The most uncomfortable truth of human experience is that life feeds on other life, and each of us depends upon the death of other living things for our continued existence. In early societies, this truth infused creation mythology and manifested in rituals during which life-from-death... Continue
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As the UN Climate summit (COP 21) meets under heavy security in Paris, the city and the rest of the civilized world are still reeling from the Daesh terrorist attack two weeks ago. Unlike the Charlie Hebdo attack earlier in the year, this latest atrocity cannot... Continue
When I was growing up in the 50s, I loved the New Yorker cartoonist Chas Addams and his quirky but insightful brand of dark humor; at one point I had the wall next to my bed plastered with his cartoons, a mini-gallery of Chas Addams... Continue
As 2015 comes to a close, I am mindful of the quote by Henri Frederic Amiel: "Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." This time of year inspires many of... Continue
At a recent Sonoma City Council meeting, City officials and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce joined together in that most sacred of holiday rituals: Proclaiming the annual Shop Sonoma Campaign. [Not to be confused with the War on Christmas.] This being Sonoma, the Official Proclamation... Continue
Living in fear is a terrible thing; it produces thoughts and feelings we would otherwise reject, but in fear, accept. Fear clouds judgment; it breeds suspicion and provides fertile ground for bigotry, intolerance, scapegoating and violence. Fear makes people more easily manipulated, more accepting of... Continue
I woke up yesterday feeling blue and droopy, even my hair seemed lifeless. I lay on the couch for awhile, stared out the window and spotted a couple of blue jays. They looked so bright blue and chirpy on the tree limbs, unlike me. Winter... Continue
Thanksgiving is almost here, and with this celebration we also welcome in the upcoming Christmas festivities. Gatherings of friends and family, parties and food. It is a very “spiritual” time as well. And with all the laughter, music and drinking, no one hears the crying... Continue
The world is embroiled in controversy over gender identity. Modern industrialized countries are slowly aligning laws and policies to reflect changing cultural attitudes; what once was hidden and forbidden is now openly visible and allowed. Traditional, less industrialized societies remain committed to laws and policies... Continue
Columbus was no tourist. Neither was Cortez or for that matter Admiral Perry. These world travelers were all about conquest, fame, riches and glory, and by-and-large, they achieved it. Before air travel and luxury ocean liners, expeditions to distant places were a risky and uncertain... Continue