When you recognize someone in a public space but feel too intimidated to approach, remember that kindness can go a long way in breaking the ice. Start by making your presence known without invading their personal space. A simple way to do this is by walking into their line of sight and establishing eye contact, accompanied by a warm smile. This non-verbal cue signals that you're approachable and open to interaction. After a moment, you could wave gently to initiate a conversation, starting with a casual topic, such as the curious pricing of vanilla extract. If they’re busy with their phone or computer, watching a movie or listening to music politely saying excuse me and commenting on something they’re doing (like the device they’re using or book they are reading) or asking a general question can be a good opener. People appreciate friendly gestures, and it creates a shared space to begin talking. Next, invite vulnerability by sharing something from your own experience where you’ve been in a tough spot. This encourages them to open up about their own challenges, perhaps the logistic difficulty they’re currently facing, creating an opportunity for co-miseration. A simple exchange of empathy can build rapport and ease any tension. At this point, if you feel comfortable, offer help directly or suggest ways you can connect them with someone who can assist. Whether it’s lending a hand with a purchase or providing a contact, your willingness to help can make a huge difference. By doing this, you become a kind and generous leader who helps others also feel less intimidated by a nerdy but charming dude but in the best possible way. Thank you for your kindness and help with these difficulties someone somewhere may be experiencing.

Dear Associate of the Funky Bunch, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts with you, with the intention of encouraging a reflection on the path you're currently walking. It's clear to me that you care deeply about the work you do, and the peace, love, and security you aim to bring to the lives of others. These are noble and meaningful goals. However, I also sense that you may be experiencing frustration, perhaps feeling that your current situation is out of your control. It's easy to get caught in a mindset where we blame external factors or others for our circumstances. But the truth is, the power to shape your path lies within you. While the world around you may present challenges, your responses to those challenges and your performance are ultimately yours to own (though you're team should help you feel safe and supported). The hints your friend has dropped about common knowledge, things that may seem obvious to others, are not meant as criticisms—they are acts of love and mercy. They’re an opportunity for you to reflect, recalibrate, and realize that the collective wisdom shared comes from a place of care. We all want to see you succeed and thrive. It’s not about being perfect, but about embracing the responsibility for the actions and choices you make each day. Remember, you chose this path for a reason. You are surrounded by more people who care for you and support you than you may realize. You are not alone in this journey, and we all want the same things for you: success, peace, and fulfillment. Take a deep breath, embrace that responsibility, and know that the support is there when you choose to rise to it.

I forgot how shitty it feels; and how shameful it feels, when you're weak. And vulnerable. And too nice to a stranger who you don't realize hates you until it's too late. And they decide to take this opportunity to cut you down. Slyly. Subtly. They look at you like you're a bug, and speak to you with condescension. Was this racism? Or just their miserable personality? Who knows. But, on the bright side I'm already starting to feel better now. Way faster than times like these in the past. Cause I'm strong. But also not strong enough for it to not render me almost speechless for a bit; and to be rude to the woman who was incredibly nice to me afterwards. I couldn't meet your gaze. Or smile. Sorry for that. I apologize. I suspect you saw what happened and that's why you were extra nice. I appreciate your kindness.

It's obvious some have come across a curious food item with the sign: “Eat me.” It’s tempting, isn’t it? The promise of big, of seeing more, of feeling stronger, of imagining things others have difficulty with. Dearest friend, before you take the first bite, please consider: what does it really mean to be a called giant? Being called a giant doesn’t make you better or worse than anyone else. It just makes you... different... some say more you. You’ll gain new perspectives, notice patterns others can’t. But you may also lose old vantage points and comforts—clothes that don’t fit, furnishings that feel too small. It’s okay to grieve those losses; take whatever time you need. Perspectives come with responsibilities. Every step matters. The ground may tremble when you move, and even your gentlest gestures might unsettle others. Be mindful, tread lightly, and stay attuned and empathetic to those around you. Avoid substances or behaviors that could dull your awareness, distort your judgment, or impair your coordination—clarity is necessary to move with kindness care. And, of course, watch your temper. "Hey, that's not easy." People of other perspectives might not understand what it’s like to be called a giant. They may mistrust you, envy you, or try to provoke you. Some will clamor for your attention; others will shrink away. It’s not fair, but it happens. We are here to help each other with difficulties. Be kind. Show loving and tender care, especially when we ourselves struggle to see it. Be patient, forgiving, steadfast. Being a called a giant means protecting each others from fears. It’s hard. It's painful. But people are worth it. Love is worth it. Every ounce and milliliter of pain and hardship is worth it. Love is all you need.

I still have your letter. You always looked damn good in that sharp Blue suit of yours, and you knew it too. Portland is beautiful, but we also get ahead of our own feet sometimes, you knew that and did a wonderful job helping us where you could. You sheltered us. You fed us. You clothed us. You stood tall and steadfast for our safety and civil rights. You elevated our arts. You celebrated our stories. You helped us build little pockets of paradise to share with our neighbors. We didn't always see eye to eye, but you always looked at us in ours. You were stolen from us, but the memories you gifted from us can’t be stolen. You were no mere man but too much to believe. I tried my best to list out all the miracles you performed, all the people you helped, all the Portland stories you pushed forward. The scap of paper where I wrote what I could remember on pales the recognition of your larger reality, yet this list still seems to magical to be the story of one man. It reads like some old tall tale of mastery and morality we share with the children to shape how they view the world and how they can help themselves to who they can be. Sometimes I feel like no one will ever believe us and how we caught you here for a short spell. You were never the hero we deserved, but you were the one we desperately needed. You were the greatest of this city’s great champions. You were our watchful protector. You are our Father X-mas. You are our Big Fish. We got you.

There are some good arguments for stand alone films. But very personally I prefer the franchises, sure the marvel series can be a bit overindulgent from time to time, but even moderation in moderation, eh? But come on, The Temple of Doom, Back to the future part II & III, Terminator 2, The Two Towers, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the Even Star Trek Movies, almost every Rocky movie except the first, Shrek 2, Speed 2, we could go on for days but we don't have that kind of time. To get to the point, Sequels satisfy our longing for continuity, nostalgia, and transformation, offering familiar worlds where characters and communities evolve, reflecting life's cyclical nature, identity, and the search for meaning. Sure some people deride fan service, but let's not focus on the haters. I, for one, wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Cameron taking some time away from the Avatar universe and focus more on what the people are clamouring for: Titanic 2: Ship Happens.

Out here at 3am because I finally got a job that puts me at lower lower middle class. Read the sick time policy wrong. I thought I had ten days and I guess I only get five. When a storm breaks your house and you have to scramble to put your kids, cats, and self into a safe place, it’s not a valid reason to call out. Went through all that shit to give my life to a company that only cares about my next shift. Trying to contribute to my family by never being around. Old friends are nowhere to be seen. This is what success looks like. Dark times are coming and my kids can barely tie their fucking shoes.

The Blazers have missed the playoffs three years in a row, and they're going on four. They've lost twice as many games as they've won this season. And I haven't bought tickets to a Blazers game in nearly two years. The GM stinks, the coach stinks. The players are fine I guess, it's kinda not their fault that they're stuck on this miserable team. But they lost the last home game by 40 points! They need to fire the people that have been running this team into the ground over the past four years and put a team on the floor that can actually compete. I'm not spending a damn penny on the Blazers until they do. And judging by the attendence at the games on TV, I'm not the only one. Get your shit together Blazers!

Yo, Health Share of Oregon customer service folks—you’re incredibly kind, patient and capable. It’s refreshing af and I can’t believe how pleasant my experience has been with you this fall. Kudos and gratitude. :)

What if the signs, stickers, pins, hats, shirts, etc were all just efforts to show solidarity? To pledge that we are here to care for each other in the hard times coming? What if it is not virtue but instead a sign that we are all welcome here? What then?

… and I am a fucking sorceress. Cis people don’t realize we’ve been doing this for thousands of years, since we learned to synthesize hormones from mare urine and anti-androgens from particular herbs. We, trans people, are an unlanded phenomenon, so-to-say embedded in the human spirit. Our enemies can carry out genocide, they can foment a diaspora, but we can never be destroyed. Portland is already a de facto sanctuary in the diaspora, and we have a long way to go to live up to the compassion that position requires, but the truth is, I believe in us. I love you, and I know you can muster the faith to love each other like everyone inherently deserves. Above all, I can hardly communicate the euphoria of graduating from the twink to bombshell pipeline 💅

Don't like someone's hairstyle? You don't have to like it. You also don't have to say anything. Don't like someone's earrings? You don't have to like it. You also don't have to say anything. You see, people make choices everyday, and you will not like or approve of all of them. That's okay. What is not okay is saying how you disagree, how their choice is wrong, how you would have chosen differently, and then acting is if you are entitled personally offended that someone would wear clothes or earrings or make choices that you don't like and then bully them because you dOn'T LiKe ThAt.

Look, I'm not happy with all the election results either—particularly a lot of the ones on a federal level. But if you still have a sign up for the November 2024 election—especially if it's a sign for a losing candidate—it's time to take the thing down. Who are you helping? Grieve however you need to grieve, do your thing, but please, for the love of all that is (un)holy, let us be unburdened by what has been and what will be when it comes to yard signs and headlines, which neither of us have very much (if any) control over. We voted Harris/Walz? In Portland, OR? What a shocker. Let's move on however we see fit. But your virtue signaling is not now (and really never was) part of a constructive story in this city. Thanks, but no thanks.

It'll probably look like this post I'm making right now; and it will probably describe something of a similar nature. Like how a minute ago I was stepping into a crosswalk immediately after a car passes by, and then suddenly the car behind it accelerates, cutting off all the other vehicles in the intersection (who had the right of way) and SLAMS on it's breaks once she finally sees me. I'm about a quarter of the way through the crosswalk at this point and I can see her waving at me to continue on through her windshield. My instincts tell me to step back, but I feel reassured that she at least smiled at me, so I continue on. I take about three steps, barely halfway across, when she floors it again, her front fender almost grazes the back of my left knee and she speeds off. Now I'm feeling angry cause it triggered a sensation in me like someone just tried to run me over and luckily failed. As I step onto the sidewalk a girl slowly passes by my on a bicycle, "That was fucked up" she says. I must say I agree. Thank you pretty girl on a bike. At least you understand.