“Dad, you taught me everything I know about exterior illumination.” — Clark Griswold Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. But electric Christmas tree lights? While Edison created the first outdoor electric light display, it was his assistant Edward Johnson who created the first ...

Holidays are tricky to navigate. It is almost as hard as finding your way when the grocery store rearranges its aisles. And while the latter inspired a helpful neighbor to draw a map for distressed community members, navigating family relationships isn’t always so easy. Open any social ...

Halloween has always been a favorite holiday — the planning, the decorations, the nighttime wandering from house to house. And while my memories might be a bit rose colored when it comes to contests, costumes and candy, I haven’t forgotten the mischief. Eggs, shaving cream and toilet ...

A family wedding prompted the following conversation with a member of Gen Z. “If I ever get married, I’m definitely having a prenup,” she announced. “Really?” I responded, being very careful to sound like I was inviting a conversation, not judging her opinion. “With 53% ...

When I mentioned the inaugural Chucklehead Hoedown to my friend Amy, she shook her head, “Too bad there aren’t those old men around anymore that like to tell jokes.” And while I wanted to argue the point, I had to concede that it at least felt that way. Other than the highly coveted ...

Smencils were the gateway drug. Smencils were (and still are) scented No. 2 graphite pencils packaged in recyclable plastic freshness tubes. Root beer, bubble gum, tutti-frutti, grape — every kid’s favorite was covered. An affordable habit, even as a school fundraiser, they were only a ...