My Notebook features over 500 posts across over twenty years, covering everything from movies to ethics to personal stories to random links. Browse recent Notebook entries below, or use the category buttons or search to go deeper. Not sure where to start? The “Clip File” category contains my favorite writing.
Season 22
Twenty-one years ago today, I posted for the first time on this blog. A lot has happened: My wife and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary last year; we have two nearly adult children; I’ve moved twice; changed jobs a few times; traveled quite a bit, and seen much joy…
My 2024 Mantra: Holding Myself Accountable First
Each year, I choose a personal mantra to help guide and influence my thoughts, words, and actions for the year. For 2024, my mantra is “Holding myself accountable first”. This one is pretty self-explanatory. Before reacting in anger, blame, resentment, or when dealing with a challenge or a goal, I…
What’s changed since Planes, Trains & Automobiles was released 36 years ago
As we do each year we’re once again watching the classic (and my favorite movie of all time) Planes, Trains & Automobiles. Released on November 25 1987, the movie is now 36 years old. It’s fascinating to see how many bits and pieces of daily life in America have changed…
My Notion wishlist, March 2023
I love and use Notion throughout my day to manage my personal tasks and goals, keep a journal, and much more. As a daily user and big fan, I’ve been building a wishlist of improvements I’d love to see Notion implement in 2023. Since I built my own personal Notion…
Movement Creates Motivation
Each year since 2021, I’ve chosen a mantra to help focus my mind for the year. In 2022, it was “I have no enemies”, inspired by a dharma talk by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. This mantra was largely inspired by the atmosphere of vitriol and tribalism in communities, the…
Top 10 Favorite Detroiters Characters
Detroiters aired two seasons on Comedy Central in 2017-2018. Fans of Tim Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave or Sam Richardson (Ted Lasso, VEEP, Champagne, Ill) will most likely love this cult classic. As a huge Tim and Sam fan, Detroiters is one of my favorite endlessly rewatchable shows. As…
The Netflix Stagnation is a Wake-Up Call for Netflix, Not Streaming
What does The Netflix Stagnation mean for the world of streaming, and how can the OG platform revive its fate? Last week’s news that Netflix lost subscribers for the first quarter in ten years led to its stock dropping more than 25%, as well as a flurry of media coverage…
Mainers – and our Government – Need to Do More To Uphold Tribal Rights
The long record of tepid, if not downright shameful, support for Maine tribal rights continues. Maine’s tribal nations have less rights than national tribes due to a 1980 settlement that is part of a “history of fraud”, according to a recent government-issued report. In a sign of spring, two new…
In a Cup of Tea
Between Two Parks – and Laundry Service to Boot: Memories of College Life in Boston
I’m looking at the large pile of laundry decorating the floor of my son’s room. In a few short months, he’ll be away at college, unbound by my wife and I nudging him to throw in a load or two now and then. I don’t want to be a helicopter…
Yes, the Second Trump Impeachment is Divisive. But That Doesn’t Mean it’s Not Necessary.
The assessment by Congressional Republicans (and some of the public) that this week’s historic second impeachment of President Trump is “divisive” isn’t entirely wrong. The action is literally divisive, in that it will cause Trump supporters to resent further punishment for their actions, which will manifest later when they have…
The Time Has Come for Netflix Live
Everything goes in cycles. The seasons, cultural trends, and basically every aspect of the internet rises and falls, with all that is old becoming new again (AskJeeves should be rebooted any day now). With that maxim in mind, I think it’s a perfect time for Netflix to keep ahead of…