Scientists estimate that around 117 billion humans have ever lived on Earth since the dawn of Homo sapiens, approximately 192,000 years ago. Of course, this dramatic increase in the world’s population is a relatively new phenomenon. For many thousands of years, there were fewer people roaming the Earth than would live in a mid-sized city of today…

The bar located exactly three miles north of our home, has undergone several iterations since our move to the country from Detroit, in 2002. This one is the best and an absolute treat to visit, Wednesday through Sunday. Located at 5827 M-76 in Alger, MI, it’s a homey place that always makes you feel welcome. Clean, nicely decorated with a Nordic feel (think Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and the friendliest service provided by owners Lisa and Steve, and their superb wait staff, including Melisa, their talented cook. Don’t believe me, just look at their reviews…

Recently, one of my clients kept experiencing “cold feet. He was afraid to hit the “publish button.” This occurred several times as we tidied up the last-minute details. It’s time. Yet, he couldn’t do it and tried to pull the plug several times. At one point, he informed me he didn’t want to publish at all.

“I think I’ll rewrite the whole thing,” he declared.

But I wouldn’t let him do that. I could predict the outcome…

As a user of various software products during the last three decades, I am ready to admit my frustration.

What set me off? It all began with Word 365. Don’t get me wrong, it is/was a great program, complete with all the bells and whistles, many of which I employed. It’s performed well for me personally and for work. However, when an aspect of the program continually falls short, it’s time to share my discontent.

I’m talking about READ ALOUD. For me, it’s a helpful tool when I’m writing or editing client books. It helps me fine-tune and enables me to catch mistakes that I may have missed. I came to rely on this feature…