Robert Ringer Archives


Allowing for Unforeseen Circumstances

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Robert Ringer

airport security

A thirty-year winning streak of not missing a flight came to an end for me last week at Dulles International Airport.  My flight was scheduled to depart at 8:25 a.m. and, as is customary for me, I planned to arrive at the airport about an hour-and-a-half prior to my flight time. My early arrival habit […]

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The Illusion of Misfortune

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Robert Ringer

lemons

People often misread an event or circumstance as an adversity or setback.  The problem is that we tend to judge events on the basis of their immediate impact, but, as life repeatedly teaches us, the long-term consequences of an action can be quite different from what we initially observe. The bad is superficial and obvious; […]

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Abstract Phenomena

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Robert Ringer

dewdrop

Autism-spectrum disorders are a result of damage to certain cells in the right hemisphere of the brain.  Among other things, such damage can cause difficulties in the processing of abstract thoughts and ideas.  Which in turn can make life very frustrating for the afflicted individual. Abstractions play such a major role in day-to-day life that […]

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One Cyber Brick at a Time

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Robert Ringer

oldbrick

At any given point in time, most people assume, at least subconsciously, that the world is static.  Big mistake.  Do you remember when it seemed as though … No one could possibly rival Sears … until Walmart came along? No one could possibly rival Waldenbooks … until Barnes & Noble came along? No one could […]

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Behind Closed Doors

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Robert Ringer

door

There is much truth to the axiom “No one knows what goes on behind closed doors.”  Why do we assume that people in high positions lead charmed lives?  Lacking perfection ourselves, I believe we have a psychic need for perfection in important people. From O.J. Simpson to Aaron Hernandez … from Paris Hilton to Justin […]

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The Adventures of Surfer-Dude

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Robert Ringer

srfrdude

So many wannabes manage to grab their fifteen minutes of fame, only to quickly (and mercifully) disappear from the public eye.  But not so with San Diego Surfer-Dude (real name Jason Greenslate) who, thanks to the desperate-for-content news media, seems determined to stay in the public eye for as long as the welfare state is […]

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Can Niceness and Firmness Coexist?

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Robert Ringer

firm

Tony Dungy has always fascinated me, so I’m looking forward to reading his new book, Uncommon Marriage: Learning about Lasting Love and Overcoming Life’s Obstacles.  As you are probably aware, Dungy gained national attention when he became the first African-American coach to win a Super Bowl — in 2007, with the Indianapolis Colts. Rarely does […]

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Happy Birthday, Robby

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Robert Ringer

RJRJ

The day Robert J. Ringer, Jr. was born was one of those handful of joyous times that stay with you all your life. Millions of men would like to have a son, but, for one reason or another, it didn’t happen for them. That’s why I consider myself to be extraordinarily blessed, because I ended […]

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Let the Good Times Roll

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Robert Ringer

777

Some years ago, a guy by the name of Stephen Wilkinson thought he had won a $102,000 jackpot on a twenty-five-cent Wheel of Fortune at a Philadelphia Park Casino slot machine.  “Not so fast, Stevo baby,” said the casino’s management, who insisted it was all a big mistake — a “communication error.” The casino explained […]

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Left to Wonder

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Robert Ringer

blurry

When I was a teenager, one of my good friends was Gary Nathan.  Gary was one of those kids who was the target of the school’s taunters and teasers.  Even nice guys threw barbs at him, but he took it all in a good-natured way. I probably teased Gary myself on occasion … I honestly […]

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