Submitted by Gregory L. Alderete. Removing transgender service members from the military not only undermines the effectiveness of the armed forces but also violates basic principles of human decency. Military readiness depends on the ability to recruit and retain the best and most qualified personnel, regardless of gender identity. Excluding transgender individuals deprives the military […]
To Ponder
Let’s Talk! – Folding a Map
Are you ready to switch off your screens and ponder or discuss another writing/conversation prompt from my friend Tyrean Martinson’s book? Here’s my take on it. Do you like maps as much as my husband and I do? We have dozens of maps decorating walls, folded in our cars, on shelves, single ones on specific […]
Jerry Makes Good with the Lord’s Help . . . kinda
The word of God is felt nearby, more than being seen or heard. At this one area on Pacific Highway South, Jerry Ortega and his followers don’t actually follow the teachings of the Lord but somehow, they seem to protect those who do believe. Jerry Ortega had stayed alive in both Afghanistan and the Pacific […]
Anastasia is a Showstopper at Tacoma Musical Theatre
If you want to see a “Spectacle” on the stage, go to Tacoma Musical Playhouse to see Anastasia. This musical is a luscious, almost edible production. There’s plenty of Russian Sturm und Drang in this production! The play opens with a young woman Anya (Alyce Campello, a rich and moving soprano), now a street sweeper […]
Across the Fence: Zeitnot
I had no idea that the German term Zeitnot (pronounce: ‘tsite-note, meaning time trouble) is one used in the English language when playing chess with a time control. Of course, if you have to create more and more complex moves in order to outwit your opponent, playing against a clock causes additional nervosity. And that, […]
Mavis – Looking Bad but Beginning to Feel Better
Our bodies don’t always look like what we hope for. When you’ve had three children and an ex-husband, things just get worse. After taking in all the bad stuff, I’m on the rise, even if it doesn’t appear that way. I have broken down my needs so I can keep track and not over or […]
In the Book Nook with … Bryan J. Mason
Author Bryan J. Mason lives in Bristol, England. He used to work as a tax investigator, a mediator, made sound effects for radio, and was also a rent collector, but now he is a full-time writer. Bryan wrote his first novel, Shaking Hands with the Devil, around 1990, but despite having a literary agent, failed […]
Robin, Desperately Looking for a Date
Robin was always a big bag of wind, which was difficult to be for a fairly short individual going to a well thought of University in Tacoma, Washington. Somehow, he had been swamped at work and at classes. “Well, there’s always tomorrow” was one of Robin’s fallback attacks for a date or two. Some worked, […]
Father Jeff, The Hoopster and a Dear Friend
When my parents made me go to church in Lakewood, I headed out with a smile, and ended up on the edge of a nearby lake that was an easy walk to church . . . if one wanted to actually go to church. A number of times one of my classmates would join me. […]