Publisher Perspective

In addition to colonoscopies, it is probably a good idea for anyone over age 50 to undergo regular screening for excessively bushy eyebrows – a sure sign of andyrooneyitis. It was my younger brother who pointed out I’m starting to sound a lot like the celebrated curmudgeon of 60 Minutes.

Do you greet every workday with unbridled enthusiasm? At one time I could honestly answer yes to that question. Today, I must admit I am no longer part of the minority.

I’ve acquired the habit of patting myself down like a policeman frisking a robbery suspect. While the practice must appear peculiar to onlookers, I’m simply taking inventory; trying to ensure everything I need to function beyond the confines of my home or office is somewhere upon my person.

How can the federal government possibly recoup the money it has tamped into the cracks of the economy and spread around like fertilizer to stimulate a reluctant recovery? Digging through a pocketful of change, I realized the answer was staring me right in the face: advertising.

“Lookin’ good.” “Only four more sides to go.” “Hey, isn’t it Miller time?” The surest way to initiate a conversation with a neighbor, or stranger for that matter, is to paint something – a house, garage, shed.

I don’t like to be pessimistic, especially when it comes to business, but what are companies to do when customers say, “We don’t need you anymore”?

Oh come on, give it a try.” The smiling young woman herded me over to the stainless steel machine and grabbed an item from my shopping cart. “Just pass it over the glass like this,” she said. “Or, if it doesn’t register on the display, turn it this way.”

The photo below isn’t me, but the column is still his. I’m just pinch-hitting. Publisher Jeff Irish this issue wasn’t able to devote enough quality time to writing another cogent Publisher’s Column because of his father passing away in February.