“Is your life worth more than a bee’s?” Every semester, Professor Morton opened his Intro to Philosophy class with this question. He’d been doing it for so long — had it really been 27 years? — that he knew exactly how the discussion would play out. Knee-jerk exceptionalism of the…

“Is there room for two at this table for three?” That was how Ben introduced himself to Laurel. Except “introduced” is the wrong word. The library was crowded that day and Laurel was sitting in the middle seat at a long table with three available spots, the best table in…

On Sunday, November 23, 2009, the author embarked on an eight-night, nine-day, round-trip leisure cruise from New York City to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Dream, at the time the largest and most technologically advanced ship in the Carnival fleet. Prologue Where to begin? Is the world big enough for…

An apocalyptic feminist manifesto disguised as an epic poem — Eve took the rap for original sin. Ergo the heave-ho of women and men, Tossed out of heaven and tilting towards hell, Blamed all on a pomme-eating mademoiselle. After that it was her fault and his to repair. “We’ll take it from here, ladies. Go find a chair.” The first piece of…

Breaking it down for the lovers out there on Valentine’s Day — What thing is this — a simple kiss? It seems a contradiction. In all my life, not once or twice Have I enjoyed such fiction. Confess I must. Sagacious lust? I’ve yet to feel love’s foment. My first lip lock came as a shock, A reflex in the moment. That…

A by-no-means-comprehensive guide to writing for the advertising industry. While she was in grad school, a friend of mine relayed this quote from her anatomy professor: “I can’t verify the accuracy of the information I’m giving you.” The same is true for what you are about to read. If it doesn’t appeal to you or ring true then, by…