The first newspaper headline I saw this morning tells me a person drove from Las Vegas to New York City over the weekend. Last evening, he double-parked his vehicle in front of a well-known city skyscraper, entered the building, and killed 4 people and himself, using a legal assault-style rifle.

What in the world compels someone to do that? What possible reason propels a man to deliberately kill people he doesn’t know, perhaps in a fit of rage? What was he thinking as he drove hundreds of miles to the office building with that one horrible plan in mind? We’ll never know.

One of my dear friends passed away in 2021. She was a remarkable individual in every way, and her passing left me reeling.

Her brother called me a short time ago to tell me he’s been trying to locate me to send me something that my friend had left to me in her will. I am speechless over this, however, knowing her as I do, I shouldn’t be surprised. I haven’t a clue what she would leave to me; I do know that whatever it is, I’ll cherish it.

A few weeks ago, the US Navy Blue Angels flew past Orange Beach, Alabama, on their way back to Pensacola, Florida, for the first time in their F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft. In 1946, the Blue Angels participated in flight demonstrations around the world, setting new aviation standards.

I’ve been fortunate to see the team at practice sessions in Pensacola; these aircraft scream overhead, right in front of our bleacher seats. I can’t wait for their 2025 season and the transition to the new aircraft. That always gives new meaning to the phrase “up close and personal.”

In a nationally respected newspaper, today, I read that a top political operative used the words: “snarking and barking” to a large crowd recently. In today’s political arena, people tend to say whatever they like, to anyone, anywhere. I’m just old enough to value the benefits of civility; it’s unthinkable to me that I’d use these two words in any conversation. In today’s digital world, anything a person says is memorialized forever. I wonder if the person who used these words in conversation will live to be proud of what they said and did. Somehow, I don’t think so.

Once again, I have found a vintage (maybe 1950 or so) advertisement that really sends a clear message. If you are looking for refreshment, how can you lose with a product that guarantees “a Fistful of Flavor”. Too bad it’s only available in New York.

A well-known company that rates just about everything just announced a pencil as being the “Cadillac” of pencils. Who knew?

I’ve used Blackwing pencils for many years. Over time, the manufacturer has evolved, and vintage pencils now fetch high prices on eBay. I treasure my collection of around 25 vintage pencils, as well as a few newer ones. Many famous writers, such as Stephen King, use these pencils, so I feel like I’m in great company. Even though I can’t afford the car, these pencils truly bring me happiness.

One of my favorite things to discover is vintage magazine ads. I came across this great ad in the December 19, 1942, issue of The New Yorker Magazine. Since I was born on December 17th, I can imagine she was enjoying more than a few cigarettes that day. I suppose I was quite good at crying during those first days, so I certainly don’t hold it against her for promoting “the best in smoking pleasure.”

Learning about Anne Burrell’s passing and the circumstances around it is genuinely upsetting. Many of us have loved watching her grow through her cooking shows, where she shared her humor, talent, and warmth. I find it hard to understand why there’s so much curiosity about her cause of death—it’s really a personal matter. The media should honor her privacy and allow us all some space and peace during this tough time.