Love Wins!

"It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. [...]They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right." (Justice Kennedy)

Did you see them? Did you see the unapologetic tears of joy? Did you hear the cries of unrestrained jubilation? Did you witness the love?

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States said YES to marriage equality! All men and women, besides being created equal, are now free to marry the person he or she loves.

Today, love wins.

What fiction writing can teach the lowly technical writer

Originally published June 24, 2013

“We’re making it up. The world, the universe, life, reality. Especially reality.” (Tom Robbins)

Up until a few years ago, I believed my career in technical writing had ruined me for fiction. Technical writing, for those who may not be familiar with the term, refers to the paper or computer-based documentation that came with your computer, car, or toaster. It also includes the step-by-step instructions on the other side of Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s soup can.

To my great joy, I discovered fiction was not out of my reach. Just recently, thanks to my colleagues, I realized writing fiction could make technical writing better.

Happy Judy Garland Pride Month!

"I’ll be damned if I’ll have my audience mistreated." (Judy Garland)

Yes, I know there are some who will call June LGBT Pride Month.

They’re wrong. June is all about Judy Garland.

Judy was born June 10, 1922, and died June 22, 1969. While the modern LGBT civil rights movement started shortly after her funeral with the Stonewall Riots, about the only other thing gay about June is that all the best wedding professionals are the busiest they will be for the entire year. (But, with a favorable Supreme Court decision possible later this month, they may be able to get a few extra bookings.)

I know it’s not as though the month has gotten an official proclamation from President Obama the way that LGBT Pride Month did. It’s not as though any of the nine ten (or more?) Republican candidates have come out in favor of Judy Garland Pride Month. Not even Hillary is talking about Judy Garland Pride Month.