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The DUMB Approach to New Year’s Resolutions
IntroductionWell, it’s that time of year again, when people start sentences with “it’s that time of year again.” What’s worse, it’s the time for countless articles about New Year’s Resolutions, and why...
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COVID-19: Helping Teens Cope
IntroductionObviously the COVID-19 pandemic is a grind for everyone. It’s tempting to think teenagers have it easier since they’re invincible, invulnerable, and impervious to disease, or at least think...
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From the Archives - Bits & Bobs Volume II
IntroductionIt’s another slow news day. So, taking a cue from Can’t and Won’t, a collection of very short stories, essays, letters, and recounted dreams from Lydia Davis (click here for details), I’m...
View ArticleThe Pros & Cons of Co-Sleeping
vlogI’m told by an expert blogger that most readers are scared off by large amounts of text (even if these people read thousands of words per day on Twitter). Meanwhile, I refuse to partake in...
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Never Discuss Politics
IntroductionThe frank discussion of politics among a governed people is absolutely crucial to preserving democracy.Bullshit. I didn’t mean a word of that … I think it’s a grand sentiment but...
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Race Report - 2022 Fort Ord CCCX XC MTB
IntroductionLast year I started a new tradition—the Non-Race Non-Report of the Bike Race That Didn’t Happen—and was looking forward to continuing it. But a number of complications arose: the COVID...
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From the Archives - Bits & Bobs Volume III
IntroductionThis is the third post in the “From the Archives – Bits & Bobs” series. Volume I is here and Volume II is here. In the spirit of (among others) John McPhee with his “Tabula Rasa”...
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Plumbing Upgrade Frequently Asked Questions
IntroductionHome improvement is a vast, scary subject. This post focuses on a single aspect: plumbing … not that such a finite project isn’t hugely complicated. If you are contemplating upgrading your...
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Adventures in Dining - Sichuan Peppercorns
IntroductionIf you’ve never heard of Sichuan peppercorns but are a curious person, read on. If you know a little bit about this obscure ingredient but would like to learn more (such as about them...
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Ask a Sinead O’Connor Fan
Dear Sinead O’Connor fan,Let’s get down to brass tacks: what is the best Sinead song of all time?Bill P, Columbus, OHDear Bill,In terms of popularity, “Nothing Compares 2 U” is her highest ranked song...
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From the Archives - Tempura Debacle
Introduction Here’s a sad but true tale from my archives. I found it buried in a letter to my brother from almost thirty years ago, when my fiancée and I were recently engaged and living in San...
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Autocomplete Zeitgeist Revisited
Before we beginIn this post, which examines the American zeitgeist, I adopt a tone of playful criticism. Please don’t mistake me for one of those tedious killjoys who only finds fault. Believe me, I am...
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About the Author
IntroductionWho is the guy behind albertnet? It has occurred to me that my so-called “complete” profile on Blogger doesn’t actually say much: just that my gender is “MALE” (their all-caps, not mine);...
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Biased Blow-By-Blow - 2022 Paris-Roubaix
IntroductionIt’s 5:00 a.m. Do you know where your blogger is? I’m right here, I’m up, and I’ve got the 2022 Paris-Roubaix bike race on my screen. You’ll get a blow-by-blow of this race whether you’re...
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FAQ - Take Our Grown Daughters & Sons To Work Day
IntroductionWith the COVID-19 pandemic finally easing up, companies are bringing employees back into the office and gradually resuming business as usual. An annual event that was just gaining momentum...
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From the Archives - Bits & Bobs Volume IV
IntroductionThis is the fourth installment in the “From the Archives – Bits & Bobs” series. Volume I is here, Volume II is here, and Volume III is here. If I were a famous writer, these posts would...
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Has Any Good Come From the COVID-19 Pandemic?
IntroductionThe columnist Marilyn vos Savant was asked recently if anything good has come from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her answer was woefully incomplete so I aim to provide a better one here. Before I...
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Self-Talk In Action
IntroductionAgeing isn’t all bad … I think I’ve acquired some wisdom, and at least the money is better. But, being an athlete, I find the inevitable decline of my body a bit hard to take, especially as...
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Biased Blow-By-Blow - 2022 Giro d’Italia Stage 20
IntroductionIt’s a big commitment trying to follow a cycling Grand Tour. All those stages, finding good coverage, trying to avoid spoilers (such as the news bulletins Google always serves up despite...
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From the Archives - Albert Finds Employment
IntroductionLong before there were blogs, I wrote miscellaneous stuff & photocopied it for friends and family. Here’s an old “press release,” announcing that, five months after moving away from...
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