Author Archives: Douglas Blaine

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About Douglas Blaine

Capnpen is a writer who was a newspaper and magazine journalist in a previous life. A college journalism major, he now works as an English teacher, but gets his writing fix by blogging about a variety of topics, including politics, religion, movies and television. When he's not working or blogging, Capnpen spends time with his family, plays a little golf (badly) and loves to learn about virtually anything.

Quick Thought – Saturday, June 13, 2026: No More Hiding

Posted on June 13, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

A hidden truth does not simply stay hidden. It can become a prison. Proverbs reminds us that mercy begins not with concealment, but with confession. Continue reading →

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Why America Could Use More Respect for Its Elders

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Many cultures do a better job of honoring the elderly than we do. In America, we tend to celebrate youth, speed, and whatever comes with an app. Maybe it’s time we remembered that older people are not outdated software. They’re living libraries. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Friday, June 12, 2026: Recognizing True Value

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Read Matthew 10:26-32 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31 Reflect A story is sometimes told about a young man named Jim who went in search of work one summer and was hired by a … Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 41: Barrel-Finished Early Times Bottled-in-Bond Takes Flight

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

My fourth barrel fill, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond, became “Free Bird” after three months in the finishing barrel. The result? More color, richer fruit, better mouthfeel and a budget bourbon that earned a special place on the shelf. Continue reading →

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The International Travel Guide to Not Being Awful

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The biggest mistake people make when visiting another country? Forgetting they are guests. Wherever you go, represent your home well — and for heaven’s sake, don’t steal the cracker basket. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Thursday, June 11, 2026: Hitting the Ball—Faith, Setbacks and Self-Examination

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Mike Schmidt struck out plenty, but his setbacks were not the whole story. In faith, our failures do not define us when Christ is still at work in us. Continue reading →

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The Song That Always Rises Above the Rest

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The definitive Yacht Rock playlist can almost always put me in a better mood, but one song still rises above the rest every time: Toto’s “Rosanna.” Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Wednesday, June 10, 2026: The Blessing of Children

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I wanted a son and a large family, but God gave me exactly what I needed: one daughter who became one of the greatest blessings of my life. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: When Stagg Crashed the Tasting

Posted on June 9, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

What started as a simple 107-proof comparison in Tennessee turned into something bigger when Old Glory stole the show — until Stagg Batch 25D and George T. Stagg walked into the room. Continue reading →

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Looking Down Without Letting Fear Win

Posted on June 9, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I still have a fear of heights, but I try not to let it make the decisions. Sometimes overcoming fear means trusting the rope, taking the step, and discovering the view was worth it. Continue reading →

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