans- both naturalized citizens and U.S.born … Continue reading “Who Counts as a Real American?”
Seeing Life from Another Side
Starting a new year always causes me to become introspective. This past year in particular was heavy- marked with deepening political divisions, and repeated acts of violence. There was a massacre at the Annunciation Catholic School church attack in Minneapolis, the killings of 2 young Israeli staff members at a DC museum, the fatalities of … Continue reading “Seeing Life from Another Side”
War Without Rules? Why ROE & the Geneva Conventions Still Matter
Photo by Terrance Barksdale There are recent reports of the US military’s follow-on military strikes against boats in the Caribbean that are alleged to be involved in narcotics trafficking. These operations have sparked fierce debate. What rules should govern the use of force in any military operations? What are the international laws, rules of engagement … Continue reading “War Without Rules? Why ROE & the Geneva Conventions Still Matter”