Beneath the Guns and Politics, Gender Rage

Originally published Jan. 14, 2011 | Link to original Dear Friend and Reader: In the wake of the shootings in Tucson nearly one week ago, the focus of the discussion is on the political causes and implications of the incident. There are many, though what’s also clear is that there are issues below the issue, … Read more

The World in a Grain of Pholus

Originally published July 15, 2011 | Link to original So leave me now the Moon is up But remember all the tales I tell The memories that you have dredged up Are on letters forwarded from hell — Joe Strummer / "Something About England" Dear Friend and Reader: Every now and then, a significant global … Read more

Uranus, Eris and the Riddle of the Internet

Originally published June 23, 2016 | Link to original Dear Friend and Reader: Have I mentioned that I’ve been trying to figure out the internet? I was aware that when you click on something, something new appears on the screen. I knew if you post a naked picture to Facebook they kick you out for … Read more

Notes from Downwind

Originally published Nov. 15, 2013 | Link to original Dear Friend and Reader: Most people think of the nuclear incident at the Fukushima Daiichi power-generating station as something that happened in the past. You don’t see it mentioned on network or cable news, and it’s not on most news websites or in major newspapers. You … Read more

Vesta Full Moon: From the Inside

Dear Friend and Reader: Tuesday’s Full Moon in Taurus takes place a small fraction of a degree from the asteroid (4) Vesta. This is a remarkable conjunction, and a peak moment of Vesta’s extended stay in Taurus (which extends from June 10, 2019 through March 21, 2020 — notably, the same day Saturn enters Aquarius). … Read more