page contents Google

CREATIVE SPARK: DRUMS, GIUTARS, BASS, AND STEW

February 21, 2022 by

A creative spark hung in the room while two guitar players worked it out. They decided which key to play in, set the tone and tempo, while the bass player and drummer listened in. “Sorry to take so long,” one guitar player said. “Not a problem, you’ve got go pick it out,” the drummer said. […]

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

PERMISSION SLIPS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED

February 20, 2022 by

Permission slips help clear the way forward. When you need one, it’s good to have, whether you’re asked to show it or not. In school it was a Hall Pass, the golden ticket out of the classroom. Do adults need a permission slip? And if so, for what?

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

BEST CONCERT: A BOOMERPDX REVIEW

February 19, 2022 by

Reviewing for best concert happened the usual way: I opened a box of pictures and found Prince. I saw this show in 1985 for $17.50 with my then-girlfriend, driving up to Tacoma and back from Portland. We got married a year later. Prince The Closer?

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

MEDICAL ADVICE? HOW TO SPOT THE WRONG STUFF EARLY

February 18, 2022 by

Medical advice used to come from squirrelly sources. Not actual squirrels but just as nutty. Today it comes from trusted men and women elected to high office. And doctors. Which brings up the element of trust. Whose medical advice is better for people?

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

STARTING OVER? HOW MANY TIMES DOES IT TAKE A WRITER

February 17, 2022 by

Looking back, I’ve been starting over every day with a fresh, clean, screen and filling it up, just like today. But, as much as that feels like a new start, it doesn’t have the travel element. In my twenties starting over meant a road trip from one side of the country to the other. Have […]

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

YOUR STORY DONE YOUR WAY; MY STORY IS RIGHT HERE

February 16, 2022 by

When you write your story, or tell it, or carve it into wood or stone, it’s your choice. For many baby boomers from the middle boomer aisle, not early or late boomers, the story includes things like: “We drank water from a garden hose, rode bikes without helmets, and ate everything on our plate.” I […]

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WHY WRITE A PERSONAL BLOG? WHO ELSE WOULD DO IT INSTEAD

February 15, 2022 by

Why write a personal blog? Or anything? If you do write, keep going. Taking time off to stop and think about it might be the end. If you’re looking for a reason to quit, it’s right there. However, if you’re looking for things to keep going, keep reading.

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

PRISON LIFE FOR ONE BAD MAN

February 14, 2022 by

From the accounts of prison life from people who toured the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, it sounds worse than they expected. Apparently it’s uncomfortable, stinky, cold, and no one cares about them as much as they’d like. I will agree with them even though I’ve never had the jail door slam behind me after […]

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

INSIDE SPORTS ON SUPER SUNDAY

February 13, 2022 by

To get inside sports, put yourself in a pair of football cleats and stand behind the center. Yell out a couple of “hut huts” and see what happens. What happens?

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , ,

THE GREAT LEAP FOR SPORTS DREAMS IN PORTLAND

February 12, 2022 by

The Great Leap is on stage in downtown Portland, Oregon. It’s a solid jumper, a score for the home team. Who would have guessed four actors could show history so well? And do a basketball game without players and made it feel as real as any last second drama. No fouls called on this play.

Filed Under: What's Up Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,