Monthly Archives: September 2025

If Money Didn’t Matter…

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

If money were out of the equation, I know exactly where I’d spend my time. It all circles back to writing, because that’s who I really am. One dream I’ve carried for years is to be a movie reviewer. Not … Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Friday, September 26, 2025: Judging on the Outside

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on … Continue reading →

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ありがとう, Japan!

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

(A Thank-You Pour Across the Ocean) Over the past month, I’ve noticed something surprising in my blog stats: a big jump in readers from Japan. Now, when I say “big,” we’re not talking viral influencer levels here—my site falls well … Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 8: Barton Quality for Under $20

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Sam’s Club may not be the first place you think of when you’re on the hunt for a solid bourbon, but it turns out they’ve got a real sleeper on their shelves. Under the Member’s Mark label, Sam’s Club offers … Continue reading →

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Part Viking, Part Sweet Tea

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

According to my DNA, I’m a patchwork quilt of Europe: 41% England & Northwestern Europe, 21% France, 16% Finland, 8% Sweden, with a handful of Irish, Welsh, German, Scottish, and even Icelandic threads tossed in. Basically, if there was a … Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Thursday, September 25, 2025: Real Freedom

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read Philippians 3:1-14 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize … Continue reading →

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Brands and Me: A Complicated Relationship

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

When it comes to brands, I’m really not that loyal. There are a few exceptions: McDonald’s over Burger King (though both will equally kill me). Coca-Cola over Pepsi (seriously—why does anyone like Pepsi? It’s sickeningly sweet with very little flavor … Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Wednesday, September 24, 2025: Living the Vision

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read Philippians 3:1-14 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize … Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: The 95-and-Under Whiskey Challenge Begins

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Welcome to the opening round of my 95-and-Under Whiskey Challenge. Over the next two months, 32 whiskeys — all scoring under 95 proof — will face off in a March Madness–style bracket to see which one rises to the top. … Continue reading →

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Doing More of What Matters

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

When I stop and ask myself what I could do more of, a handful of things jump to the front of my mind. First, exercise. I need to be in better health, and moving my body consistently is a big … Continue reading →

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