Columns

Well, like all things human, there’s a time to come and a time to toddle along. Especially in these “toddle along” years when the emotional energy wears out and a job starts to feel overwhelming, and lacking the visceral push one needs to create something new and worthy over and over. Creation starts to go flat like a day-old unfinished brew. That’s where I am. And that’s where my column is.

Anger is a trouble-maker. It’s a question that should have been studied ages ago. We’ve made arrangements to talk to one of psychology’s foremost authorities on this subject, as well as the man most respected in Europe for preserving jams and jellies. Dr. Emmett Soldi of Catania University and Head Sue Chief at Lina’s Pastry Salon claims to have discovered important insights at his herbal tea parties.

Let’s face it. Humans are the only species without Earthly predators and without consistent natural sensibilities. Except for war. That seems to signify that we have no purpose, as all animals are either predator or prey or both. War may be our only predator. Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, probably while hiding under his bed: “War is the father of all things.” So talks of peace become unnatural in some weird, ungodly way.

Every time I turn around these days, news is lurking across the media about how one can determine how long they are going to live, sometimes accompanied by a photo of a 100-year-old man who could be a 100-year-old woman.

According the latest count, there are over 200 professional soccer leagues worldwide. And that’s just the men’s game. When you add all the women’s leagues, which continue to grow, you’re talking “the sun never sets on someone getting a kick in the head.” 

Nothing better than being on a trip, tossing your possessions aside, kicking off your shoes, slowing the day’s rush and getting a professional rub-down. No, not the hotel.  I’m talking about going through airline security.