page contents Google

VETERANS DAY, 2026

Behind every veteran on Veterans Day are people who got them on their way.
In this photo the force of nature is on the right.
It’s my Mom.
[Read More…]

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE WITH EVELYN BANKO

Last night my wife and I, along with our friends Barry and Phyllis, attended a Holocaust remembrance in the Tigard library.

 

Please join us on the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht for a witnessing by the local Holocaust survivor Evelyn Banko.
She will be talking about her experiences under Nazi persecution in Austria, and her family’s eventual journey to safety in the US by way of Latvia and the Soviet Union. 
Caution: strong language involving violence and death.
Program presented in partnership with the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.

[Read More…]

TAKING PART IN FAMILY LIFE

Family life takes time. Ask the Baldwins with their seven kids.
Keep that in mind, you youngsters, when you decide it’s time to join in.
Join the club, the family club, sooner than later.
Why?
[Read More…]

THE TRUTH, GETTING A HANDLE

Getting a handle on the truth shouldn’t be a big hurdle to clear.
All it takes is a little self-awareness.
The truth is your friend if you’re not too sketchy.
Will it set you free? Well . . .
It depends on the sort of shackles your used to.
[Read More…]

‘DOING RESEARCH’ AND OTHER EXCUSES

What counts as doing research?
For writers it’s an easy answer: Everything is research.
And because everything is research, the trick is finding what matters more.
Is it writing about where you are, how you feel, the people you’re with?
The correct answer? All of the above.
[Read More…]

More Posts from this Category

toughen up

COPING WITH CANCER: EVERYDAY, OR JUST WHEN IT COMES UP

The first thing I read in a cancer waiting room was Coping With Cancer magazine. Articles and essays defined cancer, breaking down a most unimaginable deal to human understanding. The snippet for Coping on google says, “Coping with Cancer. A wide variety of professionals share their knowledge and experience in easy-to-read, relevant articles, and patients, […]

DYNAMIC DENTAL TIME WITHOUT THE DRAMA

Have you seen the dental form that asks how you feel? How do you feel about dentists? About making dental appointments? How do you feel about waiting in the dentist’s waiting room? This isn’t about uncovering deep secrets, just a way for the doc to get a feel for their patient. It’s about feelings, and […]

Health Writing? Start With Cancer And Drill Down

  Health writing is about bringing hope to the afflicted. Cancer writing, not so much. One is about the future and the steps to make it better. The other is layered with dread.   One is about improving conditions, about personal bests, about gains; the other is layered with dread.   Health writing brings nutrition, […]

More Posts from this Category

boomer years

All American Moment Of Serendipitous Patriotism

    One fine summer day in Philadelphia I found myself walking east on Market Street in the company of friends and family toward Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell was still in residence. I remember aunts and uncles and cousins and roommates all hiking toward the July 4th, 1976 Bicentennial speech given by President Ford. […]

SHARE THE BURDEN, NOT ADD TO IT

Relationship talk turns into Share The Burden talk. Marriage works if you work at it. Baby boomer marriages get plenty of work. It’s built into the ceremony. To have and to hold, in sickness and health, and talk everything into the ground until it’s covered with dirt then pick it up and shake it out […]

BULLIES AND BITCHES: BORN THAT WAY?

Genetics no excuse for bullies and bitches. Some time ago in the Baby Boomer fog of age, like grade school in the mid-60’s at Bangor Elementary, voted the cool school by all former Bearcats, bullies and bitches came in all shapes and sizes. Turns out the time of day also mattered for them. A kid […]

More Posts from this Category

buckle up

A LIKE FOR OREGON

What Brings You To A State Isn’t The Same As What Keeps You There. Take Oregon and New York for example. You stay around Portland for different reasons than people stick around NYC. Size is important. For hundreds of miles around Manhattan people won’t leave, never think of leaving, because of the island. “Oh, we […]

THE OREGON BEER TRAIL TO PORTLAND

Oregon Brewers Festival Fans’ Points Of Origin. Courts of law rely on evidence. They need proof. Nothing helps close a case like proof. How do you prove Portland is a big draw, that the recent Brewers Festival draws huge numbers to Portland, who then go home and tell others? Put a map up with push […]

TIGARD TAPPHORIA FUNDRAISER FOR TIGARD POLICE OFFICER MATTHEW BARBEE​​​​​

  1/31/18 6-9pm     ​​​Tigard Tapphoria is holding a Fund Raiser for Tigard Police Officer Matthew Barbee.   This is tomorrow night, Wednesday, 1/31/18.   Besides being a good cause, there’s more connections between Tigard Tapphoria and Tigard than beer, food, and good company.  

More Posts from this Category