Sometimes heroes use pens, carry guitars, and grow up in your hometown.

The Boys of Summer. Connie Francis had a song by that name, as did Don Henley. Of course, baseball players are also known by that moniker. It seems many people have a concept of The Boys of Summer. I am no different, although my Boys of Summer certainly are.

It's amazing what a simple salutation to a stranger can do to lift the mood. It's equally amazing how so many can't seem to muster a response.

The ways we strive to make sure we're remembered are sometimes inspiring, creative, and disappointing.

Nothing in my youth could ruin a perfect summer day like the words “back to school”. It wasn’t just because late nights with television, comic books, and backyard campouts followed by long lazy mornings of sleeping in, with sunny afternoons spent on the lake sandwiched in between the two, were coming to an end. It was the fact that the words “back to school” were always followed by “shopping”.

When it comes to world travel, Richard Scarry got it right.

Discovering the true bright spots of travel the guide books don't mention.

Now that your graduates have put away their caps and gowns, it's time for your parental commencement.