I was 18 when I first walked into a newsroom. There was a gritty smell to a newsroom in those days, and if you didn’t witness it then, you’ve missed it. It’s the scent of vats of ink. Enormous rolls of pulpy paper. Burnt coffee in dirty cups. The ghosts…

Ask yourself this: What was stopping them before? — At first, I thought the news that men are lining up for vasectomies was a good sign. And then I realized the truth. These men could have gotten a vasectomy at any time, but they did not see a need until Roe was overturned. Let’s break this down. As I’ve…

I can now answer the question, “What will three months of consistent posting to Medium get you?” — When I started this journey in March, I wanted to reach the $100-per-month-club in three months. I probably would have, but I took time off in April after a loss. As a result, it actually took me four months to reach my goal. But in June, 75 percent of my…

The experts are getting closer to being right about breastfeeding, but business, culture, and government are still way off — I welcome the updated recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, but they are tens of thousands of years late in one way and a couple of years short in another. The AAP has just made news by recommending two years of breastfeeding. …

Here’s what you need to know. (Please don’t pay a scammer for this information!) — I’ve made a living as a writer of one kind or another for most of my life, and I know things. I could, naturally, sell a course for $900 (special introductory price of only $99.99 if you act now!) …

Take a look at what’s moved into your strip malls — There are some businesses that everybody welcomes to town because they just make life better. Everybody loves it when a good restaurant comes to town, or a unique boutique. Independent coffee shops and bookstores add character. What makes the ideal small town? The ideal small town, in my view, has enough businesses to serve your ordinary…

Yes, it’s possible to change hearts and minds — I’ve heard it said that nobody ever changed their mind about abortion by arguing on Facebook. But I did, and it happened because some people made some damned good points. Shades of gray Ultimately, I changed my mind when I stopped seeing black and white and began seeing gray. Shades of gray are…

Most things are not in your hands, and making good choices is not enough — America is built on the premise of promise: You are an individual and how your life goes is in your hands. It sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Work hard, make good choices and you can achieve The American Dream. I’m comfortable with my side of that deal, but the country…

Burgoo is the best thing you’ve never heard of — I grew up in Concord, Illinois, a town of 200 back then and even fewer now. But one day a year, we drew thousands of people to the Concord Burgoo. Burgoo is a stew, but it was also a festival. …