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/.
New from 30-Second Read. By Thomas Gunning.
Cheeseburger Rebellion
Even with all else that ails us, we need to have a serious talk. About a most important topic. The cheeseburger.
30secondread.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:46 PM
New from 30-Second Read. By Thomas Gunning.
I write today with nothing except a wish to craft a New Year’s essay. I fear where it will go.
The Year That Broke America
Perhaps there was problem when a New Year's essay casts its lens back, to the year just ended, rather than looking ahead. Then again.
30secondread.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:14 PM
I write today with nothing except a wish to craft a New Year’s essay. I fear where it will go.
A new essay by Thomas Gunning, at 30-Second Read.
Holidays at Home
For many, the holidays mean time spent alone, perhaps with beloved pets – and certainly with much to think about.
30secondread.com
December 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
A new essay by Thomas Gunning, at 30-Second Read.
"Values are more than ideals. They are silent promises we make to ourselves and others. They guide our choices, shape our character and define how we navigate the world." A new essay by Nahar Trina at 30-Second Read.
The Promises That Shape You
You live your values, whatever they are. They're your bedrock for a meaningful life.
30secondread.com
December 27, 2025 at 12:27 PM
"Values are more than ideals. They are silent promises we make to ourselves and others. They guide our choices, shape our character and define how we navigate the world." A new essay by Nahar Trina at 30-Second Read.
A true tale for Christmas. Merry Christmas.
A Nutty, Twiggy Christmas
A gift needn't be expensive or wild to be meaningful. For proof, just look to a dad's gift from a daughter.
30secondread.com
December 25, 2025 at 12:23 PM
A true tale for Christmas. Merry Christmas.
New from Thomas Gunning at 30SecondRead.com.
Signs of Decay
My behavior has changed with age and perhaps not for the better. How do I know? Check my socks, spatulas and flatware.
30secondread.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:25 PM
New from Thomas Gunning at 30SecondRead.com.
My latest at 30SecondRead.com.
The Police States of America
First they came for those I didn't know or didn't care about. Now, I fear, they're coming for me or those I love.
30secondread.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:50 PM
My latest at 30SecondRead.com.
A new mini essay by Liz Gauger at 30SecondRead.com.
But If You Don’t Leave
A trip to places named Limerick, Tipperary and Killarney was also a multigenerational journey into the past.
30secondread.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:25 PM
A new mini essay by Liz Gauger at 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.