Backbone Banter Blog

Welcome! This blog is the product of many years of working with three elements of backbone: competence, confidence, and risk … Read the rest “Backbone Banter Blog”

Profanity Does Not Become You

What does it mean to “not become you?”  It means it doesn’t make you look good, support your cause or … Read the rest “Profanity Does Not Become You”

Predictive AI and Mediocrity

I’ve watched the advance of AI technologies with a mix of admiration, skepticism, hope, and frustration. As a writer, I … Read the rest “Predictive AI and Mediocrity”

The Danger of “Safe Space”

It sounds caring. Supportive. Kind.

In my estimation it is insidiously the opposite.

Needing a safe space suggests that we … Read the rest “The Danger of “Safe Space””

Etch-A-Sketch Principles

Once upon a toy time, there was Etch-A-Sketch, a creative toy sold for $2.99 in 1960. It was a Christmas … Read the rest “Etch-A-Sketch Principles”

Boldness

The encouragement to “Be Bold!” is often a hallmark of New Year ‘s admonitions, specifically as it pertains to decision … Read the rest “Boldness”

Devil as Diagnostician

“The devil is a keen diagnostician.” I heard this idea in a sermon recently and found it compelling. I’ve been … Read the rest “Devil as Diagnostician”

Taking Charge

Who controls your mind?

You do. Period. Full stop.

The noisy environment in which we live is rife with fast-changing … Read the rest “Taking Charge”

You Matter–Profoundly

You Matter–Profoundly

It is the Friday before Christmas and for my family it has been a difficult and tragic week. … Read the rest “You Matter–Profoundly”

Confirmation Bias

A fancy term, confirmation bias simply states that what we experience internally is what we look for in the world. … Read the rest “Confirmation Bias”

Don’t let systems destroy people

As I sat patiently then impatiently waiting for a company representative to call me with information about a significant repair … Read the rest “Don’t let systems destroy people”

A Reason to Marvel

Do you know someone who has been through the wringer? Someone who has been mauled by life, pummeled with tragedy … Read the rest “A Reason to Marvel”

Eclipse Reflections

My home was far from the path of totality during the last eclipse, but I have friends who live in … Read the rest “Eclipse Reflections”

A Funny Thing Happened When I Forgot to Blame

Premise: We learn to duck responsibilities for our actions at a very young age
By watching others – siblings, classmates, … Read the rest “A Funny Thing Happened When I Forgot to Blame”

Slow it Down

Like most people on planet Earth, I have struggled the past few years to understand what is happening around me. … Read the rest “Slow it Down”

Patterns of the Week

Reflecting on a week that took me to many different places, challenges, and people dealing with them, a number of … Read the rest “Patterns of the Week”

Kids Learn What They Live

As a kid, I used to love debate. Loved to watch it, listen to it and, from time to time, … Read the rest “Kids Learn What They Live”