On Going Through Family Papers During the Pandemic
Everyone seems so very fragile,
as fragile as the books falling apart
from glue that has dried to cracking,
tears in the dust jackets,
the extra thin World War II era paper
The Speaking of the Truth of the American Experiment
While America is far from dead and the Grand Experiment in Liberal Democracy far from complete, Independence Day should be a celebration as well as a recalibration.
Notes from the Post-it Wall | Independence Day Edition
Seeing giant American flags draped across giant crosses as I drive through central Illinois… I love how the irony of crucifying the flag is completely lost on these patriots.
Trial by Instagram and the Cynical Wielding of New Power
In practice, this guy was almost a poster boy for the entire concept of allyship. He was the fucking Tom Cruise of white allies. There were two problems with Harrington that his work and effort could not overcome. He was white and his business had an Instagram account.
This is My Mask
You’ll know years before her death that the time was going to come soon. What you won’t realize is how you’ll lose her before she’s actually gone.
The Minutes of Our Last Meeting – Daddy’s Girl
Your court-ordered honesty is appreciated.
The Most Effective Question to Ask Yourself in Times of Political Upheaval
“What if I’m wrong?”
PARDON MY FRONTAL LOBOTOMY
Excuse me, do you know where the restroom is?
I must confess to you, I smell like a petri dish.
![I Believe… [Gift-Wrapped Privilege]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/579fa3912994ca0eff850271/1593110694860-7RZA0YJILCCPID9ZFQ59/IMG_0693.jpeg)
I Believe… [Gift-Wrapped Privilege]
I believe… that as a white man with privilege but no power, you can have it. I’ll even put it in one of those nice Amazon gift bags for you.
Squaring the Circle: Tips on Managing the Chaos
Maybe I am stupid. I’ve certainly been called worse by both political extremes since...well...as long as I can remember. If I am stupid, I’m definitely too dense to recognize it. Managing chaos, living in uncertain times, is just that. Managing and living.
The Tao of Utopia - An Urban Exploration Poem
Stopping far from a level concourse behind a mahogany door
to a room where a girl poses for a portrait on the floor
between a large book and a crooked television.
Her gossamer night dress hasn't been changed from in nights and days.
Notes from the Post-it Wall | Week of June 21, 2020
Other than a sailboat, a soundproof booth with a mic and headphones is my favorite place to be.
Selfish Love
It was a hard decision. One Marie had to make alone. Her poor, sick kitty couldn’t weigh in even though it was his opinion that should have mattered most. Cancer. It’s a bummer no matter the species.
The Extreme Costs of Making a Stupid Mistake
There is nothing bad about being wrong. Admitting it has, however, become the worst possible thing one can do in today's punishment over rehabilitation society.
The Minutes of Our Last Meeting | CANCELLED!
By the way, telling someone to smile more, is an improv note. It’s just a note.
While We’re at It, Can We Cancel These as Well?
I may be an older white guy in America so my grasp on the new methods are a bit slow. I think I get the whole cancel culture thing now.
Downhill in Heels — A Modeling Story
And this is where one of the perks of being female comes in. When it has been a while inside a pose (about 20 minutes is good before a break is necessary), and my body is starting to fight it, it is easiest to go back into my brain and relax for a few moments more by thinking about sex.
![I Believe… [Enforcing Rights Instead of Culling Privilege]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/579fa3912994ca0eff850271/1592497311403-PS9USMR3AK908141GN47/IMG_0693.jpeg)
I Believe… [Enforcing Rights Instead of Culling Privilege]
I believe… that it doesn’t make sense to focus on privilege and trying to eliminate it; it would be far more logical and healthy to focus on rights and trying to enforce them.
A Legacy of Half-Assing It: A Case for Reparations
Ending slavery was an essential good. We should feel pretty solid about that. But the reneging of promised financial help to those newly freed slaves is a debt this country owes and we should be like the Lannisters of Westeros and pay our fucking debts.
Happy Father’s Day, My Son
On Father’s Day, I want what I bet most of the dads I know out there want: time to themselves equal to time with their kids. Really, that’s the dream, isn’t it? I bet it’s the dream of moms, too. And that’s what Mother’s Day is for.
How do you want to be defined? By one action? By some opinion that could evolve? By a mistake, regrettable only with hindsight? Or by the sum of your parts? Okay, do that for other people. Start the trend.