I don’t play games. There are so many other fine ways to waste time, money, and spousal patience that I’ve never really felt the draw. Well, not since all those bags of quarters invested in playing Battle Zone at the Plaid Pantry, anyway. The best moment in any game is the bonus round. That’s the one … [more]
Something About Sidecars
23-June-2015 by 16 Comments
“There’s just something about sidecars,” I thought, rattling eastward across Snoqualmie Valley. It was time to give back the hack, and I wasn’t sure I was ready. Through the simple human kindness and superior gullibility of Jim at Motoduvall, I’d taken loan of “Brunhilde,” a brilliant three- wheeled rig based on a BMW R1200C, and … [more]
Differences Between Old Soldiers: Filmic & Actual
20-May-2015 by 7 Comments
IN THE MOVIES IN REAL LIFE IS SURPRISED by untimely visit from government agents, descending by helicopter to give him one last secret mission. IS SURPRISED when VA check arrives timely. KEEPS a roomful of firearms in every known caliber and format. KEEPS a freezer full of ice packs to fit every joint on her … [more]
WWJD?
30-March-2015 by 53 Comments
…to a rich man: command him to give away everything to the poor. …to bankers: flog them, vandalize their offices, and chase them away. …to powerful biblical teachers: condemn their hypocrisy. … about taxes: pay them. …to sinners: party with them. Wash their feet. Die for them. I’m not giving you the verses. You’ve known … [more]
Going Ungently
11-March-2015 by 1 Comment
A few minutes ago, I saw a post on Facebook from a man I respect, and was startled to realize that the events described below happened a full decade ago. I won’t ask “where did the time go?” — there are records of much of it, scattered around this very house — but will note … [more]
Blood Brothers
3-March-2015 by 11 Comments
Symbols. We were surrounded by ’em. The American Lake VA campus used to house a hospital. It doesn’t anymore. There are specialty clinics there — urology, dental, blind rehabilitation, psychiatry, others — but these days emergency care is handled “across the street” at Madigan Army Medical Center. Symbols abide, though. Large, mission-style institutional buildings symbolize … [more]
Help Me Vandalize This Map!
16-February-2015 by 11 Comments
I’m a rambler, I’m a gambler, I’m a long way from home And if you don’t like me, well, leave me alone I’ll eat when I’m hungry, I’ll drink when I’m dry An’ the moonshine don’t kill me, I’ll live ’til I die! –“The Moonshiner,” a traditional Celtic lay Just a quick hello here; my name is … [more]
Are you not… ENTERTAINED?
9-February-2015 by 2 Comments
So NBC is undergoing a gut check, and it’ll be interesting to see if they discover an existence proof. Brian Williams’s imaginary traumas in the desert have come home to roost on his head like loose-boweled pigeons, and the network is in a bit of a tizzy. What to do? Dozens of millions of dollars are … [more]
"Jack Lewis takes the overall literary crown with his new book...there’s a lot more to Lewis’s work than what it feels like to ride motorcycles.” — Ultimate Motorcycling
"Insightful and from the heart ... a driven and much recommended look into the mind and conflict of the next generation of war veterans. " — Midwest Book Review (Reviewer's Choice)