Respect is one of the most basic needs of reasoning creatures ... an insult is just that because it is an assault upon respect, upon esteem, and upon that most dangerous of qualities: pride.Drizzt Do'Urden (IceWind Dale Trilogy, The Halfing's Gem) I've spent some time thinking about Willie's sojourn in Eugene. Although brief in terms … Continue reading Willie … the reflection →

The evidence of Eugene's biggest snow storm in 50 years has long melted, but the two feet of snow, two days without power and the sudden appearance of an interesting visitor are still emblazoned in my mind. Just before the snowpocalypse of 2019, a first cousin of my dad left a cryptic message on the … Continue reading Willie … the story →

This is a rather speculative topic, but it's something that I've devoted a lot of thought to over the years. The world's religions provide a plethora of answers, but the various possibilities raise as many questions as they provide answers. Judaism is no exception, and it is a mistake to think there is any monolithic … Continue reading What happens when we die? →

Jews do a nice job with death. Sounds strange, I know, but, let me explain. One of the first volunteer tasks that I was asked to undertake when I became a member of Temple Beth Israel was to prepare the weekly mailings that notify members of the congregation about an impending anniversary of the death … Continue reading Dealing in death … →

This month, I'm excited to share an offering from my Uncle's new collection of poems: The Life That I Have. I have the delightful privilege of knowing Uncle Knute as a member of the family, but most people know him as a well-published poet. Here is the author biography featured on his publisher's web site … Continue reading As if … →

I am an avowed fan of the Science Fiction and Fantasy literary genres. Speculation about the future, other worlds, different species, alternate planes of existence, space and time travel, god-like powers, vampires, zombies, necromancers, spirits, dryads, Minotaurs ... you name it ... draws my interest and intense fascination. I've always thought it was no surprise … Continue reading Your Sci-Fi/Fantasy reading list … →

Coldplay Fix You When you try your best but you don't succeed When you get what you want but not what you need When you feel so tired but you can't sleep Stuck in reverse When the tears come streaming down your face When you lose something you can't replace When you love someone but it goes to waste Could it … Continue reading Every blog needs a theme song … →

I had something like G-Pa or Dude in mind for my "grandpa name."  But turns out that you don't get to pick the moniker by which you will be known to your grand kids.   Their ability or lack thereof to vocalize, along with influences outside your control will determine your grandparent assignation.   In my case, … Continue reading When you become a Bubba … →

This is a simple question, right?   Yes or No.  But, it turns out to be a hard question for me to answer.    As a child, I was taught to kneel next to my bed, clasp my hands and recite, "Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray the Lord my soul to keep; … Continue reading Do you believe in Prayer? →

It's a natural progression ... as we get older, the enjoyment we experience around holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., comes from being around the people we love rather than the things we might get. At some tipping point, adding to the material trove just pales in comparison with cherishing the relationships that give our life connection … Continue reading A holiday tale in food … →