ANDY ROONEY: A lot to worry about
"If you're worried about your own problems, one of the good ways to stop worrying about them is to start worrying about the world's problems.There are plenty of them big enough to make anyone forget worrying about money, marriage, the job, the kids, the dent in the car or a leaky faucet."
Read on

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"Global warming may be the most devastating environmental problem human beings have created, and the toughest to solve. For starters, our society is largely powered by the fossil fuels that cause global warming. What's more, fossil fuel companies have vast reserves of money to pay for lobbyists, advertising and their own studies to counter scientific evidence. And many people think of global warming as an abstract problem, not a pressing threat."
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Middle East negotiations have failed, but the US can make a final deal stick A solution is possible now. All good and well but let's not ignore the recent statement made by Hamas that they want the extinction of the state of Israel. A very sad situation indeed.

Closure
"Couples need it after a fight. College seniors want it at graduation, even if they don't know it. And laid-off employees could probably do with some of it – on top of severance packages.

"It" is closure, and recently it's been on the lips of not only psychologists, but also talk-show hosts, columnists, and politicians. Victims of sexual abuse by priests, millions of Americans who have thronged ground zero, and families of victims who watched Timothy McVeigh's execution were all said to be looking for a concept that first dropped into Americans' daily discourse some 10 to 20 years ago and has been making steady gains since." Read more

Cuba Bans PC Sales to Public Individuals and nonprofits can no longer purchase personal computers in Cuba, according to a government decree. Dissidents claim it's another example of the restriction of information flow.

I spent some time at the golf range today with my co-worker Mike. The Hogan driver by the way is courtesy of Greg who couldn't be with us today because he was busy doing something more productive ... I think. Thanks gents.

Ever wonder what happens to your luggage after the airlines lose it? They sell it to this guy, who then resells your stuff from his store in Alabama (or online) for a fraction of its value. (via Bushtit)

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In other news, former Washington Mayor Marion Barry (D), "planning a city council comeback amid allegations of drug use, demanded an apology from" his successor, Mayor Anthony Williams, "for saying he might have a problem," Reuters reports. "U.S. Park Police said they found traces of cocaine and marijuana in Barry's car last week, although they said the amounts were too small for them to press charges." A Washington Post editorial urges Barry not to run.

Public housing evictions for drug use upheld
"Public housing authorities can evict an entire family when someone in the household is caught with drugs, even if the others knew nothing about the wrongdoing, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday"

I think this is good. It eliminates finger pointing and makes everyone accountable for whatever the hell goes on between their four walls. Personally, I'm a careful observer of what goes on in my household, I set the rules, I enforce them. Societal change requires everyone's involvement, and to use the old cliche, "if you're not a part of the solution, you're a part of the problem"

Lawsuits Seek Reparations for Slavery
The idea of reparations will be fiercely debated for years to come. There are no easy answers and certainly both sides make powerful arguments. I choose to stand in the middle of the road until I have reviewed more info.

I've always been of the opinion that less focus should be given to the past as we move forward. However, when I consider that this whole issue is not about individuals getting a check in their mailboxes but rather a litigation of issues and claims that as many as 1,000 unidentified corporations may have profited from slavery, that gives me a reason to pause and think.

I've also read that all "damages would be put into a fund to improve health, education and housing opportunities for blacks" (according to attorney Roger Wareham, one of a group of lawyers who prepared the lawsuits). Of course, many black Americans have made great strides in education and economic status, but millions still lag way behind. I suppose that addressing that gap makes sense. Certainly, my curiosity is peaked to the point where I'm interested in reading further on the merits of both sides. I will certainly be keeping watch as I stand in the middle of the road - risking being run over by both sides.

On being a philosopher

The search for meaning in life is an individual odyssey. Each of us is caught in a philosophical enterprise. “Sooner or later” writes Maurice Riseling, “Life makes philosophers of us all”

Every one is involved in the process of trying to make sense of his/her existence. Our experiences come pouring into us with endless variety. They do not come neatly packaged and labeled. Therefore, it is our duty to choose and assimilate, organize and arrange, value and apply.

When we think, search for and formulate ideas that help to awaken us, we are all philosophers by default.

Certainly, we can also seek guidance from others who have also searched. We can listen to those who have found answers that work for them. However, in the final analysis, true insight and meaning can only come from within.

Is this the beginning of the The Slush Age?
Scientists are concerned that the recent Rhode-Island-sized ice shelf that broke off in the Antarctica won't be the last: "We just saw how a small amount of warming that doesn't seem like a big deal can cause billions of tons of ice to fragment and disappear. Now we know there's potential for break-ups to happen rapidly."