Is the Depression becoming internalized?  It may just be a feeling or it may be the people I know, but I’ve been seeing a lot more symptoms of depression in the world around me.  Friends and acquaintances have detached themselves gradually from the hyper-connected world and pushed back on anything not right in front of them.  Some are clearly having trouble coping with even simple things that they used to enjoy.  Calls and e-mails are rarely answered with any kind of consistency or speed.

I wanted to discuss this because if this is true the only way out is old fashioned talking about it.  If it’s not true, I may need a new circle of friends.

Continue reading →

I’ve been slow to say anything about the Gulf of Mexico situation because, in all honesty, words simply fail to express my disgust.  Dwelling on blame doesn’t seem reasonable because in an economy that pigs out on oil the way we do something like this seemed inevitable.  The cleanup is going to be long and difficult no matter what.  But one angle that seems to have been lost in furor is the critical role that the Gulf of Mexico has in bringing life to North America and Europe in the form of warmth and rain.  A tremendous slick of oil has the potential to change the climate in ways that are, at the very least, worth keeping an eye on.

Continue reading →

“At least,” my daughter tells me, “We learn about countries we’d never hear about otherwise.”  This on the second day of summer vacation and about 15 minutes after a tedious lecture on the short, sad history of Yugoslavia.  We’re watching the USA get beat by Slovenia in World Cup action while the angry bees in the stands sound as if they approve.  This is how we bond as a family, learn about the world, and generally pass the time these days – sports.

Continue reading →