Monthly Archives: April 2003

Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional. – Unknown I tried to keep this in mind last week when first, my upper back and then my lower back went to hell. I spend both gorgeous spring days over the weekend mainly … Continue reading →

After reading many articles like this one — Jobless and Hopeless, Many Quit the Labor Force — that include stories of well-educated, middle-aged white guys who can’t find work, it’s occurred to me that I probably could no longer find … Continue reading →

In Utne’s Web Watch: Going Nuclear over Nucular “Criticize Bush’s polices, sure,” writes Andy Lamey in the Canadian newspaper National Post, “but don’t bash his pronunciation.” Lamey, himself a former “language bully,” posits that since Bush took office, it’s increasingly … Continue reading →

A NY Times commentary on using imaging devices that show what occurs in the brain during meditation: The Monk in the Lab. “The Dalai Lama’s belief that humans can curb dangerous impulses is based not only on spiritual practice and … Continue reading →

Zits, April 7

Men’s Journal: Foreplay Will Never Be the Same; “Researchers have now discovered that the G-spot is actually a female prostate and that the prostate is the male G-spot. The implications for the bedroom are enormous.” Salon Premium: The joy of … Continue reading →

Robbie and I had a misunderstanding about my weblog posting on Saturday, Attending to Mr. Wiggily. I showed it to her before I posted it — which is our agreement on anything to do with our relationship — and her … Continue reading →

audblog audio post Transcript: Two footnotes to Thursday’s Sex and Affection post, in which I wrote, “But there’s one thing she misses — the pleasure of exchanging small sexual flirtations without the expectation that things will go all the way.” … Continue reading →

I tried a new wrinkle to my morning routine this past week. After making my cup of coffee, I do my writer affirmations, and then read a few quotes related to being a writer. And then I go upstairs and … Continue reading →

In Salon Premium: “The Real World,” with beer bongs: MTV’s “Fraternity Life” brings back all the boneheaded bluster and enforced insularity of campus Greeks and their semi-anarchic pack mentality. The even-handed piece gives a further glimpse on what may have … Continue reading →

Jeesh, two posts in two days on columns written by two different women newspaper columnists. Have I caved? Well, no, but hey, they are kind of good looking, aren’t they? The question is, where the hell are the male columnists … Continue reading →

From Jacquelyn Mitchard’s April 13 column: Even ‘hip’ parents miss key points in sex talks “Boys are pressured into sex, because it’s considered masculine, and girls because they want to be popular and have boyfriends. They don’t know there’s an … Continue reading →

A local paper has started carrying Jan Denise’s column, Naked Relationships. Despite the tease of a title, I’ve never read it — something about women’s advice columns that, uh, makes me avert my eyes — until I saw the headline … Continue reading →

I use a weekly compass card, popularized by Stephen Covey. (see a larger image) It helps me keep my eye on the important stuff of life, not just the urgent. Each week, I list the main roles in my life … Continue reading →

There’s something about this hilarious Onion piece Area Man Supports The Troops He Didn’t Go To High School With that rings true. And there’s something about this study Bullies, victims more prone to fighting, carrying weapons that relates to the … Continue reading →

We would often be ashamed of our finest actions if the world understood all the motives which produced them. – Duc de La Rochefoucauld Former Sen. Bob Kerrey had an opinion piece in the LA Times last week titled Bravery … Continue reading →

A great story: Joy, tears, overwhelming relief for POW families. But then this: In Fort Hood, Texas, the family of the second rescued helicopter pilot, David S. Williams, was smiling as well. “I’ve always remained positive,” said his father, David … Continue reading →

I saw this on a billboard for The Grand Hotel in Minneapolis: Does for her what lingerie does for you. Clever. And true. My wife and I learned awhile ago that getting away from the house and kids, even for … Continue reading →

More follow-up for the reader who’s got his hands full with his kids. He wrote: First, there are the obvious challenges I deal with myself, like procrastination, negative thinking, etc. I also am not the greatest husband, in that I … Continue reading →

WASHINGTON (AP) – In a society that emphasizes men being rugged and strong, it’s tough for a guy to admit to being depressed, but the National Institute of Mental Health wants that to change. The agency, one of the National … Continue reading →

A reader wrote: How frequently do you do the affirmations, and do you just say that sentence? How many times? I think I need an affirmation like “I am really good at doing daily affirmations!” I’ve been consistent about doing … Continue reading →

A reader sent me a link to this article in The Nation titled The Reason Why by George McGovern. Bold italics are mine. As a World War II bomber pilot, I was always troubled by the title of a then-popular … Continue reading →

A reader wrote: I have some very tough questions regarding parenting and behavioral issues with my kids. I would appreciate your insight. I wrote back: Depending on what your situation is, I might take a crack at it if I … Continue reading →

Last week’s NY Times Magazine had a piece titled With God on His Side by Garry Wills. It’s a historical look at how presidents have invoked God’s help during times of crisis, as well as a critique of President Bush. … Continue reading →

It’s hard to understand; one lived, one didn’t. – Rev. Hal Corbett, pastor, Tuba City, AZ Assembly of God Pfcs. Lori Piestewa and Jessica Lynch were members of the Army’s 507th Maintenance Company that was attacked March 23 when it … Continue reading →