Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies

| April 8, 2013

The free world lost a great leader today — the Iron Lady; the 87 year old late 20th century UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died after suffering complications due to a stroke according to news sources early this morning. She was the necessary right hand and closely aligned friend to U.S. leaders assisting to bring [...]

It feels awkward returning to normal after mom’s death

| December 21, 2012

It has been a quick couple of days for my dad, brother and me in finalizing the desires of my mom for her funeral. She was organized and detailed right to the end and it was probably a good thing because she was leaving this planning behind to three “men.” We did our best mom [...]

My mom’s struggle is over

| December 17, 2012

I’m sending a quick personal post from my phone to update those who have politely sent messages concerning my mom. I wanted to update that she passed away peacefully this morning — 12/17. My brother and I will be with my Dad to finalize the funeral plans at Cromes Funeral Home in Sidney Ohio. Thanks [...]

Obituary: We lost one of our best in Neil Armstrong

| August 26, 2012

Neil Armstrong  was not only the first astronaut to walk on the moon, but a brilliant science minded and steely-nerved pilot who’s skills were the envy of his peers … as well as this small town Ohio boy. He grew up in Wapakoneta, Ohio, went to Purdue University in Indiana, flew 78 combat missions in the [...]

Obituary: Andy Griffith passed away at 86 years old

| July 3, 2012

I was sad to hear of the death of Andy Griffith this morning. He will always be the iconic sheriff of Mayberry and for many exemplified what small town America and what the “folks” were suppose to be like … at least before the late 60s and70s. In my opinion, his acting in recent roles [...]

Andrew Breitbart, Publisher and Author, Dead – ABC News

| March 1, 2012

Another notable has died way too young. Let’s hope those on the “radical left” don’t go overboard with their glee. Andrew Breitbart, the noted Internet publisher and author, has died, according to a source at Big Journalism. He was 43. A statement posted on his website said that Breitbart died “unexpectedly from natural causes” this [...]

Obituary: Davy Jones dies of a heart attack at age 66

| February 29, 2012

  Although I count myself as “too young” to have enjoyed The Monkees when they made their 1966 debut, I do remember visiting my older cousin’s house (obviously female) and seeing a Davy Jones poster on her wall. His heart attack came way too soon with all the medical advancements available nowadays (1945 – 2012). [...]

Christopher Hitchens dies at 62

| December 16, 2011

Christopher Hitchens, the author, essayist and polemicist who waged verbal and occasional physical battle on behalf of causes left and right and wrote the provocative best-seller “God is Not Great,” died Thursday night after a long battle with cancer. He was 62. more at WSJ.com.

Remembering Veterans and the recent passing of Andy Rooney

| November 13, 2011

A long time CBS journalist and 60 Minutes commentator Andy Rooney died this week after an iconic career in both reporting and “curmudgeon” commentary, or at least that’s the word I’ve heard bantered around this week. He commented after his last appearance that he was “lucky” in his career … and having noted that he [...]

Cardinals beat Rangers in World Series game 6

| October 28, 2011

Although I missed the first two World Series games, I’ve enjoyed the last several games and game 6 was no exception. The St. Louis Cardinals started strong, then faltered … then came back to stay alive and win. In the end the back and forth ties eventually saw the strong St. Louis bats win out [...]

Taking count of my Apple life after the passing of Steve Jobs

| October 6, 2011

   I’ve been thinking about the passing of Steve Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) and realized that there wasn’t enough time to include all I wanted over a lunch hour. First, his innovative vision, business savvy and keen sense of “what customers wanted” have earned him a place in my list of [...]

Obituary: Steven “Steve” W. Weadock

| July 4, 2011

I was sad to hear of the passing of one of my high school teachers, Steve W. Weadock, 10/23/1948-06/21/2011. According to my mom, he had been battling cancer and I knew that his prognosis wasn’t all that promising. Mr. Weadock was an attentive and caring teacher at a time of college preparation and helpful to [...]

Obituary: John M. Goloback (1924–2011)

| June 7, 2011

I debate including obituaries of people I know, but after remembering the 67th anniversary of D-Day yesterday, it seems appropriate to recognize the life of John M. Goloback. Brenda and I want to offer our condolences to Mark and his family on the passing of their father … and I wanted to share the life [...]

CNBC anchor Mark Haines dies at age 65

| May 25, 2011

Although I’ve never been a big Mark Haines fan, he was part of my routine for the 22 years he was on as on CNBC as one of the founding faces. I saw him the way many watchers and coworkers did, as a “crusty curmudgeon” on Squawkbox. I  would often catch myself “squawking” back at [...]

Geraldine Ferraro succumbs to blood cancer at age 75

| March 26, 2011

After 13 years battling blood cancer, the “political trailblazer” Geraldine Ferraro past away today at age 75. She was best known for breaking the glass ceiling in presidential politics after being selected as a vice presidential running mate in 1984 by Walter Mondale. After losing to the incumbent, then President Ronald Reagan, she continued to [...]

Obituary: WWII hero Major Dick Winters 1/21/1918-1/2/2011

| January 10, 2011

My son’s hero, as well as one of America’s WWII heroes, Major Richard ‘Dick’ Winters died this past week after battling Parkinson’s Disease for the past few years. He was 92 and is well respected for his bravery and leadership during World War II. Most of us learned of his service in the book and [...]

Hall of Fame Bob Feller Dies at age 92

| December 16, 2010

  One of my all time favorite baseball players and Cleveland Indian star, Bob Feller died on Wednesday night. We had the opportunity to meet and talk with Mr. Feller back when my son played youth baseball and appreciated his signing my son’s ball glove and a photo. He was a remarkably healthy senior well [...]

We Will Always Remember – 9/11/2001 8:46 AM

| September 11, 2010

How low will a political candidate go to attack Sarah Palin?

| August 11, 2010

According to a friend who lives in New Hampshire, at least one political candidate seems willing to go pretty low – link. In a Facebook post (below) which referenced the airplane crash in Alaska which took the life of long time Senator Ted Stevens, New Hampshire Democratic candidate Keith David Halloran posted, "Just wish Sarah [...]

Obituary: Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan Biden

| January 8, 2010

Condolences to Vice President Biden and his family. January 8, 2010 Statement from Vice President Joe Biden “My mother, Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan Biden, passed away peacefully today at our home in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and many loved ones. At 92, she was the center of our family [...]

End of the rainbow for Bengals receiver Chris Henry

| December 17, 2009

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry at age 26 died Thursday morning in Charlotte, North Carolina from injuries he sustained falling on Wednesday from a moving truck. He was hospitalized and died at 6:36 a.m. after being on life support. According to reports, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers responded to a call shortly after noon on [...]

A week of celebrity deaths leaves me in a green mood

| June 26, 2009

It has been a week of celebrity deaths. I probably wouldn’t have mention them if it were only one or an expected passing — Ed McMahon or Farrah Fawcett … but with yesterday afternoon’s surprising cardiac arrest of Michael Jackson it is on my mind (and the TV cable news).

Heaven bound: Lois R. Servence left for Home

| March 8, 2009

Although her life was full and death was peaceful, it is difficult for me to say an earthly goodbye to my wonderful Aunt Lois. She was my closest aunt (my mother’s only sister) and growing up we were always together with her and her family. My brother and I were practically best friends with her [...]

Sentimental reading: RIP William F. Buckley, Jr.

| March 15, 2008

When I heard about the passing of renown conservative William F. Buckley, Jr. on February 27th 2008, I started to reminisce about the impact he had on my life. I am able to put a finger on a few people who have played a significant role in developing my personality, my interests, my views and [...]

Airplane crash kills 4, including my friend John

| January 13, 2008

It has a been a challenging weekend as I’ve just heard that a good friend John McCarter, his wife, and two friends lost their lives in an airplane accident probably on their way to lunch near Lake Erie. (something he would regularly do) In talking with John over the past few weeks, he was excited [...]

Steve Irwin: living and dying with nature

| September 4, 2006

Naturalist and noted Australian naturalist Steve Irwin, known to most as “TV’s khaki-clad Crocodile Hunter” was killed while filming a new documentary Monday. He was known to push the limits of how close to come to some of the world’s most deadly animals. Irwin’s unfortunate accident came while diving off a reef in northern Queensland, [...]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.