P.S. A Column On Things

Start of September 30 Column. More or Less Continuous News Service since 1998

Grandkids: Grandson: Repeating

My grandson has already noticed I repeat my stories, such that when I start one he’s heard before, he says, “I already know that Abba.”

The same goes with grammar and vocabulary. We were talking about Sally Snake and Trip Triceratops (and all his other stuffed animals, all of which get obvious names) and I mentioned they involved alliteration, which I started to describe.

“You’ve told me that 52 times,” he said, with a specificity that I don’t think I deserve and may be an exaggeration.

Regrets? A few Episode 2

There is a regret I am extra-happy about not having: treating people badly. To the best of my recollection, I have only treated one person badly in my entire life, and she recently told me she hadn’t noticed.

And while we’re at it, one small regret I do have is not taking typing in high school. I was “protecting my 4-point,” and the typing teacher was notorious for C and D grades. Since I have typed every day of my adult life, it would be nice if I knew how.

In retrospect, I’m not sure the difference between a 3.97 GPA and a 3.95 would make that much difference. Plus, as an excellent student, I might have been one of those few who got a good grade.

Yes, if that’s my only regret, I am a lucky man.

This and That

Red Rock Cider/LeslieNielson
Nielson made the funniest commercials ever.
…
My UMOC Campaign
How did I spend my time as editor-in-chief of The Tech? One thing I did was for Ugliest Man on Campus.
…
Can You Beat The Internet?
I am sure that, in You Only Live Twice, a Japanese man says to Bond, “It fascinates me the way you westerners wrap your nasal secretions in silk. We use tissues.” Can you find proof?
…
A Day In The Life Of Jerry Wiesner
Want to know what the late MIT president Jerome B. “Jerry” Wiesner did for a living?
…
More Life Lessons
Clark Smith offered more life lessons, which now appear at the bottom of my list. Here’s a sample:
If a headline ends in a question mark, the answer is always “No”
Splitting an infinitive is not a crime
Call your mother

Meme o' The Week: Book Ban Rule

A tip of the PSACOT hat to Steven Vaughn-Williams for his modest proposal in a LinkedIn post.

Where have all the Editors gone?

Where have all the Editors gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the editors gone?
Long time ago.

Guy? Really?

East Bay Times, final home edition, Sept. 21, 2024

 

End of September 30 Column (No. 949

Start of September 23 Column. More or Less Continuous News Service since 1998

Grandkids: Granddaughter: Abba Call

I know this phase will pass, and that in the meantime it is hard on my daughter, but… when my granddaughter either doesn’t feel like getting dressed, eating, or calming down, one pretty much guaranteed solution is a video call with Abba (me, grandfather). She doesn’t usually have much to say; just wants to see me. Still, when we are together in person, she stays on my lap for about 15 seconds or so.

Finishing Up My Birthday

Yesterday was the fifth and final night of the Paul’s Birthday Celebration. It lasts five days to commemorate the time my 16-year-old mom spent in the un-air-conditioned Providence  Hospital between the breaking of her water and my arrival.

The last night was celebrated with the dish Duck/Chicken with Cherries, which combines my two favorite foods. My five-year-old grandson helped make it, and is being introduced to the traditions, including blowing out the candles (again) and reading my life lessons.