An Introduction

Here's the genius behind Properly Subversive

I am only now getting around to writing my introductory letter to subscribers. Since I have subs already, I’m posting here so you can see it.

Thank you for subscribing. 

Properly Subversive is topical commentary based on my motto of “laugh a little, avoid soreheads and always question authority.” 

I explore a wide variety of topics. I am informed by my experiences in journalism, a stint in the U.S. Navy, dedication to the  Episcopal church as priest, and raising five children in the blow-and-go years of Las Vegas. 

I write several times a week here. My work also appears in newspapers and websites primarily serving Nevada and the Bay Area. If you think your local newspaper might benefit from Properly Subversive, have them contact me. We can work something out. 

While I suppose in the Year of Our Lord Twenty Twenty-four I’d be categorized as a “conservative” writer, I consider myself intellectually curious and broad of mind. I try to put myself in the shoes of others. I am a First Amendment absolutist (or damn near) and I am a big fan of the American experiment.

I like history, baseball and dogs (see the obligatory picture of my owner, Gidget, below).

Thanks for subscribing. 

Here are a few posts you might find interesting:

– Baby Winter Is Dead

– Lessons From Breakfast

– Always Remember Ernie Banks

Now, let me tell you a bit more about myself.

I grew up in Glendale, Arizona, a one-time farming community now enveloped in the urbanization of Phoenix. I met my wife in high school and we’ve been lovers ever since. After attending Arizona State University, a stint in the Navy, and graduating from Northern Arizona University, I started my journalism career as a student intern at the Las Vegas Review-Journal where I worked my way “up” to editor, publisher and CEO of the entire newspaper group. That company was called the Donrey Media Group. It morphed into the Stephens Media Group, which has now disappeared into the rapidly changing media landscape of the 21st century. More’s the pity.

In 2010, I founded Battle Born Media with my friend, longtime AP writer Tim Dahlberg. We still operate newspapers in Nevada. 

I now live and write out of Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona.

Thanks for subscribing and welcome aboard. 

Oh, and here’s Gidget in all her 5 pounds of glory. This is her “pay more attention to me” look.