In ancient times the most respected members of the clan were the hunter, the reaper, the healer and the beer-maker. Of these, the beer-maker is still very much respected. Merry Christmas, beer-makers! Tis the season.

There is always much discussion and debate about what to greet one's fellows with during the month of December - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, etc. I believe the answer should be to speak what you believe. So, have a good Winter Solstice and don't party too much.

There can be no permanent solutions to temporary problems, just the same as saying there are temporary solutions to permanent problems. Philosophically this is called the cause and effect semantic dilemma. The profession of politics is populated with under-educated fools who believe there are solutions only within their political doctrines. Doctrinal politics is not democratic. It is the definition of Fascism.

Here is a poor photograph of a recent painting. I will get a better picture when I get enough natural light outside. The painting is titled SNOWMASS (from a photo I took long ago on the slopes of Snowmass at Aspen CO while skiing my butt off.)