My wife and I received news this afternoon that a good friend from college has just died from Lymphoma, at the young age of 25.  While I was never as close with him and his wife than my own wife was, I'm still emotional about the entire situation because I did spend quite a bit of time with him while we were at Florida State, and I knew him to be an honorable, intelligent and humble man.  He was always full of joy and happiness because he loved life, he loved his family and friends, he loved his wife (they would be celebrating their 3rd wedding anniversay next week) and most of all, he loved God.

Chris was diagnosed last year, and he had fought every step of the way, undergoing various chemotherapy treatments and two bone marrow transplants (with the help of his younger sister).  I will never forget the determination, strength and resolve he had to beat the sickness.

At a time like this, I feel the need to reflect upon my own life, as I am reminded that life is what you make of it, and oftentimes it can be a lot shorter than you would like for it to be.

Here's to you, Chris - may you enjoy your life with God!

Explosion rocks Upper East Side in New York

Police investigate an explosion in a Manhattan Upper East Side neighborhood.

The explosion blew out the windows of a Starbucks coffeehouse at East 92nd Street and Third Avenue at 3:25 a.m., according to New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

A "low-order improvised explosive device" exploded after being left on a wooden bench in front of the coffeehouse, Kelly said. The blast could be heard many blocks away, according to CNN affiliate WABC-TV of New York.

A socially progressive organization, Drinking Liberally is a group of like-minded individuals who tend to lean center to left-of-center politically, yet still manage to maintain a sense of all-inclusiveness.  If you're looking for great conversation, good food, and excellent company, you really should check us out!

Tomorrow, May 21, 2009 (Thursday)

Cataldo's Pizza - corner of Real & Stockdale

6 PM

Be there... or just be.

Drinking Liberally is an all-inclusive social organization made up of people of all political persuasions (though we tend to lean left of center).  There are no dues, no officers, no responsibilities!  We enjoy great food, drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and conversation - which can sometimes be political, but oftentimes isn't.

If you're interested in seeing what we're all about, stop on by!

This Thursday, 6PM @ Cataldo's Pizza on the corner of Real Rd. & Stockdale Hwy.