I love Scotch. It's delicious. It is not a drink that you use to get drunk, it's a drink that you enjoy for the complexity and flavor. So of course, I need to give you the basics of drinking Scotch Whisky.
The Scotch:
There are a variety of types of Scotch:
- Single Malt: This is Scotch distilled at a single distillery where only Malt barley is distilled.
- Single Grain: It is distilled at a single distillery where both Malt barley and other grains are distilled
- Blended Scotch: One or more single malt and single grain whiskys are blended from various distilleries
I prefer single malt Scotch whisky and my favorite brand is the Glenrothes. Also, if it isn't from Scotland, then it isn't technically Scotch.
The Glass:
You will need a glass that narrows at the top. I tulip shaped glass is most recommended because it allows you to swirl the scotch and concentrates the aromas at the neck of the glass.
The Prep:
I drink my Scotch neat, however, many people, including most Scots like to add some water to bring out the flavor. Usually adding ice is frowned upon more because it lowers the temperature which reduces flavor than because it waters it down.
The First Sip and Beyond:
In order to truly enjoy Scotch you have to drink it slow and use your nose. So before you take your first sip, swirl it in the glass, allow the drink to breathe. Smell the aromas and try to pick out the different flavors of the drink. Then take your first sip, hold it in your mouth for a second then drink it. The thing about drinking Scotch is that every bottle, every vintage, every brand is going to taste a little different. Also, you probably won't like your first drink.
Here's to many drinks we shall share over the years!
Love,
Dad
Friday, January 3, 2014
Lesson 7: My Favorite Books
Here are some of my favorite books, in no particular order.
- Any book by CS Lewis, but definitely the Chronicles of Narnia
- Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
- A Song of Fire and Ice series by George RR Martin
- Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
- Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
- Jurrasic Park by Michael Crichton
- Under the Dome by Stephen King
- Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
- The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
- World War Z by Max Brooks
- 1776 by David McCullough
- Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
- The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
This is just a selected list, but will give you an idea of what books your dad likes. Always read.
Love,
Dad
- Any book by CS Lewis, but definitely the Chronicles of Narnia
- Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
- A Song of Fire and Ice series by George RR Martin
- Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
- Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
- Jurrasic Park by Michael Crichton
- Under the Dome by Stephen King
- Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
- The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
- World War Z by Max Brooks
- 1776 by David McCullough
- Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
- The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
This is just a selected list, but will give you an idea of what books your dad likes. Always read.
Love,
Dad
Lesson 6: Bathing Properly
Son(s),
Wash the smelly parts the most. Make sure to get in your crack.
Love,
Dad
Wash the smelly parts the most. Make sure to get in your crack.
Love,
Dad
Lesson 5: On Swearing, a Primer
Son(s),
Let's just start with this: Coffee is an adult drink.
Mainly adults drink it, it generally isn't good for children, not is it usually liked. When you are young, we won't let you drink coffee because it isn't good for you and you won't be able to handle the caffeine.
You also can't have alcohol, or watch rated R movies, or drive, or vote or participate in various other activities before a certain age or level of maturity.
The same thing is true with language.
Words are powerful. Words have incited the biggest changes in world history. Nothing can be used to unite or divide more decisively than words.
So when you are old enough, when you are mature enough, then I give you the keys to your own mouth. I don't have a list of words that are off limit for myself or other adults. Because while words are powerful, it is what lies behind them that gives them their power. What is in your heart is what is most important.
I will offer this advice however, be careful what you say.
Regardless if a word or phrase is considered vulgar, if it is used as a weapon to harm another person, it is profane. The combination of letters that make up a swear word don't make that word profane or not, it is the intent that makes a word profane.
Jesus puts it like this when he says, "It's who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds." (The Message)
I swear. Your mother swears. But we never swear out of anger. We don't use our words to wound as best as we can.
So go ahead and say those four letter words, and also bitch which has five, but make sure that love is your focus. Let that four letter word inform your speech. Let your words leave your mouth to encourage others, worship God and be a witness of Jesus' change in your life. If in the moment the best way to do that is to use a swear word, then go ahead. If the best way to live peaceably among your brothers (or your grandparents) is to not swear, then don't. Have compassion on those who feel that it is immoral to swear, because for them it is. Or maybe the Holy Spirit will convict you differently than He has convicted me and it will be immoral for you to swear, and that's just great!
Above all, your heart is what matters.
Love,
Dad
Let's just start with this: Coffee is an adult drink.
Mainly adults drink it, it generally isn't good for children, not is it usually liked. When you are young, we won't let you drink coffee because it isn't good for you and you won't be able to handle the caffeine.
You also can't have alcohol, or watch rated R movies, or drive, or vote or participate in various other activities before a certain age or level of maturity.
The same thing is true with language.
Words are powerful. Words have incited the biggest changes in world history. Nothing can be used to unite or divide more decisively than words.
So when you are old enough, when you are mature enough, then I give you the keys to your own mouth. I don't have a list of words that are off limit for myself or other adults. Because while words are powerful, it is what lies behind them that gives them their power. What is in your heart is what is most important.
I will offer this advice however, be careful what you say.
Regardless if a word or phrase is considered vulgar, if it is used as a weapon to harm another person, it is profane. The combination of letters that make up a swear word don't make that word profane or not, it is the intent that makes a word profane.
Jesus puts it like this when he says, "It's who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds." (The Message)
I swear. Your mother swears. But we never swear out of anger. We don't use our words to wound as best as we can.
So go ahead and say those four letter words, and also bitch which has five, but make sure that love is your focus. Let that four letter word inform your speech. Let your words leave your mouth to encourage others, worship God and be a witness of Jesus' change in your life. If in the moment the best way to do that is to use a swear word, then go ahead. If the best way to live peaceably among your brothers (or your grandparents) is to not swear, then don't. Have compassion on those who feel that it is immoral to swear, because for them it is. Or maybe the Holy Spirit will convict you differently than He has convicted me and it will be immoral for you to swear, and that's just great!
Above all, your heart is what matters.
Love,
Dad
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Lesson 4: Making the Best Snowball
Son(s),
There will be a time when you must defend your homes, your property and even your family. You must do this with full courage, knowing that at any time, those trying to take from you what is most valuable, could hurl a snowball right at your face. You must be ready. And I will equip you as best as possible to make the best snowball. You will not fail us. You will be victorious.
Step 1: Starting with the best snow possible
The best packing snow is not overly wet or too dry. Too wet snow will pack to hard and make for more of an iceball than a snowball and can quickly lead to a war of escalating iceballs being thrown and stuff getting real. Too dry snow will not pack at all and will disintegrate immediately after being thrown. In case of having too dry snow, look for places that are near houses, roads or in direct sunlight. These will generally be warmer places and have more packable snow. In a worst case scenario, use your bare hands to warm the snow slightly as you pack. It may be cold, but, you are men and war is hell. I guess, it's a cold hell, where snowball are plentiful.
Step 2: Packing the snow
Once you have found the perfect snow, collect a handful and start slowly packing the snow building up the pressure. Once it no longer compresses easily, smooth off the edges so you have a nice, round ball, slightly smaller than a grown man's fist. If you have time, build up some extra ammo early on, however if you are under attack, only make one at a time so you can keep on the move. Use gloves not mittens to pack the snow as you need the dexterity to form the ball.
Step 3: Utilizing your brothers in snow
Make sure that if you have any family with you to use them for support. If they are siblings, make sure you got their back. If they are cousins, or aunts or uncles, then by all means use them as you see fit, even if you must sacrifice them to a barrage of snowballs by the enemy in order to get the best snowball throws in. Use your surroundings for protection and remember in close corridor fighting, that a face full of loose snow can be an effective method escape if you find yourself to be in a compromising position. It can distract, provide some cover and even do the same amount of damage depending on angel and distance to the target.
Your mother and I believe in you. You are the best of the best. Be safe out there.
Love,
The General (Dad)
There will be a time when you must defend your homes, your property and even your family. You must do this with full courage, knowing that at any time, those trying to take from you what is most valuable, could hurl a snowball right at your face. You must be ready. And I will equip you as best as possible to make the best snowball. You will not fail us. You will be victorious.
Step 1: Starting with the best snow possible
The best packing snow is not overly wet or too dry. Too wet snow will pack to hard and make for more of an iceball than a snowball and can quickly lead to a war of escalating iceballs being thrown and stuff getting real. Too dry snow will not pack at all and will disintegrate immediately after being thrown. In case of having too dry snow, look for places that are near houses, roads or in direct sunlight. These will generally be warmer places and have more packable snow. In a worst case scenario, use your bare hands to warm the snow slightly as you pack. It may be cold, but, you are men and war is hell. I guess, it's a cold hell, where snowball are plentiful.
Step 2: Packing the snow
Once you have found the perfect snow, collect a handful and start slowly packing the snow building up the pressure. Once it no longer compresses easily, smooth off the edges so you have a nice, round ball, slightly smaller than a grown man's fist. If you have time, build up some extra ammo early on, however if you are under attack, only make one at a time so you can keep on the move. Use gloves not mittens to pack the snow as you need the dexterity to form the ball.
Step 3: Utilizing your brothers in snow
Make sure that if you have any family with you to use them for support. If they are siblings, make sure you got their back. If they are cousins, or aunts or uncles, then by all means use them as you see fit, even if you must sacrifice them to a barrage of snowballs by the enemy in order to get the best snowball throws in. Use your surroundings for protection and remember in close corridor fighting, that a face full of loose snow can be an effective method escape if you find yourself to be in a compromising position. It can distract, provide some cover and even do the same amount of damage depending on angel and distance to the target.
Your mother and I believe in you. You are the best of the best. Be safe out there.
Love,
The General (Dad)
Lesson 3: Smoking a Cigar
Son(s),
While I generally discourage you from taking up any type of regular smoking, whether cigarette, cigar or pipe, smoking on occasion is something you must be prepared for. If you are anything like me, you will at some point, smoke a cigar. So listed below is the basics on smoke a cigar.
Step 1: Cutting the Cigar
There are two ends of the cigar, the head (where you will put your mouth) and the foot (where you will light the cigar). You will make your cut on the head of the cigar right above where it starts to curve, which is called the shoulder. I like using a guillotine cutter, although there are different preferences on the cutting tool. Once you have cut the cigar, before lighting it, put it to your lips and draw on it to make sure you have cut the hole large enough to draw smoothly. If you are having a hard time pulling air through the cigar, cut a little more off the head. However, be careful because if you cut too far up the cigar, you have a chance of messing with the wrapper and letting the cigar unravel.
Note: The wrapper is the section of cigar that the tobacco is wrapped in, this is not to be confused with the label.
Step 2: Lighting the Cigar
Hold the cigar at a 45 degree angle and char the foot of the cigar first. Use the tip of the flame as this is the hottest. The key to a good light is a slow, even burn so rotate the cigar as you light it to get the entire circumference smoldering. Then put the cigar in your mouth and draw slightly while rotating it. You shouldn't touch the flame to the cigar. Continue to rotate the cigar until the foot bursts into flame with each puff. If you notice that one side is lit more than the other, the tobacco will not draw properly and you will not have a good time smoking the cigar. If you have lit the cigar properly then a cone will form at the foot of the cigar as you smoke it.
Step 3: Smoking and Dealing with Ash
I leave the label band on my cigar as I smoke so to make sure that I don't tear the wrapper off the cigar, but it's up to you. As you smoke you should see the ash start to gather on the end. Once this gets to about an inch, gently tap the end of the cigar to let the ash fall off. If it doesn't al off with a gentle tap, then continue smoking and try again in a minute or so. If the ash doesn't fall off, that's a good sign of a well made cigar. Don't inhale the smoke while smoking, not only is that extra bad for you, but it also is unnecessary with a cigar as it is meant to be tasted not inhaled. Remember, drawing on a cigar is like sucking on a straw.
Step 4: Extinguishing the Cigar
You don't need to snuff out the cigar to make it go out. You can just let it go out on its own. A word of warning, if you start to feel dizzy or light headed, stop smoking. Even though, you might think you can smoke more, when you stand up the effects get worse. Just put the cigar down on the ash tray and let it go out, you can still enjoy the smell of it. Finally, the darker the cigar, the stronger it usually is.
Love,
Dad
While I generally discourage you from taking up any type of regular smoking, whether cigarette, cigar or pipe, smoking on occasion is something you must be prepared for. If you are anything like me, you will at some point, smoke a cigar. So listed below is the basics on smoke a cigar.
Step 1: Cutting the Cigar
There are two ends of the cigar, the head (where you will put your mouth) and the foot (where you will light the cigar). You will make your cut on the head of the cigar right above where it starts to curve, which is called the shoulder. I like using a guillotine cutter, although there are different preferences on the cutting tool. Once you have cut the cigar, before lighting it, put it to your lips and draw on it to make sure you have cut the hole large enough to draw smoothly. If you are having a hard time pulling air through the cigar, cut a little more off the head. However, be careful because if you cut too far up the cigar, you have a chance of messing with the wrapper and letting the cigar unravel.
Note: The wrapper is the section of cigar that the tobacco is wrapped in, this is not to be confused with the label.
Step 2: Lighting the Cigar
Hold the cigar at a 45 degree angle and char the foot of the cigar first. Use the tip of the flame as this is the hottest. The key to a good light is a slow, even burn so rotate the cigar as you light it to get the entire circumference smoldering. Then put the cigar in your mouth and draw slightly while rotating it. You shouldn't touch the flame to the cigar. Continue to rotate the cigar until the foot bursts into flame with each puff. If you notice that one side is lit more than the other, the tobacco will not draw properly and you will not have a good time smoking the cigar. If you have lit the cigar properly then a cone will form at the foot of the cigar as you smoke it.
Step 3: Smoking and Dealing with Ash
I leave the label band on my cigar as I smoke so to make sure that I don't tear the wrapper off the cigar, but it's up to you. As you smoke you should see the ash start to gather on the end. Once this gets to about an inch, gently tap the end of the cigar to let the ash fall off. If it doesn't al off with a gentle tap, then continue smoking and try again in a minute or so. If the ash doesn't fall off, that's a good sign of a well made cigar. Don't inhale the smoke while smoking, not only is that extra bad for you, but it also is unnecessary with a cigar as it is meant to be tasted not inhaled. Remember, drawing on a cigar is like sucking on a straw.
Step 4: Extinguishing the Cigar
You don't need to snuff out the cigar to make it go out. You can just let it go out on its own. A word of warning, if you start to feel dizzy or light headed, stop smoking. Even though, you might think you can smoke more, when you stand up the effects get worse. Just put the cigar down on the ash tray and let it go out, you can still enjoy the smell of it. Finally, the darker the cigar, the stronger it usually is.
Love,
Dad
Lesson 2: How to Treat Women
Son(s),
Basically, don't be a poopsausage.
The end.
Not enough of explanation? Ok fine.
God created women separately than men. They were created second, from a part of Adam. The Bible says that Eve was the first deceived, and then she deceived Adam. Some passages say that women are to submit to their husbands, go live in tents when they are on their period, wear hats in church, and they shouldn't teach men.
So what does all this mean for you? Probably not much. Many of the passages in the Bible don't really inform our behavior on how men should treat women. They tell you how to treat your wife, at least they kinda do, but really since women are really just other people, then I would say go look at the verses in the Bible that talk about how to treat other people.
Because here is really the thing: Women are equal to men. Men are neither greater or lesser than women. We were created to neither rule nor be ruled by women. God loves us the same. Equally. That's it.
There are two lies that will be told to you about how to treat women and they are both equally dangerous.
The first is that women are objects. The world tells you this lie by telling both men and women that their women's looks are the most important thing about themselves. That means that how much they weigh, how big their boobs are, how much skin they show, what type of clothes they wear, what color their hair is all become their most pressing concerns. Their worth then is not found in Jesus, but rather their appearance. How do they compare with other girls and how many boys will look at them.
And men support this. It makes us feel good, and it teaches us that since the most important thing about women is their appearance then the hottest girl is the most important. This is not how we treat people.
People are important because they are people. Not because of something about them, much less something that is largely out of their control.
This lie perpetuates in the church a little differently. Many times they are told that they are objects that belong to their fathers or husbands. They are not independent and are equally free to be who they were created to be. Appearance is also focused on, and while modesty is something important for both men and women, remember something or someone outside yourself cannot cause you to sin. Only you can do that. Many women in the church feel as if their bodies are shameful because men may lust after them. Let me tell you firmly that you are the only one to be blamed for your lust. Your sin is yours.
The second lie that is told about women is that they are subordinate to us men.
It is easy to see this in the church. Submission is emphasized and equality is downplayed. Men are elevated over women both subtlety and overtly.
The media is a big culprit that relays to girls that they are supposed to be weaker, dumber and quieter than boys. Adventure is for men, supporting is for women.
So how do you treat women?
Respect. Treat women as equal partners in grace and dignity. For we are all equally fallen. We are also individuals. Women are just as dynamic as men, so to tell you there is one right way to treat women belittles how complex all people are. So if you meet a girl that likes when you open the door for her, then do it. If a girl tells you about a problem, listen to her, don't try to fix it, but rather believe that she is capable of fixing her own problems. Don't only compliment girls about their looks. Speak to them in love, but build them up as a sister. Point out how they encourage you, how they help you be a better person, why you respect them as a person.
Listen to their advice, model how they share their feelings. Don't value a girl because of only how she looks. Never, ever use your words or your hands to intentionally harm them. That goes for everyone.
And remember, don't be a poopsausage.
Love,
Dad
Basically, don't be a poopsausage.
The end.
Not enough of explanation? Ok fine.
God created women separately than men. They were created second, from a part of Adam. The Bible says that Eve was the first deceived, and then she deceived Adam. Some passages say that women are to submit to their husbands, go live in tents when they are on their period, wear hats in church, and they shouldn't teach men.
So what does all this mean for you? Probably not much. Many of the passages in the Bible don't really inform our behavior on how men should treat women. They tell you how to treat your wife, at least they kinda do, but really since women are really just other people, then I would say go look at the verses in the Bible that talk about how to treat other people.
Because here is really the thing: Women are equal to men. Men are neither greater or lesser than women. We were created to neither rule nor be ruled by women. God loves us the same. Equally. That's it.
There are two lies that will be told to you about how to treat women and they are both equally dangerous.
The first is that women are objects. The world tells you this lie by telling both men and women that their women's looks are the most important thing about themselves. That means that how much they weigh, how big their boobs are, how much skin they show, what type of clothes they wear, what color their hair is all become their most pressing concerns. Their worth then is not found in Jesus, but rather their appearance. How do they compare with other girls and how many boys will look at them.
And men support this. It makes us feel good, and it teaches us that since the most important thing about women is their appearance then the hottest girl is the most important. This is not how we treat people.
People are important because they are people. Not because of something about them, much less something that is largely out of their control.
This lie perpetuates in the church a little differently. Many times they are told that they are objects that belong to their fathers or husbands. They are not independent and are equally free to be who they were created to be. Appearance is also focused on, and while modesty is something important for both men and women, remember something or someone outside yourself cannot cause you to sin. Only you can do that. Many women in the church feel as if their bodies are shameful because men may lust after them. Let me tell you firmly that you are the only one to be blamed for your lust. Your sin is yours.
The second lie that is told about women is that they are subordinate to us men.
It is easy to see this in the church. Submission is emphasized and equality is downplayed. Men are elevated over women both subtlety and overtly.
The media is a big culprit that relays to girls that they are supposed to be weaker, dumber and quieter than boys. Adventure is for men, supporting is for women.
So how do you treat women?
Respect. Treat women as equal partners in grace and dignity. For we are all equally fallen. We are also individuals. Women are just as dynamic as men, so to tell you there is one right way to treat women belittles how complex all people are. So if you meet a girl that likes when you open the door for her, then do it. If a girl tells you about a problem, listen to her, don't try to fix it, but rather believe that she is capable of fixing her own problems. Don't only compliment girls about their looks. Speak to them in love, but build them up as a sister. Point out how they encourage you, how they help you be a better person, why you respect them as a person.
Listen to their advice, model how they share their feelings. Don't value a girl because of only how she looks. Never, ever use your words or your hands to intentionally harm them. That goes for everyone.
And remember, don't be a poopsausage.
Love,
Dad
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