Every time someone has a 100th birthday or a 105th or a 110th, we all ask, “What’s the secret to your longevity?” A drink of whiskey every day. A cheerful heart. A loving spouse. Lots of vegetables.  We’ve heard them all --...

You have been dreaming and planning for your retirement years all your life, and now that you are close to realizing that dream and fulfilling those plans, you are starting to wonder if now is the time to make that final decision. But how do you...

In February of 2005, I was diagnosed with GERD, which is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. I think it’s just a fancier term for acid reflux. My doctor put me on Prilosec OTC, but after a few months, I started taking Prevacid and continued to do so...

“Own your own business, son. That’s the only way to control your own future. Own it, work hard at it, set high goals for yourself and never give up, no matter what obstacles come your way.” Simon DeVos repeatedly reinforced that message to his...

Terschelling, Netherlands, June 1964 She was skipping the rope that, on the other end, was tight up on the stoop bench, while she stood across the street and my friend was jumping. She had been jumping for such a long time, she started to pant....

'The Science Project' Update Recently I posted about how my son wanted to do a project about quantum physics and intention at school. He was quickly reminded that school follows a curriculum and has a pattern of its own. There is not a lot of...

We talk a lot about the rapidly changing culture of aging and how anything is now possible. That’s a good thing, right?For many American’s, the surprising answer is “no!”  One woman recently told me, “I don’t...

    I have had good storytellers, great conversationalists and naturally funny people tell me that they could never be a writer.  “And, why is that?” I ask.   “I'm not good enough,” is the usual...

Was there ever a more chaotic decade than the 60's? I mean, it's like the '70's never had a chance!!! Imagine being squeezed in between the '60's and the '80's! It's no wonder the '70's wandered around like a lost little puppy looking for a place to call...

Do you know how every once in a while you meet someone who's life force shines so bright you just want to be around them?  You MUST meet Shelly Burch.  Oh, sure... You might...

Hey ya'll! If you look at your calendar or your cell phone or the sign outside the bank as you travel around your environs today, you'll see that last Friday was Friday the 13th! To quote SCTV character, Count Floyd: "Very Scary, Kids! Ow-Ooooo!" Or is...

Facebook, Twitter, and Interviews This week has been an extremely exciting one! I have met so many awesome people from Facebook and Twitter - that in itself is amazing for someone who is fairly new to this 'social networking' stuff. Facebook for me...

I'm not sure where the thought came from - probably an episode of Oprah. I found myself wondering if the Middleton’s have enough family holiday traditions. Like any good dad, I want my children to cherish the memories of this wonderful time of...

Growing up in a very small town of about 800 people, your religion was part of your profile.  Mine happened to be Catholic – and still is.  However, a few years ago, I began to ask a lot of questions.  Being a catechist since the age...

It's been a wild couple of weeks for me -- on the job, and off!  Here are some of the highlights.First, let me deal with some "business."  In last Thursday's Insider newsletter, the bottom of the page previewed a story we hoped to bring you...

So here we are – me, Marc, Bill and Jason – sitting in the lobby of our office building, looking for the next big Growing Bolder star.  Our developers are some of the best in the business, but they need help.  Now that we've...

Have you ever noticed the first four letters of the word Butter? It' s not a coincidence. It's Karma. I know, I know. Butter tastes good. In fact, the old saying goes something like: "Name the 3 most important things in French Cuisine." The answer...

If you've planned a wedding, you know how stressful it can be.  Who's sitting where? What do you mean hydrangeas are out of season? And a photographer costs HOW much? Two-and-a-half years ago, I was in the throes of dealing with those very issues,...

I saw a 109-year-old woman brought back to life. It was stunning. Humbling. I’m still trying to process it all. I’ll tell you about it in a moment. But first, a little background. Ruth1898 is not only the oldest member of our growing bolder...