Archive for August 2016

How to Blog - 100 Memories, from American Airlines to Family Feud

We are closing in on 100 episodes of “Downsize, Maybe” since the blog began appearing in ChicagoNow. Over 32,000 reader hits (I know, some sites do that in 20 minutes.) The name of the blog refers to our construction project, but regular readers know that we have talked lots of things in addition to whether... Read more »
By lesraff,
August 24, 2016 at 8:23 am • 

Five Things We Have Learned About New Home Construction

If you build it… …they will come. It has been fifteen months since we started this project.From an idea, to an empty lot, then a plan. The excitement of a hole in the ground, and finally a real structure. We have walls and ceilings. We have plumbing pipe and electrical conduit, insulation and dry wall.... Read more »
By lesraff,
August 19, 2016 at 9:35 am • 

In Tribute: My Mother and Aunt, the World's Longest Sibling Rivalry

Old Friends, Sat on their park bench like bookends. Paul Simon- 1968 It is not very nice, but we call them “mushrooms.” Those elderly folks nudging their Oldsmobile’s and Cadillac’s along in front of you in the right hand lane, their white-grey puffs of hair just visible from behind, clouds above their seat backs. There... Read more »
By lesraff,
August 16, 2016 at 9:00 am • 
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Going for Gold in a Different Competition

I have never been a super fan of the Olympics, but like many of you I have been thrilled by the grace, strength and joyfulness of the US Women’s Gymnastic Team. The incredible aura they project, and their spirit of camaraderie and affection for their coaches has made watching them a pleasure. So in honor... Read more »
By lesraff,
August 12, 2016 at 8:12 am • 

Trump for Veep? Why Not?

In a New York Times opinion piece, Matt Latimer, a former speech writer for President Bushes I and II suggests that Mike Pence, Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee, should convince Donald Trump to resign his candidacy making Pence the new presidential candidate. Latimer gives all the usual reasons why we don’t want a Trump Presidency including a... Read more »
By lesraff,
August 10, 2016 at 6:48 am • 

"Hamilton, Tear Down This Wall!"-- Bringing Our Construction Up to Date

Walls have always been big news. From Ronald Reagan’s famous 1987 speech imploring Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall to our current political situation, walls create a barrier and an image. So it is no surprise that we have been using a very critical eye in assessing where the interior walls are to... Read more »
By lesraff,
August 8, 2016 at 6:51 am • 
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It Is What It Is-OY!

The Passover Seder is a time for the joyous retelling of the escape by the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt about 4000 years ago.  Unlike the lucky slaves who built the White House, the ancient slaves were not particularly well-fed, and freedom was a definite step up on the social ladder. The retelling can... Read more »
By lesraff,
August 4, 2016 at 7:56 am • 

Having Fun Re-Examining Flossing, and Seven Other Health Care Rules

Might be movin’ to Montana soon Just to raise me up a crop of Dental Floss Frank Zappa —  1973 I can now admit it. I am a crappy dental flosser. I have carried the excuse that vigorous flossing either inflames mouth sores I already have, or aggravates my tendency towards getting them. While that... Read more »
By lesraff,
August 3, 2016 at 9:19 am •