This short story is a work of fiction. It was inspired by a true story that a friend shared with me. The names, and places have been changed to protect the innocent. (I stole that line form the introduction of the old 1951 TV series "Dragnet")

"It was one of those days at Pleasantville Jr. High." John Dozer thought to himself as the bell rang signifying that it was time to change classes again. He was glad to be leaving math class. Nothing seemed to put him to sleep faster than pre-algebra. Next stop - World History with Miss Chronicle. As usual, the hallway was crowded and loud. Vice-Principal...

These first 56 words of paragraph #2 of The Declaration of Independence, known as The Preamble Paragraph, must be clearly understood and indelibly stamped into the hearts of all who love America and value...

Just after sunrise on February 17, 1971, a flight of two heavily armed helicopter gunships launched from the deck of the USS Garrett County (LST-786) at anchor in the Gulf of Thailand. For one of them, a consequential moment of truth was about to arrive.

I have a routine that I follow pretty much every morning. As soon as I roll out of bed, I stumble into the kitchen, start some water to boil, grind six teaspoons of medium roast coffee beans, pour the grind into my french press followed by the steaming hot water - wait five minutes and press. Then I settle down with my coffee and begin to work on my next article, or latest digital project.

I do enjoy a good cup of coffee. However, that's hardly what this post is about. I am using the word coffee here as an acronym for what I consider to be my most desired approach to any situation. Allow me to explain:

I have heard quite a few folks over the years refer to me as a "perpetual optimist." While I choose to consider that description as complimentary, I am also acutely aware of the fact that some mean it derogatorily - insinuating that I view things through my own imaginary Poly Anna type "rose-colored glasses" blissfully oblivious to reality. So that's when I ask myself, "Is it worth it?" For me and my own sense of well being, the answer is...