A Christian, an Atheist, and an Apathist walk into a bar— while debating the meaning of life, an unexpected apparition prompts the Apathist to realize the punchline of the joke he's been missing out on the whole time.

Catch up! When I got back to the Big Mammoth, I found John Gregory leaning up against a tree next to the mineshaft, chewing on a wheat straw. The impatient look on his face was made all the more menacing by his bushy beard, and animal skin attire. I glanced down to see that the steel grate was still shut, and the thick padlock still fastened.

Have you ever known a legend? Maybe it’s someone who inspires confidence by vanquishing their own insecurities… Or displays unfathomable courage in the face of mortal danger… Indeed, legends are born in many different ways. Some overcome tremendous obstacles to emerge victorious over a far greater enemy. Others accomplish amazing feats of strength, speed, and physical agility, all in the name of protecting those weaker than themselves.

Have you ever noticed that whenever people are exposed to a common experience - one that strikes them all the same way in the flash of a moment - that they bond together in unity? All too often, it’s off the heels of some sort of tragedy: A death in the family… A natural disaster… Something that makes everyone stop to realize the fragility of life, without the luxury of being able to…

I wasn't prepared for the creative outflow of content that was going to stem from writing this week's article... But, as I was doing the research for Hug a Thug or Fry a Felon, the idea of justice quickly became a fascinating topic for me. Not only because of its outsized impact on American culture, but because of the way it speaks to the carnal side of humanity.

Today's question has to do with the criminal justice system… Specifically, the “justice” side of it. When you get caught for committing a crime, obviously there are consequences. How bad those consequences are, however, depend on factors like:  Your age How many times you’ve offended before Seriousness of the crime Nature of the offense Ability to pay for legal defense…

Catch Up! By the time I was walking through the old western “batwing” doors of the Gold Coin Saloon, the afternoon was starting to age like swiss cheese, left out on the countertop too long. Dry. Stale. A little musky. Maybe it was the heat of the day warming up Central City’s Main Street, mixing together with all the fortune that had been won and lost in the casinos the night before.

Sundays are hit or miss for rideshare driving. It largely depends on what kind of week the churchgoers are having. If they’re feeling blessed, the tips are good. If they’re seeking meaning in their lives, then they tend to save their spare dollars for the tithe basket. In any event, there weren’t many churchgoers out on this particular Sunday. Instead, everyone I picked up seemed to still be working off their Saturday night.

“What’s your evidence for God?” Alan asked, as he nonchalantly flicked our “hole” cards around the table.  He’s always a great host, with agreeable music, snacks, and a mid-shelf bottle of tequila for everyone to share. It never disappoints. Make no mistake, though. Everyone who shows up to Alan’s house for the quarterly poker game is there to win, even if it…

Catch up! Ah, Central City… That shining mountain town, home to illustrious casinos, hotels and restaurants, all standing as monuments to the “boom and bust” heritage of the Centennial State. If Golden is the gateway to the Rockies, then surely Black Hawk and Central City serve as their foyer. In the early days, these rustic mining camps were known as “The Richest Square Mile on Earth.” A moniker made famous after John Hamilton Gregory discovered paydirt near the Vasquez Fork, on the South Platte River in the winter of 1859.

In terms of being a military leader, Julius Caesar was about as effective as a glass axe when he first started out. He blundered. He miscalculated. He made logistical errors that might very well have cost him his life, if only he’d been fighting a more capable enemy… But he wasn’t. Instead, he was fighting the Gauls, who, despite being fearsome warriors, were busy battling rival tribes within their own country.

What’s in a legend? Mystery, intrigue and wonder no doubt.  More than that, though, legends hold the stuff of the human heart… The desire to become larger than life. A hunger to taste the bittersweet flavors of immortality. A zest for life that can only be found in the cheating of death. Yes, legends are the vehicle in which many of us travel to reach our ‘center’, discovering our true selves in the process.

Catch up: "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." -Harvey Dent (The Dark Knight) Angelica did everything she could to locate the house Frank told her about: The one where wealthy patrons paid handsomely for a curated escape from reality. At the helm of the operation was a woman he called "Mother."

The dully lit, mahogany-paneled board room looked like the sort of place one might see a ghost if they were ever stuck there alone there on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The spontaneous creaks and knocks coming through the vents certainly didn't help... Whatever may have happened there in the past, I can tell you that the air smelled like musty cardboard as we all went around, casting our votes.

This week's call to action is something everyone can get on board with! Find out what both sides say will help solve the government shutdown conundrum.

What does a dysfunctional three-legged table have to do with a flawed government? With issues like homelessness, media integrity, safety, and education pulling at the threads of society, there needs effective governance to maintain balance and support its citizens.

“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” ~Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto famously acknowledged the power of the American people. Like the rest of the world would soon come to realize, he knew that The United States of America presents an unstoppable force whenever it becomes galvanized under a single purpose.

Angelica's journey continues into adulthood, as she carries the baggage of her tumultuous childhood with her. When an interesting case hits her desk, she finds that her past starts coming to life all over again.

Reflecting on times past, it becomes clear that either life passes us by, or it moves on without us, unless we pause long enough to take it all in.

It's so easy to get wrapped up in your own beliefs of what is right or wrong... But when life decided to teach an unpleasant lesson, will you have the fortitude to change your beliefs?

Is it wrong to laugh so hard at someone else's discomfort? Asking for a friend...

I'd love for you to believe that I actually bought tickets to go see this play, but I won't gaslight you. Fortunately, there's a radio broadcast of it on YouTube that's exceptionally well-done, and helpful for understanding the theme of this week's article.

What does the legend of "Old Mose", King of the Grizzlies, tell us about the spirit of resistance against the path of progress? I'll admit it, I may have gotten misty-eyed writing this one...

This week's article is all about the finding the Dantian: a powerful source of balance and energy that can be used to foster societal health and well-being. The Dantian Project advocates for individual change through mindful practices and shared understanding.

This week's call to action is something everyone can get on board with! Find out what both sides say will help solve the government shutdown conundrum.

Written by Dastem Angelica's father worked as a prison janitor just up the road from their small, one-bedroom apartment. Although he usually stayed drunk in between his long work hours, there was never any doubt in Angelica’s mind that he loved her. He just wasn’t always good at showing it. By contrast, her mother had run off not long after she was born.

Is it wrong to laugh so hard at someone else's discomfort? Asking for a friend...

I took some time off over the past few months to enjoy the bounties of summer. Yet, even after school started back up, I’ve had trouble getting back into the swing of writing every day. Some might call it ‘writer’s block’. The truth, however, is that there’s no shortage of topics to discuss when it comes to issues facing today’s society.

The Dantian Project examines the economic power of the US from 1900 to 2023, highlighting wealth distribution, taxation, consumer prices, and immigration trends across different eras to establish w…

The student loan debate highlights sharp divides, yet understanding diverse experiences reveals a complex issue. Proposed reforms aim to address systemic problems, seeking common ground for a fairer solution.

This article reflects on a fire maintenance metaphor, comparing it to the dynamics displayed by the U.S. government, emphasizing the importance of balance, efficiency, and tolerance in overcoming s…

This week's article compares humans to chickens, highlighting our tendency to follow the flock rather than think independently. Using a chicken named Violet as an example, Dastem questions society's support for free thinkers.

This week's post discusses a road rage incident reflecting broader societal divides. It highlights how differing views on law adherence can lead to conflict, urging for mutual understanding and consensus in a polarized world.

A childhood lesson reflects on freedom and independence. Inspired by the Ruby Ridge incident, Dastem questions the state of personal expression in America and the importance of tolerance in discourse.

Dastem discusses the challenges of engaging in political debates on social media, highlights the conflict between definitions of democracy and republic in the U.S., and encourages understanding and…

Dastem compares a dysfunctional three-legged table to a flawed government, highlighting issues like homelessness, media integrity, safety, and education, arguing that society needs effective govern…

A narrative about a metaphorical creature, the Slide-Rock Bolter, represents humanity's intrinsic violence. It urges introspection to confront personal monsters and shares a tale of a ranger who defeated this beast.

In summer 2012, I convinced my sons that Pikes Peak had disappeared into a sinkhole. Years later, they still believed the absurdity, which sparks reflections on truth in today's media landscape.

The author reflects on conversations with two men about homelessness; one proposes harsh solutions despite ignorance of the experience, while the other shares insights from personal experience, emp…