"The Mojave is a big desert and a frightening one. It's as though nature tested a man for endurance and constancy to prove whether he was good enough to get to California."

I miss the California desert. Here's a nice capture of California heat from Steinbeck's 1962 travelogue, "Travels with Charley," as he rolled through the Mojave.

Book Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by John Steinbeck (1962)

"You can't defend a nation with a board of directors."

Another share from John Steinbeck's travelogue "Travels with Charley." Where are real men today? Steinbeck recorded the quote above from an elderly gentleman of French persuasion during his 1960 travels across the USA, and we are still asking the question in 2025...where are the REAL men, and no, they are not on the board of directors of 7-11.

Book Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by John Steinbeck (1962)
Music Credit: "Line of Fire" by Stanley Jay Tucker

"I see too many men delay their exits with a sickly, slow reluctance to leave the stage. It's bad theatre as well as bad living." -John Steinbeck

Here's another wonderful book review share from John Steinbeck on how men should live dangerously and prioritize the "quality" of life or a few more years of quantity.

*Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search for America" by John Steinbeck (1962)

Some reflections on the retirement of Marjorie Taylor Greene and how it might relate to circling the wagons...and bracing for impact too.

"Star Spangled Banner" solo by Stanley Jay Tucker

Here's a true story of my observation living recently at an American grocery store...I painfully realized that I was literally starting at THE END (of America).

History. Look back. Learn. Move forward.


Lyrics: "The End" by The Doors (1967)

I turned 66 this week. I used my age as a teachable moment with my PE kids....some behind-the-scenes facts on teaching "REAL PE" with the classical and historical philosophy driving my instruction. Keep moving--no matter what the age.

Photo: RJ @ Towsley Canyon Santa Clarita, CA

Some deep thoughts and ponderence of the demise of America...due to lack of welfare benefits...oh the shame! Are we literally creating intentional chaos? I also share some poems and personal thoughts I have written over the years...reflect, feel, go outside. Do what you can amigos.
 
Photo: RJ self-portrait in Spain

A street view on the pending civil unrest (maybe) starting on November 1st from a lack of government funding due to the endless arguing by our American politicians...which very well might be planned all along...

Photo by Ron Jones

"[Americans] spend their hours and money on the couch searching for a soul...If I wanted to destroy a nation, I would give it too much and I would have it on its knees, miserable, greedy and sick." -John Steinbeck

American author and California native John Steinbeck wrote an amazing book towards the end of his life, "Travels with Charley in Search of America." He wrote the book towards the end of his life when he knew he had terminal heart disease. Here's a short book share review on American restlessness and possibly why we are such a restless culture.

Here's a nice review by "Listening to America" and Clay Jenkinson on Steinbeck's "Travels with Charlie" and his 1960 GMC Pick-Up at the National Steinbeck Center.

Some personal reflections on attending a martial arts workshop this past weekend with martial arts legend Guro Dan Insanto. What I learned was far beyond stick, dagger, and self-defense. Enjoy!

Photo by Ron Jones
Music: @mattbradfordmusic