A weekly series of four-minute essays from commentator Tom Walton, retired editor and vice president of the "Toledo Blade." Covering an array of topics, from the intricacies of the English language to the inspiration found within the geometry of a baseball diamond, Walton offers warm and unique insights into the world around us.
Latest episodes
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Language Gone Wrong
Sometimes splitting an infinitive is the only way to go, even if it's bad grammar.
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Major League Salaries
Is the 2027 baseball season in jeopardy because of the greed of team owners and players?
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Sports Overlap
What a neat time of year. My two favorite sports, baseball and football, overlap.
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My Happiest Decade
High school and college graduations, a marriage, and a childbirth helped define my happiest decade.
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Two Universities, Better Apart
Some people wonder if Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo should merge. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
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A Lifetime Supply?
When you're already old, is winning a lifetime supply of something still meaningful?
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My Family Tree
Researching your own family tree can be fascinating and frustrating.
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Popular Names for Girls
Half a century ago Jennifer and Lisa were the most popular names given to newborn girls. Today they barely make the list.
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Rubber Ducks Ruffle Feathers
You won't believe what has the cruise industry all upset. It's a little rubber duck.
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Misplaced Modifiers
The English language is anything but boring, especially when used incorrectly.
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Rock Anthems
The death of singer Freddie "Boom Boom" Cannon brings to mind the rock anthems of my youth.
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Unspoken Code of Conduct
There seems to be an unspoken code of conduct for people waiting quietly to see the doctor.
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Four Seasons
One thing you can say about our four seasons. There are no two alike.
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Deep-Sea Cruising
Decades ago deep-sea cruising was an exciting and affordable vacation. Those days may be gone.
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One Small Step
The global excitement of Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon on this date in 1969 quickly gave way to the usual geo-political divisions and mistrust.
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A Long-Awaited Reunion
Reuniting with a cousin I hadn't seen in more than 50 years was a revelation.
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Map Reading
Map reading was a skill required of adults long before cell phones came along.
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Overpriced Hotels
Our national parks are a true bargain, unless you want to spend the night at one of their overpriced hotels.
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American Expressions
Want to really confuse a foreign visitor? Hit him with some of the bizarre expressions that are uniquely American.
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Newspaper Reading Habits Today
The traditional newspaper of our youth has gone away, but a free press is still around, in a different form.