Unambiguously, steadily, predictably warm.
No cold or wet curveballs.
Clothing optional swimming.
Delicioso blackberries.
I’ll miss you when you’re gone.
And look forward to your return.
Agosto
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Category Archives: Writing
Half And Half
It’s come to my attention that half of humanity would benefit from being much more introspective. From pressing pause, stepping off the treadmill, turning off the screens, and carefully examining their life. Truly getting in touch with their feelings by breathing, journaling, talking to someone who is empathetic.
The other half, the “overthinkers” get more anxious the more they think about past problems and current challenges. Their thinking spirals. One anxious thought begetting another. They might benefit from doing more and thinking less. Such as being an empathetic listener for others, walking a dog, tending a garden, cycling*.
To flourish interpersonally and positively contribute to the common good one must routinely “work on” themself, but there’s a point of diminishing returns. Except for me, No one strikes the perfect balance, so extend grace to people in both buckets.
*extreme exercise can be a serious detriment to being introspective
A Very Good Sentence
Mark Leibovich on Kevin McCarthy and Lindsey Graham in a funny, insightful, and important essay, “The Most Pathetic Men in America”.
“They had long been among the most supplicant super-careerists ever to play in a city known for the breed, and proved themselves to be essential lapdogs in Trump’s kennel.”
You May Have Noticed
That I pressed pause two weeks ago. It wasn’t a planned break. I always try to be observant and to listen before “speaking”. Recently, I just haven’t felt any need to speak. I am fine, just contentedly observing and listening.
And against all odds, the humble blog’s regular readers continue to flourish.
Headline Fail
The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Trial: What You Need to Know.
Someone please update Maslow.
The Brooklyn Public Library For The Win
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Tokyo’s Manuscript Writing Cafe
Only allows writers on a deadline, and won’t let them leave until finished.
Quite the niche. What’s next, a tax filing cafe, where you can’t leave until your taxes are filed? They would do the bulk of their annual business in late March/early April.
Tangental thought. What about not letting our 535 legislators leave the Capitol Building until they GREATLY simplify our tax code?
A Curriculum To Curb Sexual Violence
Designed for 14-15 year old boys.
Consisting of two parts. Part one, a 2019 Netflix film, “Unbelievable”. Part two, this lengthy essay by Tom Junod and Paula LaVigne that went live on ESPN’s website Monday morning. In ESPN’s words it is “the untold story of the most dangerous player in college football history”.
The film will stay with you. The essay is similarly unforgettable. The essay is the most difficult and disturbing piece of work I have ever recommended to you. And among the most important, especially for adolescent males. Not that it was their motivation, but Junod and LaVigne will win many awards for it.
This curriculum doesn’t assume that 14-15 year old boys will commit acts of sexual violence. It’s intended to sensitize them to the experience of female victims of sexual violence. To the point that they hold their male friends and acquaintances accountable for any acts of sexual violence and become allies with their female friends and acquaintances in myriad, related ways.
Some may protest it’s not the role of schools to do “character education”. Fine. Provide proof that you’ve watched the film and read the essay with your son(s) and discussed their reactions to both and you can be excused from the school-based version for students whose parents can’t or won’t teach the curriculum.
This curriculum will not eliminate sexual violence, but it has the potential to reduce it.
The Greatest Form of Flattery
Powerade’s advertising campaign is taken straight from the humble blog. Should I send them a cease and desist letter or let it slide for a free lifetime supply?
We’re All Fools
If I was stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one person’s writing to keep me company, Richard Russo would get serious consideration.
Russo introduces his beautiful essay, “My Father, The Fool” by writing, “I’d run out of sympathy for COVID skeptics. Then I remembered my father’s stiff neck.”
Highly recommended.
Pressing Pause 