Not every life event deserves a party
“It’s a man.” It is a story my mom loved to tell. She already had two boys, and I was going to be her last, and she was hoping for a girl. So she jokingly told the doctor not to tell her it was a boy.... more
Not crying was simply not an option
I told myself I wasn’t going to cry. Not only that, I wasn’t going to even tear up. Now, I am not one of those “men” who never cry. I actually think never showing emotion is trying to stifle your humanity. We all need a good cry every now and then – and not just at those gut wrenching abandoned animal commercials.... more
It is not a conspiracy - it's math
Well, I am 57 and have still never used algebra. In fact, I don’t use much aside from basic math – addition, subtraction, multiplication – in my daily life. And then not every day or even every week. OK, I do count calories, but that seems to be nothing but addition these days.... more
Society is moving away from formal dress at a quick pace
I had to get a suit. It’s not that I didn’t have a suit already. Actually, I had a couple of very nice suits I bought when I had a corporate newspaper job in the Chicago area. They were not cheap. Sadly, they also didn’t fit.... more
We're No. 1! Well, not exactly
One thing I have done a lot of during this pandemic – besides eat, obviously – is read. I am always reading at least one book. I also read a couple of online magazines faithfully. I also daily read news from the Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and even check out Forbes.... more
I will use my powers for good
That was fast. On the day that my column came out – July 13 – the Washington professional football team announced that it will be changing its name. Coincidence? I don’t think so!... more
More bad answers to your questions
This has been a strange time, that is certain. We are stuck with our family members way more than any sane person should be, so conflicts are sure to arise. That means there are question. I can tell, because my “Ask Brad” inbox has been overflowing. So, I think I should dig into them and dish out some advice that only a crazy person would follow.... more
'Live PD' shows the best, and the worst
I love the TV show “Cops.” It is an adrenaline rush of a show, and one that highlights some of the best police officers and some of the dumbest criminals on the planet.... more