The Mason Minute

When I was younger, I hated to sit still. I always had to be doing something. Like many, I feared missing out. I'm unsure what I thought I was missing, but there was always something to keep me busy. But today, I live for the days when I can do nothing. Yesterday was one of those days where my wife and I had no errands to run and no projects to do. So we laid low. We had a late lunch, took naps, a...

If you've had kids in your house sometime over the last 20 years, you've likely encountered Slime. This children's toy was most popular in the late 90s and early 00s when the TV show Double Dare on Nickelodeon was at its peak. Today, kids don't settle for the little plastic container you can buy at your neighborhood big box store. They prefer to make it at home. I thought Slime first gained popula...

For years, many people dreamed of having a cushy office job. They came from blue-collar families and never thought they had a chance to sit behind a desk from 9 to 5. But as our society shifted, office jobs became the norm. But that norm may be no more because, for many, there is no such thing as an 8-hour workday. Thanks to technology, we're always on the clock. It seemed like we could never esca...

Who doesn't love getting something for nothing? But as we eventually learn, nothing is ever free. There is always a cost involved. We all pay for perks. Many people seek out a credit card because of the perks that come with it. But that could change depending on your income. Chase has launched a new credit card that comes with a lot of extras. But the annual fee is nearly $800. Chase isn't looking...

Over the years, I've been accused of being a complex person. Some consider this a compliment, but to others, it's not. But as I've gotten older, I've mellowed. And now, you might even say I'm simple. I get excited about the little things. And one of my favorite things is doing nothing. I always had a problem sitting still. But now, I live for those times when I can do nothing. I spend most of my f...

Anyone who pays attention to sports loves a good Cinderella story until that underdog faces your favorite team. Like many, I was following the rise of the Murray State Racers in the Men's College World Series. Their unexpected journey ended yesterday with a loss to Arkansas. Sadly, this story didn't last long for the team, just two games. Nearly every year, there are one or two special basketball...

I've been driving for a long time and have held a license in numerous states. And while laws aren't the same in each state, they're very similar. I was on the road last Friday, driving through Kentucky during a torrential downpour. As I drove, I witnessed something I sometimes see, but this time, it was extreme. Most drivers on the road had their hazards on. I haven't looked at a driver's manual i...

I've reached that age where you start thinking about slowing down. By the time my parents were my current age, they had retired. I can even imagine the fact. Then again, it's hard for me to believe that my father will turn 90 later this year. It seems like only yesterday I was tagging along when he went to work at the TV station. You and I both know that was thousands of yesterdays ago. The other...

During the pandemic, many companies forced employees to learn how to use online video conferencing software like Zoom, Webex, or Teams. For some, it was a tough adjustment. Many hoped these tools would go away once everyone returned to the office. However, many companies continue to use them today. Since I've spent a lot of time in front of a camera, I enjoy using them. But I'm sometimes obsessed...

Sometimes, the strangest thing can trigger a memory. I don't remember the trigger, but the memory is as vivid as it can be. The other day, I started thinking about my childhood pediatrician. While I can't remember his name, I can remember the layout of his office and the waiting room. In the waiting room, he had a big rack filled with magazines. There were things like Reader's Digest, Sports Illus...

I'm sure you're familiar with the term mansplaining. If not, let me explain. I'm kidding! I don't think I have an issue with it; if I do, no one has pointed it out to me. I give everyone, man or woman, the benefit of the doubt that they know what I'm talking about. If they don't understand, I have no problem offering guidance at that point. But I've run into a situation that is not precisely the s...

The business of news is in constant flux. How it's gathered, reported, and presented is constantly changing. They have been for decades. For many years, people got the information they needed from the newspaper. But once radio and television entered the scene, the shifting quickened. In recent years, the internet has started affecting those longtime practices. Turn on the tube, and you can see tha...

Sometimes, I see items in my newsfeed and shake my head in disgust. Last week, I saw the stories online. There was a zebra on the loose south of Nashville. A couple from nearby Murfreesboro decided they needed a zebra for their farm to go along with roughly 100 other animals. So they bought one from a company and had it shipped to Tennessee. The animal escaped through a fence in less than 24 hours...

Since yesterday, the phrase no good deed goes unpunished, rolling through my head. It was one of those weekends. We traveled to Northern Kentucky to watch one of my nephews play baseball. The drive one way lasted longer than the game. His team whipped the other so badly that the game only lasted three innings. And the opposing team never hit a ball close to him in left field. They never hit one ou...

For years, I never understood old people trying to explain how young they looked and felt. Now that I'm old, I get it. I'm not saying I look young, but I'm always pleased when people still think I'm in my fifties. But sometimes, I must stop, reflect, and realize how much times have changed. Of course, technology plays a significant role in these changes. But it's not just that. This weekend, I wen...

Some people say that we're living in the golden age of comedy. Of course, they often say the same about the 1950s, the 1970s, and even the 1990s. One thing I've noticed is that we have so many comedians today. Well, at least we have people who think they're funny. Now, I'm not taking a jab at the professionals or even those who try out a routine at open mike night. The people on social media jumpi...

Do you remember Ronco? If you watched any TV in the 70s or 80s, I'm betting you do. Perhaps you remember their founder and inventor, Ron Popeil. If neither of those rings true, you might recognize some of their products: the Veg-o-Matic, Pocket Fisherman, or Mr. Microphone. I was thinking about one of their products recently. I was in my kitchen and had an issue with a stuck lid on my Yeti tumbler...

Have you ever been involved in those class action lawsuits? I frequently get a settlement notice either via email or from the post office. I'm connected to so many websites that I get one of these things every few weeks. Most of the time, I don't even know if I even have a claim. Sometimes, I'll fill out the paperwork. Often, it's not worth my time and effort. My share of the payout is rarely more...

While I love technology, I also like to hold onto my old stuff. People sometimes make fun of me for still using my old iPods. Sure, I've got an iPhone with all the bells and whistles, but I still like to use the old stuff for some projects I work on. But we now live in a world of planned obsolescence. Rather than repair the old tech, they tell you to throw it away and buy a new one. Most of my old...

One of the current trends on TikTok is called the McMigrane Meal. It's spreading the word that people can get relief from migraines and severe headaches. The recommended cure is to drink a regular Coca-Cola with french fries. It may not work for all, but it can't hurt. I suffered from migraine-type headaches for many years. And I swear by a similar 'cure'. My go-to is Coke and Pringles potato chip...

When we're shopping, we're always looking for a deal. We're conditioned to look for sales or price reductions. Big box stores like Walmart and Target have conditioned us to look for the big sign shining a spotlight on our opportunity to save. But in recent weeks, news stories told to prepare for increases due to the President's proposed tariffs. My wife and I were shopping the other night, and she...

Like many kids, I loved it when I heard the bells of the ice cream truck heading down my street. I know they still exist, but they're not something you often see. Now that we have convenience stores, you can get your favorite frozen treat anytime. Back in the day, I had a few go-to choices. A bomb pop or a creamsicle were always at the top of my list. Creamsicles or orange cream isn't always easy...

There are things we enjoy when we're children that we can't imagine doing as adults. For me, a perfect example would be playing in mud puddles. The other day, I watched a kid playing do precisely that. I was driving by, but it looked like he was playing with some toy trucks. I remember doing that as a youngster, but I quickly grew out of that phase. I'm not sure why we're so fascinated with mud wh...

As a society, are we obsessed with sports? Perhaps it's just an American thing. Even in the off-season, every sport tries to stay in the public eye. We talk football year-round. When teams are eliminated from the NBA or NHL playoffs, they immediately start trying to hype the upcoming season that's months away. Yesterday, I read an article hyping who is leading the baseball MVP race, and the season...

By now, you've probably heard about the government's plan to stop minting pennies. They found it costs more to make them than what they're worth. There are still numerous questions about how all of this works moving forward. The government suggests rounding prices to the nearest 5¢. I've yet to read exactly how sales taxes will work into this. The good news is that if you still have pennies, you c...