My P's and Q's

Ontological Observations

Mind Your Ps and Qs, Son

I’ve been writing Ps & Qs for twenty years, first for the Valley Journal and now for the Sopris Sun. As you may know, Ps & Qs refers to pints & quarts, the measurements of drink used in local pubs back in the day. Aptly named, my column really began in Claddaugh Irish Pub where I would sit with my friends, waxing philosophic on any and every topic to come up…

Ontology is the branch of philosophy that studies existence, being, becoming, and reality. In other words, what it is to be a human living among other humans, gaining life experience. My take is that life is hard, and it should be. Comparable to a video game, each level contains more difficulty and/or obstacles, and sure, you can play it safe and stay at a level that you’ve already mastered, but what’s the point of that?

I am not a fan of conventionality or predictability. I much prefer magic and spontaneity. In life I seek out new people, new places, and I try to generate positive esprit in all my endeavors. And whenever I find myself in the midst of an existential crisis, I recall the words of Dan Aykroyd as Jimmy Carter on SNL, “Just remember you’re a living organism on this planet and you’re very safe… Relax, stay inside, and listen to some music, okay? Do you have any Allman Brothers?”

I believe humor to be the elixir for what ails us in this life. 

Please enjoy these ontological observations and mind your Ps & Qs!