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BROKEN MEN: IT HURTS WHEN I DO THIS

Memo to broken men who hurt themselves: Don’t do that. The remaining question remains. How do men break?

TAKEDOWN TACTICS LEARNED IN A WRESTLING ROOM

Takedown tactics in wrestling come from as many angles as there are wrestlers. Takedowns in real life are the same, except no one is keeping score. Since real life takedowns come with unforeseen consequences, be careful how you choose. The first thing to do is show up.

TOXIC HISTORY FOR MODERN TIMES

Toxic history is nothing new for baby boomers. You could say the same for every generation aging out, closer to the end than the beginning of life. That’s how it works if you don’t pay attention. Toxic old people push the toxic envelope to the max because they see time running out.

GUN VIOLENCE PRIMER: TEAM PICTURES OF THE FUTURE

Gun violence changes the future of team pictures and school pictures. What will they look like to survivors of school shootings when they’re older? The kids in this picture are at the beginning of the their run through public school. The adults are coaches and team parents supporting their kids. What’s wrong in this picture? […]

PAIN TOLERANCE STARTS WITH A THRESHOLD

Pain tolerance is a measure of how much pain you can take before tapping out. The pain threshold is when you start feeling pain. Who knew? Let’s start there.

UN-AMERICAN ACCUSATION BASED ON COMMON DECENCY

Who gets tagged with an un-American accusation? Asking for gun control in the wake of mass shootings? That’s un-American accusation? Talking about the Jan.6 insurrection? Also worthy of an un-American accusation? I find no joy in human suffering; animal suffering doesn’t make my day either. Personal suffering up close is a whole ‘nother deal.

CHANCE MEETING WITH A F4 FIGHTER PILOT

A chance meeting along the banks of the Willamette River in downtown Portland was the best break I’ve had in a while. I met a man named Jim after I asked about his dog. Dogs are a good icebreaker, and we shared a common breed, a doodle dog. One thing led to another, and I […]

A LESSON LEARNED BEFORE LIVING

A lesson learned is a foundation block for the future. Except when the lesson is ignored, the future looks bleak. Who wants a bleak future? Nobody, but here we are.

MUSIC GOALS: MEET THE FANS

Music goals come with a problem: Not everyone shares the same goals. Whether you learn music theory, go to music school, or tear it up in a garage band, the basic goals apply. Stay in rhythm, hit the leads, and sing low. And leave room for others.

FATHER FLAG ON MEMORIAL DAY

My father flag is different than the flag shown at public gatherings. His flag was a country boy’s flag, an athlete’s flag, a Silver Star Marine’s flag. This Memorial Day I thought of him while I raised the flag. For me he is the reason for Memorial Day.