Front Porch Coffee

Asked about writing stories:

You always have this image, of the perfect thing, which you can never achieve, but which you never stop trying to achieve. But I think, that at the core of it, there’s this image that you have, this interior image of something that is absolutely perfect, and that’s–that’s your signpost, your guide. You’ll never get there, but without it you’ll never get anywhere.

Is it any wonder that the human condition can be summed up so short and clear by saying we all just badly need a hug sometimes. ?

Half a million dollars and four to five years of both full time apprenticeship AND weekend coursework. A lot of time and money. That’s the name of the game for an electricity or gas (power generation/distribution) company to take a worker from entry-level apprentice to proficient wireman. And except for the time consumed by weekend coursework, the power company eats that. All of it. After the fact, it is another five years for the company to break even on their investment. Ten years after a worker enters an apprenticeship program, it is finally worth it. It’s the same story for many other trades.

For government recognition of proficiency in education, you’re looking at two to three years of part time coursework and six months to a year of on-the-job training.

I’m an American and I’ll have my electricity reliable, please. Thanks.

Have enough time in the morning to enjoy a second cup of coffee after breakfast.

Angry men shouldn’t be pastors

So I watched this movie yesterday, and for the first third I’m like “hmm..if this guy is the hero for his ‘determinism’ and they don’t handle with his denseness and worthlessness I’m gonna be disappointed.

So then in the second third and I’m like OK, this is looking like they’re gonna handle stuff, this could turn out a great movie.

I’m thinking here that this movie could turn out to be a beautiful re-tone and refinement and media-shifted version of Shop Class as Soulcraft. I’m thinking that maybe, because these are some good actors and maybe the writer’s awesome, it could be not just a “rich suit guy finds meaning in using his hands” gig, but a hard hitting commentary on the meaning of human life.

So then the third third rolls around and I’m like yes, yes I think they may pin this. Maybe it won’t be as great as I want it to be, but we’re goin’ the right way here.

Then the scene on the docks, “these men knew their worth,” and I was like yes. Could’ve been better, I wouldn’t say it’s worth pinning Crawford’s book on, but hey it’s good, not going to whine.

And then a minute later the last scene happened and I found myself sitting in the couch half dazed, with just enough sense to be grumbling some unkind things directed at the directors and writers and producers and actors. Aw c’mon guys.

If you’re trying to be cool you’ve already missed the boat; the fire inside to have courage is the thing itself.

So is that if and only if or exclusive or?

What other picture could go here but Teddy and Muir

Serious studs