H.G. Wells' classic "War of the Worlds" is a tale about how some of the smallest creatures on Earth ultimately destroyed Martian invaders wielding technology powerful enough to wipe out humanity. His idea was not entirely fanciful; as global warming lifts the average temperature of... Continue
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By Loretta Carpio Carr As we approach another new year, we often reflect upon the changes we would like to make in our lives. We may resolve to exercise more, eat less, or learn a new skill. A recent trip to the grocery store brought... Continue
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
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