The American way of my Dad was different than mine. For him it was finish high school, wait a year for his brother, then go to junior college to play baseball together. Instead of waiting it out, he got with his buddies and they all joined the Marine Corps. Everyone went in, except one, and […]
BUSINESS BLOGGER vs BOOMERPDX
February 28, 2025 by
The business blogger has a root goal: make enough money to keep the doors open. They have a product, affiliated products, a service, and a sales pitch. The blog includes plug-ins up the whazoo to show pop-ups reminding you to sign up for a newsletter, get updates, or donate. They may be entrepreneurs, or part […]
BUILDING BRIDGES TO CROSS OVER AND OVER
July 18, 2024 by
Some people say building bridges is the most important thing in the world. And they are correct. But for me, the most important thing is getting across them safely once they’re built. I’ve been crossing them all my life, for better or worse.
INSPIRATION NEEDED? HERE YOU GO
June 14, 2024 by
When is inspiration needed? Right now? Yesterday? Whoever you are, wherever you are, things could be better. At least that’s the common rule of thumb. But better than what becomes the question.
RIGHT THING? YOU KNOW HOW TO DO IT
May 5, 2024 by
Doing the ‘right thing’ used to be easier. Maybe is was because baby boomers didn’t have as many choices for doing wrong? I didn’t see a lot of choices besides ‘Do what you’re told’ growing up. From parents, to teachers, to coaches, scout leaders, and beyond, we were told what to do by people we […]
TRUST, HOPE, THEN EXPLOIT
April 23, 2024 by
If you believe in the power of trust, hope, and faith, and you should, what could go wrong? Do it right and you’ll find yourself in the company of others with the same beliefs. At first. Then time reveals other plans.
MESA ARIZONA NEEDS A SHOWER
October 10, 2022 by
Mesa Arizona is not fly-over country, but it might be drive-through country. It’s the sort of place between where you are and where you want to go. Oddly enough, not everyone shares this back-water idea. Mesa Arizona is a backwater? Not with the Salt River flowing nearby.
AMERICAN WAY FINDS NEW TRADITIONS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT
July 4, 2021 by
The American way used go be different. Not that we’re living in a new world, but it’s just different. Instead of “do your work, keep your mouth shut, treats others fairly” we get “find a gig, live out loud, tell others how to do it.” That’s a change from the lock-step life celebrated by those […]
AMERICAN PRACTICE: VOTE LIKE IT MATTERS
October 19, 2020 by
An American practice is like a medical practice: sometimes we get it wrong. Sometimes we get it right and it’s still wrong. If you’re old enough to vote, do it. Vote like it matters and encourage others to do the same. Voting is part of an American practice, like minding our own business and staying […]
ARMY MEDIC: JOB TWO OF FIVE
March 20, 2020 by
Army medic was the job I signed up for when I joined after freshman year in 1974. Army medic was my dad’s idea. The old Marine also advised against joining the Navy, but that’s expected. I went in on the Buddy Plan with a high school buddy. We lasted three days together in receiving, then […]
