Current Events

Is nationalism a four letter word?

No, I was not dropped on my head as a child. What I want to know is what the word “nationalism” means to you. For me, “nationalism” means fanaticism, self-righteousness, and pharisaism. Where some see enthusiastic flag waving and patriotism, I see a tool to perpetuate some of the worst evils of the last two centuries. (Remember the holocaust?) Some will say that no such…
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Current Events

Because he can

Ralph Nader has announced his candidacy for the office of Democratic Party presidential spoiler. He is running his campaign as the incumbent, and he is running unopposed. He has been asked repeatedly why he is running, and he has repeatedly denied he is running as a spoiler. Supposedly, he fancies himself the man “to bring the Democratic Party back to the left.” The message to his…
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Current Events

Remember when our worst problem was a loose zipper?

Even a partisan Dem such as me can appreciate the lost opportunities of the 1990s. Well, ‘ole Bill has released a book, and he was giving an interview on NPR this morning. I did not find myself waxing sentimental over the 1990s. I did not wonder if Bill and the gang would have done a better job under the circumstances of the last four years. What did strike me was how intelligent, well…
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Current Events

Greatness is measured over time

There are three possible reasons why I didn’t write anything before now about the Lightning winning the Stanley Cup. 1. I just didn’t feel like it. 2. I was waiting for the emotions of the moment to ebb, in order to present a well reasoned and balanced accounting of the events. 3. I just woke up from a month long coma. If I thought about it a little longer, I could probably come up…
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Current Events

The medicated age

It seems like some issues are never easy, particularly when your health – or someone you love – is in question. With the explosion in pharmaceutical profits, as well as the use of both prescription and over the counter medication, we’ve seen a bit of a backlash against lawful drug use. There is a growing sense that we are too quick to medicate ourselves, seeking a fast fix for…
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Current EventsSports

Working hard not to be distracted at work,

That mild, sick feeling in the pit of your stomach? Those mild tremors that resemble cold weather shivers? The feeling that your heart is racing out of control? That’s called anxiety. The hockey game tonight? That’s called game seven. From the Office of Handicapping and Prognostication; here are a few predictions for tonight’s game, 1. If the Lightning loose tonight, they will…
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Current Events

If you don’t look you probably won’t find it

You’ve seen the cute emails that take on a life of their own. There are chain letters, urban legends, good jokes, bad jokes, and inspirational stories. One of these messages made its way to me this morning at work. It began, “We rarely get a chance to see another country’s editorial about the USA. I think this is very much worth reading and passing on. It says a lot,.” If…
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