A favorite expression in our house is, “We all use math every day.” (It’s from the opening credits of the TV series, Numbers.) Recently, I saw a quote from a newspaper in Missouri that said: “The outdoor pool at the Kirksville Aquatic Center holds about 200,000 gallons of water. “Compare that to the 33.4 million […]

Recently as I sat in my home office working on a project, I heard Mr. Potter offer George Bailey a job. My wife was watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I went out to take a quick look and saw George almost accept Potter’s offer. He thought better of it, however, and called Potter “a scurvy […]

Chicken and White Bean Soup This recipe makes great use of leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken. Serve with some crusty bread and a side salad! Serves 6 Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, cut into 1/4-inch rounds 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, or 1/4 teaspoon dried […]

I am thrilled to announce that Jacqueline Jackson is still alive. She is 94 (I think) and a treasure to this nation and the world. At one time, Jackson had made her book, Turn Not Pale Beloved Snail, available on the Internet for free. Back in 2011, I reviewed the book and told where to […]

We were first introduced to the dashing animated feline Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) in “Shrek 2” all the way back in 2004. The character appeared in two more “Shrek” sequels before headlining his own self-titled movie in 2011. Now comes “The Last Wish,” a sequel that depends on audiences still caring about the character […]

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Don’t you love a vegetable that is both delicious and makes its own baking dish? This feel-good and good-for-you dish is delicious and comforting on a cold winter’s night! Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 (2 1/2 to 3 pound) spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise and seeds removed 3 tablespoons […]

Back in 2009, director James Cameron gave the world “Avatar.” The film about a human going undercover as a member of the Na’vi race on the planet of Pandora only to side with the Na’vi against his greedy fellow humans brought the movie blockbuster to new heights. It was the first movie to gross over […]

If there is such a thing as a handyman gene, mine is recessive. Here is a modest example of my ineptitude, which manifested itself when our neighborhood recently lost power. A couple of years ago, we bought a generator. An electrician modified our electrical panel so the generator could power our house without sending juice […]