It may not exactly come as a surprise to you, but I don’t like city living. Oh, I drift up to Portland occasionally for a concert, wedding or other event, but inevitably find myself glad to be home.

In my family, spring and summer represent a gauntlet of celebrations. Anniversaries and birthdays crowd the calendar. Throw in Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, and it seems as though something – or someone – is celebrated nearly every week.

We recently had some family photos taken. I can never get over the fact my wife and kids always look good — just the way they do in real life — and I am always replaced by a fat old guy.

In previous columns, I have provided cures for both the Social Security and the U.S. health care systems. Today, I’ll take a few minutes to cure the current economic “crisis,” otherwise known as the screw-up hindering our kids’ future.

It is done. Finished. And so am I. After six months, my wife and I have completed the remodel of our kitchen. The funny thing is, this project was supposed to be quick-and-dirty, one of those that you can finish in a couple of weekends.

  By Carl Sampson I think it’s about time for me to hang up the old crystal ball. My days as a prognosticator are over. Of course, it was a great — albeit short — run, but all good things must come to an end. My career as a seer of the future got under way last spring when, sitting […]