Uncle Thor's Lessons, Anecdotes and Humor

Some years ago, I knew a man whose nickname was Crazy Al. He was a good-natured man who resembled Don Amechi. Back when I last saw Al, he was in his late 50s. He was going out somewhere. That night, Al was the stereotypical older guy trying to look cool, wearing a mock turtle neck [...]

Today’s runecast is Bjork – Dag – Elk Bjork is natural growth and expansion. Its motion is upward and outward. Dag is the light that reveals that which had been hidden in darkness. Elk is a rune of dignity and of security. We grow, and at the right stage of growth, more is revealed. It [...]

Today’s runecast is Wunjo – Thurs – Ase Joy is normally a good thing (Wunjo). However, the search for pleasure and joy go awry when they become the only goal. We see this in pleasure seekers who ignore everything else. That is when joy becomes pain (Thurs). An example is found in addicts and alcoholics. [...]

This is not a lesson. It is a funny story. In the lobby of a building where I worked the night shift, there were three pay phones on the lobby wall. Every morning, the local lazy bum would come in and check the coin return slots. I did not like Al the Bum, and made [...]

Today’s runecast is Eh – Elk – Fe Eh is the forward journey and progress. This leads to a position of security (Elk). From a safe place, assets can be maintained and attained (Fe). A safe foundation allows prosperity, for one can use his assets without fear of their being destroyed or lost.

Anger is an emotion with fire and fuel. It has to be managed. Those who control their anger can use it to their advantage. Anger can result in action that makes necessary changes. A failure to control anger means that the anger controls you. Over 25 years ago, I had a second job as a [...]

Today’s runecast is Raido – Mannar – Elk Raido is a matter of speed and of riding. It is being passenger rather than a driver. It relates to the personality of the person in question (Mannar). We find here a person who finds safety (Elk) in movement. He is frequently on the move. Does it [...]

Today’s runecast is Hagal – Ken – Eh A surprising event with shattering impact (Hagal) causes the search (Ken) for the reasons behind it. By discovering and understanding them, adjustments can be made so as to ensure progress rather than disaster (Eh). In other words, a difficult incident may cause us to think and learn. [...]

Today’s runecast is Action of the Gods – Naud – Tyr The actions of the Gods are not always comfortable for us. This is a case where they leave us in a situation of need. The need can be overcome by well-directed, persistent effort (Tyr). There is a side note: the road away from need [...]

Today I will be participating in small ceremony celebrating the Declaration of Independence. Our American legion Post provides the color guard. The people themselves are the participants. Each reads on line from the Declaration of Independence. It starts at 9 a.m. in front of Freehold Boro Hall on West Main street. The lesson today is [...]