Ryan Akiyama

When is Anger Useful?

I recently decided I wanted to learn how to livestream video. It’s really just an extension of my fascination with everything related to the indoor training app-video game-social network that is Zwift. So, I created a Twitch account and livestreamed my latest online race, a scratch points race in Season Two of the WTRL/Zwift RacingContinue reading “When is Anger Useful?”

Beastie Boys Story: a Reflection

Although it released back in April of 2020, I only recently had the chance to watch Beastie Boys Story on Apple TV. A full viewing of the film evokes a panoply of emotional responses, at least for this 40-something longtime fan of the band. The most stirring moments come in the final third of theContinue reading “Beastie Boys Story: a Reflection”

The Gospel of Rhythm Part Two: Motivation

Today is January 15, 2021. We are about halfway through the typical life expectancy for New Year’s Resolutions so it seems like an appropriate time to write about motivation. While I have found great enjoyment in approaching weekly newsletter updates in a very eclectic and random fashion, I’m not sure if it’s been very usefulContinue reading “The Gospel of Rhythm Part Two: Motivation”

How to Build & Grow a Community

“The Herd is a welcoming, inclusive and supportive place for people within the virtual cycling universe. Virtual cycling is wonderful, and can be challenging, especially in the beginning. We are here to help you. Check out http://www.theherd.club for more information.” (copied from The Herd FB “about” page 1/11/21) I have spent just over a monthContinue reading “How to Build & Grow a Community”

A Prophylactic for the Sunday Blues

A confession: despite the many, many blessings I ought to be counting, I am often susceptible to the Sunday Blues. It’s especially insidious when I start feeling them on a Friday, when the weekend has only begun! I don’t even hate my job and after a wonderful two-week winter break, I had every reason toContinue reading “A Prophylactic for the Sunday Blues”

My Favorite Shows of 2020 (part 1)

2020 has been a year of prolonged solitude for many of us. While I have found great opportunities for personal growth and improvement throughout this year, I’ve also missed out on some of my favorite pursuits such as going to the movie theater on a dad-and-daughter (or son) date, taking my wife out to seeContinue reading “My Favorite Shows of 2020 (part 1)”

Infectious Delights

“Good things as well as bad, you know, are caught by a kind of infection. If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into,Continue reading “Infectious Delights”

School Friends

When I was in high school I was so incredibly blessed. I had such wonderful friends. My friends were kind, and creative, and adventurous, and funny, and serious sometimes too. We talked about nothing and we talked about everything. We dreamed out loud together. When we weren’t busy at school or at our part-time jobs,Continue reading “School Friends”

Real Fake Riding

I participated in my first Zwift event today, and I’m completely smitten with everything about it. While the video game aspect of riding in an online peloton of fellow riders was certainly enjoyable, I think the instant camaraderie was what really hooked me. Before the event began, the 100+ racers bantered through the app’s chatContinue reading “Real Fake Riding”

Grateful for Grace

I have recently been reading, and re-reading, a beautiful little book “Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God” by Brian Zahnd. It was recommended by a dear old friend of mine and I am so grateful for the recommendation. This book evokes a variety of emotions for me. On my first read, feelings ofContinue reading “Grateful for Grace”