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BLOG TRAFFIC: BOOMERPDX FROM NATION TO NATION

Blog traffic map via google analytics. The big difference between the top map and every other map of the world is that this one tracks where the hits, the readers, the bots, showing up on boomerpdx originate. It’s a blog traffic map, which isn’t very writerly since geography isn’t about plot, story structure, or how […]

WORKING WRITER STATEMENT: MOVE THE PILE

T.C. Boyle is a working writer with the sort of social engagement skills that can’t be taught. He’s got instinct on his side. Instinct is essential in the work he does, which is writing books and short stories that get read. It’s a familiar instinct for those who pay attention. And I do, which is […]

WRITING AWARDS GIVEN FOR WORDS WRITTEN: VOTE BIDEN

The third grade writing awards from the fire department set me on my way. The framed paper hangs on my Wall of Fame as a reminder to do better. Do better in third grade? That’s when I learned the power of words. I copied a lymerick from a Johnny Hartford fire prevention magazine and printed […]

PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER or HOBBY BLOGGER

A professional blogger reads the room, knows their audience, and edits like a crazy person. Being a professional means never getting caught mistaking to, too, or two. The same with they’re, there, and their. Accept and except, its and it’s fill out the card. Being a pro means taking greater interests in what moves the […]

FAMILY PLAN? FARM THE KIDS OUT FOR PEACE AND QUIET

For most, a family plan is making sure the kids are alright. Planned pregnancies and Tiger Mom tactics? What’s that? My parents had four kids and we always lived across from a sand dune and a forest. Smart move. When they said go out and play, we knew where to go. Forest play was more […]

TWO HANDS: WISH IN ONE, TRUMP IN THE OTHER

The old saying about hope starts with two hands, one for wishes. While this is an opinion blog, my opinions, and not a political blog, I share the unusual and exceptional. Like now:

GROWING OLDER LIKE CHEESE, WINE, AND MILLENNIALS

Growing older is a common lament for all generations. The silliest complaints come from the youths. Who are these youths? Anyone younger than the one complaining about growing older. Since I’m sixty-five and don’t complain, let’s look at those who do. Ready?

HISTORY MATTERS MORE THAN OPINIONS? USUALLY

History matters when someone starts explaining things beyond their grasp. If you don’t understand the basics of a single topic, then everything sounds authoritative. So how is it possible to tell the difference between a crackpot and a legitimate source? If you trust a blogger who gets with it an a daily basis, you’re on […]

NEEDY READERS? GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT

What do needy readers want? Tastes change, fads come and go, but the top selling book of all time is pretty clear. Across all platforms one book stands higher than all the rest. Do you need a hint? Think ‘Tale of Two Cities.’ Wait, that’s the title. Damn. The big question: Is it worthy? What […]