Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

I’ve just ordered this intriguing book by Madge McKeithen, which I’ve had recommended to me by too many people to count. I am so looking forward to reading it!!

I absolutely LOVE Orion Magazine. Every issue is important, with fabulous writing and amazing photographs. Check it out. They are doing good work and telling important timely stories. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I’ve been an artist for all of my adult life. For the most part, I am used to feeling naked in front of people who are critically assessing my work. I’ve completely absorbed the most important maxim an artist / writer can learn: REJECTION ISN’T PERSONAL, or R.I.P. as I like to think of it.…

My cousin and her husband are in the process of adopting a son from China. They have two Chinese daughters already, and it is rare to find a boy for adoption, and only if he has health or developmental issues. Pierce is a handsome, wise-looking fellow and his new parents are proving themselves true citizens…

Well, I’m back from my trip to Dominica. The island was lovely, the people gracious and kind. My youngest daughter went with me, too, and got her first taste of Dominica. It was her first time snorkeling, and although she was nervous, she turned out to be a natural. I would wax poetic more about…

It’s time to make your nominations. To be eligible, the story must have appeared on-line during 2005, and it must be at least 1,000 words. Make your nominations here.

Don’t buy your best friend. Dogs Like UsFull Essay here by Ted Kerasote. Here’s an exerpt from the NY Times: “Of the 180 breeds listed on one popular Web site for choosing purebred puppies, 42 percent have chronic health problems: skin diseases, stomach disorders, a high incidence of cancers, the inability to bear young without…

My friend, the most excellent writer Paul Yoon, just learned that his story “Once the Shore” was selected by Ann Patchett for inclusion in BASS 2006! This is fabulous. You can read an excerpt from this story and an interview with Paul at the One Story website. Go Paul!!

“Humans — who enslave, castrate, experiment on, and fillet other animals — have had an understandable penchant for pretending animals do not feel pain. A sharp distinction between humans and “animals” is essential if we are to bend them to our will, wear them, eat them — without any disquieting tinges of guilt or regret.”…