I went to school in a small, almost rural township. There were 49 in my graduating class, and we went all 12+ years in the same building. And there were no minorities; we were amazingly homogeneous, all very white lower-to-middle class. Being a small school, teacher turnover was high. Each year would bring many new
Our democracy has come a long way since the early days of the republic. As a history nerd, I’ve always been curious about the voting requirements in other eras. I’ve always suspected there have been times when voting has been considered more of a privilege than a right. I’ve just found a historical note to
The following review of Sunny and Victor: Best Friends Forever has been posted on the Readers’ Favorite website. https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/sunny-and-victor Reviewed By Hilary Hawkes for Readers’ Favorite Sunny and Victor: Best Friends Forever is a delightful color illustrated children’s book by Bob Welbaum. Little Sunny is a golden furred rabbit whose favorite game is making
Today I’m addressing a very serious question — when should you take down your Christmas tree? Some like to take theirs down on New Year’s Day. As a more practical matter, have it down and at the curb whenever your town comes around to dispose of them. Your religious beliefs may influence your decision. January
It’s been a while since I’ve posted any original fiction. This story was published at BewilderingStories.com in Issue 612, and was an Editors’ Choice in the 2015 First Quarterly Review. And one of these segments actually happened! The Joy in Forgotten Objects by Bob Welbaum It’s a small, round white stick, made of sturdy
The website Reader’s Favorite has just reviewed Some Poems About Life. Some Poems About Life by Bob Welbaum is an enjoyable and easy-to-read selection of thirty poems that examine ordinary life and its significance. Most of the verses rhyme and others are a mixture of line length and non-rhyming thoughts. The poet covers a variety
In this, the last half of the last month of 2015, people are beginning to pass judgment on the past year. Was it like the opening of Charles Dicken’s A Tale of Two Cities, both the best of time and the worst of times? Perhaps it depends on whether or not you’re a Republican
I guess this is as good a time as any to repost my Christmas story — Thanks, Santa I guess I shouldn’t complain. I live in a nice house on a street with nice houses. I think our house is the nicest, two stories with a pool in back and a garage with room
The holidays are a good time to remember worthy charities. So, in addition to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we have Giving Tuesday, the “day for giving back.” (http://www.givingtuesday.org/) Yes, I do have my favorite charities. If you don’t, allow me to make some suggestions. First, do some homework. Several organizations rate charities; I subscribe
This is a piece I first posted on July 10, 2015. It was originally published in the Dayton Daily News at a time when a wave of terrorism was sweeping Europe. Sadly, it seems even more appropriate today, so I’m reposting it. My brother came home safely. I think about this every time there is another