Go ahead and laugh. I know you want to laugh.

But on a more serious note, I am really starting to take issue with the growing fanaticism that is the American socio-political scene. And worse yet, I am really starting to get concerned about how intolerant personal agendas are being promoted as “for the good of the country” when in fact they throw the meaning and intent of the constitution under the bus because of those same aforementioned agendas.

Look no further than the First Amendment. Look no further than Glenn Beck. And look no further than the political rhetoric being espoused in order to accrue some votes (and leverage some fear and hatred) in the upcoming midterm elections.

We’re being told incessantly that our freedoms are being limited by the current presidency. But are the right wingers of the country (and no, I am not talking about Gordie Howe wannabes) creating exactly the scenario in which they profess to be against?

How about we start with the roots – the First Amendment itself.

Read more...

It should come as no surprise to readers of this blog that I had quite a visceral response when I read the post “Visceral Manipulation Embraced By The APTA” on the website “Science-Based Medicine” (SBM).

Visceral manipulation. Really? C’mon APTA, are you serious? You are supposed to be the bastion of evidence-based physical therapy practice, ye of Vision 2020 and autonomy and evidence and access and ethics and …

Really? Please, say it ain’t so. Really?

If you think that you detect a bewildered look on my face, you are half right. It is bewildered and disappointed. Sadly, none of this surprises me anymore.

Read more...

Note: This post appeared in the 8/22/2010 issue of the Austin American-Statesman in the “Tales Of The City” column. I have added some additional musings (italics) and video clips to the original article.

Some might call it a journey. Some might call it a life-changing adventure. Whatever name you use, the inspiration for it began many years ago, in a place far removed from the Lone Star State – the Great White North.

The date was August 16, 1984. The place –the National Arts Center in Ottawa, Canada, perhaps the perfect acoustic environment for live music. The performers? None other than Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. I was 18 years old – sitting there stunned, mesmerized, awestruck by the legendary power of Vaughan’s expression with a guitar. This was live blues music as I’d only imagined. If Austin, Texas was producing guitar players (and the blues) like this, then that was something that I had to experience firsthand.

Read more...

This past weekend, the Olympic Trials for the marathon were held in Houston. Congratulations go out to the three men and three women who qualified to represent the United States in London this summer. On the men’s side, the team will consist of Meb Keflezighi, Ryan Hall, and Abdi Abdirahman. On the women’s side, the team will consist of Shalane Flanagan, Desiree Davila, and Kara Goucher.

Representing your country at the Olympics is a tremendous honor. Frankly, being a part of the Olympic Games – on any level – is an incredible experience. But it isn’t just about representing your country. It is also about being competitive on the world stage.

There was a time when US marathoning had a high profile on the world stage. But the last time I looked, it has been quite a while since an Olympic gold medal went to an American marathoner. With that said, and the 2012 Olympic Trials now a memory, my question is this: is the United States making any progress towards truly being an international power in the marathon once again?

Read more...