Volume 1 - Issue 5 - September 2025

Greetings !

September is always a month of transitions.

It begins on a somber note. Like many of you, I remember exactly where I was when I heard about the planes crashing into the Twin Towers on 9/11, 2001. Click on the image to find out where I was and what I was doing.

I took the picture at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan on October 30, 2001. The Yankees won the American League pennant, and I decided to make the trip for the World Series and to see the carnage firsthand. I'll provide more details next month.

Summer in a college town is pure magic with no traffic jams, no lines at restaurants, and plenty of parking pretty much everywhere. I always know when the students are back because the department store lots fill up with parents hauling rugs, toilet brushes, and crates of notebooks out to their cars for the new and returning students. That’s the cue that the quiet months are over.

Click to read the rest of the story ...

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My disclaimer: The reason you're receiving this newsletter is that at some point over the past 25 years, we've met or corresponded by email. You can unsubscribe if your inbox is already too cluttered. I'll never ask you to accept $10-million from my rich uncle, the exiled King of Nigeria, who has to give away all his money because he'll soon be arrested for treason!

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A New Dawn at Libby Flats: Why a Funeral in Wyoming Might Just Fix Your Family Feud

This summer’s headlines have been hotter than July and August asphalt.

P. Diddy Combs busted for bad ass booty calls, Beyonce's bronc bustin' boots spurred western wear sales, and Elon Musk got the boot. What happened to those stories?

The WNBA is finally getting the ESPN primetime treatment it deserves, and the Colorado Rockies will likely be the second-worst team in baseball history.

Let’s talk about something even messier than the hard and soft news: family.

I wrote a historical fiction novel titled A New Dawn at Libby Flats, which is about what happens during the fall of 2006 when old secrets, broken friendships, and a long-forgotten promise come crashing into the present.

It’s not a coming-of-age story but a coming-to-terms story, and it begins, like a lot of stories do, with a funeral. The novel cuts back and forth between the through story and the back stories of each of the characters. The past and present eventually collide.

It’s not a coming-of-age story but a coming-to-terms story, and it begins, like a lot of stories do, with a funeral. Do you have an estranged friend or relative? Have you put off calling your former college roommate?

Read about the Libby Flats story here ...

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I'm trying to sell some of the nine books I have out there, including A New Dawn at Libby Flats. Writing is easy compared to selling.

When you choose a gift made by someone who doesn’t have a household name, you’re helping level the playing field in a system tilted toward fame and profit.

This story crisscrosses the country, spanning from New Jersey to Wyoming, California, New Orleans, and through Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

If you have a book club, consider selecting a book written by a local author.

Meanwhile, I've been having fun writing short-form content, such as this newsletter.

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Unlocking Community Synergy: Why Storytelling Is Important to Build Vibrant Collaborative Communities

In an era where digital interactions often outweigh face-to-face connections, the art of storytelling emerges as a powerful tool for bridging gaps and fostering vibrant, collaborative communities.

Storytelling is more than just sharing experiences. It is the cornerstone of community synergy, a catalyst that breathes life into collective efforts.

As we navigate through diverse narratives, we find that embracing a multidisciplinary approach can illuminate perspectives and generate harmonious exchanges.

When different voices contribute to a story, it creates a tapestry rich with varied insights that lead to innovative solutions and stronger communal bonds.

It's a bit jargony, but if you work with a team, are active in your church, or volunteer with a nonprofit in your community, these tips will help you with your interactions with people.

Click to read the rest of the story ...

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Black & Tan podcast wraps Season 1

Black & Tan is a podcast that explores a new story about beer and the intricacies of cultural understanding in today’s rapidly changing world. Season 1 has just wrapped.

Hosted by Pedro Silva, an African American advocate for social equity, and Alan O’Hashi, a Japanese American from Wyoming with a passion for cross-cultural engagement.

The show offers insightful discussions designed to inspire personal change. Each episode tackles ways to bridge cultural divides by making intentional, individual adjustments to foster acceptance and empathy

With engaging conversations, Black & Tan offers listeners both practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives on our evolving world. Why Listen? Black & Tan is for anyone who wants to:

Discover strategies to bridge gaps and foster connections across diverse backgrounds.
Gain practical tools to make positive, impactful changes within your communities.
Enjoy lively and thoughtful discussions.
Learn simple, actionable steps to encourage understanding and respect.

Click to check out all episodes on your favorite platform, including Spotify ...

Drop me a line if you run out of things to do. Thank you for sticking around. Until next time...

Alan O'Hashi, Breaking Bad

Boulder Community Media

If you have questions or comments, message Alan-Bot. We learn more and more every day! You can also click the icon to chat ...