I have been traveling again, and noticing the individualism inherent in the US. It hits very hard after reading The Spirit Level by Wilkinson and Pickett, which shows over and over how societies (in different parts of the world) with greater inequality have greater public problems: from crime to obesity, poorer …
Watching an announcement on the news today of a lowering in interest rates, the relief is palpable. ‘Back to normal.’ We can forget the crisis, people think, the worst is over, now back to regular life. But it is not so. ‘Regular life’ involves chewing up and breaking down – …
I recently had an opportunity to take a journey for which I had time to walk. It was a pleasure, although my legs disagreed about the pleasure for about three of the 20+ kilometers I walked. The walk took me five hours, in a soft rain and stopping to take …
I have another confession about something unusual about me. I seem to be one of few people in the world who doesn’t believe that putting an idea into words makes it real. The concept that many people accept words as the same as action may sound exaggerated, but for most …
There is something odd about me. All my adult life, I have felt considering the group, or community, as a whole is natural, rather than thinking only about myself. I aim to contribute in a way which improves the situation for everyone. I even check my parking to make sure any neighbouring …
2 January: Preparing to go to Nicaragua, with this blog and thinking about poverty and what ordinary Global Notherners can really contribute to improve the world. I am bringing quite a lot to read compared to my previous trips (when I had no time to read, or sleep, due to …
Those who know me cannot but help being aware that I make pots. Whenever I can and by hand, with slow processes and simple clays. For the past four months, I have been practising making pots on the wheel, in the hope of inching closer to a skilled level, and …