“Every child can play” is a statement. But it is also a challenge to see things from a different perspective. A few years ago, a local Special Education public school teacher, began a non-profit to support kids of all abilities, and their families, to engage in the joy of athletic play and sports. It began in college when she was able to assist a young student diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome learn how to write his name for the first time. ... Read more
I know I don’t listen to music like others. I really focus on words. Today I am contemplating the role reversal I watched on The Good Place. Not just once, but twice, Eleanor referred the deontology of Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative. Chidi was having none of it. Chidi was somehow on a self-justifying consequentialist version of situational ethics, a la Fletcher. That was twisted. This morning, as I listen to new music releases, I am listening for echoes of moral... Read more
Do You Care enough to Tifo? Days before the pitch is covered with teams, it’s time for tifo. I used to be one of those who didn’t know the meaning of the Italian word, tifo, but thanks to my son teaching me about the game of soccer, and the lore of futbol, I learned. Tifo is the creative expression of community, it isn’t sponsored, it isn’t paid for by someone else. When there’s groups like the Timbers Army (and there... Read more
“Among the Algonquin nation…creation was brought about by Kukumthena, the Grandmother…accompanied by a dog.” In this myth, creation is continued and the end of the world forestalled, by the “work” of this dog. “Each day Kukumthena works at weaving a great basket, and when it is completed, the world will end. Fortunately for us, each night the dog unravels her day’s work. Those of us who have lost rugs, clothing, or furniture, to a dog’s oral dexterity may never be... Read more
I’m not much of a music critic. A lot of new music gets released on Fridays which always makes my workout take a little longer I as search for new tunes to add to my workout mix. I go to the gym at least five days each week. I’m constantly looking for music that good beat for energetic workouts. But, I also want music that has an ethical message. Today’s workout mix included an old, old throw-back to 1969 with... Read more
No one is going to agree with you. Not all the time. Maybe not on the specifics. I know that I don’t hang out with only those who agree with me. I have friends that I think are wrong about one thing or another. But regardless the perceived wrongness, I enjoy their friendship. If we only enjoyed those with whom we agree completely would leave us alone and fragmented (more on this in an upcoming essays). Kind of like we... Read more
I was too young to fully embrace the “summer of love”, but I was old enough to sing hippie songs. I remember my mom playing the radio all day as she worked around the house. Sometimes it was pop music, sometimes easy listening. The dial turning between the Phoenix stations, KOY, KOOL, and KQYT. Sometimes, the more mellow, less confrontational hippie music would creep in. I was barely old enough to remember, but I remember the Beatles on Ed Sullivan... Read more
It’s amazing how young athletes react when they see you at the grocery store. Or, when teachers are seen in public places. There’s a bit of a double-take from the kids. They recognize that you also have a separate existence apart from them. Along with that awareness comes the understanding that coaches have free time, and that free time does not include them. But, I am a coach, even at the grocery store. When your athletes find out that you... Read more
“Alberta is close. British Columbia isn’t bad. But I think Manitoba is too far,” I said, as I explained to my wife the possible places we could move to in Canada. Saskatchewan was out of the question because I fear spelling it incorrectly. But the topic has arisen in conversation, “Is it time to move to Canada, yet?” Living in Idaho means living in a very conservative state, a state solidly behind the present executive branch of the United States... Read more
“Put me in, coach,” is a statement almost rarely uttered by track and field athletes. Of course, we’ll put you in, if you’ve met the qualifying time. There is little opportunity to play favorites when decisions are based on how fast the stop watch indicated a sprinter ran. There’s an objective measure when jumpers or throwers get a tape measure used to judge their efforts. Successful athletes may hold onto to the top spot with jealousy, while others look on... Read more
RDC: Reverend - Doctor - Coach
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