An Experimental Life

In my last essay on this topic, I discussed the futility of telling someone with a mood disorder to snap out of it. Eventually we'll get to treatments, coping, and other stuff for people with mood disorders like bipolar disorder and unipolar depression and their friends and family, but first, I want to talk about what it's like from the inside.  read more »

(This is the first part of what will eventually be a series of essays on bipolar and unipolar disorders, including treatments, both synthetic and homeopathic, and tips on coping with these illnesses for both sufferers and their friends and loved ones.)

Mental illness is often misunderstood and stigmatized, which is one reason I'm very open about having bipolar disorder (also called manic depression)--As long as people are ashamed of mental illness, the stigma will continue. Our illness does not define us, but it is a part of our daily lives, and those close to us (or who want to be close to us) need to understand our illness to deal with us, just as we need to understand and learn how to deal with them and the things that affect their lives.

Here is part one of what friends, family members, and loved ones need to know about mood disorders like bipolar disorder (manic depression) and unipolar depression.  read more »

(Although I am writing about the Netherlands here, much of this essay applies to other countries, as well--The United States, for instance")

"Tolerance" does not mean tolerating bigots, and some of the alleged "victims" of intolerance are among the worst offenders. This is not to say that there are no honest victims--but many seem confused about the meaning of the word, and their hollow claims of unfair discrimination cheapen and belittle the experience of those who live under genuine persecution.  read more »

I met a legend once. I have met several others since then, but Ray was the first.  read more »

So let's debunk some of the lies...  read more »

I hear a lot of would-be fiction writers say they "don't believe" in studying writing, fearing that doing so will force them to write by some preset formula and destroy their "personal styles."

Nothing could be further from the truth. If you look at some of the greats--who have wildly divergent styles--you will find that they almost universally studied the craft. Until you begin studying the craft, you can't call call yourself a serious writer any more than you could call yourself a neurosurgeon without going to medical school...  read more »

I won't pretend that I have the answer to the illegal immigration problem, nor do I deny that a problem exists, but those who claim that the proposed illegal immigration bill offers amnesty for illegal aliens or "threatens our sovereignty," are way off base...  read more »