January 2012
13 posts
1 tag
2 tags
3 tags
December 2011
1 post
October 2011
6 posts
3 tags
4 tags
September 2011
8 posts
August 2011
4 posts
June 2011
1 post
March 2011
2 posts
January 2011
2 posts
2 tags
Back on the bike
It’s been four months since I’ve been on my bike. I was overweight then, but with the holidays (let’s face it, I’ll over-indulge no matter the season or occasion) I’m beyond a comfortable “padding.” I’m also in need of time to think, and the 45-minute ride to work provides not only a time for reflection—it spurs many new thoughts.
Normally,...
3 tags
October 2010
2 posts
Trick or Treat
I’m not a big fan of Halloween. I mean, I love any excuse to consume sugar, but I’m not one to wear costumes. And since my neighbors won’t even wave back when I drive by, I really don’t want to play into the expectations of their greedy little monsters (interpret that however you want).
Besides, all our dogs go nuts when the doorbell rings.
So here’s my dilemma:...
September 2010
2 posts
4 tags
Fulton Mall: Missed perspective(s)
I attended tonight’s charette ready for battle…well, ready to watch others battle. I expected a clash of perspectives: between those who want to protect the integrity and historical assets of the Fulton Mall, and those that insist a road is necessary; those that want to invest in the area, and those that think it’s time to move on.
The room filled quickly. As renderings were posted,...
3 tags
Downtown Fresno: What is a Vibrant and Prosperous...
I’m downtown at 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday to join the discussions about the area’s future. I wish you were here with me, but this is the next best thing.
9:02 a.m. - It sounds like 300 people in the Holiday Inn’s conference room. Looks more like 75-100. Food is available for purchase…
9:12 a.m. - City Manager Mark Scott welcomes everyone; gives overview of why we’re...
August 2010
1 post
3 tags
Of pastors and polygamists
[This is a public response to Jim Franklin’s public comments on the recent overturning of Prop 8. It was sent to him on Friday, August 13, 2010.]
Dear Jim,
(I hope you don’t mind me calling you Jim.)
As a local champion for Prop 8, I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have your voice—and the voice of the people—completely ignored by a judge that thinks equality is above...
July 2010
3 posts
This is the reason I’m leaving EECU
3 tags
Let's be friends?
These days, I’m getting a lot of Facebook friendship requests. I’d feel popular, but these aren’t from people, they’re from businesses, community benefit organizations, brands—things that offer no real connection.
I used to think it was cute. Heck, once upon a time, it was all that Facebook offered. But that’s not the case anymore, and though I’m not a...
4 tags
T-shirts and strangers
To celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary, Kim and I took a day trip to Carmel. I had never been, and I don’t know that I have any desire to go back—the town seemed lifeless to me. A place without unique character.
With the exception of this guy, that is.
I don’t know his name. But Kim and walked past him sitting on a planter box wall. We both noticed his shirt, and laughed. So...
June 2010
3 posts
3 tags
Texting with strangers
So, Monday I was on my way to lunch with others from my office, and my phone buzzed. Upon reading the first text message, I wasn’t sure if I was the victim of a joke—I was, however, confident that I did not have a son. At least, not one old enough to know how to use an iPhone.
I’ve named said “son” Illegitimate Bill, and have included the conversation below. It took me a...
2 tags
2 tags
On shaving and chivalry
Today I shaved. I really don’t like doing that.
About a mile from my house I realized that I had done a poor job, and had missed a spot about the size of a dime. It’s hard to ignore a dime-sized patch of facial hair next to someone’s mouth. So I pulled into a gas station to buy a cheap razor.
As I approached the door, so did a woman, so I reached out, grabbed the handle, and...
April 2010
6 posts
5 tags
Understanding Fresno - a defense and an...
At different points in my life I’ve aspired to be an artist, a musician, and a bulldozer operator (not necessarily in that order). I’ve started down two of those paths, and fallen flat on my face; I’m just too reserved in my emotions to succeed at art or music. As for the bulldozer, I just need one I can practice on, so if you know of anyone…
Anyway, I say that to give...
3 tags
The real secret to FREE followers on Twitter
Talk about shit they want to read.