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Introverts and social anxiety: what’s the difference?
Being an introvert and social anxiety are often confused, but they’re not the same. An introvert is a personality trait. Social anxiety is a mental health condition.
An introvert might resist going to a party because they get drained from loud music and too much...
Blum: A little local humor, inspired by a literary master
It’s time, once again, for a humorous column, dear reader. In that vein, I welcome Mark Twain to the conversation. Ron Chernow’s recently published biography of the famous author serves as the backdrop.
According to Chernow, before he was America’s most celebrated humorist, Mark Twain...
A Fortunate Life: Reflections on gratitude and growth this Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving arrives, I reflect on the many things I am thankful for. I’ve managed to survive to age 73. Along the way, I’ve had many fortunate things occur.
Of course, there have been horrible times too, such as when my father was killed in...
Channeling Twain pt. 2: Voyaging beyond the 101
I’m still reading the biography of Mark Twain by Ron Chernow. The book is more than 1,000 pages long, so cut me some slack.
My last column channeled Twain’s propensity to write fake news stories when he was a journalist. Prior to picking up Chernow’s...
We’re moving from chips to charm
Santa Clara County has been carrying around the nickname Silicon Valley for half a century. However, the nickname is as one-dimensional as a microchip. The phrase summons images of hoodie-clad coders, driverless cars, and tech CEOs who think kombucha is a food group. Silicon...
How to handle anti-Americanism while abroad
With anti-American sentiment rising in some places, it’s worth reviewing the US Department of State (DoS) Travel Advisory Levels when planning a trip abroad.
Each country is rated at one of four levels (China is at Level 2; North Korea is Level 4). There are...
Blum: Here’s my whimsical plea for civic engagement
In our quaint town of Los Gatos, nestled amidst rolling hills and serene landscapes, reside dedicated public servants whose hearts beat in rhythm with the pulse of the community. These individuals tirelessly serve on the Community Health and Senior Services Commission (CHSSC), their passion...
The ‘perfect day’ in Los Gatos?
The Laurel and Hardy film “Perfect Day” is a masterclass in irony. In about twenty minutes, it captures the unraveling of a well-intentioned Sunday outing. The boys and their wives are dressed and ready for a relaxing picnic. But the car won’t start. Tempers...
My wild road map for older adult services
The Community Health and Senior Service Commission (CHSSC) is implementing year one of the road map to improve the lives of older adults in Los Gatos.
As CHSSC’s chairperson, my position presumably affords me some latitude to “tongue in cheek,” think outside the box and...
The great wardrobe change
For nearly half a century, my identity was topped by a piece of headgear: the Attorney Hat. It was a fedora of authority. As a divorce lawyer for over 47 years, I was the one who asked the questions to command the room, the...
