Columnists

On November 10th it was announced that the consumer price index has increased 6.2 percent in twelve months, the largest yearly increase in thirty years. This announcement coincided with a Washington Post/ABC poll (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/11/14/post-abc-poll-biden/)l showing that President Biden's approval ratings have fallen again: "Despite a mix of economic signals — falling unemployment and rising prices — 70 percent rate the economy negatively, including 38 percent who say it is in 'poor' condition." What should we make of this? -more-

Sometimes when people, systems, or organizations create problems, a little bit of pushback can go a long way toward resolving them. If a person wants to harass, intimidate, or otherwise create obstructions or problems for you, it can be important to show that you are not a pushover. Even when dealing with assaultive men, some counter-intimidation, or at least standing up to the person, can help with putting a stop to that. -more-

The August 9, 2021, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) delivered a doom and gloom report on climate change predicting that we can no longer stop global warming from intensifying over the next 30 years and the role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed. The report is described as a “Code Red for Humanity.” -more-

Is That Why It's Called a Restroom?

After my sixth lap around the MLK Jr. Middle School track, I had to "recalculate" and head for the head—a.k.a. the privy, outhouse, latrine, loo, comfort station, honey bucket, earth closet, bogger, brasco, commode.

As I was trotting through the newly opened tot-playground, I heard another pair of shoes slipping up behind me. The runner soon passed and was clearly going to reach the Porta-Potty before me. I diplomatically veered off to await my turn at the urn. As I took up a position in front of the gate to the Swim Center, I watched as the runner approached the "comfort station"—and was baffled when he opened the door, suddenly bolted backwards, and shut the hut.

He turned to see me standing in line and offered some breaking news:
"I don't think you want to go in there just now. There's someone sleeping inside!" -more-

Bringing race home: Race, racism is our country’s history. Racism is front and center in the trial of the killers of Ahmaud Arbery in Glynn County, Georgia, in the Charlottesville civil trial over the deadly “Unite the Right” rally in 2017. Racism is tangential to the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse and his acquittal. -more-