Archive for June 2023

Jamelle Bouie writes in the New York Times about Four Freedoms, According to the Republicans. They include: The freedom to control — to restrict the bodily autonomy of women and repress the existence of anyone who does not conform to traditional gender roles. The freedom to exploit — to allow the owners of business and…

My friend, Kathy, sent this cartoon to me with the message: “Saw this and thought of you.” Sometimes a simple cartoon and six words can make you feel so seen and so well-known. It oddly meant a lot.

Exciting, thrilling, over-the-moon announcement: My solo show, scheduled for July 30 and 31 at TheaterWorks, has been extended through August 1 due to demand. The July 30 and 31 shows are nearly sold out, so we are adding one more night. If you don’t yet have tickets yet, good seats are now available. Get them…

I recently used the phrase “Mexican standoff” in a storytelling performance and was warned that it might not be culturally sensitive. I looked into it, and as far as I can tell, its origins are not racist or culturally insensitive, and most linguists agree that it’s still a perfectly acceptable description of a  confrontation between…

Please allow me to sing the praises of my wife, Elysha Dicks, who completed a year-long journey yesterday by passing her state certification test with flying colors and becoming officially certified to teach English speakers of other languages. She scored 191 out of a possible 200 points, for a 96%. Despite her outstanding score, she…

The Toronto Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass last week after he drew backlash for reposting a video on Instagram that called Target and Bud Light “evil” and “demonic” for supporting the LGBTQ community. Toronto’s general manager Ross Atkins told reporters that the move to cut the relief pitcher was primarily driven by his performance…

Last year, I suggested that McDonald’s add variation to the messages on their drive-thru menu screen. Rather than simply offering the message “Mmm, great order!” they could easily add a multitude of messages to extend their branding and, more importantly, be surprising, amusing, and engaging. All the things a great storyteller knows to do. This…

I was sent a new photo of my mother last week, which is a joy for me. Mom passed away in 2007, and the number of photos I have from my childhood and of my mother is very limited, so a photo even as grainy as this one means the world to me. The picture…

As a former manager of restaurants, I inherently monitor our food inventory carefully. It’s second nature. Without any real effort, I always know what we have and need. I also organize and rotate the pantry and refrigerator with regularity. All of this is to say that I was confused and appalled upon finding an item…

Jennifer Garner – actor, spokesperson, business owner, philanthropist, and seemingly all-around wonderful human being – wanted to be an actor. So early in her career, she journeyed to a theater in a strip mall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she performed as a nonequity actor because earning less money than equity actors allowed her more…