The Mason Minute

For many, we seek to find that moment of zen in our lives. How and where we do it differs significantly for everyone. Today, I'm in my happy place, which I consider zen-like. For me, that special feeling happens right around this time every year. It doesn't matter where I am, as long as I'm in front of the TV or listening to the radio. Today is the Dayton 500, the opening race of the NASCAR season, and that puts me in my happy place. I may not even watch much of the race, but that doesn't matter... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fdca1e4').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fdca1e4.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fdca1e4").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Earlier this week, AMC Theatres announced a new pricing plan that has upset many people. Soon they will begin pricing your movie ticket based on where you sit. Want to sit in the middle of the theater, dead center? You'll now pay a premium. Of course, you'll pay the regular price for the seats in the front where you have to crane your neck. I can't understand who would approve of an idea like this... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-656f2459955f0').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-656f2459955f0.modal.secondline-modal-656f2459955f0").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Many people like to spend time in the backyard during this time of year. It could be gardening, hanging out with friends, or even grilling out. While I enjoyed spending time outdoors in my younger days, my allergies mostly keep me indoors today. I spend very little time in the backyard. But I can watch all the wildlife, and somehow, it ends up inside the fence. We always see birds and squirrels, and bunny rabbits love that we don't have any dogs to bother them. Recently, we had a new visitor stop by, a skunk. Now, I have to figure out how to make it go away... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd800f1').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd800f1.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd800f1").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Consumers are frustrated. For the last couple of years, the cost of everything has skyrocketed. For a while, people kept buying what they needed. But recently, they've screamed enough is enough. Fewer people are dining out. Many are even staying away from fast food. Business at grocery stores is slowing down, too. Shoppers have had enough. And it's finally getting back to the companies that are trying to control the price. They claim they get the message, and they promise to cut prices. We'll see if they're serious... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd81c33').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd81c33.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd81c33").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I'm sure someone explained this to me years ago, but I couldn't remember how jam and jelly differ. And what about preserves? Recently, we went out for dinner, and they had some little containers to use on my biscuits. I thought I knew the difference, but I get a bit confused when you add preserves to the mix. I didn't spend much time thinking about this, but I had to look up the answer. As I expected, it all depends on the size of the fruit pieces or the lack thereof... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd82f0a').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd82f0a.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd82f0a").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

While I don't own a self-driving car, I often joke that the one thing I can do is head north with my eyes closed. If I drive any highway outside of Nashville, I usually head north on Interstate 65. Once or twice a month, I visit my booth at the antique mall in Franklin, Kentucky. But we're often on the road to Indiana to see family. Yesterday, we rolled up I-65 to see our nephew Cade graduate from college. Since the pandemic shut down his high school graduation, there was no way we were missing this one. My wife and I've made that northbound trip hundreds of times... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd8419a').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd8419a.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd8419a").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I have difficulty remembering when or where things happen as I get older. I often need a point of reference to jog my memory. Now, this isn't an issue with my memory. It's simply because there are so many memories filling my brain. Today my nephew, Cade, graduates from college. It seems like yesterday when he was starting school, and by that, I mean Kindergarten. But that was seventeen years ago, the year I moved to Nashville. When you're in school, time seems to crawl. But as you get older, time flies. With so many memories, it's sometimes hard to keep track... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd854b9').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd854b9.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd854b9").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Sometimes, I have to stop and think about the people I've met, places I've gone, and things I've done. I realize that my life is like so many others. With my father's years in the media and all of mine, I've experienced many things that sometimes fascinate people. But I've long realized that we're all on a different journey. Even those who think they've led a simple life can have some fantastic stories. I love it when I get to hang out in our office kitchen, even for just a few minutes, because that's where so many stories are shared... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd86771').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd86771.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd86771").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

One of the best things that has happened to our streets and highways is the creation of the center turn lane. That extra lane makes all the difference to keep traffic flowing. I'm sure they've been around for a long time, but I didn't see one until the late 1970s. But they've been around so long that more people now use them to merge into traffic rather than for the reason they were created. I see this happen every day on my way into the office. Delivery trucks now use them as a way to merge into traffic. And that creates some problems... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd879bd').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd879bd.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd879bd").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

My brain holds a lot of strange facts. Some are useful, but most are just good if you're playing a trivia game. We were in a team meeting the other day at work, and the subject of May Day came up. I started talking about the tradition of dancing around the Maypole. Most on the call had no clue. Then I made a joke about eating Maypo on May Day. Not one person had a clue about Maypo. It's a warm maple-flavored breakfast cereal that was extremely popular in the 50s and 60s. You can still find it in some stores, but I don't know who still eats it... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd88cf6').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd88cf6.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd88cf6").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

The number of violent crimes is rising here in Nashville. Some say it happens in every area filled with rapid growth. While that doesn't make me comfortable, I understand. But the very alarming stat involves violent crimes committed by people who are out on bond. The number of people who post bail after committing a crime, who then go out and commit another crime while they're awaiting trial, is shocking. It's happened numerous times in just the last couple of weeks. When the chief of police is concerned, I know I should be too... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd8a035').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd8a035.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd8a035").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Anyone who has taken a US History class knows the story of the Civil War. It was a monumental time in the history of our country. But political experts feel there's potential for another Civil War, which could happen anytime. Some feel we are more divided politically than we've ever been in the history of our country. While both the 1860s and 1960s were a time of social and political divide, some feel those times pale compared to what we're going through now. In the 1860s, it was the North versus the South. In the 1960s, there was a divide between young and old. Today is much different... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd8b349').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd8b349.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd8b349").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Many people like to have a beer with their dinner. But some foods don't work with beer. I'm not judging, but I feel it doesn't work with breakfast foods. We ate dinner at The Cracker Barrel last night, and I know they've been serving alcohol there for a couple of years. I still find that very strange. Now, no matter the time of day, I usually only eat breakfast foods there. And I can't imagine ordering a beer to go along with my Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd8c7bf').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd8c7bf.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd8c7bf").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I don't know anyone who enjoys a trip to the DMV. I've held a driver's license in seven states throughout the years, and the way Tennessee does things just doesn't work. We go to one office to get our car title, registration, and license plates. When you need a new license, you go to a different office. Our DMV is split into two parts, while most states handle everything in the same place. Yesterday, I had to renew my license, and I knew I couldn't just do it during lunch hour. I had to take the whole day off and still couldn't get everything I needed to... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd8d903').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd8d903.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd8d903").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

The clinical term is myopia. Most of us know it better when it's called nearsightedness. I've suffered with it for over 55 years. All of my family suffers from it, too. While some people wear glasses for style, those who must wear them to correct their vision usually hate them. According to recent research, our eyesight is getting worse. Doctors predict that half the world's population will suffer from nearsightedness within the next 30 years. And the reason this is happening may surprise you... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd8e748').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd8e748.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd8e748").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

Throughout my life, I've spent a lot of time watching TV. Many people my age can say the same thing. Growing up, I sat in front of the TV before I went to school and then came home and did the same thing. I still watch more than most people. But in recent years, it's not the same thing anymore. While I still watch TV, I'm not concerned if I miss an episode. Sure, I can record it on my DVR or catch it on demand, but usually, I move on. There's always something to watch, thanks to streaming, on-demand, and the DVR... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd8f4dd').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd8f4dd.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd8f4dd").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

About this time every year, our front porch looks like a war zone. For some reason, barn swallows return to our neighborhood yearly to build nests and have babies. Without fail, these birds try to make their nests on top of the pillars that frame our front doors. We've tried to keep the birds away for the last few years, but it doesn't work. We've even placed bird spikes on top of the pillars so they can't build nests. We thought we were in the clear this year until the birds returned a few weeks late... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd90281').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd90281.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd90281").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I love trivia. And I've always loved watching sports trivia shows on TV. The first show I remember is Sports Challenge starring Dick Enberg back in the 1970s. Over the weekend, I was reminded of another one of my faves from the early 2000s. The show was called Stump The Schwab. ESPN's Stuart Scott was the host, and it featured one of their top researchers, Howie Schwab. Players competed against one another, and in the grand prize round, they had to go head-to-head with Schwab. The contestants rarely won... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd90ffa').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd90ffa.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd90ffa").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

For years, there's been discussion about the advantages of a 4-day work week. It was something that Bernie Sanders campaigned on when he ran for President in 2020. Since the pandemic, more companies have tried it, but the jury is still determining whether it will ever become the norm. But this week, an Indiana school district announced that one of their elementary schools will try a 4-day school week beginning next year. It will join a small group of schools in Missouri and Utah that are also trying this out... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd91cf7').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd91cf7.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd91cf7").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });

I've got a craving for pancakes, but I might have waffles instead. While I prefer pancakes, I have a Waffle House down the street and may settle for that. There are other places I can go to get pancakes, but they're further away, and their pancakes just aren't that good. While I like Waffle House, eating waffles isn't the same as eating pancakes. I understand why they don't have them, but I wish they did. Sure, there are other things I could eat, but when you have a craving, nothing else will do... Click Here To Subscribe Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicGoogle PodcastsTuneIniHeartRadioPandoraDeezerBlubrryBullhornCastBoxCastrofyyd.deGaanaiVooxListen NotesmyTuner RadioOvercastOwlTailPlayer.fmPocketCastsPodbayPodbeanPodcast AddictPodcast IndexPodcast RepublicPodchaserPodfanPodtailRadio PublicRadio.comReason.fmRSSRadioVurblWe.foYandex jQuery(document).ready(function($) { 'use strict'; $('#podcast-subscribe-button-13292 .podcast-subscribe-button.modal-663bf9fd929ea').on("click", function() { $("#secondline-psb-subs-modal.modal-663bf9fd929ea.modal.secondline-modal-663bf9fd929ea").modal({ fadeDuration: 250, closeText: '', }); return false; }); });