Columnists

I am not one who believes in the phenomenon of “senseless” killings. All killings make “sense,” if, by that term, we are separating it from having “justification.” A killing makes “sense” when we understand the reasons for it, however rational or irrational those reasons might be. What we usually call “senseless” is merely something we do not have enough information about to make “sense” of. -more-

When I was about 10 years old, something odd began happening in my neighborhood. The houses around the corner on Brisban Street started getting seriously flooded backyards, then basements, when we had serious rains. This was unprecedented enough that many of our neighbors had finished their basements into rec rooms, guest rooms, serious workshops. -more-

In some sort of way, the society is divided up into two groups. Those that can fix things and those that have to negotiate with the first group to get the fixing done. If you’re tired of wheedling with false compliments, baking cookies and standing there while forcing an adoring expression as Harold lights the water heater after the gas has gone out, I’m here to help (and I can’t see you, so you can stick your tongue out and make a face and finish by burning this paper). -more-