A poetic meditation on vulnerability, imagination, and the fragile beauty of human connection. The speaker invites the reader to “pretend” as a way of coping, dreaming, and affirming life amid uncertainty
#123: Poem: Pretend We
Tag: 2021
#122: Only a Zero Covid Strategy Will Bring Success
Half-measures prolong the pandemic. A zero-COVID approach—strict containment, mass testing, and clear communication—is the only path to real recovery. The post critiques Western complacency and urges decisive public health action.
#121: Outrage Is Not a Successful Communication Strategy
Outrage may feel cathartic but rarely persuades. Effective communication requires empathy, clarity, and respect. The post critiques performative anger and calls for more thoughtful engagement in political and social discourse.
#120: Differential Treatment of Vaccination Opponents Is not Discrimination
Public health measures that distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals are based on risk, not prejudice. Equating these policies with discrimination trivializes real injustice. The post defends science-based policy as ethically necessary.
#119: Thoughts on Covid Vaccine Mandates
Mandatory vaccination is defended as a legitimate public health measure. Individual freedom must be weighed against collective safety. The post critiques misinformation and argues that mandates are ethically justified when voluntary compliance fails to protect the vulnerable.
µ#7: Can Cats Have Restless Tail Syndrome?
Restless Tail Syndrome: I think that is a thing! And it wiggles! Almost always!
µ#6: We Are Ignoring Covid Again
Haven't we learnt our lesson? Apparently not. Delta is a game changer, this is far from over. Double vaccination is no longer enough. Please be careful everyone.
#118: The Voter is Always Right: The Meaning of Democracy
Democracy requires respecting the electorate, even when they vote against you. Demonizing voters reflects elitism and undermines democratic legitimacy. Politicians must communicate clearly, align with real concerns, and avoid ideological arrogance. Voters are experts in their own lives.
#117: It’s Not About Trump. It’s About the Issues
Political success depends on addressing real-world concerns: economy, education, safety, infrastructure, and climate. Identity politics and ideological purity alienate voters. The post urges Democrats to focus on pragmatic solutions and inclusive messaging, not symbolic battles or moral grandstanding.
Photos: Finley Wildlife Reserve, OR
All Pictures:
#116: Religion Is Trust in the Universe
Religion is reframed as existential trust—a belief in meaning, order, and connection beyond oneself. The post critiques dogma and presents spirituality as a posture of openness, humility, and ethical engagement with the unknown.
#115: Are We Anthropomorphizing Human Beings?
Modern discourse often treats people as characters in simplified narratives, stripping away complexity. The post critiques this tendency and calls for deeper understanding of human behavior, beyond stereotypes and performative identity.
#114: Be Quiet Sometimes
Silence is defended as a form of wisdom. Constant commentary and reactive speech dilute meaning. The post encourages intentional quiet as a way to listen, reflect, and restore clarity in a noisy world.
#113: The Protagonist Trap: Why Bond Cannot be “Woke”
James Bond’s character relies on mythic masculinity and moral ambiguity. Attempts to modernize him through progressive values risk undermining the narrative’s core. The post critiques cultural revisionism and defends genre integrity.
#112: The Normality of Not Knowing
Uncertainty is a natural part of life. The post challenges the expectation of constant clarity and argues that embracing ambiguity fosters humility, curiosity, and resilience. Not knowing is not failure—it’s a condition of being human.
µ#5: Symphony 4 Is Finished
It is finally done: Symphony 4: Elegy, demo music available on Soundcloud.
#111: Faith, the Pandemic, and the Drowning Man
Faith is explored through a parable of missed opportunities. The post critiques passive religiosity and calls for active engagement with reality. True belief requires action, not just hope.
#110: Poem: To Understand the World
A poetic reflection on perception, empathy, and the limits of knowledge. The speaker seeks to grasp the world’s complexity through feeling and imagination, affirming that understanding begins with openness.
#109: We Cannot Lose Hope
Despair is tempting in the face of global crises—Afghanistan’s collapse, climate disasters, COVID resurgence—but history shows resilience. Hope is not naïve; it’s a logical stance that enables action. Believing in the possibility of a better future is the first step toward building it.
#108: Carefulness Is Not Fear
Following scientific guidance—vaccination, masking, distancing—is framed as care, not cowardice. Dismissing caution as fear reflects ignorance and moral failure. Protecting others, even those who reject protection, is a civic and ethical duty. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
#107: How (Not) to Be Unhappy
Unhappiness often stems from flawed expectations and reactive thinking. Mindfulness, realism, and care are not the same as despair. Between happiness and misery lies a space of acceptance and effort. Problems may not be solvable, but pursuing solutions is itself a path away from unhappiness.
#106: How to Be Happy
Happiness is not a reward for success but a stance toward life’s absurdity and imperfection. Acceptance, humility, and gallows humor help navigate suffering. Meaning arises from small joys, human connection, and the decision to embrace life despite its limits.
#105: We May Think We’re Done with the Virus, but the Virus is not Done with Us
Complacency fuels viral evolution. Variants arise because we allow transmission. Magical thinking won’t end the pandemic—only global vaccination, masking, and distancing will. Fatigue is understandable, but carelessness prolongs the crisis and endangers the vulnerable.
µ#4: We Need Animals
Looking into a loving cat's eyes encapsulates pure bliss. Animals understand life's essence, and their presence enriches our existence. We should take time to connect with non-human companions, like dogs or birds. While the author favors cats, any animal can provide comfort and joy in our lives.
#103: The Story About the Lone Renegate Scientist Showing That Everyone Else Is Wrong
Romanticizing the lone genius undermines scientific integrity. Most breakthroughs come from collaboration and consensus. Distrusting expertise in favor of contrarianism breeds misinformation. Science is a communal pursuit, not a stage for ego.
µ#3: Tired
A brief reflection on exhaustion—physical, emotional, and existential. The post acknowledges burnout and the need for rest, empathy, and patience. Tiredness is not weakness; it’s a signal to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.
#102: Brexit Means Brexit
Brexit is critiqued as a slogan masking incoherence. The phrase avoids accountability and oversimplifies complex realities. True leadership requires clarity, not repetition. The consequences of Brexit demand honest reckoning, not rhetorical deflection.
µ#2: Why the Posturing as if Pandemic was Over?
Declaring the pandemic over is political theater, not public health. Such posturing endangers lives and undermines trust. The virus doesn’t respond to speeches—it responds to behavior. Real leadership means facing facts, not staging illusions.
µ#1: Fleeting Micro-Thoughts
A collection of brief reflections—philosophical, observational, and poetic. The post captures transient insights on life, culture, and perception, inviting readers to pause and consider the texture of thought itself.
#101: The Mask Does not just Protect You but Others as Well
Masking is an act of solidarity. It protects the vulnerable and affirms shared responsibility. The post critiques individualism and defends public health as a collective moral project. Caring for others begins with simple, visible choices.
#100: Poem: One Moment in Time
A lyrical meditation on presence, memory, and the fleeting nature of experience. The poem captures the tension between transience and significance, affirming that even a single moment can hold the weight of meaning.
#99: Anti-Zionism Is Anti-Semitism
Opposing Israel’s existence under the guise of anti-Zionism is framed as a form of antisemitism. The post argues that denying Jewish self-determination while accepting it for other groups reflects a double standard. Criticism of Israeli policy is legitimate, but rejection of Israel’s right to exist crosses into bigotry.
#98: The Populist Attack on Democracy During the Pandemic
Populist leaders exploited the pandemic to undermine democratic norms, spread misinformation, and consolidate power. The post critiques anti-science rhetoric and authoritarian tendencies, warning that democracy depends on truth, transparency, and institutional resilience—especially in times of crisis.
#97: Are We Prepared for Extraterrestrial Life?
Humanity is philosophically and politically unprepared for contact with alien life. The post explores how religious, scientific, and cultural frameworks might respond, and warns that existing divisions could hinder a unified approach. True readiness requires humility, curiosity, and global cooperation.
#96: We Need Neutral News Media
Media polarization erodes public trust and democratic discourse. The post calls for journalism grounded in facts, fairness, and accountability—not tribalism or clickbait. Neutral reporting is essential to informed citizenship and resisting ideological manipulation.
#95: For Israel, For Palestine, For Peace
Both Israelis and Palestinians have legitimate claims to the land. The post rejects historical absolutism and calls for pragmatic cooperation. A federal or shared governance model is proposed as an alternative to the two-state solution. Peace requires empathy, compromise, and local ownership of the process.
#94: What Is Political Extremism Today?
Extremism is no longer confined to fringe ideologies—it has entered mainstream discourse. The post critiques absolutism, conspiracy thinking, and moral tribalism on both left and right. True political engagement requires nuance, humility, and a commitment to democratic principles.
#93: Don’t Picture This: The Trouble With Selfies
Selfies are critiqued as symbols of narcissism and digital detachment. The post explores how constant self-documentation distorts identity, undermines authenticity, and replaces experience with performance. Real presence demands stepping outside the frame.
#92: The Impact of Brexit on Trade
Brexit has disrupted supply chains, increased costs, and strained UK-EU relations. The post analyzes economic consequences and argues that ideological nationalism has come at the expense of practical prosperity. Trade thrives on cooperation—not isolation.
#91: The Transatlantic Perspective Needs to be Global
Western alliances must expand their worldview beyond Euro-American interests. The post calls for inclusive diplomacy, recognizing the agency of non-Western nations. A truly global perspective requires listening, learning, and sharing power.
#90: In Defense of “Wokeness”
Wokeness is defended as a moral stance rooted in empathy, justice, and historical awareness. The post critiques caricatures and argues that being “woke” means refusing complacency in the face of inequality. It’s not a fad—it’s a call to conscience.
#89: Tragedy Is the Nature of Life, and That Is OK
Life is inherently tragic—defined by mortality, fallibility, and uncertainty. Yet this truth is liberating. The post argues that embracing impermanence allows us to live more fully, ethically, and reflectively. Meaning arises not from escaping tragedy but from choosing joy and compassion within it.
#88: Nature Is the Best Meditation
Meditation doesn’t require technique—it requires presence. Nature offers the most accessible path to mindfulness by decentering the self and inviting attention to the world beyond us. The post encourages readers to sit still, observe, and rediscover humility through the breath of the world.
#87: Stargate as Classical Science Fiction
Stargate is praised for its interdisciplinary approach to science fiction, integrating real scientific inquiry, ethical reflection, and mythological depth. Unlike other franchises, it foregrounds scientists as protagonists and treats science as a narrative engine. The post defends science fiction as a vehicle for intellectual engagement, not just entertainment.
#86: Nature Is Stronger than Us: The Pandemic, not the Lockdown, Is the Problem
Lockdowns are a response to the virus—not the cause of suffering. The post critiques backward reasoning and emphasizes that nature, not human policy, drives pandemics. Patience, empathy, and realism are essential. We must accept our limits and learn from history, or we’ll repeat it.
#85: Anti-Asian Hate and the Human Capacity for Divisiveness
Rising anti-Asian violence reflects humanity’s tendency to scapegoat and other. The post urges distinction between governments and individuals, critiques fetishization and stereotyping, and calls for solidarity rooted in shared humanity. Understanding must replace ignorance.
Photos: Year of Pain, 2020-21
Locations in Oregon: Detroit, Lyons, Corvallis, Newport, Sea Lion Caves, Grand Ronde, Mt Angel Abbey, Portland, Land and Linn County, Warm Springs Slideshow: All Pictures:
#84: Panicking Is Not a Good Strategy
Panic undermines rational decision-making. The post argues for calm, logic, and collective responsibility in crisis. Fear is natural, but it must be managed through empathy, science, and deliberate action.
#83: The Purpose of History, or, We Need to Explain Democracy Better
History is a tool for understanding—not just remembering. The post calls for better civic education to explain democracy’s value, complexity, and fragility. Without historical context, democratic ideals risk being misunderstood or abandoned.
Photos: The Many Seasons of Oregon, March 2021
Locations: From Santiam Highway, Sisters, Smith Rock, Warm Springs, Dufur, The Dalles to Portland Related Photo Series Thread: Oregon Territory Slideshow: All Pictures:
#82: Only Logic Will Help Us Out of the Pandemic
Emotion and ideology distort public health responses. The post defends logic, data, and scientific reasoning as the only reliable tools for navigating COVID-19. Clear thinking is framed as a moral and civic necessity.
#81: Do Not Expect Normality in Non-Normal Times
Expecting normalcy during crisis leads to disappointment and denial. The post urges acceptance of disruption and adaptation to new realities. Resilience begins with letting go of outdated expectations.
#80: There Is No Alternative to Dialog and Debate
Democracy depends on open discourse. The post critiques censorship, tribalism, and ideological rigidity, arguing that only through dialog can truth emerge and progress be made. Debate is not a threat—it’s a foundation.
#79: The Need for the Public Understanding of Humanities and Social Science Theory
Humanities and social sciences offer essential tools for interpreting power, culture, and identity. The post argues that public discourse suffers when these disciplines are dismissed as abstract or elitist. Theory is not a luxury—it’s a framework for understanding the world and shaping democratic debate.
#78: What Is Social Justice – and What Isn’t
Social justice is grounded in fairness, dignity, and the dismantling of systemic inequality. The post critiques performative activism and ideological rigidity, arguing that true justice requires humility, listening, and structural change. It’s not about moral superiority—it’s about shared responsibility.
#77: Animal Personalities
Animals exhibit distinct temperaments, preferences, and emotional responses. The post challenges the notion that personality is uniquely human, suggesting that recognizing individuality in animals deepens empathy and ethical awareness. Personality is not just cognitive—it’s relational.
#76: We Need No Saviors
Hero worship undermines collective agency. The post critiques the search for political or cultural saviors, arguing that change arises from community, not charisma. Democratic progress depends on participation, not messianic leadership. We must stop outsourcing responsibility.
#75: There Are No “Internal Matters”
Human rights violations are never purely domestic. The post rejects the idea that sovereignty excuses oppression, emphasizing that global solidarity and accountability are essential. Silence in the face of injustice—anywhere—is complicity.
#74: On the Difference Between Scientific and Mythological Thinking
Scientific thinking is empirical, provisional, and self-correcting. Mythological thinking is symbolic, moral, and narrative-driven. The post argues that both have value, but confusing them leads to epistemological chaos. Science explains; myth interprets. We need both—but must know which is which.
#73: The Destruction of Creativity through “Social” Media
Social media incentivizes conformity, performance, and instant gratification. The post warns that algorithmic culture erodes depth, originality, and risk-taking. Creativity requires solitude, slowness, and imperfection—qualities at odds with digital metrics.
#72: Can We Trust The Media?
Media trust depends on transparency, accountability, and editorial integrity. The post critiques bias, sensationalism, and corporate influence, while defending the necessity of journalism. Trust must be earned—not assumed or rejected wholesale.
#71: The Improvement of Society Never Ends
Progress is iterative, imperfect, and ongoing. The post rejects utopianism and fatalism alike, arguing that social improvement is a moral obligation. Democracy is not a finished product—it’s a process that demands constant care and renewal.
#70: Poem: Wake for a World out of Balance
A lyrical elegy for a planet in crisis. The poem mourns ecological destruction, political violence, and spiritual disconnection. It calls for remembrance, resistance, and a reawakening of conscience.
#69: No, American Democracy Is Not Dead
The Capitol riot was a shock, but not a collapse. Institutions held, dissent was protected, and the democratic process resumed. The post argues that the U.S. has survived worse and will endure—if it addresses the roots of discontent and recommits to democratic principles.
#68: We Do Not Need Enemies
Yes. Russia’s actions in Crimea, Donbas, and beyond violate international law. NATO has never posed a threat; Putin’s imperial ambitions are the real danger. The post urges Russia to choose peace, democracy, and dignity over conquest and paranoia.
Erratic Attempts 