The Nation We Live In, a Collection of Essays and Short Stories

Disclaimer, my 1 week in Nashville was excellent! Nashville possess a 4 season climate, bustling urban mixed-used development, mega-city flair and friendly people. In conversing with current residents, uber drivers, the opposite sex and society in general, I was not able to uncover any true negatives on the city. This Nashville literary experience is derived from my 1 week of an attention based vacation. There will be 2 parts. You'll see, just keep reading.  PART 1. The Bachelor Party. It was the original reason for my trip. One of my friendly Austin, Texas real estate clients invited me to join his mostly San Francisco based entourage. We shall call our lead Bachelor character Medusa. Why Medusa? He often had many tentacles of alcoholic beverages located within the immediate orbit of his head. Medusa is my smart, long distance bike riding, million dollar town-home owning friend. In describing the make-up of our 10 stag party bro's, I was the lone Texan. For your...

Have you ever wanted to swim and just simply be naked? Well, I've recently rekindled this idea of mine. Let's flesh it out. Get it, flesh it out. Ok... The idea and concept for CLOTHING OPTIONAL is for a commercial business . The hope is once the flagship pool is up and running, the business concept could be expanded to different Clothing Optional  markets, concepts, areas, and cities. The primary idea and flagship concept for this business is to find some open zoning land acreage within a large metropolitan city or very close by. Once the land is purchased, the commercial development of the Theme Park can commence. The primary attraction will be a very large, entertaining, amusement, and athletic-style Olympic Pool. There will always be at least 3-5 lanes reserved for athletic or leisure LAP swimming. In order to gain the $7 dollar per day entry fee, applicants must  be over the age of 18, and must also sign a release form promising to NOT publish any photos...

What is the "Peter Pan Syndrome" ? PPS is a condition that occurs in grown up and aging males. In general, they are reluctant or refuse to grow up. In lieu of embracing responsibilities and age-appropriate choices, these man child's prefer to retain their bottled-up youthful tenancies and societal actions. Basically, Peter Pan syndrome is the result of the inner child living within a grown man in perpetuity. For example, a man who refuses to move towards adulthood. In the eyes of the self-diagnosed PPS male, he views his youthful energy as fresh embraceable news! This man-child loves his freedom, youthful hobbies, and constant vigor. He is reluctant to tackle the super serious commitments of marriage, home ownership, kid creation, career and more. Envision the classic movie comedy, "Old School", with Will Ferrell, Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. Now you've got it! Have you ever met, had a family member, dated, or known a human with Peter Pan Syndro...

Don't get me wrong. I am all for the manly, tough, truck-driving, go anywhere, rugged man. Society, and women love you. But...a member of the male species sporting an outward, BUSHY, burly, overpowering facial BEARD in the summer, makes no sense to me. I don't get it. If you aren't aware Summer time temperatures in the Southern regions of the United States as they increase near the July, August heat pinnacle are legit. 100 degree plus humidity temperature can be treacherous. Unlike in desert climates where the night-time thermometers cool off, in the south, it just stays hot, continuously, 24/7. I can only image how itchy, dirty, sweaty, and gross a ZZ Top or Lumberjack beard feels in the summer. I can understand some basic patchy scruff, but a full-blown beard in the summer time makes no sense. Is the summer beard exhibitor afraid to shave? Does he not want to get a haircut? Is he hiding his lack of a chin? Does he feel because of the deficiency in his jaw str...