On Cancerous Meats, Fireworks, and the “R” Word

A meditation on honesty and clear thinking in a world that discourages both, on a day that discourages both.

Jul 04, 2026

∙ Paid

green, red, and white fireworks on sky at nighttime — Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash

My first jiu-jitsu coach is not someone I (any longer) take advice from. The memes he shares on Facebook betray a mind palace filled with conspiracy theory, tacky American-flag clothing, and pro-capitalist propaganda. Still, on the mats, he passed on many insights that have served me well:

Practice makes what? Perfect? No…

On Cancerous Meats, Fireworks, and the “R” Word

A meditation on honesty and clear thinking in a world that discourages both, on a day that discourages both.

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