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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION USES GOOD MANNERS

Manners matter, good manners, if your aim is for effective communication. Steady eye contact and active listening nods and acknowledgment are part of the deal, but don’t stare unblinking like a psycho. Also, “Yup, yup, yup,” and “okay, okay, okay,” are not examples of active listening. Unless you do it ironically, but only if you’re […]

AUTHORITY BLOGGER? COME ON, MAN

Am I an authority blogger because I say so? An Alpha Male on my own recognizance? In ordinary online discourse, yes. So why don’t I make my claim? I mean, shouldn’t I? I’ve got a few thoughts.

BIRTH WATERS: YOUR RIVER, LAKE, OR BAY. OKAY, AND OCEAN

Birth waters are usually called ‘breaking waters.’ I’ll get back to that. For now let’s say “Birth Waters,” and leave the amniotic fluid for later. Let’s throw in some suspension of disbelief while we’re at it, okay?

OREGON HISTORICAL BUSINESS

The Oregon Historical Society holds a special place in my heart. I took a temporary job there as a museum guard, a six month assignment to watch over an exhibit called Soft Gold. Six months turned into twenty-odd years before I signed off. It was a dream job from guard, to exhibit worker, to curatorial […]

HUSBAND GOALS, FATHER GOALS 2023

Husband goals? First, get married. Father goals? Then have kids. But what’s next? Let’s start with husband goals.

OREGON ART PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES

Art people live in every state, every country. This map shows state size based on population. Oregon looks pretty small compared to New Jersey. What follows are Oregon art people.

CAR LOVE, OR LOVE CAR

Car love depends on who is in the car. Of course we all love a car we can pack to the rafters and drive down the road. But it’s not about what’s in there, it’s who. After 4100 miles of togetherness I’ve got nominations.

THE WESTERN WAY + + +

The western way shows a solitary figure on a journey of self-discovery. That was my goal when I started. Just me and the boys and a dog. John, Bill, Stu, and Ruby. I would encase the memory like high-silica ground water does to fallen logs buried in mud. Except my memory would take three weeks, […]

4100 MILES IN THREE WEEKS. WHAT I LEARNED:

e How it started. Wife: We could fly to Albuquerque and rent a car to see Monument Valley. Me: Or we could drive down and see what we miss from the air. Wife: You drive and I’ll meet you in Albuquerque. Me: Then I’m taking the dog with me. Wife: What?

SCREEN LAND UNCOVERED IN MAP

When a map comes to life what happens? Wonder happens. Awe happens. Unreal happens. In Southern Utah it all happens around every corner.