Merlin’s favorite times of the year are the fall and spring, simply because that’s when windows can be open and he can watch (and smell) the birds and squirrels that he’d like to be outside chasing. Here, he peers intently at the back yard through the open window right next to my desk earlier this week. Merlin is the one who disappeared for a couple of days after an escape through a screen about two years ago. He doesn’t seem to eager to leave the comforts of home behind after that adventure.

Jalen Hurts’ team-first attitude is antidote to ESPNization of sports
Why do we put off changes that might give meaning to our lives?
Tuesday’s Senate vote reminds me of German ‘Enabling Act’ of 1933
Anatomy of a dishonest political mailer from this week’s election
If you believe watching porn won’t hurt anyone, you’re wrong
When politicians insist the ‘war on drugs’ is working, they’re just following majoritarian incentives
New YouTube channel launched for my ridiculous parody shorts
Truth beyond physical world is hard for a skeptical man to see
When doubt wakes me at dawn, my world seems a lonely place