Brace yourself, a trade war is coming
Let's look no further than recycling to consider how this trade war could go. America has been completely caught flat footed by China's rejection of our recyclables.8 years ago
What makes you particularly proud to be an American?
A recent poll shows that less than half of Americans say they are particularly proud to be an American. Maybe it's time to think on what kind of country we want to be proud of.8 years ago
What is reasonable for an employer to ask of an employee?
After more news about working conditions at Amazon fulfillment centers, Ron asks what is reasonable for an employer to ask from an employee.8 years ago
Ron gives us all a mission for the weekend
Do something unexpectedly kind for a stranger this weekend. Being kind in the face of frustration is a uniquely human practice.8 years ago
Is Seattle safe, dangerous, or somewhere in between?
While some say Seattle is safe or dangerous, there is one aspect that many are not considering -- unreported crime. The gap between reality and stats may be closer than you think.8 years ago
Shower thoughts: Seattle crime, affordability, and separated kids
In this edition of Shower Thoughts: there are still kids out there separated from their parents; Seattle apartments are offering renter incentives again; and why won't SPD release photos of this smash and grab suspect?8 years ago
Can you afford apples and cherries that Americans pick?
Unless you can afford a $25 basket of cherries and a $7 apple, it's time to have a logical plan for migrant labor in the United States.8 years ago
Why is South Lake Union shrugging off this smash-and-grab spree?
It took one walk through my South Lake Union neighborhood, talking with local businesses, for me to start double checking the locks on my doors at night. I never felt the need to do that before.8 years ago
Immigration, American citizenship, and the endowment effect
There was a famous experiment on the endowment effect carried out that revealed a lot about human perception. It's relevant today as we discuss immigration issues.8 years ago
Slow clap: Seattle’s affordable housing project has good and bad news
Seattle's latest affordable housing project on Capitol Hill sounds like great news at first ... but then you read the fine print to find out the bad news. Why can't the city build housing without getting so complex.8 years ago
Shower Thoughts: How do ICE agents sleep at night?
It's Wednesday; you know what that means. I've been thinking in the shower again. Let's do some rapid fire Shower Thoughts.8 years ago
Aggressive immigration policy making things worse
It turns out that the more hardline America gets on immigration, the worse the problem will be. Plus, do we really want to keep young children in cages?8 years ago
Ron to Seattle: Quit finger-pointing and build your own affordable housing
King County has an abundance of vacant land. Not to mention housing levies, control of permitting, and more. So why aren't officials building affordable housing already?8 years ago
Ron: Graduation advice for when you’re leaving high school
If I have one piece of graduation advice, it's to resist the temptation to rush into the hamster wheel of life. Experiences matter.8 years ago
The art of quitting: Winning doesn’t always mean ‘never giving up’
I was told to never give up and that quitting should never be an option. Turns out, that's not entirely good advice. There are perfectly good reasons to quit. Know when and how to do it.8 years ago
Shower thoughts: Naming hurricanes, North Korea, and the Fremont Solstice Parade
In this edition of Ron Upshaw's Shower Thoughts, he contemplates why the NHL gives trophies directly to players, while other sports give them to the owners; naming hurricanes; and the Fremont Solstice Parade.8 years ago
Can we spot depression in our friends and loved ones?
Can we spot depression and suicidal tendencies in our friends and loved ones? Some studies point to certain phrases that point to depression in people.8 years ago
Bourdain’s passing had to do with stigma and masculinity
I believe the passing of Anthony Bourdain had more to do with stigma and masculinity than anything else.8 years ago
Anthony Bourdain changed my view on the world
Anthony Bourdain changed the way I eat and he changed the way I travel.8 years ago
El Capitan: A moment of historic greatness just happened in America’s back yard
Something just happened in the world of sports that classifies as genuine greatness, in an unlikely spot -- El Capitan -- and history has been made. This is true greatness.8 years ago
Shower Thoughts: Recognizing my blind spots
As a guy who has struggled with seeing his own blind spots many times in my life, it's painful to watch Bill Clinton be so unaware of how he is coming across right now.8 years ago
What’s in a name? How other communities fight homelessness
There are cities in America that have a "functional zero" approach to homelessness. How are they achieving greater success tackling homelessness than Seattle?8 years ago
My $10K mistake
On Saturday, Ron Upshaw won his seat into the $10K satellite poker game. It took him two chances, but he was in.8 years ago
