Channeling Andy Rooney
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Socrates nailed it when he famously said, “All I know is I know nothing.” I couldn’t agree more. There are bunches of stuff in life I don’t understand.
About LSomerbyCooke
Losing a Childhood Hero — Frank Howard
It’s tough to lose a childhood hero. Perhaps even more so when, in your mind’s eye, they are — or were — viewed as indestructible. To lose a childhood hero is to lose a bit of your childhood itself.
Happiness Is A High School Reunion
A 50-year high school reunion is a magical event for a zillion reasons.
That’s Mighty Neighborly Of You
The value of good neighbors can’t be overstated. They convey the calmness that comes with someone always having your back who also makes your life just a little bit richer.
Missing The Troubadour
More than four decades ago, I was introduced to Jimmy Buffett’s music. I quickly came to understand the appeal of this incredible, timeless storyteller.
Porches and Hummingbirds
Two of my favorite things — porch sittin’ and watching hummingbirds do their thing in the Appalachians …
FL v NC
Picking your Forever Home between FL and NC is challenging … with good reason!
Whataboutism — Personal Integrity Begins With The People
Sadly, it happens in abundance on social media, in politics, and in societal and international conflict — it’s whataboutism, the technique or practice of responding to an accusation or difficult question by making a counteraccusation or raising a different issue.
Let’s Give Procrastination a Break
A task left undone remains undone in two places — at the the task’s actual location and inside your head. Ah, but the sweet art of procrastination comes sooooo naturally!
Happy Wife, Happy Life
Does the secret of a happy marriage remain a secret? Hardly. A Happy Wife certainly helps, but a harmonious relationship is the responsibility of both partners.
And God said, “Let there be condiments.”
Condiments — one of the most important and overlooked issues of our day. Learn one man’s perspective on the topic …
The Relentless March of Time
We don’t consciously noodle on the subject of time because we’re so consumed with living life. However, as time passes, we certainly comprehend what “time marching on” feels like.
Things I’ll Never Master … And That’s Okay
If you’ve always felt you could become a better version of yourself but seem to run smack into a wide assortment of deficiencies, read on …
Different Perspectives
Perspective helps us to understand and consider other positions, beliefs, experiences and viewpoints. This gives us a better understanding and greater empathy. Gaining perspective reduces bias and conflict.
Kids Never Change
Whatever gripes past generations had about kids and young people in general, they’re probably not much different than contemporary adults’ complaints about today’s youth. That’s because nothing really changes.
Handling Stress
Stress has become a catch-all word for anything bad. That’s missing the mark. Stress can arise from positive situations and, if channeled, can even have positive outcomes.
Merry Christmas!
Let’s see if I can paint a quick picture of my Christmas morning …
Lessons Learned From a Novice Blogger
Starting a blog can seem overwhelming and intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. Check out these lessons learned from a novice blogger.
Brothers and Sisters
The bond between a brother and sister is the gift that keeps on giving — one of the strongest connections we make in our lives.
Yet Another Active Shooter in a School
Assault weapons are military-style guns that are built to do the most damage and kill or maim the maximum number of people in the shortest amount of time. The public supports banning assault weapons. Can we get there?
High Country’s Glorious Autumn
The blessings tied to living in the Appalachians are many, but perhaps none rival the change of seasons from summer to fall.
Rules To Live By
If you had a list of rules at the start of your life that would have made a difference in seeking a life well lived, what would be on it?
The Power of Words
Words have immense power — good and bad. Their meaning crystallizes perceptions that shape our beliefs, drive our behavior, and, ultimately, create our world.
Appreciating Appreciation
Appreciation has tremendous power. Being told you’re appreciated is one of the simplest and most uplifting things you can hear.
A Lifetime Love Affair With Libraries
There are many ways to connect people to information in these times. If you don’t include your local library as one of your resources, do yourself a favor and set aside an hour for a visit.
Baseball Is Still #1
“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball.” — James Earl Jones in Field of Dreams.
The Ultimate Personality Tests
Perhaps we should question the validity of psychological assessments. Perhaps whatever you feed your mind, you become? Perhaps you are what you consume?
The Trials and Tribulations of Being a Man
The trials and tribulations of being a man are many. We have some good traits, but come up short in a few areas. “Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame, but I know it’s my own damn fault.” — Jimmy Buffett
The Trials and Tribulations of Being a Woman
The trials and tribulations of being a woman are many, but they’re the better of the sexes. “Changes in latitude. Changes in attitude.” — Jimmy Buffett
Our Link To Paradise Runs Through Puppy Love
Dogs are perhaps God’s greatest gift to us flawed humans. They don’t judge us. They love us no matter what. As Andy Rooney said, “The average dog is a nicer person than the average person … “
Vexing Questions
Life is full of vexing questions. Conundrums that put creative thinking to the test. Take a walk through this list and add some of your own in the Comment section …
Livin’ La Vida Klutsy
Did you once have reflexes, agility and poise, but now find yourself choking on air, tripping over nothing at all, bumping into objects, and dropping things? I’m afraid you may have the klutz gene …
Indications You Just Might Be Getting Old
There are very definitely signs that appear when us guys are getting old. I’m already there, and I felt it was important to document these occurrences for posterity …
The Gospel According To The Internet
Today it seems that there is, more often than not, an agenda behind articles that are emanating from “news” sources. Disinformation thrives and isn’t going away …
Trials, Tribulations & Blessings of Christmas Tree Lights
As grateful as I am that our charmingly decorated Christmas tree is drinking water like a thirsty cow during hot summer months and not dropping any of its needles, a pass by the Fraser Fir this morning hastened a case of the heebie-jeebies …
Steps to Help the World Get Right
Focusing on the journey instead of the destination is the key to finding joy and happiness. A life well-lived is a journey of discovery. Bunches of behaviors on my path have been revealed that I don’t understand, including some that seem just flat-out unacceptable …
The Heart-Hurt of a Friend’s Passing
It has been my good fortune to have a small, close-knit circle of bosom buddies — BFFs who are truly soul mates and confidantes. If not lifelong, then at minimum decades-long chums who want me in their life and vice versa …
Not a Boat Guy
I’ve got a buddy who has always been a water and boat guy. Growing up, he was always on the water. He loved to fish and took every opportunity to do so. As far back as I can remember, he …
What Constitutes Business Success?
I’ve always believed it’s important that those who have had a modicum of career success, regardless of the field, be there for the up-and-coming generation of wage earners, especially soon-to-be and recent college graduates. Providing counsel, being a reference …
The Curse of Good Intentions
Covid time-out should have translated to more opportunities to move forward on at least a few of the many good intentions that seemingly have lived the entirety of their existence on the to-do shelf of my life. Didn’t happen …
Nominee For Persons of the Year — Our Teachers!
If there was ever a group of professionals who deserve our year-round praise, especially during these challenging times, it’s teachers. Our teachers are passionate, caring heroes who set out every day of their professional lives to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge …
Praise For Boys & Girls Clubs
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is an inspiring story of providing hope, opportunity and a commitment to inclusion for young people, building character, and responsible citizens across our country …
Where’s the Refund Line?
I need some quick cash. Major anniversary on the horizon. I’m looking to put my hands on 20 Large. Being strapped for cash for the gift I have in mind, I have put some thought into where I might pull together the funds …
To Succeed in Business, Turn to the Trooper
There is nothing tedious or lackluster about consistency and dependability. A business should do the dull things right time after time so that the extraordinary will not be required too often …
On Editing & Brevity
Write tight and crisp. Be sincere. To condense a page of thought into a single sentence is itself a prized composition …
Why Design Matters
You should see this guy work. It’s inspiring. I’m incredibly jealous of his talent. While I articulate and “connect” with words, he enduringly and quickly bonds with the mind’s eye and …
Character Counts First, Last And Always
Who amongst us doesn’t fall short on the scales of personal makeup, that which shapes us on the inside? Those intangibles judged on an individual’s character-scorecard?
Baseball’s Hall of Fame or Hall of Morality?
The back of a player’s baseball card should be the sole admission ticket to stand with the game’s greatest players, all of whom were flawed in one manner or another …
Inventing Words To Make Your Point And Product
If you’ve spent any time visiting here, you know that I love words. Even made-up words. Truth be told, I wholeheartedly embrace the contrived word, the concocted declaration, the made-up phrase …
You’re On Bobby Flay!
I can see it as clearly as a hot, steamy bowl of consommé. Throwdown. Me versus culinary artist, gourmet chef, restauranteur Robert William “Bobby” Flay …
Get on the Same Page with PR Firms and Creatives
A former work associate of mine called recently and told me about a PR firm that offered to do his business’ advertising creative. It turned out to be ineffective work because …
Underrated Stuff
From my front porch, evidence that spring has sprung is found in every site-line. Flowers budding and daffodils leading the color parade with the first real splash of color. Chipmunks scurrying across the lawn and …
Ranking Your Ideal POTUS
How can America attract good leaders to vie for the most important job in the world? A provocative question, indeed. I can very nearly see you cringe, your left pinky reflexively on the verge of hovering over the Escape key. You’re thinking that …
The Importance of Branding
For those of you who don’t yet quite understand the whole concept of branding, as good a place as any to start is with how the American Marketing Association defines the word …
In Praise of AM Radio
I love AM radio. Always have. Always will. As far back as I can remember, AM radio played a special part in my life. For most of the mid-to-late 1960s, I received a late-night …
Communication Matters & Manners
Undeniably, I’m a prude when it comes to communications. I’m the guy who proofs menus, movie trailers, and instructions. I’m the guy who pictures someone going on a quest to find funny when …
Volunteers Rock!
In no particular order of priority because each is as treasured as the next, my take on the most invaluable and therefore most important groups of people to society are …
The Art and Values of Losing
No one likes to lose. Not exactly a profound declaration, eh? It’s painful. Agonizing, even, especially when there is a lot at stake. The degree to what’s on the line at any point in time, of course, differs from individual to individual …
Virtual Meeting Etiquette Rules
Regardless of location, the world is now accessible in real-time — a virtual rendezvous allows people to share information and data without being physically located together, instantly. Virtual engagement is …
Lists Homage to Le Batard
Lists are fun. Lists are inane. Lists are useful. Lists are meaningless. There are, of course, different kinds of lists. Priority lists. To-Do lists. Brainstorming lists. Project lists. Grocery lists. Wish lists. Honey-do lists. Best-of lists. Bucket lists …
There Is A-Zways Something For Which To Be Thankful
Undeniably, pandemic times reshaped our lives. From the broader realities of lockdowns, sequestering, social distancing, loneliness, anxiety, and being unable to plan ahead, to working and schooling remotely, job losses …
Baseball — Changes for the Game
Purists like myself believe baseball is the ultimate game for many reasons. The perfect symmetry between the lines; the one-on-one battles; a history, nostalgia, statistics and analytics like no other sport; the in-game strategies (the games within the game); the ability to actually converse between pitches and innings; a long 162-game season; picturesque ballparks;
Leading With Grace & Kindness
When in this country did we come to the crossroads that indicated it was okay to burn someone’s house down if we disagreed with what they said or believed in? There have always been the yin and the yang, the dark and the light. But why have seemingly large segments of our society veered away from engaging in civil discourse, which seemed, not that very long ago, a plausible path for creating harmony or, at the very least, a grudging respect for individuals or groups with opposing views?
Welcome
You’ve wandered into the residence of one old country boy’s musings and takes on random topics. Wordsmithing aside, I can’t be much more precise than that. With retirement looming, my best friend and wife of nearly 40 years asked — perhaps uneasily — what I would do when I crossed that finish line?
Covid & Yogi
Yankees legend Yogi Berra passed away in 2015. Amazing clutch Hall of Famer that he was, the great Yankee backstop was almost as well-known as a philosopher — his Berra-isms (colloquial expressions that lack logic) made a special mark. And like most deep thinkers going back through the centuries, his brilliant malapropisms still ring true in today’s challenging COVID world. Here are a few of Yogi’s best … and my thoughts on same:
High Country Life
Living in the Appalachians is a beautiful thing. I appreciate the appeal of warm-weather locales and big-city bustle and amenities. Having been there, done both, there is something matchlessly special about residing in the mountains and sharing these beautiful surroundings with the folks living in these parts.
