Monthly Archives: June 2016

Passing On Those Genes

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Roger Walck

“Mind & Matter,” by Robert M. Sapolsky. The Wall Street Journal, 5/28/2016. This WSJ column is about the surprising illogic of homicide among family members since family members can pass on many of the genes we ourselves work so hard … Continue reading →

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The Concorde Supersonic Jet

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Roger Walck

“Drop the Supersonic Aircraft Ban, Watch Business Boom,” by Eli Dourado and Samuel Hammond. The Wall Street Journal, 6/13/2016. I worked for ICI in Wilmington, Delaware, a huge British chemical corporation you probably never heard of. ICI (that once stood … Continue reading →

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I Love Salt

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Roger Walck

“Notable & Quotable: Salt Crystallized,” The Wall Street Journal, 6/7/2016. I love salt, but that does not make me a bad person.   About twenty years ago I read a report that salt does not raise blood pressure in about … Continue reading →

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Speak Now: Accents of Authority

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Roger Walck

“To Sound Like a Leader” by Daniel Akst. The Wall Street Journal, 11/29/2014. Advertising agencies know accents. They have to. They know Americans are influenced by a Scottish accent. Make it more upscale by changing it to aristocratic British. Or … Continue reading →

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The High Cost of Healthcare, Whoever Pays

Posted on June 19, 2016 by Roger Walck

Colorado residents are facing a steep rise in healthcare insurance premiums, and many are favoring a “single-party” insurer, which means the government. They will be able to vote on that option in the 2016 election.  Let the state or federal … Continue reading →

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A Bike For Seniors

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Roger Walck

You want to know how long I have been riding a bike? My first bike as an adult was a 3-speed English-style bike that was considered hot by almost everyone, that’s how long. “Three speeds!” they would say. “What could … Continue reading →

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“Hoist By His Own Petard” Explained

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Roger Walck

I am familiar with this phrase and occasionally use it. It means someone who is caught in a trap of his own making or advocacy. For example, a politician who campaigns on honesty in government is found to be receiving … Continue reading →

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Pit Bulls

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Roger Walck

“Troublemakers,” by Malcolm Gladwell. The New Yorker, 2/6/2006. “Breeding Contempt,” by Pat Shipman. (A review of the book “Pit Bull,” by Bronwen Dickey.) The Wall Street Journal, 5/28/2016. Reach down to pet a pit bull, and he is liable to … Continue reading →

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Ali

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Roger Walck

“Muhammad Ali and the Pinnacle of Confidence,” by Bob Greene. The Wall Street Journal, 6/6/2016. I once met Muhammad Ali. Actually, I only saw him. And I am kind of ashamed of the whole episode. I was not cleaver, not … Continue reading →

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The Hunger Awareness Season

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Roger Walck

“Obesity: The New Hunger,” by Robert Paarlberg. The Wall Street Journal, 5/11/2016. Ah, springtime! When publicity about hunger in America blooms as surely as dandelions. There are marches, and walks, and T-shirts, and TV ads showing sad-eyed toddlers. They claim … Continue reading →

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