January 1990: I flew back home to Minneapolis after attending my father’s funeral in England. As the plane descended over Minneapolis my anxiety level rose, as it always did at this point in my journey back to the USA. Flying doesn’t bother me in the least. It was the thought of being questioned by an… Continue reading When Fear Rules
Month: January 2017
Inauguration Day 2017
Today, Inauguration Day 2017, I did my bit to support artistic expression and local beer. Artistic expression is constitutionally protected speech. Art can express compassion, empathy, inclusiveness, but it can be annoying, uncomfortable, nihilistic. A crucifix immersed in the artist’s urine is not my go-to artistic experience, but neither is mind-numbing kitsch. Many of… Continue reading Inauguration Day 2017
How to Dispose of Unwanted Money
Tomorrow I’ll be stopping at the post office to drop off a box filled with foreign coins and banknotes. Last year, at Newcastle International Airport, I showed my nephews an easier way to dispose of foreign currency. I led them to a big, bubble-shaped currency donation bin, then handed them some UK coins. As you… Continue reading How to Dispose of Unwanted Money
Freakin’ Cheap: Almost-Free Flights
How about an almost-free flight to Tokyo? How about applying for a credit card with a 70,000 airline frequent flyer (FF) mile signup bonus, using the card for three months, then cutting up the card? 70,000 miles can buy a round-trip ticket from Minneapolis to Tokyo. Flying is not always the best way to accumulate… Continue reading Freakin’ Cheap: Almost-Free Flights