Welcome to a twenty-first century freak show — “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. Welcome to the world’s greatest circus!” The Ringmaster greeted us with a powerful, booming voice. His black top hat and bright red tailcoat with gold trim brought the memories flooding back. My wife and I were ready for…

“Always learn and experiment. Time won’t wait.” — My dad and best friend passed away last week — an unexpected, unreal, and devastating moment. Before I left the hospital, a nurse gave me his smartphone and computer. He insisted on taking his devices with him when he was hospitalized a few days earlier. “I feel well enough to…

An Offbeat Case for the 80s — When you look at the first pictures from the James Webb Space Telescope, it is hard to imagine that we are alone. The images are simply mind-blowing. Inconceivable objects in all their magnificent beauty. They leave us feeling minuscule — both as individuals and as a species — but also…

Warning: You won’t like the answer — Why do societies end? What causes the collapse of a civilization? Lately, I notice more and more discussion about the end of civilization on social media and elsewhere. Our culture seems to be preoccupied, fascinated even, by impending catastrophe. Of course, the immediate cause of a civilization collapsing may be…

It’s Time to Go Beyond Mere Survival and Use Technology to Be Creative for Future Generations. — My generation is extremely lucky. The list of genuinely “new” creations is a long one. One example. When I was in high school, all I needed to write a report was a library card, a typewriter, and a correction ribbon. …

Learn, explore, resist. — I will never forget May 1, 1983. I had just turned fourteen. The first episode of the TV miniseries “V” was broadcast. The show generated an enormous buzz at school. All my friends and classmates talked about it. We couldn’t wait to watch the second episode. Would news cameraman, Mike…

Why unboxing matters. — He carefully placed his debit card and handwritten note with his PIN in an envelope and sealed it. My retired neighbor, Bert, from four houses away was always extra cautious. He had heard about the work of scammers from his sister, who used to work in the bank. …

But they must learn to seize the freedom and opportunities that life provides. — “So, you’re the guy who thinks men over fifty are boring.” It has become a common conversation opener since I published Are Men Over 50 Boring? last year. It’s amazing how many people — including complete strangers — want to talk with me about middle-aged men. A few weeks ago…

When do you know it’s time to mix things up and do the opposite? — People don’t like change. A bit late, maybe, but that’s what I learned over the last couple of years. So, when you are at an event telling the participants that change is upon them, two things can happen. You will be attacked, ignored, or denied. Alternatively, you become the center…