Erik Eckel
@erikeckel.bsky.social
Freelance author and retired business owner who enjoys reading, writing, quality meats and cheeses, the Oxford comma, and a wide variety of sports.
Please join me in canceling your YoutubeTV subscription. No ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and other channels? No thanks, I'm out. Buh-bye. #youtubetv
October 31, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Please join me in canceling your YoutubeTV subscription. No ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and other channels? No thanks, I'm out. Buh-bye. #youtubetv
Both eating and working at Chi-Chi's was an experience. The food was wonderful, as were the people who worked there. Here's how I remember the Mexican restaurant as well as its food and dating scene, as Chi-Chi's prepares a 2025 comeback starting in Minnesota.
erikeckel.com/2025/09/03/r...
erikeckel.com/2025/09/03/r...
September 3, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Both eating and working at Chi-Chi's was an experience. The food was wonderful, as were the people who worked there. Here's how I remember the Mexican restaurant as well as its food and dating scene, as Chi-Chi's prepares a 2025 comeback starting in Minnesota.
erikeckel.com/2025/09/03/r...
erikeckel.com/2025/09/03/r...
Can you say tariff? Apparently consumers pay the cost, not countries or companies. Who knew?
'duh
'duh
August 31, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Can you say tariff? Apparently consumers pay the cost, not countries or companies. Who knew?
'duh
'duh
Handwritten shopping lists are, increasingly, a rarity. And that saddens me. Here's why: erikeckel.com/2025/07/30/2...
“2 Meats”: An Unfinished Story
Handwritten shopping lists are, increasingly, a rarity. And that fact saddens me, as each such discarded note offers a unique, often compelling story. I was reminded of this fact by a recent Longre…
erikeckel.com
July 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Handwritten shopping lists are, increasingly, a rarity. And that saddens me. Here's why: erikeckel.com/2025/07/30/2...
Baseball can both reconnect you with your youth and enable forming new bonds with your own kids. 20 years ago my not-yet-three daughter discovered a natural affinity for the game, while I rediscovered my reverence for America’s favorite pastime. Here’s that story.
erikeckel.com/2025/06/19/w...
erikeckel.com/2025/06/19/w...
June 21, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Baseball can both reconnect you with your youth and enable forming new bonds with your own kids. 20 years ago my not-yet-three daughter discovered a natural affinity for the game, while I rediscovered my reverence for America’s favorite pastime. Here’s that story.
erikeckel.com/2025/06/19/w...
erikeckel.com/2025/06/19/w...
Can you imagine McLaren's post-race Canadian Grand Prix meeting? They had two cars set to finish in the top five, but did Norris get too greedy? Hard to swallow his 18th-place finish, I suspect.
www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/f...
www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/f...
It’s finally happened... McLaren rocked as Norris and Piastri crash in late F1 drama
It’s finally happened... McLaren rocked as Norris and Piastri crash in late F1 drama
www.foxsports.com.au
June 15, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Can you imagine McLaren's post-race Canadian Grand Prix meeting? They had two cars set to finish in the top five, but did Norris get too greedy? Hard to swallow his 18th-place finish, I suspect.
www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/f...
www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/f...
How many books is it OK to be reading at the same time? Is this too many?
June 15, 2025 at 7:35 PM
How many books is it OK to be reading at the same time? Is this too many?
What I’m reading. The 15th Travis McGee novel published in 1973.
#johndmacdonald #travismcgee #books #readabook #reading
#johndmacdonald #travismcgee #books #readabook #reading
May 18, 2025 at 4:34 PM
What I’m reading. The 15th Travis McGee novel published in 1973.
#johndmacdonald #travismcgee #books #readabook #reading
#johndmacdonald #travismcgee #books #readabook #reading
Apparently this Busch Light Apple beer fad is a real thing. $999.99 for a 30-pack at Meijer!
Or, is it? I'm hoping the UPC code is just a placeholder for when the grocery store actually receives product to sell.
#beer #buschlightapple
Or, is it? I'm hoping the UPC code is just a placeholder for when the grocery store actually receives product to sell.
#beer #buschlightapple
April 30, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Apparently this Busch Light Apple beer fad is a real thing. $999.99 for a 30-pack at Meijer!
Or, is it? I'm hoping the UPC code is just a placeholder for when the grocery store actually receives product to sell.
#beer #buschlightapple
Or, is it? I'm hoping the UPC code is just a placeholder for when the grocery store actually receives product to sell.
#beer #buschlightapple
Among the techniques plutocrats employ exploiting privilege is the manipulation of culture and the arrogant dictation of what constitutes acceptable art, taste and style.
Of course, even dogs see through such silly ostentation. Read my new essay for the whole story: erikeckel.com/2025/04/25/e...
Of course, even dogs see through such silly ostentation. Read my new essay for the whole story: erikeckel.com/2025/04/25/e...
Even My Dog Rejects Your Finery
I have a great idea for a photo exhibit. The problem? I’m not a very good photographer. Simply setting a Nikon to automatic won’t quite work for this idea. The prep work alone would be challenging.…
erikeckel.com
April 28, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Among the techniques plutocrats employ exploiting privilege is the manipulation of culture and the arrogant dictation of what constitutes acceptable art, taste and style.
Of course, even dogs see through such silly ostentation. Read my new essay for the whole story: erikeckel.com/2025/04/25/e...
Of course, even dogs see through such silly ostentation. Read my new essay for the whole story: erikeckel.com/2025/04/25/e...
Like many, I worked my share of minimum-wage roles. First I sold tickets and concessions at the theaters, then shoes at Foot Locker and later records, tapes and CDs at Disc Records. One evening in particular, though, stands out.
Here’s the story: erikeckel.com/2025/04/07/a...
#footlocker #theboss
Here’s the story: erikeckel.com/2025/04/07/a...
#footlocker #theboss
A Slow Night At Foot Locker With The Boss
Burger King called it The Whaler. The fried fish sandwich featured wild-caught Alaskan pollock, creamy tartar sauce with a hint of garlic and cool shredded lettuce on a plump sesame seed bun. The o…
erikeckel.com
April 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Like many, I worked my share of minimum-wage roles. First I sold tickets and concessions at the theaters, then shoes at Foot Locker and later records, tapes and CDs at Disc Records. One evening in particular, though, stands out.
Here’s the story: erikeckel.com/2025/04/07/a...
#footlocker #theboss
Here’s the story: erikeckel.com/2025/04/07/a...
#footlocker #theboss
The Founding Fathers emphasized the importance of the freedom to write and read and built libraries to ensure resources were available. On Right To Read Day, truly patriotic Americans remain mindful of the importance reading, libraries and access to uncensored information fulfill across the nation.
April 7, 2025 at 2:13 PM
The Founding Fathers emphasized the importance of the freedom to write and read and built libraries to ensure resources were available. On Right To Read Day, truly patriotic Americans remain mindful of the importance reading, libraries and access to uncensored information fulfill across the nation.
When does the winning begin? Asking for a friend.
April 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
When does the winning begin? Asking for a friend.
A fan of Georges Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," I enjoyed this Sam Hadley graphic featured in today's Wall Street Journal Books newsletter. Had I created an updated version, I'd just have had everybody fiddling with their phones while slurping a venti latte or two.
April 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
A fan of Georges Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," I enjoyed this Sam Hadley graphic featured in today's Wall Street Journal Books newsletter. Had I created an updated version, I'd just have had everybody fiddling with their phones while slurping a venti latte or two.
Federal resources that help fund important library services nationwide are under attack.
If you believe libraries provide important services, take action today!
action.everylibrary.org/saveimls2025 via @everylibrary.bsky.social
If you believe libraries provide important services, take action today!
action.everylibrary.org/saveimls2025 via @everylibrary.bsky.social
Take Action To Save Federal Funding for Libraries!
Trump is attempting to destroy federal funding for libraries. We need you to take action today! That's why we made it easy to contact your reps, sign petitions, and learn about the Institute of Museum...
action.everylibrary.org
April 4, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Federal resources that help fund important library services nationwide are under attack.
If you believe libraries provide important services, take action today!
action.everylibrary.org/saveimls2025 via @everylibrary.bsky.social
If you believe libraries provide important services, take action today!
action.everylibrary.org/saveimls2025 via @everylibrary.bsky.social
Fathers often bond with sons and daughters through sports. Here’s an example involving my son, a hometown trip, chocolate-covered bacon, a visit to the Detroit Red Wings’ Little Caesars Arena and even the unruly behavior of a few late-night restaurant patrons.
erikeckel.com/2025/03/30/f...
erikeckel.com/2025/03/30/f...
Fathers, Sons And A Sporting Event
The low-pressure warning appeared 45 miles south of Toledo. With nothing but flat gray, seemingly sad landscape surrounding us, I pulled to the highway’s shoulder. The sedan’s climate c…
erikeckel.com
March 31, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Fathers often bond with sons and daughters through sports. Here’s an example involving my son, a hometown trip, chocolate-covered bacon, a visit to the Detroit Red Wings’ Little Caesars Arena and even the unruly behavior of a few late-night restaurant patrons.
erikeckel.com/2025/03/30/f...
erikeckel.com/2025/03/30/f...
I’ve posted the first chapter from a sci-fi novel I’m mulling writing. Feedback is welcome. Read it here: erikeckel.com/2025/03/10/s...
Sci-Fi Novel Excerpt: Cruise Day
The following is an excerpt from a new science fiction novel I’m writing. The story explores how climate change denial and gross inequities in wealth concentration, permitted to continue, cou…
erikeckel.com
March 23, 2025 at 12:33 AM
I’ve posted the first chapter from a sci-fi novel I’m mulling writing. Feedback is welcome. Read it here: erikeckel.com/2025/03/10/s...
Who had #10 seed Arkansas (with Calipari seemingly mounting an entertaining revenge tour this year) beating #2 seed St. John's (coached by Hall of Famer Pitino)? I chose Arkansas in a few brackets, but I created dozens, so that probably doesn't count.
March 22, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Who had #10 seed Arkansas (with Calipari seemingly mounting an entertaining revenge tour this year) beating #2 seed St. John's (coached by Hall of Famer Pitino)? I chose Arkansas in a few brackets, but I created dozens, so that probably doesn't count.
Here is my unsolicited coffee recommendation. If you’re looking for a simple cup of Joe with an inviting aroma, rich flavor and minimal fuss (Mount Hagen is not only organic Free Trade certified but instant as well), here you go. Available at Fresh Market and online. Both decaf and regular. Enjoy!
March 21, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Here is my unsolicited coffee recommendation. If you’re looking for a simple cup of Joe with an inviting aroma, rich flavor and minimal fuss (Mount Hagen is not only organic Free Trade certified but instant as well), here you go. Available at Fresh Market and online. Both decaf and regular. Enjoy!
Just ordered Lego's Endurance kit. My plan is to listen to the audiobook while assembling the set. There are worse ways to spend your time, right?
#lego #endurance #shackleton #books #reading
#lego #endurance #shackleton #books #reading
March 9, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Just ordered Lego's Endurance kit. My plan is to listen to the audiobook while assembling the set. There are worse ways to spend your time, right?
#lego #endurance #shackleton #books #reading
#lego #endurance #shackleton #books #reading
My kids gifted me Lego’s Books Are My Passion set. The kit was a free promo last fall. Demand has pushed the price to $150 now, but the overall cost was somewhat lower due to the Czech Koruna exchange rate. So yes, there is a robust secondary Lego economy and it is global.
March 7, 2025 at 12:12 AM
My kids gifted me Lego’s Books Are My Passion set. The kit was a free promo last fall. Demand has pushed the price to $150 now, but the overall cost was somewhat lower due to the Czech Koruna exchange rate. So yes, there is a robust secondary Lego economy and it is global.
This is going to sound like a complaint (because it is). A trillion features are packed into Microsoft Word for Mac, yet you cannot easily list page x of y within a document. Are you kidding me?
February 23, 2025 at 10:35 PM
This is going to sound like a complaint (because it is). A trillion features are packed into Microsoft Word for Mac, yet you cannot easily list page x of y within a document. Are you kidding me?
It's frustrating how often streaming services warn subscribers they could lose or have lost channels due to the channels' owner refusing to accept the provider's reasonable carriage agreement offer. Occasionally the channels return. Sometimes, maybe, it's just a negotiating tactic. You decide.
February 17, 2025 at 2:42 PM
It's frustrating how often streaming services warn subscribers they could lose or have lost channels due to the channels' owner refusing to accept the provider's reasonable carriage agreement offer. Occasionally the channels return. Sometimes, maybe, it's just a negotiating tactic. You decide.
February 17, 2025 at 1:44 AM
