A Christmas tree is the central feature of house decorations. Many years ago we’d go to a local tree lot, carefully select the “perfect” tree, tie it to the roof of the car— home we’d go. I did enjoy the scent of pine in the house, but decided that the labor-intensive ritual, that always…
The first Tuesday in the first month of winter is demonstrably cold. Patrons arrive at Starbucks with heavy coats, collars turned up. The wind races from the north, some gusts at 30 mph under a gray lowering sky. The temperature is in the low thirties. This feels much colder since — until now, I’ve…
Happened to hear this song on the radio. Like a moth to a flame, the lyric and tune are mesmerizing. I am not the only one so affected. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in 1966, the song became iconic of deeply rooted resistance to the Vietnam War. Fifty one years later we…
At Starbucks this morning just after six AM the horizon to the East was glowing. To the West just above the tree line in the distance, was a big orange pumpkin moon. It is rare that I have a cosmic sense that everything is in motion. Yes, everything. We fear stasis. Stasis is a…
The Senate passed a tax reform bill last night. The vote was taken at a late hour, after a flurry of last minute amendments, which members certainly did not have the time to read or consider. But no matter. The bill became law along party lines. Republicans all thumbs up, and Democratic Senators, thumbs…
What? Surely the title is an anachronism, an absurd term in today’s world. Why, yes it is quite absurd and that is the point. Time’s arrow moves in one direction only. According to the 2nd law of thermodynamics, energy seeks equilibrium. It dissipates, no exceptions. Unless there is a twist of fate. What I…
“Hay que endurecerse sin perder jamás la ternura.” (one must endure-become hard, toughen oneself—without losing tenderness.) –Che Guevara At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality. Hatred is an…
Full sunlight this morning. A dramatic contrast to the top story on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger are to start charging suppliers penalty fees on account of late deliveries. With supply chains being extended so far, not just nationwide but as far as assembly…
Habits are the very stuff our identities are made of. In them we enact and thus define what we effectively are as social beings, often in contrast with our perception of what we are. In their very transparency they are the medium of social violence. My notions—of good and evil, of pleasant and unpleasant,…
Sunday was the occasion of a mild 40 degree day. I especially enjoyed the shades of brown and tan illumined by the afternoon sun as we passed a wetland, undeveloped, tall grasses waving in the breeze. White oaks were showing spiky leaves hanging on to face the coming frost. Everything is as it should…
