Returning from the War

When my dad was discharged from the Navy at the end of World War II, he took the train from California first to Chicago, then to Newark, then down to the Jersey Shore.

His family had no idea he was heading home much less exactly when he would arrive.

He got off the train carrying a heavy seabag and walked to the Allenhurst Beach Club, where he knew everyone would be because it was a Sunday afternoon.

He said that it was a complete surprise when he arrived, still in uniform.

Dad’s appearance temporarily interrupted the championship match of the annual shuffleboard tournament.

His father ended up winning the men’s competition, while his sister won the women's side, narrowly beating out his mother, who came in second.

It's great family lore but also a time capsule of a story.

That kind of surprise homecoming that creates an unexpected indelible memory would never happen in today's era of instant communications.

It makes me think about what we've gained and what we've lost.

BRIEF OBSERVATIONS

STAY INDOORS: Americans used to live in smaller houses. But I didn’t realize quite how much the size of our indoor living area had increased - it’s tripled.

THE BEST PLACES THE WORK: A rare piece of good news - that companies that have been highly rated as among the best places to work are also the best investments.

TEACHER’S AREN’T HAPPY: This is an alarming statistic about the plunge in teacher satisfaction rates. You have to wonder if it’s tied to the launch of smart phones since 2008 was a pivotal year when the iPhone came out.

UNSCRIPTTED: Often going off script produces those moments of genius. The most memorable line In Jaws - “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” - wasn’t in the script.

HOW TO ASK A CORRESPONDENT FOR A STORY: “What kind of lame, half-mad bullshit are you trying to sneak over on us?” Hunter S. Thompson provides a template for any editor demanding a writer file a story.

Please reach out if you have any thoughts about today’s newsletter. I enjoy hearing from readers. Send me a message if you want to talk or meet up if you are in NYC.

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