MINDING MY MEDS

Almost all of us, at one time of another (or perhaps continuously), take medications — often in the form of pills. When these work well, they are very helpful.

But things can go wrong with them. Either the medications can upset our body more than they help, or they combine with other medicines to cause problems.

I recently went through such a problem, and thought I would take some time and reflect on it.

Hope you can give the matter some though.

ONLY GOD CAN MAKE A TREE

No, Bear isn't waxing poetic like Joyce Kilmer. Bear is just worried about the loss of trees, and what can be done about that loss.

I've posted something about that on my Bears Noting blog.

If you love trees, take a look.

Thanks.

WAKING THE SLEEPING BLOG

NO, I didn't get that wrong. I did not substitute "Sleeping Blog" for "Sleeping Dog." Besides, Her Ladyship, Miss Sadie, likes to be woken up, if there's going to be some kind of action — like a walk.

My blog The Ethical Pilgrimage was my first, I think — it goes back to 2007. And while I've branched away from it, I'm going back to it, as I reflect more fully on issues of human and animal care.

Typically, I start things slowly, then "pick up the pace," as I become more confident. I've just been a bit slower than usual with this. OK; a lot slower.

I have many things on which I'm working, and which I want to share. I also have colleagues who are working on things, and who might be persuaded to share some thoughts, via a guest post.

I'm going to be posting something on a recent "medical misadventure" of mine. In the meantime, I'll link in so you can figure out how to reach this new-old location.

Please join me. I would appreciate your company, and your comments.

RISING WORLD FASCISM (yet another lament)

I seem to be writing a lot of laments these days. (I think I've already said that, a time or two.) Some day, I should talk about what a "lament" is, but in the meantime, I'll let you consider what you mean by that word.

This time around, some examples of  Fascism at work in politics. It's an American example, because it is so blatant. It's on my Bears Noting blog.

My critique of Fascism is not so much a political one, as an ethical one. My training isn't in political science; it is in ethics and journalism. Which is why I take the approach I do. As you'll see if you take a look.

I wish I could write happier things.

HIROSHIMA REMEMBERED

Friend and fellow journalist Jim Taylor has an interesting and challenging piece on remembering of the use of the first thermonuclear weapon. That, of course, was at Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. His comments can be found on his blog, amongst other places.

For me, two points were of particular interest.

1. Once you let the genie — any genie — out of the bottle, it's very tough to get it back in.

2. Hiroshima legitimizes international terrorism, by primarily targeting civilians.

It is not a horrific read, but neither is it comfortable.

I encourage you to take some time to consider it.

MORE HUMAN WASTE (ANOTHER LAMENT)

I suppose the subtitle for this is: "Why Tear Down a Perfectly Good House?"

It seems, for reasons I cannot fully explain, that I've been posting laments with increasing regularity. As usual, this one is on my Bears Noting bog.

Sigh, indeed!

ASBO-BEAR? (Oh, No; I Hope NOT!)

This could be subtitled "Things I Learned from British Bloggers." This is a bit old, and a bit odd, but I wanted to publish it anyhow. Peculiar creatures, these Bears.

While I'm of British stock, our family is multi-generational Canadian. I know lots of British history (like the fact that the Tudors were Welsh, and that 1066 was the last successful invasion of Britain). I know something about British politics (oh dear, poor Mr. Brown — no, we're NOT related!). I know what people mean when they talk about articulated lorries, lifts, spanners, the loo, and office buildings were the main floor isn't the first floor.

I've also learned about lots of people who have sheep, and utterly amazing gardens, and that courgettes are really zucchinis.

And on your blogs, I've met all kinds of non-human characters. Charlie, Cheyenne, Little Chip, Loyal Hound, Poppy & Misty, and Sparky. And then there's ASBO Jack. Interesting name, I thought. All in capitals. The polar opposite of the non-capitalizing e.e. cummings. Must be a "Wonder Dog," I concluded. Jack as in Jack Russell Terrier (I think).

And at Purple Coo, they even had an ASBO hour (or day), in honour of said Terrier, I'm told. "Wow," I thought, "impressive dog."

Then Zoe, bless her heart, had to straighten me out.

"Here on this side the pond, it is a method to impose curfew, or restrict the activities and places an individual may go when they have been found guilty of anti-social behaviour within their community. The restriction is called an Anti-Social Behaviour Order, hence ASBO."

Well that brings a new meaning to Wonder Dog. More like Anti-Social Wonder Dog. And here I had all these expectations!

As long as I don't get the designation "ASBO Bear," I think I'll be OK. But knowing me, I'm never sure. I have these "defects of character," you see. Or, more appropriately, have seen.

Oh well, a non-musical ditty for the dog days of summer.