Old friendships should not be forgotten. At least that’s the central point of the 18th century Scottish poem. Robert Burns first produced the lines in written form in 1788. It has become a New Year’s Eve custom for many who sing it when the clock strikes midnight. The song begins with a rhetorical question, “Should old

The following poem was written by Daniel Taylor and published in 1899. Quit You Like Men Stand up, Faint-heart; face thy foe; Deal him many a well-aimed blow; Let the cringing craven know, As you can, That thy spirit has will, That thy soul hath metal still, And thy arm’s not lost its skill, Be

Christmas doesn’t work. And it’s not supposed to. My favorite time of the year is filled with crunchy leaves, smokey bonfires, crowded homecoming football games, and steamy apple cider. Autumn is followed by my second favorite season, which is unfortunately marked by eye-catching marketing campaigns, energy-draining hustle & bustle, and depressed and depleted checking accounts.

            Christopher Hitchens: remembered for his courage. In a personal reflection of his brother’s life, Peter Hitchens remembers Christopher for his courageous outlook towards, among other things, the cancer that took his life. Peter’s write up is here. Christopher Hitchens, known by many as “Hitch,” died on December 15, 2011.

If a critical spirit were a spiritual gift I would be a guru. But like most vices, its easily enough dismissed as something positive. I can quite naturally present it as discernment. I can lead others to believe it is a sign of wisdom: I understand the real problem. I really know how to size