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NON-VIOLENT REACTIONS TO VIOLENCE

Non-violent reactions are harder to work with once you’ve been on the receiving end of violence. But you must make a decision: Bring violence to violence, or stay true to your goal. If the goal is non-violence, and you get punched in the face, it’s a harder choice. For example:

GOLDEN SILENCE? WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT

I’ve experienced golden silence? Nooooo. But I’ve come close. Like the time I woke up in a tent while spending the night on a mountain I’d climbed. So quiet, at first, then the sniffing sound. Since it was Alaska, it may have been a bear. I was silent.

NO KITTY GENOVESE FOR YOU

Would an Oregonian save Kitty Genovese? A few years back a little boy in Portland, Oregon was accidentally left on a train platform. He made it home safely with his dad. A young woman stayed with him until his father returned, just a bystander who saw what happened and took time to care. Those few minutes ended happily; it […]

PORTLAND SATURDAY IN EARLY AUGUST

This Portland Saturday started last year when we missed the big group holiday night out. Yesterday began in the home kitchen chopping up five ingredient guacamole. Followed by strawberry margarita testing for the arrivals on their way. Hmmm, needs more of something. Tequila?

PLANNED IGNORANCE? NOT SO FAST

Planned ignorance is not a plan for everyone. Parents who complain about teachers when little Jimmy gets a bad report card? It’s not Jimmy’s fault and don’t you dare say it is; don’t even think it. And it’s not the parents’ fault. Just ask them. Better yet, check with parents whose kids are just starting. […]

ROLLING ONWARD YEAR AFTER SHORTENING YEAR

Today we’re rolling onward since it’s the only place to go. If you have a better idea, I’m listening. Comments are open for suggestions on the blog. My name’s not Gatsby and I’m not Great, but we do share a common sentiment: “And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into […]

SAFE DATING OR SIDEWALK SERENADES

Safe dating is the goal for everyone brave enough to step out of their comfort zone, get off the couch, and open the front door. Whether long term, short term, husband-wife, blind date, or one of those high school reunion prince and princess things you hear about, safety is paramount. But, if you’re anything like […]

FAST MONDAY BOOMERPDX NEWS TROLL

Fast Monday, the big news day after the weekend. I like news, I like big news, but this isn’t an aggregating news site. Until now. The news is local and urgent on the day of the week that blurs past like the rainbow smear that evaporates when you wash your windshield.

PORTLAND FREEZE WORSE THAN SEATTLE?

The Portland Freeze that didn’t happen came when I moved to NW Portland. My apartment building was a busy place to live for students and professionals. The pretty lady who sold text books always looked like she just stepped out of Vogue. She was in a class of her own. And chilly. Hey Patricia. But […]

PORTLAND ROAD TO TIGARD

The Portland road out of town comes in four iterations: Highway 30 to Scappoose, I-84 to Gresham, Highway 26 to Beaverton, and I-5 to Tigard. Of course the roads extend further, but not today. If you’re leaving Portland for the suburbs, those are the choices. I know you’re asking, “Why would anyone leave the beautiful […]