Thursday, January 27, 2011

I'm moving to a new street: Retirement Lane

Now Hiring: Associate Editor

This was the headline today on the ACBL web site. I'm planning to retire at the end of March and they're looking for my replacement. Even though I made this decision last fall, it seems strange to see these words. The Bridge Bulletin is the world's largest bridge magazine with a circulation of around 150,000. I admit I'm proud to be a part of it.

When I began working for the magazine, I had to learn new ways of writing. You don't say: "ACBL has over 165,000 members." Instead you say: "ACBL has more than 165,000 members." Over means something else.

You don't say, "He made the hand by finding a squeeze." Instead you say: "He made the contract by finding a squeeze." A hand is something else -- it's 13 cards that you hold when you play.

You don't say: "He made the contract since hearts split 3-3." That's okay, but it's slightly preferred to say: "He made the contract because hearts split 3-3."

Sounds picky, but the Bridge Bulletin has its own way of doing things. Notice that the "t" in "the" wasn't capitalized? We don't say The Bridge Bulletin, but instead say the Bridge Bulletin.

I've been blessed to be the editor of some of the best bridge writers in the world. Eddie Kantar? You could argue he's the best. Larry Cohen? If you pick up the Bridge Bulletin and read nothing else, read his Real Deal column. He puts a lot of care in his craft, and it shows. These are two, but there are others.

I've also taken pleasure in directing It's Your Call and taking it online for subscribers to participate. I enjoy doing the Daily Bulletins at North American Bridge Championships. I will also say that I'm going to enjoy not doing them after March because it means I get to play again.

I've been writing monthly columns about online bridge and youth bridge. These are fun, too.

What now? Besides playing more bridge (poker too), I want to travel. I haven't made a bucket list or anything like that, but going to Kate's native state, Alaska, is a must. I also want to see Australia. What about the good ol' U.S.A.? There's plenty here (besides Alaska) I want to visit or, in some cases, revisit - Canada, too. I plan to do volunteer work. I have some ideas about what areas which I'll share later. Don't worry - I'll stay busy.

19 comments:

  1. I hope it is even more for you than you hope!!!

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  2. I'm so excited for you Mojo. You've earned the time off. Sounds like you will enjoy it!

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  3. Congrats on the retirement. I am envious, though I have at least another 15-20 years... If you ever find your way over to DC, let me know. It'd be cool to meet you in person.

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  4. Good Luck and enjoy yourself. Let me know if you make my neck of the woods. Never learned bridge but do know the poker rooms

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  5. So we're going to Alaska (got that) How about Paris in July? Lucky for us all, we still get to read you here :)

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  6. Maybe you'll have time to get back to the college-time roots in Illinois. Still waiting for you to Try the barbeque from my neck of the woods.

    Congrats!

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  7. Congrats! Have to say I wish it was me but I have many years before I reach this goal. Enjoy your free time!

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  8. HI there, HBJ here. I don't know how old you are,but I'm sure you got plenty of petrol in the tank to do some serious time out for travel and adventure. Should you ever come over to England, feel welcome stay for some free accommodation.

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  9. Well, congratulations. I'm sure you will find plenty of things to do. Lois and I mention often that we are busier now than we were when we were working.

    The good news is that we're doing what we want rather than what we must - usually. (Doesn't count visits to doctor's offices!)

    I retired about 12 years ago and still think it was the best thing I ever did! Never one regret.

    Fascinating info on your magazines "rules."

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  10. To all who left congratulations, thank you. I intend to enjoy myself.

    To Kate: Paris in the summer sounds wonderful. After, how about a 3 or 4 day trip through Switzerland?

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  11. Happy retirement!

    Don't forget to do lots of eating!

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  12. I was thinking that perhaps you would start a photo blog in your retirement. You are a fine photographer and have a lot to share!

    Yes?

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  13. @Jacob: Thanks for your kinds words. I might just do that.

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  14. congrats! sounds like a job I might be applying for!

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  15. @andre: GL to you if you decide to go for it.

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  16. With all your interests, you are going to love retirement. I've been out of town, so sorry for the late comment

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  17. @Crash: Thanks for your comment. I believe you are right.

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  18. Congrats Mojo on your retirement, the Bridge Bulletin will not be the same without you.

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  19. We have all enjoyed your work for many years. Now you can enjoy your retirement.

    I suspect that you will never get completely out of the business:)

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