Bruce Willis as John McLean, a NYC cop with a bad habit of walking into situations at the wrong time. From the epic Christmas film, DIE HARD (1988).
This is the first post of many in my personal blog: Open Mike. Every day during the week, and sometimes on weekends, I will be putting my thoughts and observations on the world around us down in writing.
I’ve been encouraged to do this by others. But I’d be disingenuous if I didn’t admit that the thought of doing this has been on my mind for quite a while.
It all got serious after my accident last October. I was laying in the hospital bed thinking about the months of rehabilitation work ahead of me, and I was wondering how different my life was going to be when I finally left the hospital. It was at that point I decided to make a few changes and try to live a better life.
This blog is part of that effort.
I have always tried to be a kind person, and my intention to live into that has only grown since my fall. But just because I’m kind, that doesn’t mean, I can’t be occasionally snarky, or a bit sarcastic. That’s just as important, a part of my nature as anything else.
So I hope you’ll join me on this riding adventure. There will be times when it’s probably a bit melodramatic even when I’m trying to be Earnest. Not all of the jokes will land. Not all of the points will be made.
But it will be a journal of what’s on my mind. And you’re welcome to weigh in with your thoughts.
Comments on every post we open for two weeks after the post goes live. If you see your read some thing on my blog that you want to comment about after that, feel free to send me an email using the contact form on the site.
I intend to allow people to see what’s on their mind in response to posts I in response to comments left by other participants in the conversations that result. But I do expect everyone to be kind and respectful.
Spammers, trolls, and other social media terrorists are not welcome. As for everyone else, you’re welcome to participate in the open bar on the ninth floor of Nakatomi Plaza.
As the indomitable John McLean says in the epic 1988 Christmas film, DIE HARD: “Welcome to the party, pal.”
A dream job … or just a job of dreams?
You need to know one of the true “wizards” of Disney’s Imagineering department. He’s made a real-life lightsaber and now he’s creating the technology that could put a Holodeck experience in every home. Find out more …
So long Leap Day, see you in 4 years (or so) …
Oh sure, it seems obvious. Every four years, we’ll just add an extra day to the calendar. Unless the year ends in a 00, then … well … read this post and you’ll know all you really need to know about “Leap Days.”
Gone but not forgotten – favorite automotive trends from the past
America (and much of the world) has had a century-long love affair with automobiles – of all shapes and sizes. But just like that person you dated back in high school, a second look few decades after the fact may result in a raised eyebrow or two.
Leaping back into the DAILY SPAM … and much more.
It’s well preserved in its own juices and fresh out of the can. The DAILY SPAM is back.
Celebrating the best underwater photography of the year
The online gallery showcasing the best entries of the 2024 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition is absolutely stunning. I’ve posted a few samples and a link to the online exhibit.
Nothing to watch on HULU? Not exactly …
Overwhelmed with options when it comes to finding a new series to stream or a movie to watch? If you’ve got a subscription to HULU, I might have a few suggestions …
How Godzilla found his voice
There’s something delightfully nostalgic about the unforgettably corny schreech of a roar coming from the original King of the Monsters (Godzilla) in the original 1954 production. Here’s the story behind the sound …
Additions for your “ttrbyd” list
What’s this? Just another one of those lists of things to do, read, watch, experience before you leave this mortal coil? Maybe, but it’s worth the read.
A little walk can take us miles
How many steps do you take in a day? Believe it or not, there are physiological, mental, and emotional benefits to literally “taking a hike” whether your wife asks you to or not.
Apple’s big bet on the MLS
How does Apple view its 10-year, $2B+ deal between Apple TV+ and Major League Soccer? It’s a way to reinvent sports for a streaming environment and get in on the ground floor of what could be the freshest source of “reality television” on the planet.
Animal stories … and much more.
Whether it’s a rampaging bear, a happy dog, or the return of the woolly rhino … it’s all good in today’s DAILY SPAM.
Still turning heads at 50 … happy birthday to THE EXORCIST.
Everything from celebrating fifty years of head-spinning thrills to the health benefits of ice cream. It’s all part of today’s nutritious meal of email delights.
Have you had your SPAM today?
Introducing a new column … Daily Spam is what I serve up after digging through the hundreds of emails I get every day … just so you don’t have to. I’ll provide links to interesting articles, videos, podcasts and more with no offers for winning lotto numbers, inheritances from African princes, or the latest NFTs. It’s free content worth every penny. Guaranteed.
You’ll never guess where I found the biggest obstacle to my recovery journey …
It turns out that the mind-body connection works both ways. Sometimes the biggest barrier keeping you from your success is located between your ears – which is why its important to understand how physical trauma can bring on depression and how your mental health affects your recovery.
The patient can go on vacation, but the therapy can’t.
Even when you intentionally “get away from it all” you don’t get away from it ALL. Blogger Mike Bawden explains how to manage travel, touring foreign countries, chasing grandchildren, and rehabbing an injured shoulder simultaneously.
