Writing is fun isn't it? Least I think it is! Some have been so nice as to publish my writing (and even pay me for it!). See links below to read some of, but not all, of the things I have had published.
Travel Writing
My Family Tried These Five Hacks To Save Time and Money At Disney, Insider.com, Saturday, October 21, 2023
If you've ever been to Disney you know it is a quest not a vacation, so we tried to save some time and money on our trip. Here are the results...and what you should do instead. (Monthly Visitors: 77,000,000)
Foaming at the mouth for a brewery tour? Wisconsin beckons, Chicago Tribune, Sunday, May 23, 2004
If you are looking for a good time on some brewery tours in Wisconsin, this article covered it all. It ran with pictures and everything! (circulation: 1,002,398)
Passport to Chicago, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2016
Did you know that Chicago is home to more than 75 neighborhoods? This article gives you some of the lesser-known family friendly spots to visit this summer. (circulation: 85,000).
Five Unique Road Trip Destinations, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2016
This article started off looking at some unique Hall of Fame locations around the Midwest families could traverse to this summer. It pretty much maintained that theme...for the most part. (circulation: 85,000).
The Best Camping Sites within 90-minutes of Chicago, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2015
Looking to spend a night among the stars but not looking to travel too far from home? This piece gives you the four of the best options that just happen to be right in our area. (circulation: 85,000).
Hot Fudge and Happiness, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2015
I pitched this story about Two Rivers, Wisconsin and I almost immediately regretted it - not because it is a bad place to go, but rather because I kind of wanted to keep this awesome place to myself. (circulation: 85,000).
Milwaukee Summerfest Hosts Musical Family Fun, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2013
A story that is more than a year in the making, last summer I was able to obtain press passes for Milwaukee's Summerfest. So we packed up the family, headed to Milwaukee and checked it out. See my review of it in the article above. Spoiler alert: Do you really think I wouldn't enjoy live music? (circulation: 100,000).
Ride the Rails to Get Out of Town, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2014
With winter fast approaching, planning a family vacation by car or plane can be tricky, but in this article I look at the alternative means of travel - riding the rails. Oh, and the kids love it too! (circulation: 85,000).
NFL Packages Get You in the Game, Wisconsin State-Journal (Madison, WI), Sunday, October 5, 2003
A travel piece about how to score NFL tickets for sold-out Midwest teams like the Bears, Packers and Vikings. Not a huge paper, but I was glad to have a travel article published. (circulation: 154,558)
Here's How to Score Those Elusive NFL Tickets, Chicago Tribune, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
A slightly different version of the previous story, but this time it was in a paper that had more than 1 million copies printed each Sunday! (circulation: 1,015,399)
Roadtripping with John Deere, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2015
Looking for a quick weekend getaway from Chicago that the family will love? I've got you covered in this article that tells you how and where see all the sites that relate to John Deere in both Illinois and Iowa. (circulation: 85,000).
Opinion/Editorial Writing
Seat belt Scofflaws Sometimes Wear Uniform and Badge, Chicago Tribune, Sunday, December 28, 2003.
My second editorial (not counting my college paper), and it was published in the Trib, which rocked...even if it was inspired by my father receiving a ticket. Thanks Dad! (circulation: 1,015,399)
Honked Off By Illinois Drivers? He's Sorry, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Sunday, June 14, 2003.
This was my first published piece, and it was an editorial in the Sunday edition of a decent size newspaper (circulation: 434,668).
I Love My Children, But..., Chicago Parent magazine, June 2016
Want to get away without the kids but feel guilty ditching them for a parent's only vacation? We did...and then we totally didn't. Read all about it here.
(circulation: 100,000).
Columns/Personal Essay
The Happy Good-Bye, Family Fun magazine, September 2015
After dealing with some school separation anxiety issues at home last year, I decided to share our solutions. And the fine people of Family Fun were nice enough to print it for me. Side note: This is easily the biggest audience any one of my pieces has ever reached. (circulation: 2,200,000).
Advice from a Chicago Dad on Raising Twins, Chicago Parent's "Chicago Baby" magazine, October 31, 2012
Somewhat therapeutic in nature, this was written on a whim to sort of help me remember everything that we had done (both right and wrong) while bringning up our twin boys thus far. After I was done I wondered if anyone would be interested in sharing my tips for me. Chicago Parent magazine was and published the piece in print and online (circulation 150,000).
A Day Outside the Improv, Chicago Parent, May 23, 2008.
After a trip to Woodfield Mall where I was unable to change my son's diaper because there was no place provided for a male to do it, I wrote this article. Guess it was worth the headache and smelliness since it was published! (circulation: 115,000)
Are Chicago Playgrounds "Moms-Only" Territory?, Chicago Parent, April 11, 2011
Have you ever been to a playground during the day? There is a lack of father's there. I noticed. And so did all of the mom's who were there with their kids...but not in a good, welcome to the park way (circulation: 150,000)
8th Grade Basketball, EFSLSports.com, January 2005.
As the weekly columnist for this now defunct website, I was able to write pretty much about anything I wanted (you know, as long as it was clean and about sports).
Family Focused Writing
Take A Day Trip in the Name of Theater, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2016
The largest children's theater, First Stage, is just to the north of Chicago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Plus I've got your inside tip on where to grab a bite to eat if you are a fan of pizza. (circulation: 85,000).
Three Places to Go Crazy for Comic Books, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2016
Have you kids asked you about comic books but you have no idea how to get started or where to go? This article should help (circulation: 85,000).
Windy City 101, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2015
Chicago is full of world-class museums (more than 30 in fact), but there are several that focus on the Windy City itself. (circulation: 85,000).
Summer State of Mind, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2015
No one wants to ever say goodbye to summer, and with my suggestions in this article you can hang onto that summer feeling a couple more times during the Fall in Chicago. (circulation: 85,000).
It's Showtime!, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2015
Taking the family to the movies can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be (alright, some times it has to be). This piece looks at some unique movie houses in Chicago and the burbs. (circulation: 85,000).
Places Where Kids and Pets Can Play, Chicago Parent, March 27, 2012.
I had written two opinion/essay pieces for Chicago Parent before, but this marks my first venture into the "reporting/feature" section of the magazine. As a bonus for me, the nice people of PetSmart tweeted the link to the story (circulation: 150,000).
Soccer Scores Family Fun, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2015
It's a sport I've been playing since I was in kindergarten, so when they asked if I would like to write about Chicago's two professional teams, I jumped at the chance. (circulation: 85,000).
Get the Puck Out of Here, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2015
The Chicago Blackhawks are the hottest ticket in town, but taking your entire family to a game could cost you a small fortune. This piece looks at some nearby minor league teams where the family could enjoy a game and not break the bank. (circulation: 85,000).
Music and Theater Like Kids Haven't Seen Before, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2014
Everyone knows that in a city like Chicago you can find children's theaters, but few know that the Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and DePaul University have shows that cater to kids and their families. Well now you know (circulation: 85,000).
Corporate & Academic Writing
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities Annual Report, Ray Graham Association, Downers Grove, Illinois
As the Public Relations Director for this wonderful non-profit organization that serves more than 2,000 people with disabilities in DuPage County, I was asked to design and write the stories for the 2001 Annual Report. All these years later, I am still proud of our work in this document.
Navigating the waters of Safe Harbor, College Media Review (Journal of the College Media Association), September 2016
Admittedly this particular article is for a much smaller, niche audience than most of my writings. However, if you advise a radio or television station at the high school or college level, this article is very useful (and important) in making sure you and your program won't be fined.
Travel Writing
My Family Tried These Five Hacks To Save Time and Money At Disney, Insider.com, Saturday, October 21, 2023
If you've ever been to Disney you know it is a quest not a vacation, so we tried to save some time and money on our trip. Here are the results...and what you should do instead. (Monthly Visitors: 77,000,000)
Foaming at the mouth for a brewery tour? Wisconsin beckons, Chicago Tribune, Sunday, May 23, 2004
If you are looking for a good time on some brewery tours in Wisconsin, this article covered it all. It ran with pictures and everything! (circulation: 1,002,398)
Passport to Chicago, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2016
Did you know that Chicago is home to more than 75 neighborhoods? This article gives you some of the lesser-known family friendly spots to visit this summer. (circulation: 85,000).
Five Unique Road Trip Destinations, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2016
This article started off looking at some unique Hall of Fame locations around the Midwest families could traverse to this summer. It pretty much maintained that theme...for the most part. (circulation: 85,000).
The Best Camping Sites within 90-minutes of Chicago, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2015
Looking to spend a night among the stars but not looking to travel too far from home? This piece gives you the four of the best options that just happen to be right in our area. (circulation: 85,000).
Hot Fudge and Happiness, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2015
I pitched this story about Two Rivers, Wisconsin and I almost immediately regretted it - not because it is a bad place to go, but rather because I kind of wanted to keep this awesome place to myself. (circulation: 85,000).
Milwaukee Summerfest Hosts Musical Family Fun, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2013
A story that is more than a year in the making, last summer I was able to obtain press passes for Milwaukee's Summerfest. So we packed up the family, headed to Milwaukee and checked it out. See my review of it in the article above. Spoiler alert: Do you really think I wouldn't enjoy live music? (circulation: 100,000).
Ride the Rails to Get Out of Town, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2014
With winter fast approaching, planning a family vacation by car or plane can be tricky, but in this article I look at the alternative means of travel - riding the rails. Oh, and the kids love it too! (circulation: 85,000).
NFL Packages Get You in the Game, Wisconsin State-Journal (Madison, WI), Sunday, October 5, 2003
A travel piece about how to score NFL tickets for sold-out Midwest teams like the Bears, Packers and Vikings. Not a huge paper, but I was glad to have a travel article published. (circulation: 154,558)
Here's How to Score Those Elusive NFL Tickets, Chicago Tribune, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
A slightly different version of the previous story, but this time it was in a paper that had more than 1 million copies printed each Sunday! (circulation: 1,015,399)
Roadtripping with John Deere, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2015
Looking for a quick weekend getaway from Chicago that the family will love? I've got you covered in this article that tells you how and where see all the sites that relate to John Deere in both Illinois and Iowa. (circulation: 85,000).
Opinion/Editorial Writing
Seat belt Scofflaws Sometimes Wear Uniform and Badge, Chicago Tribune, Sunday, December 28, 2003.
My second editorial (not counting my college paper), and it was published in the Trib, which rocked...even if it was inspired by my father receiving a ticket. Thanks Dad! (circulation: 1,015,399)
Honked Off By Illinois Drivers? He's Sorry, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Sunday, June 14, 2003.
This was my first published piece, and it was an editorial in the Sunday edition of a decent size newspaper (circulation: 434,668).
I Love My Children, But..., Chicago Parent magazine, June 2016
Want to get away without the kids but feel guilty ditching them for a parent's only vacation? We did...and then we totally didn't. Read all about it here.
(circulation: 100,000).
Columns/Personal Essay
The Happy Good-Bye, Family Fun magazine, September 2015
After dealing with some school separation anxiety issues at home last year, I decided to share our solutions. And the fine people of Family Fun were nice enough to print it for me. Side note: This is easily the biggest audience any one of my pieces has ever reached. (circulation: 2,200,000).
Advice from a Chicago Dad on Raising Twins, Chicago Parent's "Chicago Baby" magazine, October 31, 2012
Somewhat therapeutic in nature, this was written on a whim to sort of help me remember everything that we had done (both right and wrong) while bringning up our twin boys thus far. After I was done I wondered if anyone would be interested in sharing my tips for me. Chicago Parent magazine was and published the piece in print and online (circulation 150,000).
A Day Outside the Improv, Chicago Parent, May 23, 2008.
After a trip to Woodfield Mall where I was unable to change my son's diaper because there was no place provided for a male to do it, I wrote this article. Guess it was worth the headache and smelliness since it was published! (circulation: 115,000)
Are Chicago Playgrounds "Moms-Only" Territory?, Chicago Parent, April 11, 2011
Have you ever been to a playground during the day? There is a lack of father's there. I noticed. And so did all of the mom's who were there with their kids...but not in a good, welcome to the park way (circulation: 150,000)
8th Grade Basketball, EFSLSports.com, January 2005.
As the weekly columnist for this now defunct website, I was able to write pretty much about anything I wanted (you know, as long as it was clean and about sports).
Family Focused Writing
Take A Day Trip in the Name of Theater, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2016
The largest children's theater, First Stage, is just to the north of Chicago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Plus I've got your inside tip on where to grab a bite to eat if you are a fan of pizza. (circulation: 85,000).
Three Places to Go Crazy for Comic Books, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2016
Have you kids asked you about comic books but you have no idea how to get started or where to go? This article should help (circulation: 85,000).
Windy City 101, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2015
Chicago is full of world-class museums (more than 30 in fact), but there are several that focus on the Windy City itself. (circulation: 85,000).
Summer State of Mind, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2015
No one wants to ever say goodbye to summer, and with my suggestions in this article you can hang onto that summer feeling a couple more times during the Fall in Chicago. (circulation: 85,000).
It's Showtime!, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2015
Taking the family to the movies can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be (alright, some times it has to be). This piece looks at some unique movie houses in Chicago and the burbs. (circulation: 85,000).
Places Where Kids and Pets Can Play, Chicago Parent, March 27, 2012.
I had written two opinion/essay pieces for Chicago Parent before, but this marks my first venture into the "reporting/feature" section of the magazine. As a bonus for me, the nice people of PetSmart tweeted the link to the story (circulation: 150,000).
Soccer Scores Family Fun, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Summer 2015
It's a sport I've been playing since I was in kindergarten, so when they asked if I would like to write about Chicago's two professional teams, I jumped at the chance. (circulation: 85,000).
Get the Puck Out of Here, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Spring 2015
The Chicago Blackhawks are the hottest ticket in town, but taking your entire family to a game could cost you a small fortune. This piece looks at some nearby minor league teams where the family could enjoy a game and not break the bank. (circulation: 85,000).
Music and Theater Like Kids Haven't Seen Before, Chicago Parent's "Going Places" magazine, Fall 2014
Everyone knows that in a city like Chicago you can find children's theaters, but few know that the Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and DePaul University have shows that cater to kids and their families. Well now you know (circulation: 85,000).
Corporate & Academic Writing
Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities Annual Report, Ray Graham Association, Downers Grove, Illinois
As the Public Relations Director for this wonderful non-profit organization that serves more than 2,000 people with disabilities in DuPage County, I was asked to design and write the stories for the 2001 Annual Report. All these years later, I am still proud of our work in this document.
Navigating the waters of Safe Harbor, College Media Review (Journal of the College Media Association), September 2016
Admittedly this particular article is for a much smaller, niche audience than most of my writings. However, if you advise a radio or television station at the high school or college level, this article is very useful (and important) in making sure you and your program won't be fined.
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