Category: Owning a Niche

The Sports Bra

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(Listen to this post, here.) Have you heard about The Sports Bra? No, not that. I’m talking about the bar in Portland Oregon of the same name that is, “100% dedicated to women’s sports.” All the games on the TVs, all the memorabilia, even The Sports Bra’s tagline (which I admit I wish I had thought of first) – “We Support Women” – is entirely focused on women’s sports. They don’t even have a men’s room in the place. (I may have made that part up.) It’s a terrific example of the power […] Click to read more…

Be Like Mike

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(Listen to this post, here.) The last time I told anyone my name is “Mike” was 1987. That’s a long time ago and a lot has changed. Ronald Reagan was in the White House. Walk Like an Egyptian was the #1 song. I had very little hair on the top of my head. Okay, not everything is different. As for me, I don’t really remember why I switched to Michael. But I know that by the time I met my future wife in early 1988, the switch had already happened. I’ve been a “Michael” […] Click to read more…

Counting Crows

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(Listen to this post, here.) My birdfeeder is back in action. I had to take last year off because our next-door neighbors were enjoying unwanted mouse visits in their basement. Apparently, birdseed is attractive to rodents as well as to birds (who knew?). The less of it nearby, the fewer mice to contend with. This summer, after doing some research, I discovered Wild Delight Sizzle N’ Heat Bird Food, and am back in business. This seed is loved by birds but, thanks to its spiciness, of no interest to rodents (again, who knew?). All good! […] Click to read more…

Simply *Not* the Best

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(Listen to this post, here.) Have you ever heard of a man named Braxton Key? Let me give you a hint: He’s a professional basketball player. Still not ringing a bell? Don’t feel bad. I had never heard of him either until I did some Googling (who says I don’t do research?). That’s because, among those who play in the National Basketball Association, Braxton Key stands out, skill-wise, for just one reason: He is arguably the worst player in the league. He plays for the Detroit Pistons – the team with the worst record […] Click to read more…

I Hear You Knocking

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(Listen to this post, here.) Guess what I haven’t done in 35 years. If you said, “comb your hair,” I am going to give you partial credit. But no, the correct answer is, “go on a date.” That’s because this past Monday was the 35th anniversary of the day I met my wife, Linda, effectively ending my unremarkable career as a single man. Did we meet in college? No. Did we meet at a bar? No. Did we meet on MatchDotBumbleTinderHinge? Please. It was 1988. Ronald Reagan was president. LeBron James was just […] Click to read more…