I got pulled over in Arizona recently, a suspected potential drug smuggler. I didn’t mind a bit – it was an honest mistake. Frankly, it felt great. Like I could be considered dangerous. A rebel. An hombre. Not just your average white American codger. But no, I wasn’t smuggling anything. I did have a bottle […]
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The crazies were out in full force last Saturday at the dueling Portland protest rallies – on both sides of the street. Patriots came from both left and right, including one stuffed cowboy riding a dog that was riding a skateboard towed by a guy riding a bike. And a man (I assume, but women […]
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Dear Les Overhead clients, associates, and friends – I am indeed fortunate to work with so many cool people – you among them. Thank you for that! Stay cool (and calm if possible) this year and if you need any copy or creative help, be sure to sing out! Tom Vandel Les Overhead (with the […]
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There’s a line to get in. It’s not long but it’s lively. Everyone is excited for the doors to open. It’s like this every Sunday evening at six o’clock when NWA Blue Collar Wrestling takes the stage at the Eagle’s Lodge on North Lombard. Bus 75 goes right by, within shouting distance. It’s performance art […]
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Strangely enough, I’ve recently collaborated on a book with good friend and weirdly talented Portland artist, Karen Wippich. It’s titled “Driving Strangers: Diary of an Uber Driver.” The book combines Karen’s oddly intriguing portraits with my brief, pithy musings about people I’ve ferried around Portland as an Uber driver. It features 25 art portraits, 75 […]
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HEY, LOOK THIS WAY! READ THIS AMAZING BLOG POST! You will be astounded at what happens next! Did you hear the shocking news? Are you missing the boat on this? Good God, HURRY! (Pause. Heavy, exasperated sigh.) I am really, really, really tired of emails and headlines that bark like yip dogs for attention. They […]
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On a recent holiday trip to Morocco, I spent some time in Marrakech with various local freelancers, including storytellers, drummers, dancers with roosters on their head, fortune-tellers, cell phone hawkers, and one highly charming snake charmer. I came away with five insights into freelancing that can be applied in any country, any line of work. […]
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Hope your new year is even better than the last one. Keep smiling in 2015!
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Bucket Joke I learned something the other day about homeless people. They’re not afraid to laugh. I was hurrying back to work after lunch. While crossing a Portland street I met a downtrodden man with a blooming, cauliflowery beard who stopped in the middle of the intersection and stammered out a few words in my […]
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Memorial Day Driving Tips As a public service, Les Overhead provides the following message and song – by band Public Service Broadcasting. Drive safely this Memorial Day weekend. And watch out for morons who are driving recklessly. This video shows how to do it. Be careful out there.
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The best way to reach Les Overhead and Tom Vandel is by email (tom@...), by phone (503-505-4723), or by sending carrier pigeon or mail to 1750 NE 57th Portland, OR 97213. Thank you.