the good problem

Elections happen a lot here. Right now, as I push these PVC keys, there’s a kind of humming and whirring in my town that’s got all manner of peoples’ panties in a collective bunch. For a lifetime of Tuesdays, the town folk here have been expressing their worry—unflappable worry—that once the wrong candidate is elected… Continue reading Timbre #58: I Skate And I Vote

I haven’t skated in a week.  It was last Saturday, and I’m feeling weird about the “time off,” almost guilty. A few days before that Saturday, I hit my knee, innocently enough, with a comical fall, rubbed it through my scuffed trousers (steady on, mate), and kept going. Then as the sun went down, caught… Continue reading Timbre #21: 400 Blows

Listen to Adrian Demain’s Listen With Intent Playlist.

Here we go again, right? Same tricks, same spots, same everything.  Why do we feel the need to catalog, appraise, and then revisit? Is there some inherent greatness in every hubba that’s been heel-drag noseslid? Are slick ledges so few and far between that grocery-listing the activity surrounding them is the only thing left to… Continue reading Timbre #16: Ground Cover

Listen to Iris Skateboards’ Garage Days Playlist.

I suck.  While I’m sure this is a sentiment shared by countless others, until this point, no one’s pointed it out in the simple and straight-forward language it’s deserved. So I thought I’d give it a shot. It’s my poetry. Weep with me.  I’m here by default, coming to you from the middle of nowhere,… Continue reading Timbre #15: Sucking And Nothingness

Listen to Max Schaaf’s Emotional Rollercoaster Playlist.

Quick question: which of the following sounds better to you? Stake holder or stay colder Wire you insulate? or Why are you in so late? Amanda Hugnkiss or a man to hug and kiss Isn’t this fun?  Well, really, the “fun,” as well as which thingy sounds better to you, is open to interpretation. I suppose it all depends on your… Continue reading Timbre #9: What’s The Big Idea?

Listen to Ted Barrow’s Sad Escapes Playlist.

In these days of mergers and accusations, I’ve come to the conclusion that I, too, would be down for a deal. And this one is open to all comers, so pay close attention ’cause I could really use your help. Here it is: I need an ollie.  I have one now, but it sucks—a stiff… Continue reading Timbre #8: Fair Trade

The Good Problem Playlist 8/2/20: 22 Good Songs For Problematic Times.  Click here to listen and follow The.GoodProblem on Spotify. Please feel free to share freely.

If you’re like the sidewalk, happy you woke up above the ground today, can I get an amen?  Now that you find yourself above, now that you find yourself here, now that you find yourself able to wake up, lemme ask you: Are you able to have dreams? Keep your dreams alive? Don’t forget the… Continue reading Timbre #7: Don’t Grow

Listen to Thomas Campbell’s Peedeep Playlist.

For a professional skateboarder, especially for one who’s been around the block a few times, the stability of their chosen profession has to be something that causes as much anxiety as a blind roll-up to some random double-set: How big is this deal? Are things going to go according to plan? What’s going to happen… Continue reading Timbre #5: Direct Reflect

Listen to Lowcard Mag‘s Solo Drive Playlist.