Interview with JamesRay

1. Tell us a little about yourself. I am 39 years old. I live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with my beautiful wife, my two fat, old lazy cats and our one crazy Australian cockatoo. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1994 and spent the next thirteen years working as an attorney for some of the wealthiest people and institutions in the world, both in New York and in Philadelphia. But in December of 2005, I was diagnosed with Lymphoma, and after Chemotherapy led me to remission, I decided that there was no more time to continue doing something that I no longer enjoyed, regardless of the money. So I decided to follow my bliss—per the instructions of Joseph Campbell.
2. What brought you to HubPages? I am the Feature Baseball Writer for Suite 101.com. One day I came across a great article from another Suite 101 writer, a woman named Shannon Clark, and I saw in her Suite profile a link to HubPages. So I followed the link. After reading through Shannon's HubPages work—which is fabulous by the way—I decided to join and start writing.
3. What do you like Hubbing on, with respect to topics? I like writing about political issues, and I find inspiration and truth from a seemingly wide range of political philosophies, ranging from Thomas Paine's Reason to Johnny Rotten's Anarchic Nihilsim. This approach to writing, which I earned through life experience and thousands of books over the years, often prompts me to riff on topics such as the stunning shortcomings of the Bush Administration, this country's misguided and racist War on Drugs, and my own fledgling candidacy for the 2008 Presidency. I also can't resist writing about baseball and pop culture and movies.
4. What has been your best Hub so far (in your opinion)? Why? I am particluary proud of the one entitled: "How Medical Marijuana Saved My Life." I like it because it was honest, a little dangerous, a bit controversial (although it shouldn't be) and it has generated some wonderful, heartfelt responses from readers. My second favorite is entitled "I am Running for President of the United States," because (I hope) it touched upon some very obvious needs and wants of a large portion of Americans that are being ignored by our elected leaders.
5. What is your favorite Hub by another Hubber? Why? I cannot pick just one. I love almost everything by Ralph Deeds because of his well-researched and well-reasoned views. I also adore the work of Isabella Snow, who is talented and provocative and fearless, and very funny and sexy, to boot.
6. What is one nice thing about HubPages (the site) that many might not know? HubPages allows its writers to discuss anything, and to do so in an adult-oriented, intelligent manner. So many sites that offer access to freelance writers are much too structured and are obviously "geared" toward one demographic segment or another. I like the intellectual melting pot that is HubPages.
7. Name one thing you learned about from another Hubber's Hub that you didn't know about before. I learned from an Isabella Snow article which present to get my wife for Christmas. Thanks, Izzy!!!
8. What kind of Hubber do you typically join the Fan Club of? Why? It varies. Jimmy the Jock is great because of the breadth and depth of his work. Shannon Clark keeps me updated on the proper way to eat, work out, and live in a healthy manner. Isabella keeps me in stitches with her wry, ironic sense of humor. Mickey Mo defends me against me many detractors, although I still cannot figure out who that little orange cat is.
9. If you could impart one piece of advice to a new Hubber, what would that be? Writers write. That's what they do. Edit your language and your grammar, but don't ever edit your message. Remember to keep an open mind on all matters. Welcome criticism and even attacks, because they will force you to consider and defend your beliefs. Sometimes, they will force a writer to alter, or even wholeheartedly change, his or her conclusions. Long Live Honest and Open Debate!
10. Tell us something that we'd never guess about you—surprise us! I can bench press 400 pounds.