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.

The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 37: Evan Williams America 250 (times three)

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Three bottles. Three barrels. Same Evan Williams Single Barrel 250 release. Same 117.76 proof. Very different results. Barrel 222 proved why higher-proof single barrels can still deliver serious value at around $40. Continue reading →

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The Whale Was Not the Problem: When Classic Books Become Endurance Tests

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some classic books have undeniable themes, powerful messages, and lasting importance. That does not always make them enjoyable to read. Sometimes the whale is not the problem. Sometimes the problem is everything around the whale. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Thursday, May 14, 2026: Seventy Times Seven

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Forgiveness is easy to admire until we are the ones being asked to forgive.
In Matthew 18, Jesus tells the story of a servant forgiven an impossible debt who then refuses to show mercy over a small one.
“Seventy Times Seven” is a reminder that people who have received mercy are called to show mercy. Continue reading →

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The Mount Rushmore Nobody Else Can See: The People Who Shape a Life

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some people change history in ways the world remembers. Others change our lives in ways only we remember. Maybe the most underrated people in history are the ones carved into someone else’s memory. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Wednesday, May 13, 2026: How Quickly We Forget

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Israelites had seen God deliver them from slavery, part the Red Sea, and provide for them in the wilderness. Yet they still looked back toward Egypt and complained about what they lacked. Their story is a reminder that gratitude requires memory. Continue reading →

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Tasting Tuesday: Knob Creek, Three Ways

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Knob Creek’s Blender’s Edition No. 1 promises a sweeter side of the classic Beam profile. I put it in a blind tasting against Knob Creek 9-Year and a 125-proof cask strength single barrel store pick to see where it landed. Continue reading →

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Minimalism, But Not the Weird Kind: Decluttering Without Becoming Insufferable

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The biggest benefit of minimalist living is that it gives people with empty countertops a socially acceptable way to judge the rest of us. I understand the appeal. I really do. There is something freeing about getting rid of things … Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Mustard Seed Faith

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Jesus reminds us that faith does not have to be enormous to be powerful. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can help us trust God with the mountains that seem impossible to move. Continue reading →

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Childhood Obsessions and Other Undiagnosed Hobbies

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

As a kid, I wasn’t obsessed with one thing. I had rotating departments of obsession — baseball games, sci-fi shows, TV crushes, books, music, teams, teachers and anything else that could completely take over my imagination by Tuesday. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Monday, May 11, 2026: Don’t Lose Your Cool

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Jesus gives us a better way to handle conflict: go directly, speak with love, seek peace, and let His wisdom guide us before anger makes things worse. Continue reading →

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