Jeff Gauger
@jeff-gauger.bsky.social
Writer. Editor. Journalist. Teacher.
Proudly serving LSUReveille.com as student media adviser and LSU as a professional-in-residence in the Manship School of Mass Communication. Editor of https://30secondread.com/.
Proudly serving LSUReveille.com as student media adviser and LSU as a professional-in-residence in the Manship School of Mass Communication. Editor of https://30secondread.com/.
A first for 30-Second Read -- a poem.
Quietly Winter
A poem to mark winter's gentle arrival – for now – to a slice of eastern Nebraska on the edge of the Great Plains.
30secondread.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:14 PM
A first for 30-Second Read -- a poem.
30-Second Read gives its prizes for the ages.
The 30-Second Read Prizes
You won't want to miss these 30-Second Read Prizes honoring the most outstanding people today or, really, in all of history.
30secondread.com
December 12, 2025 at 12:07 PM
30-Second Read gives its prizes for the ages.
New from writer Nahar Trina: "When someone makes you angry, even if your anger is justified, choose the better, wiser response. You'll win in the end."
Outshine, Don’t Outfight
When someone makes you angry, even if your anger is justified, choose the better, wiser response. You'll win in the end.
30secondread.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:38 PM
New from writer Nahar Trina: "When someone makes you angry, even if your anger is justified, choose the better, wiser response. You'll win in the end."
We trust that no 30-Second Read readers will recognize themselves in today's essay.
Old Man Primer
We visit that foreign land called "The Habits of Older Men" to help understand their sometimes endearing and often strange ways.
30secondread.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:17 PM
We trust that no 30-Second Read readers will recognize themselves in today's essay.
Memories of home.
A Broken Memory
A shoehorn given with a new pair of shoes so, so many years ago prompts memories of childhood in a small town.
30secondread.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Memories of home.
From Cynthia Peckham, a writer who is new to 30-Second Read, a treat for the season.
On Second Thought …
Thanksgiving left me tired and ready to skip decorating for Christmas. Then I got one good night's sleep.
30secondread.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:11 PM
From Cynthia Peckham, a writer who is new to 30-Second Read, a treat for the season.
Writer Thomas Gunning explains.
Fanaticism Deciphered
A book published 74 years ago described mass movements. Eric Hoffer's masterpiece offers insights that are especially relevant today.
30secondread.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Writer Thomas Gunning explains.
From writer Tala Hopkins, an appreciation for slow hiking.
Hiking to Extremes
Hiking appeals most for its opportunities to see, smell, watch and experience – not to travel farther, faster, higher.
30secondread.com
November 29, 2025 at 1:30 PM
From writer Tala Hopkins, an appreciation for slow hiking.
I have much to be thankful for. Family, friends, communities of support. A fulfilling job. The means to indulge in pastimes and fun. Yet so many do not. A Thanksgiving message.
A Good Place to Start
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, may we find space to think of those who have fewer blessings and must live with want or fear.
30secondread.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:15 PM
I have much to be thankful for. Family, friends, communities of support. A fulfilling job. The means to indulge in pastimes and fun. Yet so many do not. A Thanksgiving message.
An ode to the changing seasons from Thomas Gunning.
Seasonal Change
It's not winter yet here on the edge of the Great Plains. But trees, cold nights and graying skies herald its arrival.
30secondread.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:08 PM
An ode to the changing seasons from Thomas Gunning.
There are times in human affairs when the hard thing must be said. Today is one of those times.
A Crime Against Fingers
Some contrivances of modern life are convenient but aren't worth the irritation they cause or the pain they inflict. A silly rant.
30secondread.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:22 PM
There are times in human affairs when the hard thing must be said. Today is one of those times.
A new essay by Thomas Gunning. 30secondread.com/my-cat-pirate/
Black and White Elegy
My companion, a cat named Pirate, purred until the end. Did I do the right thing in sending him into whatever comes next?
30secondread.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:15 PM
A new essay by Thomas Gunning. 30secondread.com/my-cat-pirate/
My take on winter.
Too Highly Evolved for Winter
How do you like your winters – served up like a frozen slab of Great Plains tundra or a soggy bowl of the swampy South?
30secondread.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:09 PM
My take on winter.
A new mini essay from Thomas Gunning at 30SecondRead.com.
Belly Up, Boys!
I'd seen myself daily in the bathroom mirror, of course. Then I glanced at my reflection differently. And oh my.
30secondread.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:11 PM
A new mini essay from Thomas Gunning at 30SecondRead.com.
A new essay from Nahar Trina, at 30SecondRead.com.
What We Hold and Lose
In love as in life, we value the forbidden, the difficult, over what comes easily. It is why, perhaps, we struggle to love vulnerably.
30secondread.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
A new essay from Nahar Trina, at 30SecondRead.com.
I play Wordle daily and finally got a prize. Am I obsessed? If I am, would I even know? ... Read my latest at 30-Second Read: 30secondread.com/wordle-badge/ #Wordle
November 6, 2025 at 12:08 PM
I play Wordle daily and finally got a prize. Am I obsessed? If I am, would I even know? ... Read my latest at 30-Second Read: 30secondread.com/wordle-badge/ #Wordle
An essay by Thomas Gunning.
The Kiss Missed
It was the briefest of flings, consummated without so much as a proper kiss. And, wow, did it stir something.
30secondread.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:07 PM
An essay by Thomas Gunning.
I've concluded that I am one of seven people globally who don't like horror movies.
Grandma Loves Zombie Movies?
Among the things I will never understand is why people I otherwise admire and respect like horror movies.
30secondread.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:18 AM
I've concluded that I am one of seven people globally who don't like horror movies.
A new mini essay by Thomas Gunning.
Ego at Play
I'm perfect for every leading role in a stage play that I audition for. Just ask my ego.
30secondread.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:54 AM
A new mini essay by Thomas Gunning.
Years ago, while exiting a Baton Rouge Subway sandwich shop, I noticed a group of men with ragged, dirty clothes and long beards and hair and one young woman on crutches with bandaged toes. They said nothing, and I walked by.
A mini tale by Wayne Parker. 30secondread.com/never-homele...
A mini tale by Wayne Parker. 30secondread.com/never-homele...
Never Homeless in Texas
The things you learn if you simply talk with people. Here's what I learned from friendly people living rough.
30secondread.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Years ago, while exiting a Baton Rouge Subway sandwich shop, I noticed a group of men with ragged, dirty clothes and long beards and hair and one young woman on crutches with bandaged toes. They said nothing, and I walked by.
A mini tale by Wayne Parker. 30secondread.com/never-homele...
A mini tale by Wayne Parker. 30secondread.com/never-homele...
Gun worship is our nation’s second great sin.
Our original sin was slavery and the stain of prejudice it abetted, although our new Poobahs want us to forget and ignore.
But today is about our Second Sin.
Our original sin was slavery and the stain of prejudice it abetted, although our new Poobahs want us to forget and ignore.
But today is about our Second Sin.
They're Silent. Or Cheering.
The gun lobby told us we needed weapons to stop the federal government from stealing our liberties.
30secondread.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Gun worship is our nation’s second great sin.
Our original sin was slavery and the stain of prejudice it abetted, although our new Poobahs want us to forget and ignore.
But today is about our Second Sin.
Our original sin was slavery and the stain of prejudice it abetted, although our new Poobahs want us to forget and ignore.
But today is about our Second Sin.
A new mini essay from Thomas Gunning, at 30SecondRead.com.
Bathroom Antics
I read in the bathroom, using my time while seated to entertain myself from books both informative and inspirational.
30secondread.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:47 AM
A new mini essay from Thomas Gunning, at 30SecondRead.com.
I rarely can’t find something to write or say. If you know me, then you know: Gauger has words.
So I was surprised last week when words wouldn’t come. I sat mute, eyes wet, grasping for any wisp of a thought, flailing for words.
#gratitude #cancer
So I was surprised last week when words wouldn’t come. I sat mute, eyes wet, grasping for any wisp of a thought, flailing for words.
#gratitude #cancer
Beyond All Words
Even in my darkest and hardest moments, so many have shown that they care. It's been a blessing beyond words.
30secondread.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:56 AM
I rarely can’t find something to write or say. If you know me, then you know: Gauger has words.
So I was surprised last week when words wouldn’t come. I sat mute, eyes wet, grasping for any wisp of a thought, flailing for words.
#gratitude #cancer
So I was surprised last week when words wouldn’t come. I sat mute, eyes wet, grasping for any wisp of a thought, flailing for words.
#gratitude #cancer
From Thomas Gunning: My sweetest memories include singing to my grandsons during long walks on Sunday mornings. 30secondread.com/grandpa-sere...
Grandpa Serenade
My sweetest memories include singing to my grandsons during long walks on Sunday mornings.
30secondread.com
October 13, 2025 at 11:10 AM
From Thomas Gunning: My sweetest memories include singing to my grandsons during long walks on Sunday mornings. 30secondread.com/grandpa-sere...
