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EXTRA EFFORT WHEN IT MATTERS

Extra effort often gives a big win in sports, at work, in life. Or you get lucky. After a big win you don’t need to do anything extra. So why do people ask, “What’s next?” after a big victory?

BE SOMEBODY? THERE ARE CLUES ALONG THE WAY

You’ve heard the request to ‘be somebody?’ Be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, and more. The request usually comes from an adult speaking to someone who screwed up. They ask why we can’t be better than what we’re in trouble for. It’s different when we’re in trouble with ourselves.

EXTRA EFFORT? WHO’S THE JUDGE

  There you are doing your best, trying your hardest, and a voice in your head says, ‘You’d do better with a little extra effort.’ If you’ve heard it, do you know where it come from? A coach, a teacher, a parent. “You could be somebody if you actually applied yourself.”

SPORTS DADS SAY, “PLAY MY KID IF YOU’RE SMART”

Sports dads come in every flavor between sweet and sour. They come with vast experience, and none. What they know for sure is their kid is better than your kid and should play more than he does. With that attitude, what can go wrong?

TALKING BACK? DON’T BACKTALK ME SON

Talking back is a right and a privilege, but it comes with a caveat: It may not be as appreciated as you’d hope. The great Randy Johnson said it well with: “I don’t care who you are, don’t get in my face!” the 6-10 Johnson snapped at one point as they brushed past the cameraman. […]

GOLD WATCH OR GOLD MEDAL

This gold watch was once the most desired piece of jewelry on any wrist. If you didn’t wear a Seiko watch, who were you? This one came from San Antonio, Texas after the owner whipped the strongest man he’d ever met in arm wrestling. After that it was a gold medal.

BROKEN DREAMS? HERE’S THE GLUE

Broken dreams need more than glue, but you’ve got to start somewhere. Will glue fix the hurt from a broken heart? Will it help heal connections? Can glue bring back the good feelings you remember? If you are the glue, there’s a chance.

PERSONAL GOLIATHS AND HOW TO SLAY THEM

My first personal Goliaths, like most everyone growing up with parents, were my parents. I knew they were unslayable from the start. One because they were giants most of my early life, and two, they were my parents. What are you thinking? Besides, my dad had been a Marine Drill Instructor and my mom was […]

PORTLAND SUBURBAN LIFESTYLE DREAM: “LEAVES?”

Inner-city life boils down to one dream about changing to a suburban lifestyle, even a Portland suburb: To lay in grass that isn’t a urinal, a spittoon, or a goose crapped landing patch. It’s a big dream for big people. Some make it, some don’t. How does a Portland suburban lifestyle dream begin? I’ll tell […]

LILLARD TIME? CHECK THE CLOCK

Lillard time happens when you join Wilt Chamberlain as the only other NBA player to log three sixty point games in one season. It’s happened enough for Kobe Bryant competitiveness comparisons. And he’s the best thing to happen to the Portland Trail Blazers in every way. Is that saying too much? Not for Blazer fans.