I warned you. Be careful of the Charlie Kirk narrative the first 24-48 hours. Here we go--we got the "guy" as in singular. It is impossible to know this after a few hours. Let's go over some interesting points about what was missing and what was there that did not add up...the whole "solo actor" BS needs a rapid curtain call as in dropping down on the whole story.

Photo: RJ @ Ozzfest/Black Sabbath

Something is really wrong about the Charlie Kirk killing...and it's beyond just that he should not have been killed. I smell a rat--or a total rat infestation in the multiple levels of corruption at play in the drama house.
Music: "Star Spangled Banner" by Stanley Jay Tucker

A brief book review of the 2018 book by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt entitled, "THE CODDLING OF THE AMERICAN MIND: HOW GOOD INTENTIONS AND BAD IDEAS ARE SETTING UP A GENERATION FOR FAILURE."

I go over key points cited for creating witch hunts and read over a few of the book reviews by people from various social and political standings. It's a challenging read but an important one for our current times, and it has a lot to do with Charlie Kirk's mission to speak openly on American colleges and universities.

Photo: RJ @ "The Last Bookstore" in DTLA

"Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a God, but never without belief in a devil." -Eric Hoffer, "The True Believer"

I have a few comments about the murder of conservative journalist Charlie Kirk a few hours ago...plus some historic perspectives and a few book recommendations to help you figure it out.
References:
"The True Believer" By Eric Hoffer (1951)
"WHEN VIOLENCE IS THE ANSWER" By Tim Larkin (2017)
"THE CODDLING OF THE AMERICAN MIND" By Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt (2018)

I've been teaching a "pre-archery" lesson this week in order for my students to start learning how to both SEE line and FEEL line. Understanding body alignment is an important part of establishing physical literacy, so hang out a while, and let's go back in time to justify the lesson while also talking mechanics. Enjoy!

"Find Your Center" (Parent Message Video)
"Find Your Center" (Tutorial Video

Photo by Ron Jones "Sage @ OK Corral Studio"
Music @mattbradfordmusic

Virtually no one is talking about what is happening in the UK with England right now...PAY ATTENTION! September 13th in England will be a learning opportunity for the rest of the "pseudo-free world."

Want more? I recommend Tousi TV and Paul Thorpe on YouTube. These mates are on top of daily developments and at the street level with real people.

Photo: "RJ in Spain"
Music @ mattbradfordmusic

After decades in health and fitness, in both corporate and educational settings, nearly everyone I have ever worked with has some sort of issue with their walking gait. There is almost always an imbalance or biomechanical issue that is often not even realized by the person I am seeing. Here on some thoughts "again" on the importance of a gliding gait that saves you energy throughout the days and decades.

Watch my "Gliding Gait" walking video for more information.
Photo Credit: New Hampshire Female ROTC Walk, Life Magazine (1942)
Music Credit @mattbradfordmusic

As of 9.3.25, it looks like the National Guard will likely be sent into Chicago to deal with the out-of-control violence plaguing the streets and communities, but will it really make a difference? What does history say? What is the history of gang violence in Chicago? History has some real wisdom here. Hang on while I skim the surface on short-term and long-term solutions plus some Chicago-specific history too.

Listen to my previous episode III on "The History of Juvenile Delinquency in Chicago"
Photo Credit: Ron Jones
Music Credit @mattbradfordmusic

We often think of "HARD LABOR" in current American culture as a punishment sentence for bad behavior; however, the task of undertaking hard physical labor would actually decrease the amount of bad behavior. Here are a few thoughts on getting dirty, sweating, and using your whole body to build something instead of burning stuff down.

Photo Credit: "Trail Building" by Ron Jones

*Music Credit: @mattbradfordmusic

Some inspiring citations from my 1914 reference on the values of speaking the truth and not running with the herd.

Reference: "PEP: Poise-Efficiency-Peace; A Book of Hows Not Whys For Physical and Mental Efficiency" by Col. WM. C. Hunter (1914)
*Music Credit: @mattbradfordmusic