“Can we stay and play in the leaves, daddy?” asked Seen-Hung, hands clasped behind his back, balancing on one foot. He peered brightly into the eyes of the man standing before him, a man who was not his father. Peng opened his mouth, but was beaten to the punch. “Only for a little while,” Seen-Hung…
Saving Chicago
Dammit, why am I always late? This one wasn’t my fault at all, but I will concede that it is a trend. After 20 hours of checkpoints - national, state, civic, militia - I was at least in the right city. By the time I arrived at my actual destination, James Nelson wasn’t at his…
Optimism
Most people think of me as a pessimist. I don’t think that’s quite fair. I prefer to think of myself more like Batman: a contingency plan for every eventual bad situation. Perhaps that I think of them as eventual is what makes it pessimism. Of course not every bad thing that can happen will happen,…
Until Proven Guilty
The moderator indicated that there was only 10 minutes left in the debate and Emerson hadn’t made his much anticipated announcement yet. “I will now cede the floor to each candidate for 5 minutes for closing remarks,” said the man sitting at the centre podium with his back to the audience. “Mr. Cates, as the…
Millennials
Firstly, I appreciate that an article on ‘what’s wrong with millennials’ is piling on. I also feel compelled to tell you that technically I am one, though I resent that characterization and find it misleading. Apparently, millennials are those who became adults in the new millennium, roughly speaking. More technically, most people whose job it…
Come Here Son
Big, warm tears were now streaming down his face. “Why did you let me do it then,” he screamed through his clenching teeth as his face grew increasingly red. “I’ve tried to save you from a lot in my life, son, but you had your mind made up.” “You knew it was going to happen.”…
According to the Ancient Rite
According to the Ancient Rite The sun was beating down brightly as we stepped in, so the alcove seemed almost pitch black. We walked to the back of the dwelling I had seen only once before. The other elders seemed at ease so I joined them in leaning up against the damp rocky walls as…
Forgiving Small Sins of Stupidity and Selfishness
Blogging Why write a blog? I’ve often complained about how many people, especially young people, have a blog. My primary issue is just how many people think they have something important to contribute to the public square several times a week. Yet, here I am. To be clear, I may go so far as to…
Fishy Thoughts 