“In James Howard Kunstler’s view, public spaces should be inspired centers of civic life and the physical manifestation of the common good. Instead, he argues, what exists in America is a nation of places not worth caring about. Kunstler may be the world’s most outspoken critic of suburban sprawl. He believes the end of the […]
Social Dukkha: Addressing Suffering on a Global Scale
In reflections on western Buddhism, our writer ponders how to see beyond individual practice to address the suffering of the world.
International Women’s Day: A Day to Celebrate, Imagine and Act
Happy International Women’s Day to to all women in all of our wonderful incarnations … mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, friends, grandmas, nanas and more … Today is a day to celebrate who we are and how far we’ve come, and to set our vision for where we still have to go. As Louise Otto said, […]
Oh Those Mayans: 2012 Prophecies vs. Current Realities
I have no idea what will happen on December 21, 2012 when the Mayan calendar ends. Maybe the world will end. Maybe it won’t. Maybe the poles will shift? Maybe. I do know what’s certain — climate change is upon us.
What about Cincinnati? Possibility Journalism in America’s Touchstone
Everyone should visit Cincinnati. It’s an important touchstone for understanding the complexity, the pain, and the hope of America.
Abortion and the First Precept of Buddhism
A thoughtful article about the spiritual and social questions about abortion that arise when a Buddhist reflects on the issue in light of his vows.
Tilikum the Orca, Olympic Protests and Learning from Our Mistakes
A whale who killed his trainer and a Facebook response to Olympic protesters lead our writer to ponder human beings and our approach to the world.
My Private Sudan: Part I
A helicopter pilot working in Sudan argues the scorched earth policy Western media attributed to an oil company should have been called fiction, not fact.
When Journalism Crosses into Tragedy Porn: Olympics Coverage of Joannie Rochette
Was the media coverage of Olympic skater Joannie Rochette’s short program, just three days after her mother’s death, valid news or tragedy pornography?
Admit It. You Don’t Want to See the Truth.
In the film A Few Good Men, Jack Nicholson shouts at Tom Cruise, at a courtroom full of people, and at all of us really, “You can’t handle the truth!” But maybe we can. Nathan Thompson explores how we hide from ourselves and the benefits of seeing through the illusion.