Arizona Stories

Here’s another installment from my Tucson Festival of Books series. This lecture focused entirely on Arizona and featured a panel of three authors. One of the panelists was the great-great-granddaughter of Sedona Schnebly, the person after whom Sedona, Arizona, is named. This connection inspired me to attend the lecture because I enjoy hiking in Sedona andContinue reading “Arizona Stories”

More Not News

In keeping with the theme of avoiding the news, I will share a few videos I recently watched. This first video is something I wouldn’t normally view, but I became interested in this creator’s content after seeing a video where he discussed a meteorite that piqued my curiosity. Since then, I’ve watched several of hisContinue reading “More Not News”

Tucson Festival of Books, 2025

For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing some highlights from the Tucson Festival of Books I attended on March 15-16. The first lecture I attended was titled “The Metals Powering Our World.” It featured authors Vince Beiser and Ernest Scheyder, who sat down with geologist Carmie Garzione to discuss the complexities and unintendedContinue reading “Tucson Festival of Books, 2025”

Political Stuff

I just finished listening to this podcast with Thomas Zimmer and can’t recommend it enough (start at 37:00). The video was posted Feb 17, 2025, but I didn’t come across it until yesterday. It was interesting to hear some of his predictions that soon passed (I’m looking at you Chuck Schumer.) I highly recommend readersContinue reading “Political Stuff”

Ancient Agora of Athens

Athen’s Agora was the center of public life in ancient Athens, surrounded by impressive temples and government buildings. It served as a gathering place for citizens to discuss politics and trade goods. Notable structures included the Stoa of Attalos, a covered walkway lined with shops, and the Temple of Hephaestus, which has come down toContinue reading “Ancient Agora of Athens”

Secular Day at the Capitol

I don’t trust American politics. We are slowly losing our federal system, and soon, everything could be left up to the states—many of which might adopt draconian measures. Fees are increasing, and rights are being stripped away. Public schools and libraries may eventually close, and extremist school boards could dictate education. Women are losing controlContinue reading “Secular Day at the Capitol”

Not News

I’ve finally realized that I’ve been listening to too much news. American politics has officially exhausted me, and I need to spend my free time on different activities. I need to get outside more and touch the proverbial grass, which, in my case, is actually rocks. Pictured above is my backyard after a rain. ItContinue reading “Not News”

Call It What It is

Democracy is either dead or dying, and a new regime is emerging. The 900-page political blueprint created by the Heritage Foundation serves as the governmental plan. Political parties no longer function as they used to. The Democrats operate under a set of rules that no longer apply, rendering them completely ineffective. The Republicans have transformedContinue reading “Call It What It is”

The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work

book review: The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton is a unique exploration of the intricacies of various workplaces—a topic that is frequently discussed yet seldom chosen for a book. With his signature blend of philosophical insights and wit, de Botton takesContinue reading “The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work”