Still using plastic bags? … enough already!

If you’re still using and accepting plastic bags when you shop — I really can’t imagine why. With all the information at our fingertips, it’s almost criminal to continue this destructive, irresponsible behavior. (more…)

The cowardly nation

Oh, I’ve thought a lot about what Eric Holder had to say about these United States as a sort of Cowards R Us.

If I had to take one side or the other (which is such a silly way to think …, but if I did …), I’d say that yes, Americans have a strong streak of cowardice in them. But then, I think probably it’s pretty likely that all humans on this planet share that same cowardly streak. (more…)

The downside of seeking … and speaking … the truth

I’ve always prided myself on being a truth-seeker, if not always a truth-speaker. I’ve written about truth and lies and integrity to the point of possible tedium for some of my readers, and to the certain fatigue of some of my friends and family who must, I’m sure at times, find my mini-obsession to be alternatingly, perhaps aggravatingly, naïve and grandiose. (more…)

MC at USF Campus to Discuss “Media in Our Modern World”

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I visited the USF/Sarasota campus the other day (Tuesday, February 3) to speak to a class on “Media in Our Modern World.” The class is taught by Jim Brown, a former mayor of Sarasota and longtime journalist whose work appears, I believe, every other week in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. (Editor’s note: see correction in blog comments.)

The class was full of sharp, informed students of varied ages who pummeled me, albeit nicely, on all things blogosphere-related, and then some. I was able to give them my perspective and answer most, if not all, the questions — I enjoyed the dialog immensely and hope they did as well.

What did we talk about? Well, for one, a lot of people have a fear – a healthy one in my book – that there’s too much opinion and not enough researched fact in the blogosphere. (more…)

Falling on my ass … ad infinitum

Not too long ago, I had an interaction with someone that, well, didn’t break my heart exactly, but definitely left me wondering just how much I “matter” in the world.

Isn’t it something we all ask ourselves? When you think about it, doesn’t the question – do I matter? – subliminally inform nearly every action we take, or don’t take, and nearly every word we say, or don’t?

Isn’t so much of what we do each day an unconscious attempt to gauge or assert how much we matter – to ourselves, to the world? (more…)

My pledge … want to join me?

A year ago, I saw Jane Goodall speak at the Town Hall Series. Since that lecture, delivered in a no-nonsense manner, woke me up, I’ve managed to stick with a few changes inspired by Goodall. For example, it’s been months and months since I used a plastic bag at any grocery store or market (read my column about being the “right kind” of bag lady) In fact, I eschew them — plastic bags — in general no matter where I am — bookstores, Macy’s, the drugstore. I’m proud of the change, but know I can do more.

Since Obama’s inauguration yesterday, I’ve been thinking what more can I do for my country right now? There are all sorts of things I’d LIKE to do (more…)

Lessons learned on loving the Earth

This column appeared in print in April 2007.

I support the World Wildlife Fund, avoid animal-tested products. There’s no SUV in my driveway, and I’ve never once watered my lawn. So I was feeling a tad smug a couple of weeks ago as I settled into my seat at the Van Wezel and waited for Jane Goodall to talk.

But in less than twenty minutes, Goodall had wiped that self-righteous smugness right off my face. With elegant simplicity and plainly presented truths, Goodall had accomplished what no Earth Day celebration or PBS documentary had ever managed.

She made me feel ashamed. (more…)

My hot date for New Year’s: life!

This time of year, it’s not unusual to find yourself spending more than a little time navel-gazing, head-scratching, and tossing back an extra glass of Cab in pursuit of the answers to the mysteries of life. It’s easy, in the hustle-bustle of gift-giving and party-going, to find yourself wondering at odd moments, “Is this all there is?”

And New Year’s Eve, suffering from the weight of the philosophical import of one year ending and another beginning, is one night I don’t think anyone really wants to face that question alone. (more…)

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I don’t think I ever really believed in you. Sorry. If I did, I’ve long since forgotten.

But, if I did believe in you way back in the day, who could have blamed me?

After all, what do little girls believe in? Fairy tales, knights in shining armor, glass slippers, cuddly kittens, Daddies who love them, and good grief, on occasion, even unicorns.

Santa wouldn’t really have been much of a stretch. (more…)

A junkie by any other name

Hi. My name is MC, and I’m an addict. (more…)