I am always reading three or four books at any given time, but no fiction anymore — why bother with the modern pap and pabulum if you've already read the classics, the Romantic Era greats, the best of the (early, talented) moderns? My book reading is mostly in philosophy, theology, biography, political science, history, economics, science, and the like (like everything).
In addition, I subscribe to at least a score of magazines, covering the fields of politics, philosophy, theology, science, music, audio and video recording, keyboards, guitars, pro audio, and satire. Titles include:
EQ, Performer, Recording, Pro Sound News, Mix, Remix, Future Music, Electronic Musician, Guitar World, Guitar 1, Guitar Player, Keyboard, American Spectator, Reason, Ideas on Liberty, Skeptic, Skeptical Inquirer, Science & Spirit, Critical Issues Commentary, The Wittenburg Door
"The Talented Mr. Jay" by F.R. Duplantier
I first encountered Erik as a writer and editor many years ago when I worked for a national news magazine. His work was so vibrant, intelligent, and provocative – full of heart and mind and soul – that I jumped at a chance to offer him a job on our staff. When he told me that he was an even better musician than he was a writer, I found it hard to credit. Now, with "Heart & Soul & Mind," he's proven it. This CD with its artful melodies and thoughtful messages launches what is sure to be a brilliant career. Buy an extra copy and keep it safe somewhere. Then, someday, you'll be able to prove to your children that you were among the first to discover, and appreciate, the extraordinary talent of Erik Jay.
For all of Erik Jay's music reviews, click here.
Dear Erik Jay,
Are you the author of "Screwy Mewling," about the Patch Adams business? I'm interested in running it in a webzine I edit called The Daily Objectivist. In return, we would link the article to your email address and/or web site, as you prefer. Let me know.
Good piece.
David
David M. Brown
Editor
The Daily Objectivist
www.dailyobjectivist.com
I have a complaint... Well not really a complaint but... well... I never got issue #6... and now I am gonna cry... WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... lol... OK, really, can you send me a copy of issue #6? Please?
Frank Pardus
Great stuff! Thanks for putting me on the list. Governments that are run by dictators are the dangerous ones. I have seen this just in my lifetime of observing the powers of WW2, Korea, Vietnam. China, since the communists, has been our enemy. Why is this so hard to understand? If you are looking for the champion of Socialism, you will find him in the White House. Read "Betrayal" and weep.
Sandy Price
Erik,
Like your article sent to us... we will run it on the Ether Zone later this week!
Best regards,
Bob
Robert Momenteller
Editor in chief, Ether Zone Online!
Dear Mr. Jay,
You are a man after my own heart. I enjoyed very much your first edition. Please keep up the good work, and who knows where this could lead to. America needs more voices who are willing and able to spread the word on the stupendously ridiculous items in our society today. I would like to offer my services to you in whatever capacity to further this cause. Thank you for your efforts. They are appreciated by at least the mentally cognizant people in this country.
R. C. Faulkner, Ass't Pastor
Hey you &%$##@ anencephalic jerk, how come you don't do 10 of these a day? Huh? You !@#$%^&* moron!! There's plenty of material out there!!!
I'm JUST KIDDING! :-) Not about the material part however... I have gotten three of your columns so far, and I've enjoyed them. Some people just don't get it, do they? Keep up the great commentaries.
Matt
I love it! You're the greatest!
lmmitchum@west.raytheon.com
Having just been forwarded your "Do Manners Matter?" commentary, I'd like to be added to your mailing list.
Thanks very much.
Kevin Brosnahan
kbrosnahan@cei.org
When I received the first "What's Next", I said to myself, "what's this?" I couldn't remember when I had signed up for this new email column. I wrote down the unsubscribe info, intending to unsubscribe. It was not because I disagreed, or was offended, but merely because it was one more thing in my email with which I'd have to deal. HOWEVER, before I could unsubscribe, I received the "What Next" entitled "Do Manners Matter?" Acrimonious, yet diplomatic! Consequently, please keep me on your mailing list. I eagerly await the next issue!
KBogner@SlaterStainless.com
Erik,
Love your commentaries. I was apparently getting your mail through frd@americasfuture.net. If you want you can put be on your list.
Robin
A friend of mine just forwarded me a copy of your commentary "Do Manners Matter?" I was, to say the least, impressed if this article is a sample of your writing. Please add me to your mailing list. I suppose the correct terminology is "subscribe."
Joe Sager
webmaster@mikenew.com
I don't know who you are or how i got on your list, but I really enjoy your daily message. THANKS!!!!!
Hank
Bravo... Very nice work!!
Chris Zee
Dear Erik,
Surely you must have written professionally at some point. We get more and more intrigued with each newsletter. We have to admit that our initial reaction was that here was another Drudge wannabe Not so!!
We decided to continue receiving your e-mails based on your apparent conservative bent and your style of selecting news stories of interest, restating the story, and then commenting on it.
But your writing talent has begun to show through big time. We hope you are seeking professional outlets for your opinions. I can cite columnist after columnist, of all political persuasions, who make good money doing half the job you do with a news story.
We sincerely appreciate being on your mailing list... Keep up the great work and we will continue to recommend your work and forward it to people we know. We hope other recipients are doing the same.
God Bless... Hang in there...
Chic and Mary Jane Abner
Hey Erik! Good Stuff. More, more, more. This should keep you on the Vice-President's invention even more.
The Lord Bless You,
Bob Wood
I'm glad you got my e-ddress!
When I received my first column from you, I had no idea how you got my e-mail address. Didn't care, really. I enjoyed what you wrote and how you wrote it. More people in this country need to "rage against the dying of the (moral) light."
After reading this latest message, I discerned that you probably got my name from a certain "Politickle" guy. Fine with me.
Thanks for your insight
From an IQ much higher than body temp,
Blaine Moore
The letter from the malcontent that prompted the "Manners" commentary reminded me of the quote from Mark Twain: "It is better to remain silent, and let some people think you are a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Mr. Twain's comment certainly applied to the email writer discussed.
Having done a bit of Op/Ed writing in column form a few years back I can share your feelings. I have found that generally speaking, the lower the IQ, the less the vocabulary, the filthier the language and the more extreme the diatribe. This is probably due to both a lack of intelligence, resulting in inability to express themselves in a rational manner, as well as possibly being a brick shy of a full load from inbreeding!
Whichever the cause, ignore this dolt and continue with your commentary.
Bill Hatley
