I guess you could say I'm on a global warming kick. I always laugh when I read the argument that global warming is just a natural cycle. Firstly, everyone knows the planet has cycles and Ice Ages. We learn that in grade school (thanks for bringing something grown up to the table). Secondly, any scientist who studies planetary environmental history will agree that those cycles are complicated and relational in a way not completely known to us. Yes, the implication of that statement is possibly that we shouldn't hang our hat on either side of the argument just yet. Yet thirdly, to use that excuse as a crutch to ignore the fact that what we produce and how we live actually affects the world around us (even if we don't fully understand that affect) is egotistical and, as Andy Dufresne would say, downright obtuse. Please don't throw me in the hole for two months. glc

Two teenage boys from Bayonne, NJ were arrested for possession of marijuana. They were caught because they were throwing walnuts at an officer. Silly potheads. jmj

Sharon Astyk turns an acute eye towards demographic and cultural crises of the 21st century. In particular, her March entry entitled "On Market Failure" delves into two of my favorite topics: growth and agriculture. glc

Looking for that close shave? Try the straight razor. glc

Genetic engineering is getting so out of hand that, as humans, it is not only possible to alter physical characteristics, but the ability to manipulate innate responses is becoming a reality. What will we do with our new God-like status? jmj

Genetic engineering is getting serious. Recently, researchers have shown that "hardwired" responses - such as fear - can be manipulated and even reversed, that extreme muscle growth is possible, and that sexual preference can be changed. But if we create a race of superhumans, would this lead to a golden age of peace, love, and understanding; or would it be business as usual?

In early 2007, Colin Beavan, also known as 'No Impact Man,' started an impact experiment. He, his wife, their young daughter, and their dog attempted to live for a year in NYC while causing no net environmental impact. I am a bit sad I only stumbled upon this now. I certainly have a ton of reading to catch up on. Without even reading much but the humble beginnings I feel inspired to make some changes in my own world. To those of you equally inspired, good luck! glc

What will the future stages be? Who knows? I am no eco-expert. I am just a liberal schlub who got sick of not putting my money where my mouth was. In a way, the whole project is a protest against my highly-principled, lowly-actioned former self.

Global Warming is a threat so big, academics are trying Gladwell's favorite approach: collaboration! glc

Happy Kwanzaa. jmj

Count me amongst those against the Treasury Department's approach to easing the sub-prime crisis. It didn't take a genius to realize that the ARM (adjustable-rate mortgage) you were signing into was going to become a lot tougher to pay when mortgage rates returned to normal levels. The government shouldn't just indiscriminately decide to bail out individuals who made ridiculously bad investment decisions. Where's the benefit to those who actually made wise decisions and avoided the ARM in the first place. I guess you can have your cake and eat it too. Unfortunately, Barry Eichengreen reports that one of the defining characteristics of international credit markets has been "'the apparent failure... to learn from the past.'" glc

The retail sector is hoping Christmas scrooges will add a little post-Christmas bump to their bottom line. Gift cards: a sale-seeker's best friend. glc

Alexander Graham Bell is a dirty-handed thief. Poor Elisha Gray. Does that mean we would've called the Baby Bell's Baby Gray's? I think I like the alliteration. Well played Mr. Bell. glc