I have distinct musical memories from visiting my grandparents' house when I was younger. We’d enter the living room and there would be my grandfather, reclining in this horrifically tan Lay-Z-Boy chair, a book of crossword puzzles open on his lap, listening to classical music on massive tower speakers that dominated either side of the TV. I couldn’t tell you…
There is no doubt injustice in the world. There always will be. It's easy to be mad about it. To rant and rage and let the unfairness of it all drive you to insanity. We work ourselves into a lather until our anger turns potential into action, like some sort of energy catalyst. Any too many people will tell you…
This first image from the James Webb Space Telescope encompasses a portion of the night sky equal to the size of a grain of sand held at arms length. We're looking at galaxies as they were some 4.6 billion years ago. I had a whole big thing I was gonna write this morning about my own fascination with space, the…
As the world begins to slowly open back up over the next few months, rejoice and be glad in returning to those people and activities you’ve dearly missed over the past year. I know there are several things I’m desperately looking forward to; it’s been hard, but we are close. But please, don’t abandon everything you’ve learned and adapted to.…
“War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.” – Faramir, Captain of GondorJ.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers I have no right to this…
DISCLAIMERS: I was extremely fortunate to not need to take nearly as many loans as many of my peers for university. The loans I did take I’ve paid back, and I currently work for a community college. With that out of the way… There's been a lot of talk recently around forgiving student loan debt. Hold on! Before you click…
As we peer back on 2021 and look to the dawn of a new year, it is for many, a time of reflection and resolution. There are generally two camps of people when it comes to New Year's Resolutions: those who love and use them, and those who (somewhat sanctimoniously) crow "If you want to make a change in your…
"'I will take the Ring,' he said, 'Though I do not know the way.'Elrond raised his eyes and looked at him, and Frodo felt his heart pierced by the sudden keenness of his glance. 'If I understand aright all that I have heard,' he said, 'I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do…
Be grateful for your teachers. And not just the ones at the front of a classroom (though certainly those too). The author who wrote that book that changed your life is your teacher. The hosts of your favorite podcast and YouTube show are your teachers. The artist of that song that moves you to tears is your teacher. Your bosses,…
Off my chest moment this morning. I've recently heard some variation of my fellow Christians saying something, and frankly, it annoys me. I've seen it pop up several times over the past few months. "I don't like it when people say they'll pray for me, because most people don't do it. It doesn't seem genuine, or they're just saying it…