The Smell of a Pencil Sharpener

It's official. California's special election is ON for November 4th. The People of California will be able to cast their vote for a Congressional map. Direct democracy that gives us a fighting chanc...

This is beautiful. Otter visits man kayaking. These two must be friends already?

Feeling overwhelmed?

You ever remember something so clearly — like, without a doubt — only to find out you’ve been wrong all along?

Have you ever noticed how some of the most meaningful conversations happen when you’re least expecting them?

In "What I Learned About People from the Driver’s Seat," Andy Lee reflects on his experiences as an Uber driver in Nashville, highlighting that most people desire kindness and respect. He emphasizes the importance of giving the benefit of the doubt, which fosters positive interactions, despite occasional negative encounters.

In an experience at the Driver Services Center, the author learned the importance of kindness during frustrating situations. Despite the crowded environment and employee stress, he chose to interact graciously, leading to a positive moment with a weary worker. The encounter reinforced lessons about empathy and the impact of simple kindness.

Andy Lee reflects on the mixed reactions to his writing, highlighting the stark contrast in engagement when he discusses politics. He points out that while he appreciates dedicated readers, most remain silent until they disagree. Lee emphasizes the importance of feedback for writers to understand readers' preferences and foster constructive conversations.

Chris LeDoux, a legendary cowboy and country singer, embodied the spirit of the American West through his music and experiences. His song "This Cowboy's Hat" illustrates the power of understanding and shared stories amid differences. LeDoux's legacy encourages genuine conversations to foster connections in an increasingly divided society.

The 80s celebrated an era of carefree pop culture, as illustrated by Lionel Richie's "Hello." Despite its unsettling themes, music videos like it were accepted without scrutiny, reflecting a time when boundaries were less defined. While today's generation promotes awareness, Gen X revels in the unfiltered freedom of their past experiences.

The Meltdown in the Oval Office: A Reflection on Who We’ve Become by Andy Lee Yesterday, an extraordinary and deeply unsettling scene played out in the Oval Office. President Trump, President Zelensky, and Vice President Vance engaged in a heated, chaotic, and at times, outright unhinged exchange. The tension, the accusations, the complete breakdown of decorum—it was the kind of moment that leaves a mark on history. I’m not going to go into great detail about what was said. By now, most of us have seen it, or at least caught clips of it.

In today's fast-paced information age, unchallenged misinformation can shape perceptions and narratives in politics and the workplace. Silence often implies acceptance, leading to damaging rumors and false beliefs. To combat this, it's crucial to address falsehoods promptly, maintain transparency, and foster critical thinking to prevent misinformation from dominating reality.

The author reflects on the evolving significance of the American flag, initially viewed simply as a symbol of pride. However, it has come to represent assumptions about identity and political alignment. The author advocates for reclaiming its true meaning as a symbol of hope, unity, and inclusion for all Americans.

In "Writing on My Terms," Andy Lee asserts his right to write freely without conforming to others' expectations. He emphasizes that he writes for personal expression, covering diverse topics, including history, daily experiences, and occasionally politics, while refusing to limit his voice based on others' discomfort. Lee champions the First Amendment in his commitment to authentic expression.

In "A Nation Divided," Andy Lee reflects on the current state of discourse in America, highlighting the challenge of having civil discussions amidst selective outrage. Despite receiving mixed responses to his politically charged writings, he emphasizes the importance of dialogue and understanding opposing viewpoints to prevent deepening divisions in society.

By Andy Lee I Was Thinking About… Where Do We Go From Here? If you’ve followed along in this series, you already know where we stand. We are a nation divided, trapped in cycles of outrage, feeding on curated realities, and losing faith in the very ideals that once held us together. We tell ourselves the system is broken, that things will never change. And yet—we keep waiting for someone else to fix it. But here’s the truth: there is no rescue party coming. If we don’t change course, no law, no election, no single leader will save us.

A viral claim misrepresents U.S. rights over the Gulf of Mexico, Canadian aid, and the Panama Canal. The Gulf was never a war prize; the U.S. does not give Canada $150 billion annually, and the 1977 treaty returned control of the Panama Canal to Panama. Misinformation needs countering through accurate information.