We all speak the same language, even if the dialects differ. It’s a language of cheerful suffering (aka “good training!”) and affected cynicism that papers over selfless service (e.g. “yeah, y’know, it’s all about me…”). Over dinner at the Burbank Marriott’s Daily Grill, the jokes leapt over each other like sportive otters, just the way you … [more]
Game Boy
30-June-2015 by 6 Comments
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]
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]
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]
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]
Cool story, bro
5-February-2015 by 7 Comments
Image stolen from a Pinterest poseur boy. Well, sure, it got pretty intense that time, but I wasn’t scared. With Brian Williams at the controls of our chopper, what could possibly go wrong? Showing complete disregard for his personal safety, Reporter’s Mate First Class Williams hovered the bird over our enemies in the face of withering fire. … [more]
Knock this chip off my pedestal
23-January-2015 by 4 Comments
Enough about the sniper guy, already. If you believe that Chris Kyle was a hero without flaws, you’ve gone woozy from the intoxicating smell of his jock. He was, at the least, an occasional liar and notable braggart. Not that I begrudge him his well-earned braggadocio (per the Oakland Raiders of yore, “it ain’t braggin’ if … [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)