An Open Letter to Religious Conservatives

Posted: February 19, 2012 in Non-Fiction
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To whom it may concern,

We, the People of the United States of America, understand that many of you don’t like the idea of same-sex marriage. We only wish you would realize that you are free to not get one. You are free to marry whoever you wish, or no one at all. You are also free to not recognize same-sex marriages in your church. You are free to count no gay couples among your friends and shun those who may happen to be part of your family tree. This is your choice, and we see no reason to deprive you of it.

However, please do not confuse your failed attempts toward limiting the rights of those outside your religious community with your own rights being somehow limited.

Read the rest of this entry »

Whiskey 101 : Jack Daniels Old No 7

Posted: February 2, 2012 in Non-Fiction, Tasting Notes
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My whiskey series continues with some thoughts on the quintessential American Whiskey, Jack Daniels.

“This week, each one of you has a homework assignment. You’re gonna go out, you’re gonna start a fight with a total stranger.” ~ Tyler Durden

Now substitute “start a fight” with “have a drink” and “total stranger” with “drinking buddy” and you’re right on track.
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In the first article, Stop Drinking, Start Tasting, we covered the very basics of whiskey, how it’s made, and how to sip it right, noting color, smell and taste. This is a man’s world, after all, and the modern man knows when to order a Jack and Coke, and when to order a Highland Park 12 year, neat. And not just because your date will think you’re a genius for knowing how to order whiskey (talk about pre-heating the oven), but because these drinks really are worth tasting.

Now it may seem that we’re just railing on Jack Daniels here, so rather than give the impression that the Old No. 7 is a whiskey for the undiscriminating palette, let’s take a closer look to see if it deserves the popularity it enjoys.

Read on –>

Negative #6 Featured in The Woodpile

Posted: January 24, 2012 in Blog Entries
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My recent short story, Negative #6, published in the October issue of Kindling, is now being featured on their blog, The Woodpile.

It’s sort of a Behind the Music thing for writers. Check it out here.

The Church of Judas Christ of Latter Day Sins

Posted: January 22, 2012 in Essay
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My latest essay is now live over at An American Atheist:

 Not only was Judas’ sin integral to the process, but we cannot forget the sins of those who lied about Jesus to rile up the people against him, and those Roman officials who looked the other way, allowing the mob to execute Jesus even though he stood innocent of the charges against him. What we have, then, is a perfect storm of injustice orchestrated to accomplish God’s ultimate plan for the salvation of humanity. And this is one more multi-faceted reason why I can no longer be a Christian.

First, I enthusiastically reject as wholly immoral the act of substitutional atonement purchased through human sacrifice. Furthermore, forgiveness at the expense and ultimate exclusion of the second most necessary figure in God’s plan of salvation only adds another, deeper dimension of immorality.

And it gets even worse.

Read on –>

Orthodoxy ad Absurdum : New Essay

Posted: January 15, 2012 in Essay
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Latest essay up at An American Atheist : Orthodoxy ad Absurdum : How To Waste a Life.

The monks of Mount Athos and its twenty secluded monasteries enjoy the distinction of being the oldest, most secluded, least changed orthodox tradition in the world: The most original Christianity remaining in practice. For more than a thousand years these men have prayed the same prayers and sung the same songs every day, living completely dedicated to drawing closer to God. The men take the Apostle Paul’s charge to pray without ceasing to the furthest possible extent, some claiming the ability to pray even in their sleep.

This may seem like the ultimate expression of a life examined, of introspection and self-realization at its zenith, but I find many reasons to wholeheartedly disagree.

Read on –>

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