page contents Google

HOW STRONG PEOPLE PREVAIL OVER TOUGH TIMES

Strong people come from every corner of the globe. Based on what I call research, wandering around to flatten my learning curve, I met a bunch of strong folks between Philadelphia and Eugene, New York, and Portland. My interpretation of what strong means comes from where I was raised. It’s probably not much different than […]

SOUTH PORTLAND PEOPLE CHANNEL PROUD MARY

Old painting of a rower An early morning walk by the Willamette showed the sort of Portland people see before they move here. A calm scene, placid water, with sun breaking through scattered clouds for a blinking reflection. With the Ross Island Bridge on the left, and the actual Ross Island in front, dog walkers […]

PANHANDLING THE PANHANDLERS IN PHILADELPHIA

Panhandling is an urban characteristic that brings diverse emotions. For some, the response it, “Don’t talk to me.” Followed by, “Don’t make your problem my problem.” The reverse: “I don’t have change, but please take this ten dollar bill.” The response is different with the roles reversed.

All American Moment Of Serendipitous Patriotism

    One fine summer day in Philadelphia I found myself walking east on Market Street in the company of friends and family toward Independence Hall.   The Liberty Bell was still in residence.   I remember aunts and uncles and cousins and roommates all hiking toward the July 4th, 1976 Bicentennial speech given by […]

SHUT UP AND EAT: SOUTH PHILLY VIA SE PORTLAND

Geno’s or Pat’s? Or Shut Up And Eat? This cheesesteak. Or that cheesesteak. My readers know the value of cheesesteak. If I hear about a place from a reliable source, I’m there. Same for an unreliable source.

GENTRIFY PORTLAND RENT

What else goes up with gentrify Portland rent? Your blood pressure. Once upon a time the chase for the lowest rent led to some pretty sketchy dwellings. It was a contest to find the worst place for the lowest rent. A young single man seeking low rent in college is one thing. A single man […]

CHIP KELLY TIME SHOWS A SILVER LINING

Do you know what time it is? Chip Kelly time. Football coaches and m0torcylce riders share this in common: They’ve either been fired or crashed, or they’re about to. With Chip Kelly time finished in Philadelphia, you can expect to hear variations of the following: He should have played it safe and stayed in New […]

AN AMERICAN MEMOIR FOR THE POPE

When The Pope Visited Philadelphia In The Shadow Of Rocky. Picture yourself in the land of our forefathers, walking on ground won by American blood. It’s the same American blood flowing through every American. That’s Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War and every war since. Two hundred years later Philadelphia was the site of President Ford’s […]

WHY DID MARK CUBAN CROSS THE STREET?

Because His Dallas Mavericks Are Out Of The NBA Playoffs, Or…? Professional sports owners are always working with their team. It’s non-stop with no off-season. Some of them need a break. Jerry Jones ought to take some time off from plunging the Dallas Cowboys into another 8-8 season. George Steinbrenner got time off after his […]